Phil Donnelly is a bassist, guitarist, arranger, and producer based in North London. Known for his versatility across genres and instruments, Phil’s career spans studio sessions, major tours, and theatrical productions across the UK and beyond.
He’s worked with artists including Damian Lewis, Ed Sheeran, Jamie Webster, Lainey Wilson, and Jill Andrews, performing live on major stages including the London Palladium, Latitude Festival, Black Deer (Main Stage), Silverstone F1 Paddock, and The One Show on BBC One. In 2024, he also performed with Madness.
Phil is the original bassist for the Olivier Award-winning musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and has held chairs for productions at the Barbican, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and the West End — including Jesus Christ Superstar, On the Town, The Color Purple, and Little Shop of Horrors.
In the studio, Phil’s recent credits include arranging strings for Jamie Webster’s Top 3 UK album 10 For The People, contributing to Damian Lewis’ upcoming second album, and co-producing an orchestral musical theatre record with the London Concertante Orchestra. He also plays Moog and electric bass on the soundtrack of the upcoming film The Radleys.
He’s a D’Addario artist, a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and the founder of Arnos Groove — his recording space and creative home in North London.
“Phil is ridiculously talented, incredibly musical and totally unflappable – a complete joy to work with.” — Anna Meredith
Here’s a recent interview Phil did with Overwater, talking through playing, arranging, and everything in between.
It covers a bit of background, studio setup, and the balance between working live and in the studio.