Dark Unicorn in Conversation

With our very best wishes for a less plaguey 2021, we offer you a little festive treat in the form of an interview with the King of New Year himself, Mr. Jools Holland OBE DL!A fixture on the UK music scene for almost half a century, first as the keyboardist for Squeeze, then as a broadcaster with iconic (and iconoclastic) Channel 4 music programme The Tube alongside the late Paula Yates, he has also continued as a recording artist, the director of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and as a champion of emerging or lesser-known talent via his flagship BBC music programme "Later... with Jools Holland", which has played a part in catapulting many stars into the upper orbits - not least Amy Winehouse, The Buena Vista Social Club and Rag 'n' Bone Man. He spoke a little while ago to our Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about his life, career and even his more low-key role as a representative of The Queen within Kent. So, if you're preparing for a boogie-woogie New Year's Eve in front of his annual BBC2 Hootenanny, you can't afford to miss this.In fact, to make sure you miss nothing from us, make sure you subscribe to this channel and hit the notifications bell, sign up to our newsletter on http://www.darkunicorn.org and follow us on social media:http://tiny.cc/DUTubehttp://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatrehttp://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatrehttp://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKIf you would like to help support the arts through the difficulties emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic, you can visit http://www.actingforothers.co.uk or contact your local theatre or gallery for more information on their specific needs.To support the work of Dark Unicorn, please visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-us to find out how you can make a one-off donation or sign up to our benefit-stuffed patron scheme. Have a very happy New Year and we will see you soon.Love,Paddy Cooper and Eleanor StourtonArtistic Director and Executive DirectorDark Unicorn Productions Ltd. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this last episode of the current series of Dark Unicorn in Conversation, DU's Artistic Director Paddy Cooper talks to veteran actor Paul Freeman, whose career, spanning half a century, has taken in iconic roles such as the villainous Dr. René Belloq in "Raiders of the Lost Ark", arch-villain Ivan Ooze in the 1995 Power Rangers movie and the ambitious but principled Foreign Secretary Tom Makepeace in the final part of the original UK "House of Cards" Trilogy. In a wide-ranging interview Paul talks openly about his views on contemporary theatre and film, his long career and its many highlights, the moving experiences he has had with fans at conventions and his charitable work, not just as an active supporter of the Healing Children school for HIV/Aids orphans in Uganda, but also with the Refugee Buddy Project on the East Sussex coast which he now calls home and where he and his wife help raise both awareness of and practical help for refugees who land on the coast around Hastings.To find out more about the Refugee Buddy Project visit: http://www.therefugeebuddyproject.org To help support the Healing Children school, go to http://www.ukhealingfocus.org to find out how you can assist with the work of the UK Friends of Healing Focus. Dark Unicorn in Conversation will return with a special or two later in the year before launching a new season in 2021. Thank you to all who have supported our work this year.Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on: Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy Cooper Title Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Lucasfilm Ltd., Saban Entertainment / Toei Company / Fox Family Films, Phanta Vision Film International B.V., The Refugee Buddy Project: Hastings, Rother and Wealden (particularly Fizzel Castro) and UK Friends of Healing Focus Executive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Richard Strange first exploded into the public eye in 1975 as "Kid" Strange, lead singer and guitarist of the proto-punk band Doctors of Madness. Following time as a solo artist following the band's break-up, a period most notable for his concept album/rock opera The Phenomenal Rise of Richard Strange, he turned to cabaret curation, founding the Cabaret Futura strand. He is also an actor and has appeared on stage and screen in a vast variety of roles. He has just re-released the Doctors' LP Dark Times on vinyl and has also recorded an audio-book version of his 2002 memoir Strange: Drunks and Punks and Flicks and Kicks. To buy the album, visit: https://www.roughtrade.com/gb/doctors-of-madness/dark-times-3fbc6450-3f7f-47ca-ac6f-21a57711d1fcTo listen to the audiobook, go to http://www.richardstrange.comFollow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on: Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy Cooper Title Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, the Richard Strange photo and video archive, Christiaan Tonnis, Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns, Mick Rock, Paul Rider and NME."Sleep the Gentle Sleep": Music and lyrics by Richard Strange, published by Mirage Music Management Ltd.Executive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mae Timothy J. Howe yn gyfarwyddwr, dramodydd, addasydd gwaith ar gyfer y llwyfan ac yn arbenigwr theatr ieuenctid sy'n gweithio fel Rheolwr