Ben Castle has been a professional guitar player for the last 17 years. He began learning at the age of 12, after discovering the classic rock and blues guitarists of the 60’s and 70’s through his Dad’s extensive record collection. As he progressed he developed a love for the virtuoso side of rock, idolising players such as Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen and this, coupled with the drive to make a living as a musician, led to him to study music at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). While there he broadened his musical horizons and developed his skills as a guitarist able to perform in varying musical situations and art forms, from band concerts to musical theatre and dance pieces. He graduated from LIPA in 1999 with a 1^st Class BA(hons) in Performing Arts.

Moving from Liverpool to London in 2000, Ben spent a short time working as a guitar tech for artists including Finlay Quaye and Space before being given the opportunity to  take over the guitar chair on the West End production of Boy George’s musical Taboo. Since then he has worked primarily in musical theatre, both in London’s West End and on UK and International tours including Fame, Grease, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the premiere UK tours of both Legally Blonde and Wicked, and the International tour of Mamma Mia. Most recently he was proud to be the originating lead guitarist for the new production of Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical during runs at the London Coliseum and the Dominion Theatre. He also performs regularly across the UK and internationally as a deputy ‘Brian May’ with top tribute band Killer Queen.

Now based full-time in London, Ben divides his time between performing in the West End, teaching private students both face-to-face and online using Skype and Zoom, and recording audio and video remote sessions for a variety of projects for other clients. His deep knowledge of rock/pop styles blended with practical skills such as sight reading and sound production gained over years of experience make him a ‘first call’ for lessons or projects in need of world class rock/pop guitar.