Lloyd is a versatile multi-instrumentalist (clarinets, saxophones and flutes) proficient in a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz. Based in Cardiff and London, he is available for work all over the UK, as well as internationally.
UK Musical Theatre work includes Chicago the Musical (dep), Snow White (Panto - Lichfield Garrick), Music of the Night (MTJ Productions), A Christmas Carol (dep, London Musical Theatre Orchestra - Dominion Theatre), Back to the Musicals (Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra) and The New Adventures of Peter Pan (dep, Lichfield Garrick).
Other recent professional engagements include the World Harp Congress Orchestra, the Welsh Pops Orchestra, Symphonic Ibiza, and The Alternative Orchestra.
Lloyd is Wales' leading Ibiza/house LED saxophonist, and listed as a recommended supplier with nine prestigious wedding venues. He also plays with multiple function bands including SkyKnights, Shelby Street, Jumpstart, Blue Lion, Trip for Biscuits and Rock the Mike, and big bands including Capital City Jazz Orchestra and The Siglo Section.
When not playing or travelling to gigs, he can usually be found in a muddy field, training for the East Wales Cross-Country Team. Lloyd works hard to overcome his stammer, and challenges himself with regular public speaking engagements.
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Dysgwr Cymraeg yw Lloyd, a mae e'n gwneud y cwrs lefel canolradd ar hyn o bryd. Mae e'n hapus i gyfathrebu â chi yn Gymraeg. Er byddi di'n gorfod cael tipyn bach o amynedd!
Education and training
Lloyd’s musical training includes a BMus (first class honours) from Cardiff University and a MMus (distinction) in Multi-Instrument Woodwind Performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where he studied with James Mainwaring (doubling), Elizabeth May (flutes) and Alex Merritt (jazz saxophone). Awards and prizes won during training include the Hugh Phillips Prize for Woodwind Doubling, the AB Dally Prize for Performance and Composition, and the Rosemary Lock Trophy for Best Woodwind Performance.
Lloyd entered Cardiff University with an Academic Scholarship, and was fortunate to attract support from multiple benefactors during his time at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. These included Coats Foundation Trust, Chizel Education Trust, James Pantyfedwen Foundation, RWCMD Friends Connect, Split Infinitive Trust, Roger David Burrows Music Fund and Universal Music UK Sound Foundation. Lloyd would like to thank all his benefactors for their support.
Recordings
Recordings
All reeds performed by Lloyd Cottrell
What Lloyd offers
Musical theatre
Lloyd is a woodwind musician for musical theatre productions, including touring shows and the West End. An accomplished sight reader and improviser, he is equally comfortable playing high and low reed chairs, in a multitude of musical styles.
Recording / session work
Lloyd is available for recording work, at your studio or remotely at his home. Services include arranging and recording full horn sections and improvising a solo to enhance your song.
Instruments
Clarinets - Eb, Bb, A, bass
Flutes - piccolo, flute, alto
Saxophones - soprano, alto, tenor, baritone
What people say
"Lloyd depped on Reed 3 for A Christmas Carol with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra at the Dominion Theatre, and did an outstanding job. He was extraordinarily well-prepared, so much so that he barely even looked at the pad during the show - his eyes were always on me, Reed 1 or Violin 1.1. He played with flare throughout on all instruments, never once causing me a second of worry. The Reed 3 chair is notoriously complicated to navigate successfully, and I've had experienced professionals struggle with - Lloyd nailed it."
Freddie Tapner - MD, London Musical Theatre Orchestra, December 2020
"Lloyd is a tremendous presence to have in the company. His quick wit and good nature match the flair of his musicality and style. Always willing to adapt and go the extra mile, I would highly recommend Lloyd as a terrifically capable multi-reed player."
Andrew Hopkins - MD, Welsh Musical Theatre Orchestra, January 2022
"It's so hard finding talented multi-instrumentalists who are also marvelous flute players. Lloyd is an utter gem in that regard. Book him while he's still available!"
Simon Nathan - Orchestrator
"A dedicated and diligent musician who always turns up ultra-prepared! From the softest solo on flute, the rich warmth of clarinet, to screaming altissimo on sax, Lloyd has a broad palette of sounds and can blend with any section."
James Mainwaring - West End woodwind doubler
"On first meeting Lloyd, one would be forgiven for querying what his first instrument is! Lloyd is an amazing musician that I have no hesitation recommending for gigs WHATEVER they may demand of a woodwind doubler."
Paul Saunders - Fixer, London Musical Theatre Orchestra, West End woodwind doubler (Wicked)
"Right from the start of the show it was very clear that Lloyd was in absolute command of all the different demands encountered in this particular part, playing with a tremendous sense of energy, commitment, confidence and authority. The pad was a demanding play, requiring constantly swapping instruments, and this aspect of his performance was handled extremely well with all instruments being played to a consistenly high standard."
David Mahoney - MD, Novello Orchestra, December 2019
Curriculum Vitae
