Charlie is a freelance drummer and percussionist from the North East of England. Having played and taken lessons with Teesside session drummer Paul Smith since the age of 3, he started his professional career aged 15, and has been working in the industry ever since.

Starting in the Tees Valley Youth Big Band, he refined his craft and sight reading to a high level, including performances at the Great North Jazz and Big Band Festival, as well as Music For Youth in Birmingham. Charlie was soon being called to deputise for Musicians Unlimited, a big band lead by saxophonist Mick Donnelly. As well as this, Charlie was working around the local scene with bands including Soul Rebels and deputising with the likes of Steve Williams & The Blues Deluxe, and The Sticklebacks.

Studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in London, Charlie graduated in 2021 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Music Industry Practice. Alongside his studies and ever since, he’s been working continuously as percussionist for the Islands in the Stream theatre show, as well as depping with other shows, including Disco Inferno (Veritas Entertainment) and The Magic of Motown (Entertainers). As well as the touring theatre work, Charlie can often be found in the orchestra pit for local productions around the North East, including recent productions of Steel & Iron (2022) in Middlesbrough and Educating Yorkshire T’Musical (2022) in Halifax.

Most recently he has been working with Martin Stephenson and The Daintees, playing on ‘The Boys Heart (30th Anniversary)’ album and constant touring work since 2021. He has also played on the forthcoming Daintees album, ‘You Belong to Blue‘. With the Daintees, Charlie has also accompanied the likes of Tom Robinson (of The Tom Robinson Band, & BBC Radio 6 Music) and played Glastonbury Festival on the Acoustic Stage.

An experienced musician and educator, Charlie currently teaches privately and weekly at the Forum Music Centre in Darlington. Making use of his home studio, he is able to record drum and percussion tracks remotely for a number of clients around the UK. Also venturing into podcasting alongside bassist Ashley Walker, Charlie co-hosts Groovecast, talking all things rhythm section and groove!

As well as continuing to play on theatre shows and with tribute artists all over the UK. He has worked at the Gala Theatre in Durham on the last two pantomimes (Robin Hood 2021/22, & Sleeping Beauty 2022/23).

As a very competent sight reader, Charlie is no stranger to a pad of sheet music, and he has experience working with backing and click tracks live and in the studio. He has worked in many musical settings, from big bands, small group, theatre pits, orchestras and many more.

Charlie proudly endorses ToneAlly, Cosmic Ears & Snareweight Dampeners.