Sean Noonan is a rhythmic storyteller and speaking drummer whose music defies categorization. Drawing on the ancient traditions of wandering minstrels and African griots, Noonan weaves imaginative narratives through a distinctive polyrhythmic language that blends voice and percussion into what he calls his “fifth limb.” His work bridges jazz, rock opera, new music, and orchestral composition, creating bold, genre-defying soundscapes that treat ensembles as dynamic extensions of his rhythmic voice.

“Independence might be the ruling concept of this drummer-leader’s career. It defines a common relationship not only among his hands, feet, and voice, but between his art and almost everything else in drumming.”
— Modern Drummer Magazine

The Drummer of Tedworth
world premiere and album release

Mon 30 March 2026 7.30pm
Milton Court Concert Hall,
London, EC27 98H

A wild, immersive journey blending rock opera and punk-jazz energy, blurring concert, theatre and ritual.
 

Sean Noonan, speaking drummer and rhythmic storyteller, turns a 300 year old ghost story into a surreal fantasy epic where drums, voice and orchestra collide.

The world premiere also marks the release of The Drummer of Tedworth double album, recorded with
The London Symphony Orchestra for Neuma Records. This is the major orchestral work ever written for speaking drummer - a performer who sings, narrates, and improvises from behind the kit while fronting
the orchestra.