PROFILE
With close to thirty years’ experience across acting, directing, casting, producing, and education, Simon brings a uniquely comprehensive understanding of the theatre industry. His work ranges from West End and touring productions to drama school training, new musical development, and inclusive creative leadership - making him a sought-after director, mentor, and collaborator.
Originally training as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Simon spent over a decade working in award-winning theatre, BAFTA-winning television and film, and originating leading roles in the West End and across the UK. Notable credits include the world premier of Sondheim’s Saturday Night, creating the role of Bobby C in the Olivier-nominated Saturday Night Fever (London Palladium), a season at Chichester Festival Theatre, and on television in Midsomer Murders and Doctors (BBC).
Transitioning into creative leadership, Simon has now built over fifteen years of experience as a director, producer, and acting coach. His directing work includes premieres, studio productions, large-scale stagings, and new writing collaborations on both sides of the Atlantic. He was nominated for Best Direction by the UK Pantomime Association for Peter Pan - The Return of Captain Hook, and his credits include Picture Perfect (Other Palace), Payback (Riverside Studios), Stand Tall (New York Musical Theatre Festival), The Pork Crunch (Pleasance), A Song Cycle for Soho (Soho Theatre), Striking 12 (European premiere), and Girl in a Crisis, alongside numerous showcases and development workshops championing emerging British and international writers and artists.
Alongside acting and directing, Simon enjoyed a substantial career in casting, working first as an assistant and later as an associate to the acclaimed casting director Pippa Ailion. During more than ten years, he contributed to a wide range of major West End and touring productions, including The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Wicked, Porgy & Bess, and We Will Rock You. His casting work reflects a continuing commitment to representation, inclusive practice, and supporting performers across a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.
As an Associate and Resident Director, Simon has worked extensively in the West End, on No.1 UK Tours, and internationally. Credits include the Old Vic’s award-winning A Christmas Carol, The Band (West End and Germany), The Rocky Horror Show: Live (West End), We Will Rock You, Funny Girl, Spamalot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and revivals or anniversary productions. He is highly experienced in maintaining creative standards, directing understudies, supporting large and diverse companies, and collaborating across departments on major commercial productions.
For almost two decades, Simon has also built a rich parallel career in supporting and developing new writing. As founder of SimG Productions, he produced West End concerts, showcases, industry workshops, and full productions, with a particular focus on new British musical theatre. His work included Arts Council funded development projects, industry presentations at Soho Theatre and The Other Palace, and collaborations with award-winning writers from both sides of the Atlantic.
Through SimG Records, his independent label dedicated to new musical theatre, Simon released over forty award-nominated albums, including original cast recordings, concept albums, and solo recordings. He has worked with an exceptional roster of international artists, including Ramin Karimloo, Samantha Barks, Caissie Levy, David Bedella, Louise Dearman, Michael Xavier, Hadley Fraser, Caroline Sheen, and writers, including Stiles & Drewe, Jason Robert Brown, Grant Olding, Paul Boyd, Richard Talyor, Scott Alan, Andrew Fisher, Don Black, Lesley Ross, Richard Stilgoe, and Price & Knapman, helping bring new musical voices to a wider audience and strengthening the UK’s relationship with emerging theatre composers.
Alongside his producing and directing, Simon has spent twenty years teaching across leading UK drama schools and international training institutions. He regularly leads masterclasses in acting through song, audition preparation, and professional development at Central, ArtsEd, Bird College, Royal Welsh College, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, GSA, Millennium, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and many others. He has directed numerous full-scale drama school productions and devised projects, and is committed to mentoring emerging performers, including neurodiverse artists and those with additional needs.
Combining artistic insight, commercial experience, and a long-standing commitment to developing new talent, Simon is recognised for his collaborative approach, his passion for inclusive and supportive rehearsal environments, and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of performers and theatre-makers.
REVIEWS
Reviews:
Girl In A Crisis “directed impressively tightly” Musical Theatre Review
The Pork Crunch “wonderfully presented” Remote Goat *****
S&S Award Gala 2015 “praise the lord for people like Simon Greiff” West End Frame
A Song Cycle For Soho “beautifully assembled by director Simon Greiff" Mark Shenton
Picture Perfect “Greiff does an impressive job” BroadwayWorld
S&S Award Gala 2014 “seamlessly directed by Simon Greiff” Musical Theatre Review
Payback “Greiff does a cunning and exuberant job” The Upcoming ****
Peter Pan “Greiff has created exactly what’s expected for a festive theatre visit – entertainment!” Malvern Observer
For more up to date information, follow on Instagram @simon_greiff
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