As the Actress said to the Critic

With this week's main episode coming out two days early, special guest Katie Brayben joins Alex Wood for a Friday chitchat. The two-time Olivier Award-winner will be returning to the role of Elizabeth in the hit Bob Dylan musical Girl from The North Country, now playing once more at the Old Vic in London. Other topics include Brayben's time in Tammy Faye, the state of new musicals and the problems performers face with social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a two-part episode as Alex and Sarah reunite after a few weeks out in the wild! Social media is all abuzz with clips of Rachel Zegler's performance of "Don't Cry For Me Argentinia" in Evita at The London Palladium. The only ones not talking about it? Theatre critics – who have to wait until early July to give their verdicts on the show. With weeks of embargoes, are critics having a tough time either cutting through the social media noise, or even being able to say anything before a show's initial excitement has died down? Separately, Sarah has some thoughts on the increasing trend towards the obligatory standing ovation – do more audiences need to sit down and stop rocking the boat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rachel Zegler prepares to take on the role of Eva Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's ageless classic, Sarah sets out to find out more about the London Palladium production. Plus what was it like working with Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell and how did they cope with the crowds mobbing Sunset Boulevard in New York Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday night saw the winners crowned at the Tony Awards in New York. While new musical Maybe Happy Ending may have been the big winner, there were plenty of awards dished out to UK-originating shows, including Operation Mincemeat, Stranger Things: The First Shadow and more! We hear from all of them… while Andrew Lloyd Webber explains why a Sunset Boulevard film may not be happening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: With Tony Award-winning record breaker Stereophonic in previews in the West End, chief critic Sarah Crompton and managing editor Alex Wood hopped over to Sonia Friedman Productions offices to talk to Friedman in a wide-ranging interview. Topics included what makes new writing so enticing, why the Broadway model is so hard and why Broadway box office reporting is causing headaches all round. Plus how she's trying to find the next generation of audiences with Hugh Jackman, and why the future of UK theatre concerns her! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bonus midweek episode, WhatsOnStage's editor-in-chief Alex Wood made the trip to the gigantic Olympia event space, home to the new Olympia Theatre. Currently in construction, the Olympia is due to open to the public in 2027. Alex had a word with Rosemary Squire, the co-founder of operator Trafalgar Entertainment, about what theatregoers can expect from the 1575-seat venue: including 100 toilets, a huge playing space and top class amenities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the week director Rupert Goold announced his farewell programme at the influential Almeida Theatre, Sarah and Alex talk about why his choices reflect his bold approach - and outline the excitements in store. And as Patti Lupone stirs controversy, can the old-fashioned, no holds barred interview survive? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a new report highlights the crisis in British theatres, Sarah and Alex reveal the depth of the difficulties caused by standstill subsidy and rising costs and in particular the challenges for regional theatre and touring Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a mid-week bonus episode, West End star Hadley Fraser discusses his array of new endeavours, including a brand new album, a major solo concert at Cadogan Hall and appearing nightly in the West End in The Deep Blue Sea. He also chats about gardening, parenting and his daughter's reaction to seeing him as a king in Disney's Snow White. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Crompton and Alex Wood dive headfirst into Stephen Sondheim and David Ives' Here We Are, wading through the history and themes of the show as it makes its European premiere at the National Theatre. After that, they swim through a wellspring of topics including the Young Vic's exciting new season (with four of Sarah's favourite directors involved) and Cynthia Erivo's fang-tastic West End return in Dracula. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Alex get out their diaries to do some planning for some of the most exciting events in the months ahead from Eugene O'Neill to Shucked and from the reopening of Theatr Clwyd to a late Shakespeare revival in Stratford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Tuesday's main episode, Alex dials into New York to hear from three Tony Awards nominees as a bonus feature. Jamie Lloyd, Tom Francis and Jak Malone each reflect on a stellar Broadway season in their respective shows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Crompton and Alex Wood head to the National Theatre to hear the venue's new director Indhu Rubasingham unveil her bumper season of productions, mapping out plans right the way through to 2027. With huge star names like Paul Mescal, Nicola Coughlan, Lesley Manville and Letitia Wright slated for appearances, there's plenty for audiences to get excited about. But more than that – what does Rubasingham's approach and character mean for the future of the NT? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex and Sarah return for their third Q&A episode, this time diving into the murky depths of theatre feuds and backstage friction. They then turn to the calmer and cheerier waters of warm up drama games, Paddington the Musical, set to make a splash in the West End, and the truly incredible role played by swings, covers and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah meets Anoushka Lucas, currently starring in Rhinoceros at the Almeida Theatre, to discuss the impact of theatre on her life. She's always called versatile but says she takes on new projects because she just wants to learn more. She reveals what it was like to work with Daniel Fish on the award-winning reimagining of Oklahoma!, why Rhinoceros is such a play for our times and how she wrote Elephant, her first play, in lockdown. Plus a bit about being a woman in the music industry and the lessons of the Stamford experiment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bonus episode, editor-in-chief Alex Wood chinwags his way around the Olivier Awards winners' room discussing the state of London theatre, new writing and emerging talent – featuring chats with the creators of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the team behind the record-breaking Fiddler on the Roof and the three Olivier Award-winning creatives in Giant – John Lithgow, Elliot Levey and Mark Rosenblatt. As subsidised venues reduce their programming output, what does the future of British theatre look like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex returns from sabbatical to report from behind the scenes at the Olivier awards where Giant, Fiddler on the Roof, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Years were among the big winners. He and Sarah discuss what the prizes reveal about London theatre, the artistic directors making waves - and announce a couple of shows that might be in the running for awards next year Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bonus episode, Alex Wood has a chat with the Welsh National Theatre's artistic director - none other than stage and screen legend Michael Sheen. Sheen will kick off the company's programming with a new, relocated production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town - joined by the award-winning Doctor Who show runner and creative associate Russell T Davies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been quite a year for the talented musical creators. As a new film of their mega-hit Six arrives in cinemas, they tell Sarah why they are still so excited about it. “It's like being proud of a younger sibling - every bit of it is cool”. They also chat about the closure of their follow up show Why Am I So Single after five months, their plans for the future and why they want to share their experiences with other writers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah talks to lyricist extraordinaire Sir Tim Rice as he takes My Life in Musicals, his show of theatrical memories, on a tour of the UK and Ireland from April 11. In a conversation that ranges from Evita to The Lion King and beyond, he reveals why he doesn't go to the theatre much any more, his love for Chess - and hopes for its revival - and why a good story is the key to the success of any musical. Plus: the best musical he's seen for years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah talks to Samantha Barks ahead of her one-off concert at the London Palladium on April 5. In a wide-ranging interview Samantha reveals why Elsa was a career highlight, why she loved The Masked Singer on TV and what it was like to work with Hugh Jackman and Jonathan Bailey. Plus the secrets of concealing a pregnancy bump on stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the week that Dear England, his play about the English football team, reopens at the National Theatre, playwright James Graham has announced that his next play, at the Edinburgh International Festival, will star Succession's Brian Cox and be about the financial crash of 2008. In this revealing conversation he talks to Sarah about his admiration for Southgate, the tragedy behind his play Punch, his horror of social media and why theatre is a vital tool for building empathy and countering toxic masculinity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special US based episode Sarah talks to David Gordon editor in chief of TheaterMania about the shows opening this spring. From Denzel Washington to Succession stars Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, to George Clooney there is some major star power lighting up the stage. Plus new musicals like Boop. And the Brits are coming with Operation Mincemeat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the award-winning British musical opens in New York, Theatermania's David Gordon catches up with writers and performers David Cumming, Zoe Roberts,Natasha Hodgson, Claire-Marie Hall and Jak Malone. They share their excitement about enthusiastic audiences, martinis at Sardi's with legendary stars and the pleasure of returning to the show after a break. But will the show with its silly British humour land in the US? They don't know but the omens are good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our second question and answer episode Alex and Sarah discuss pressing topics. Why's it called a green room? What does an ahistorical setting add to a show? And why don't box offices sell single seats? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Oscars to Oliviers! In a special mid-week episode, Sarah and Alex respond to the Olivier Awards nominations, which were led this year by the record-matching Fiddler on the Roof at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. But were there any snubs, shocks or surprises? And who might end up winning on the night next month? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Rami Malek and Brie Larson are the latest movie stars to fill the West End stage. But does their presence help or hinder? This week Sarah and Alex mull over a question that's been dominating the theatre news. And talk about Rupert Goold's exciting new Hamlet with Luke Thallon and Nancy Carroll as Gertrude. And, as a bonus, offer their Olivier predictions with special reference to Adrien Brody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With two major Shakespeare productions opening in two days in London, WhatsOnStage's intrepid deputy editor Tom Millward went to visit Jonathan Bailey at the Bridge Theatre to discuss all things Richard II, before sailing up the river for a spell at Theatre Royal Drury Lane; where Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Mason Alexander Park and more are tackling much-loved comedy Much Ado About Nothing. We also got some intriguing tidbits from Jamie Lloyd about what might be on the horizon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Awards season is in full swing – so Sarah and Alex rope in TheaterMania's editor-in-chief David Gordon for a gallivant around the world of Oscar-nominated films. From Wicked's witches to Conclave's cardinals, through to Emilia Perez's imploding Oscar campaign and Anora's meteoric rise to fame, the WhatsOnStage Podcast has dipped its toe into the film scene... Can Wallace and Gromit triumph? Is Adrien Brody's win a foregone conclusion? Closer to home, the trio discuss the WhatsOnStage Awards, with David cramming in seven shows while flying over to London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah talks to Nancy Carroll and Nia Towle about working on Rupert Goold's new production of Hamlet which opens at the RSC this week with Luke Thallon playing the prince. They discuss what it's like to take on Shakespeare's women, how you shape a classic play in the context of feminism and #MeToo, nudity on stage and quite a lot more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode, we bring you a selection of highlights from the press room at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, where Imelda Staunton discussed working with her daughter for the first time, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Harrison's brand new musical The Illusionists, and Starlight Express star Jeevan Braich's experiences making his professional debut in the multi-award-winning production. Plus Layton Williams has an unexpected reunion! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Alex went together to see Inside Number Nine Stage/Fright and give their verdict from the stalls. Plus Alex takes us behind the scenes - and under the stage - for the WhatsOnStage Awards and both pick the shows to look out for from new season announcements at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe and Hampstead.This episode is sponsored by The May Fair, a five star hotel in London's most iconic neighbourhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consider yourself spoilt with a bonus podcast episode as Cameron Mackintosh, Matthew Bourne, Shanay Holmes, Simon Lipkin and Billy Jenkins talk bringing Oliver! to the West End! If you're looking for our main episode, we released it slightly early this week – so scroll on to hear more from the RSC's co-artistic directors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined by two famed artistic leaders, podcast hosts Sarah Crompton and Alex Wood discuss the RSC's exciting plans for the coming year - including a new stage version of The BFG, the transfer of Broadway hit Fat Ham, a football-focussed Much Ado About Nothing, Somerset Maugham's The Constant Wife (boldly reimagined by Laura Wade) and a deluge of tantalising productions. Oh, and, a large amount of chat about Chiltern Railways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Alex look back at some terrible theatrical fails and ask what they have in common. What unites Peter O'Toole's Macbeth and Shogun:The Musical? Are there lessons that can prevent shows failing? And what did Anthony Hopkins learn from an early nightmare? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Alex blast away the January blues by battling through a deluge of theatre news – from the West End transfer of Stereophonic to Michael Sheen's new Welsh National Theatre. Beyond that, Sarah has thoughts on the freshly opened hit shows Titanique and Oliver!, leading to discussions on the future of new musicals in the West End. Alighting briefly on the subject of artificial intelligence and AI reviews, they also discuss some of their favourite screen openings of the month - including Adrien Brody-led The Brutalist and Robbie Williams monkey musical biopic Better Man. Who said January started slowly? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first question and answer episode, Sarah and Alex answer your queries. What does break a leg mean? Are there any good shows featuring puppets coming up? Will the National Theatre change when Indhu Rubasingham takes over? And much more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special mid-week bonus episode, WhatsOnStage's intrepid deputy editor Tom Millward raced over to Theatre Royal Drury Lane to discuss the ongoing production of The Tempest, led by Sigourney Weaver and directed by Jamie Lloyd. Lloyd also spilled more juicy details about his production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita, which heads to The London Palladium later this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Stephen Sondheim's last musical, Michael Shannon and Ruth Wilson teaming up, Evita returning to the West End, a bumper year at the National Theatre and Gary Oldman's return to the stage where he started his career, Sarah and Alex continue their round up of the best theatrical offerings round the UK in 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a new Hamlet to Jonathan Bailey as Richard II, or from Cate Blanchett and Emma Corrin in Chekhov to Brie Larson and Rami Malek in contrasting Greek tragedies, Sarah and Alex take a look at some of the best British theatre has to offer in 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the musical Wicked becomes a big screen sensation, Sarah and Alex talk about the challenges and pleasures of transferring a stage show to a movie format. And list their all time favourites from Brando's Streetcar Named Desire to Mamma Mia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the release of Sing Sing, a film about the power of theatre in prison, in time for the awards season, Sarah and Alex chose their top three backstage dramas. From Synedoche, New York to Birdman to Tick, Tick….Boom! there's a lot to discuss. And we know we've left some out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the theatrical year comes to an end with The Tempest, Sarah and Alex look back on the hits of the last 12 months from The Years to Fiddler on the Roof, from Oedipus to Weather Girl. With honourable mentions multiple musicals with very long titles. And Oliver! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a fantastic additional episode, WhatsOnStage's intrepid deputy editor Tom Millward hopped to the National to meet three of the stars of The Importance of Being Earnest. The cast discuss Max Webster's take on the classic, finding the queer underpinnings in Wilde's work and bringing new audiences to the National – as well as working with Ncuti Gatwa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Pacino, Hadestown, Sunset Boulevard, a new Sondheim deepdive, Lin-Manuel Miranda and more are among Sarah and Alex's top books and vinyls for Christmas gifts this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a new episode, Sarah and Alex mull on the National Theatre's bold new take on Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest led by Sex Education and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa. This leads them on to a wider discussion about the brilliant success of casting directors in guiding top talent from the stage to the screen – and then back to the stage. Speaking of casting directors, the WhatsOnStage Awards nominees were unveiled this week, with the casting category being one of many chock full of top stage and creative talent. Alex and Sarah reflect on how the awards have changed, and what they say about the UK theatre ecosystem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex takes the role of Santa and Sarah finds her inner Scrooge to round up the top Xmas fare whether your mood is full of joy or melancholy - or a bit of both. It's a podcast episode wrapped in tinsel with mistletoe on top! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast, Features Editor Tanyel Gumushan sits down with the award-winning designer Paul Tazewell, who has worked on the iconic looks for shows like Hamilton and In the Heights. He was a vital architect for the vibrant and exciting new world of Oz created for the first part of the Wicked movie, in cinemas now. Tazewell discusses his inspirations for the new film's aesthetic, as well as hidden details and easter eggs fans can look out for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since its premiere in 2018, The National Theatre's production of The Lehman Trilogy has enjoyed extraordinary success around the world. As it arrives back in London Sarah meets the current cast John Heffernan, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown to find out how they get to grips with playing so many characters, what it's like to tell an epic story - and why everyone walks into the glass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of starring as Ariel in Jamie Lloyd's new Shakespeare production of The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Mason Alexander Park took time out of rehearsals to discuss their second West End role – the first being a fan-favourite spell as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. They also reflect on the rollercoaster world of filming hit series The Sandman and performing in Cabaret at the same time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of A Marvellous Party, a star-filled gala to celebrate Noël Coward, Sarah Crompton talks to producer Julian Bird and Coward's biographer Oliver Soden about Coward's importance today. They discuss the range of his talent as a playwright, songwriter, screen writer, diarist and poet and why the image of him as a comfortable man in a dressing gown couldn't be further from the truth. Did you know that he coined the word gay or that there were people storming out of his plays because he was so shocking? It's all part of realising that he is more relevant and necessary than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.