As the Actress said to the Critic

In another busy week Sarah and Alex sit down to discuss whether Peter Schaffer's Equus is really the Adolescence of its day - and how relevant Brecht's warnings about totalitarianism and war still feel. Plus a new report on theatre pricing prompts some new thinking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take an exclusive look at Jermyn Street Theatre's newly announced 2026 autumn season, including the UK premiere of Simon Stephens' A Slow Fire and a revival of Richard Eyre's Ghosts. We discuss what A Slow Fire might bring to London audiences following its Dublin premiere, and why Kwame Owusu's direction of Ghosts continues the theatre's commitment to developing emerging voices alongside established writers. We also explore the remarkable growth of Jermyn Street Theatre over the past decade, now operating as an intimate central London venue into a theatre increasingly attracting major writers, ambitious productions and a wider profile within the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And who gives a Krapp about Beckett? Sarah and Alex have been ranging across the country, seeing shows in Bowness-on-Windermere and Brighton recently, but still find time to mull over the biggest news stories of the week – from the plans for Ian McKellen to return to the stage in a new version of King Lear at the Yard, and the National Theatre's report into the impact of streamed theatre. Plus, Sarah reminisces about her favourite performers who have tackled the title role in Krapp's Last Tape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex sits down with the two stars of Hit Machine – Josh Radnor (known for playing Ted in How I Met Your Mother) and Noah Galvin (of The Good Doctor, Theater Camp and Dear Evan Hansen fame) – who will be performing at the Soho Theatre this summer. The new play by Jonathan Caren follows two estranged brothers, one a record mogul and the other an aspiring musician. It features original music by multi-Grammy Award winner Ben Harper with direction by Daniel Bailey. Why do the two US TV stars find themselves in London? We find out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK theatre fans had reason for cheer with Tuesday's Tony nominations, with recognition for Sam Tutty, Layton Williams, Lesley Manville, Luke Evans, Mark Strong, Rob Icke and many more, but does the full list reflect something more concerning about the state of Broadway? Alex and David mull on a very rocky season for the Great White Way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday saw the Tony Awards nominations being revealed - in a great moment for UK theatre, with 41 nominations. We chat to producer Sonia Friedman (Oedipus), star Lesley Manville (Oedipus) and writer Mark Rosenblatt (Giant) about the success of their respective shows – Friedman also reflected on a very exciting period coming up for her company as it prepares to open a wave of new productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a packed week of theatre news Sarah and Alex discuss Cynthia Erivo halting a show to stop filming —and Lesley Manville declaring war on photos. Is technology ruining or helping theatre? Plus: troubled waters at The Bridge, Broadway transfers and whether theatre could learn something from ParkRun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's bonus episode, Alex chats to Omar Elerian, the director and adaptor of Kohlhaas, a brand new work making its world premiere in the first week of the Brighton Festival. Elerian is also the co-founder of There & Then, a new theatre company that will bring a starry West End season of White Rabbit Red Rabbit to the Duchess Theatre this summer, with stars including David Tennant, Riz Ahmed, Luke Thompson, Jodie Whittaker and David Harewood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part four of the series, Sarah and Alex discuss the mighty War Horse, sublime new work from Complicité, incredible Scottish writing and blistering debuts. They also finally mull over the question – what actually is a play? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Wood comes to you from the Musical Theatre Conference 2026 at the Soho Theatre Walthamstow - a huge event that saw writers, producers and venue owners come together to mull over trends and issues facing the world of new musicals. We hear from Jethro Compton, one of the masterminds behind The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, about how his global perspective on making work has informed his process and helped him build a career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new version of Ibsen's A Doll's House gets Sarah and Alex thinking about new writing. Plus a stage musical of Thelma and Louise has been announced. How will that work? And a final mop up on the Oliviers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a huge night at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday as the Olivier Awards took place – with seven awards going to the much-loved Paddington The Musical. Elsewhere there were wins for Rachel Zegler, Into the Woods, Rosamund Pike, Jack Holden, James Graham and more – all of whom you can now hear in action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Alex are inspired by Rosamund Pike's starry performance in Susie Miller's Inter Alia to think of other great dramas about the law. And ahead of the Manchester United versus Leeds Premier League clash they chose the best teams from actors born in the cities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode, we talk to Calam Lynch and Noah Ritter, two of the stars of Please Please Me, Tom Wright's play about Brian Epstein, often known as the "fifth Beatle." Lynch plays Epstein, with Ritter as the iconic John Lennon, with the play having its world premiere at the Kiln Theatre later this month. Ritter explains why he was destined to play John Lennon, while Lynch celebrates a return to the Kiln. