BIO
John Du Prez is a British musician and composer, best known for his work in film, television, and theatre. Born on December 26, 1946, in Sheffield, England, Du Prez began his musical career as a member of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, a British comedy rock group, in the 1960s. He later went on to collaborate with Monty Python, providing music for their films and live shows.
Du Prez made his Broadway debut in 2005 as the composer for the musical Spamalot, which was based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The show was a huge success, winning three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Du Prez's score was praised for its catchy tunes and irreverent humor, and he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music.
In addition to his work on Spamalot, Du Prez has composed music for several other stage productions. He wrote the score for the musical A Feast of Snacks, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1978. He also composed the music for the play The Pocket Dream, which was performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986.
Du Prez has also had a successful career in film and television. He has composed music for over 20 films, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Meaning of Life, and A Fish Called Wanda, for which he received a BAFTA nomination. He has also worked on several television shows, including the British comedy series The Young Ones and Bottom.
In addition to his work in film and television, Du Prez has also worked in the music industry as a producer and arranger. He has worked with a variety of artists, including George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Elvis Costello.
Despite his success in other areas, Du Prez has remained active in the theatre world. In 2018, he composed the music for the musical comedy Something Rotten!, which premiered at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. The show received positive reviews and was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Du Prez has also continued to collaborate with Monty Python over the years. In 2014, he provided the score for the group's reunion shows at the O2 Arena in London. He also contributed music to the Monty Python musical Spamalot, which was based on the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
In addition to his work as a composer, Du Prez is also an accomplished musician. He plays several instruments, including the guitar, trumpet, and keyboards. He has also performed live with Monty Python and other artists, including Eric Idle and Neil Innes.