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah has been hither and thither this week reviewing very long plays (with some very late endings) – with Romeo and Juliet starring Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe clocking in at three hours, while Les Liaisons Dangereuses with Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner not far off the same duration. It brings up all sorts of questions about love stories on stage, the importance of dance for bringing out unspoken truths, and whether or not you should smile during a curtain call. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two rising stars in the acting world, Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe, are headlining a brand new production of Romeo and Juliet. We sit down to chat to the duo on their opening night, accompanied by co-stars Clare Perkins (Sweat, The Wife of Willesden) and Clark Gregg (the Marvel Cinematic Universe). As part of the conceit, the show involves a series of "what-if" moments, all exploring how the tragedy truly unfurls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast! Our brilliant deputy editor Tom Millward has been busy recently, interviewing the great and good across the UK theatre world! So here's our interviews featuring Hayley Atwell, James Graham, Paapa Essiedu, Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Rebecca Lucy Taylor... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Awards season is trundling along with the Standard Theatre Awards and the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards all happening in the same week. If that's not enough to keep Alex and Sarah busy, they've also been trekking to Stratford-upon-Avon and a soggy Manchester, but found enough time to mull over the implications of the decision not to let national critics into the world premiere of One Day the Musical at the Edinburgh Lyceum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast, we meet the new Witch taking over from Kate Fleetwood in the Bridge Theatre's multi-award-nominated production of Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre. A beloved WhatsOnStage Award-winning star, she's tackling Sondheim for the very first time! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part three of the series Sarah and Alex discuss new work from Alan Bennett and David Hare while announcing the arrival of a new generation - Laura Wade, Simon Stephens, David Harrower among them Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Proctor is the Villain made a huge impact when it ran on Broadway, and it is finally making its UK premiere in a (now sold out) run at the Royal Court. Two of the show's stars, Sadie Soverall and Dónal Finn, discuss what the experience has been like and bringing this radical interrogation of Arthur Miller to the stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode Sarah and Alex discuss the triumphant WhatsOnStage awards show at the London Palladium, Timothée Chalamet's recent comments on the arts, some unexpected showings in the Olivier nominations and whether Sinners will enjoy a late Oscars surge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday was WhatsOnStage Awards evening! Hear from all the winners as they collect their trophies, backstage at the iconic London Palladium in the heart of the West End. The evening also featured some stellar performances from the likes of Paddington, Hercules and The Phantom of the Opera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Fein talks to Sarah about the importance of community, making audiences feel involved and the difference between making theatre here and in the US. Plus: why he loves Stephen Sondheim and which show he'd like to direct next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're shining a spotlight on a performer who has become one of the most vital voices in British theatre. Fresh from her Olivier Award win for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and her captivating turn in Standing at the Sky's Edge, Maimuna Memon is returning to the stage with the show that truly defined her as a powerhouse creator. She's bringing her hit gig-theatre musical, Manic Street Creature, to the Kiln Theatre for a strictly limited run this March. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the WhatsOnStage Awards nine days away, the Oliviers nominations six days away, the BAFTAS five days ago and the Critics Circle nominees now revealed, it feels like the right time to spend a long time discussing awards – their intricacies, their politics and, when controversy arises, what can be done to solve problems. Then, Sarah and Alex try their best to predict who might get nominated for an Olivier Award on Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Though sworn to secrecy, Wicked: For Good's Dorothy Bethany Weaver has finally been able to discuss her time in the blockbuster musical franchise, taking on a small but pivotal role. In a wide-ranging interview she discusses leading the March of the Witch Hunters scene, working with Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater, and how she worked out Judy Garland's iconic mannerisms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest opening of the year so far came this week in the form of Dracula, marking the return of Cynthia Erivo to the London stage. Sarah and Alex voice their opinions on the tech-heavy take on Bram Stoker's bloody classic – but are there too many bells and whistles for this to work? Plus – Westeros is stage-bound – the podcasting pair break down the news of the new play, Game of Thrones: The Mad King. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh from wowing Disney audiences as Kleya in Andor, Elizabeth Dulau is playing the iconic poet George Eliot in Alexi Kaye Campbell's brand new play Bird Grove, currently in previews at the Hampstead Theatre. We discuss the surprising facets of Eliot's personality as well as the challenges faced with trying to bring such a revered literary figure to the stage. Beyond that, we also touch on Dulau's experiences in the Star Wars universe – and how she imagines Kleya's storyline continued. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of the series, Sarah and Alex weigh up the merits of new work from Caryl Churchill, Roy Williams and Kwame Kwei-Armah. Plus new writing from Lucy Prebble and Lynn Nottage. Who will take the crown in each year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, WhatsOnStage was invited to the Menier Chocolate Factory to talk to the creator and star of their summer show, Midnight at the Never Get. Ben Platt will star in the UK premiere of Mark Sonnenblick's musical. Set in 1965 New York, it follows Trevor Copeland and Arthur Brightman's illegal romance, where they meet to perform songs in a secret nightclub act. David Cromer will direct a new production for its premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As he launches his new book about starring in Samuel Beckett's Godot opposite Ben Whishaw, Lucian Msamati sits down with Sarah and Alex to lift the lid on the mood behind the scenes, the behaviour of audiences and why theatre is still like gym for young actors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On what would be Jonathan Larson's 66th birthday, the freshly revealed cast of The Jonathan Larson Project, including Grace Mouat and Max Harwood, came together for a special launch at Century Club in central London. At the same event, Jessie Elland, Maisie Smith and Jed Berry discussed their casting in the new production of Little Shop of Horrors, running in Manchester and Liverpool – while producer Thomas Hopkins explains why it's easier to programme on Broadway than in the West End right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phew – with new seasons at the National, Donmar Warehouse, Shakespeare's Globe and more, there's a lot for Alex and Sarah to unpack as they examine the latest announcements. But do all of these new shows suggest a growing cross-pollination between the worlds of theatre and screen? And what does it mean for audiences? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bonus episode, we're clock-watching! At Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre we chat to the stars of One Day: The Musical – Jamie Muscato (Moulin Rouge!, Heathers) and Sharon Rose (Hamilton), who join us to discuss the challenge of ageing 20 years on stage and bringing this iconic "July 15th" love story to life through song. Then, we head to London's West End where the tension is mounting in High Noon. We sit down with Tony and Emmy winner Billy Crudup and the powerhouse Denise Gough to talk about the grit and adrenaline of performing a classic Western in real-time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The profound effect that Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight had on contemporary music is rarely spelled out in full. There's a reason why Tharpe is heralded as the "godmother of rock ‘n' roll." Between them, they helped reshape genres and alter tastes, all in a racist, misogynistic world that rarely gave them space to show off their groundbreaking talents.That is the story now coming to @sohoplace with Marie and Rosetta, George Brant's two-hander that brings a rocking, untapped history into the present day. Stars Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu sit down to chat about their time with the production, aided by director Monique Touko and movement director Kloé Dean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the beginning of a new series Sarah and Alex weigh the merits of the century's new writing. Will Sarah Kane or Joe Penhall take the 2000 crown? And what about Martin McDonagh's contribution to 2001? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may not be Halloween, but there definitely seems to be a spooky season on UK stages – with Paranormal Activity making things go bump in the night, A Ghost in Your Ear sending chills down the spine and 2:22 A Ghost Story back on the open road (all before Dracula has begun performances in the West End!). With that in mind, Sarah and Alex put on their bravest faces and discuss why fear works so well on stage. Plus, in a complete tangent, why they're both thrilled to bits about Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey teaming up with Marianne Elliott and Tom Scutt for Sunday in the Park with George. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Editor-in-chief Alex Wood is heading back to the 1980s – well, a very specific, very sharp, and very bloody version of them. We're talking about the highly anticipated revival of American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre. Based on the cult-classic novel by Bret Easton Ellis, with a book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and a synth-heavy score by Duncan Sheik, this production marks a significant moment for London theatre. It is the final production from Rupert Goold in his tenure as the Almeida's Artistic Director, revisiting the darkly satirical world of Wall Street that he first brought to life on this stage over a decade ago. We chat to Patrick Bateman himself, returning to the Almeida after The Line of Beauty, Arty Froushan, as well as Emily Barber, Zheng Xi Yong, Daniel Bravo, Tanisha Spring and Oli Higginson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Hamnet starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal opens in cinemas, Sarah and Alex consider the depictions of Shakespeare on screen from Shakespeare in Love to Upstart Crow and what they say about our attitudes to the Bard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She's an Olivier Award-nominated actress that has wowed in shows like Machinal, Romeo and Julie and King John. He's a BIFA-winning screen star known for appearances in I, Swear, The Rings of Power and Game of Thrones, now making his professional stage debut. Together, Rosie Sheehy and Robert Aramayo will play the central couple in Luke Norris' Guess How Much I Love You?, the brand new play kicking off the Royal Court's 70th anniversary season. Alex Wood chats to the pair about their work building that relationship, Port Talbot, and which Godfather film is the best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the new year arrives, Alex and Sarah look forward to some of the exhilarating theatrical treats in store which range from Aidan Turner's return to the stage opposite Lesley Manvill in Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the National Theatre to Mischief Theatre's first musical Thespians and the Royal Court's 70th anniversary season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Holden had a runaway hit with Cruise back in 2021, one of the first new shows to rock the West End after the final lockdown. He's been pretty much non-stop since then – with new five-star show Kenrex opening to dazzling notices and audience acclaim in Sheffield. That show now begins a second London season, this time at The Other Palace in central London. It comes off the back of an assured stage version of The Line of Beauty, based on Alan Hollinghurst Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 2026 fast approaching, Sarah and Alex thought they'd run through some of the names expected to make a splash over the coming 12 months – from directors, to writers, to stage stars – there are some very exciting people making very exciting theatre across the country. We touch on a trendy new production of a David Hare classic, the return of the fist-pumping musical Sylvia and the indomitable rise of playwright Ava Pickett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven't heard of Kenny Wax, we are fairly certain you know some of his shows – a mastermind behind building brands from the ground up, he has steered productions like The Play That Goes Wrong and SIX to international acclaim. This Christmas, he has five shows running concurrently in the heart of the capital – on top of the previous two, Top Hat is dazzling at the Southbank Centre, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is a sell-out seasonal sensation and Just For One Day is rockin' all over Shaftesbury Avenue. But what is the secret to his success? The man touches on a multitude of topics in a wide-ranging interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final main episode before Christmas, Alex and Sarah discuss their favourite shows of 2025, from Golden Globe winners on Palladium balconies to animatronic bears reducing thousands of punters to tears. With names like Bryan Cranston, Cate Blanchett, Brendan Gleeson, Rosamund Pike and Samira Wiley leading top-tier productions, there's a whole lot to chew on. The pair also pick out their favourite new plays, revivals and names that really made a splash in 2025 – and what it might all mean for the future of theatre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few producers are as intrepid as Michael Harrison – steering hits like Evita, Hello, Dolly!, Starlight Express, Gypsy, Titanique and The Bodyguard. But one centrepiece of his producing portfolio is the Palladium pantomime – the crown jewel of the London panto season and renowned for its big sets, big laughs and big innuendo count (courtesy of one Julian Clary). Alex Wood heads to MHE towers to discuss ten years of panto back at the Palladium – and why Michael considers himself the worst usher to have ever worked at Edinburgh Playhouse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah has ventured into Giant Country (otherwise known as Stratford-upon-Avon) for the opening night of the RSC's stage version of The BFG, sparking a series of thoughts about why puppets have such a profound effect on audiences. This comes mere weeks after the critics raved about the stage production of Paddington. Speaking of the much-loved Bear, the Paddington musical was the runaway smash for the audience-driven WhatsOnStage Awards shortlist – which saw theatregoers across the nation pick their favourite shows and performers. Sarah and Alex comb through the nominated shows to see what it says about the state of UK theatre in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a little casting exclusive, Alex Wood reveals two of the agents tackling the multi-award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat, which kicks off its first ever tour in February 2026. Based on the true story of a plot to con the Nazis during World War Two, it also continues its run in the West End at the Fortune Theatre. So sit back, pour a glass of sangria and see who's born to lead! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merrily We Roll Along has landed in cinemas worldwide, providing a unique take on the multi-award-winning Broadway production, first seen in London, with Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. Friedman maps out her incredible journey with the material and how she transformed the stage show for the big screen. Plus, she explains why changing keys to suit performers should never be discouraged and why you should avoid showing feet when filming on stage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hopping onto a remote recording at the earliest opportunity, Sarah and Alex discuss the legacy of the late, great Tom Stoppard – following the news of his passing on Saturday night. In an episode of two halves, this is accompanied by a reflection on the glorious response to Paddington The Musical, which received a deluge of glowing reviews following its Sunday night world premiere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.