Ymgysylltu Creadigol yn Theatr y Sherman yng Nghaerdydd.Yn y cyfweliad hwn â Chyfarwyddwr Artistig Cynyrchiadau Unicorn Tywyll (a'i gyn-ddarlithydd) Paddy Cooper, mae'n trafod ei fywyd, ei yrfa a'i athroniaeth wrth greu perfformiadau gyda phobl ifanc ac ar eu cyfer.Timothy J. Howe is a director, facilitator, stage adaptationist and youth theatre expert who works as Creative Engagement Manager for the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff.In this interview with the Artistic Director of Dark Unicorn Productions (and his former lecturer) Paddy Cooper, he discusses his life, career and philosophy when it comes to creating performances with and for young people. **Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on: YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy Cooper Title Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Theatr Sherman Theatre, Brough GirlingExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pete Malicki is an Australian writer, educator and trainer, based in Sydney, with a particular penchant for the art of the monologue, having written hundreds which have been performed thousands of times in dozens of countries and which, along with his short plays and full-length works, make up a multi-award-winning oeuvre.He has been five times director of Short + Sweet Sydney - the world's largest short play festival, and is also the head of the Arts Business Academy, providing training and coaching to those engaged in the business side of artistic endeavour. He has, in response to Covid-19, launched The World Monologue Games, which attracted over 3000 actors from across the globe to register and whose global finals will be held on October 17, 18, 24 and 25 and can be viewed on the Games's YouTube channel live and indefinitely thereafter. For more info, visit http://www.monologues.com.au/WMGPete's work and that of the Academy, can be discovered in more depth at http://www.petemalicki.comFollow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on: YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy Cooper Title Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James LiptonExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Edward Stourton has been one of the most recognisable faces and voices in UK broadcast journalism over his 40-year career. From time spent with ITN as a trainee, then Washington Correspondent and Diplomatic Editor, he is perhaps most associated with the BBC, first as Paris Correspondent, then the anchor for the One O'Clock News on BBC1 from 1993-1999 followed by a decade as one of the core hosts of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, and now, also on R4, a regular host of The World at One and religion and ethics flagship The Sunday Programme, as well as being a principal understudy for Jonathan Dimbleby on Any Questions. He is also the author of a slew of books on all manner of subjects, from the history of the Catholic Church to political correctness and, most recently, Brexit, co-authoring Blind Man's Brexit with Belgian film-maker Lode Desmet, offering a fascinating insight into the Brexit negotiations from the EU negotiators' perspective. Arguably his best-selling book, however, is Diary of a Dog-Walker, co-authored with his springer spaniel Kudu and originally running as a column in the Telegraph, which chronicles the vagaries of his life walking Kudu in the parks of south London, where he lives with his second wife, the documentary producer and former ITN Arts Correspondent Fiona Stourton (previously Murch).Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on: YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy Cooper Title Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James LiptonExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Deb Olin Unferth is a Chicago-born, Texas-based author who has been impressing readers for some years now with her mixture of short stories, novels and memoirs, which have appeared everywhere from The New York Times and Harper's to literary heavyweight journal Granta.She is a three-time winner of the Pushcart Prize, a finalist for a National Book Critics' Circle Award (for her memoir 'Revolution', about the period in her late teens when she dropped out of university and rushed to Nicaragua with her boyfriend to try and help the Sandinista uprising) and is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship.In addition, she works as an Associate Professor of Literature at the University of Texas at Austin and is the founder-director of The Pen-City Writers: a two-year creative writing certificate programme from UTA run with inmates at a maximum-security prison in southern Texas - a programme which has seen her receive an award from the Governor of Texas for her civic work. Her most recent work - "Barn 8" (the story of an ambitious caper to liberate almost a million hens from a commercial egg farm) - was released just at the start of lockdown and has enjoyed great critical acclaim. She spoke to our Artistic Director Paddy Cooper from her home in Austin. Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on: Youtube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy Cooper Title Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James LiptonExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Elizabeth Webster has, in a decade-long career, acted in some of our best loved series and opposite some of our most lauded actors. She is perhaps best known to international audiences as Lady Walda Bolton (née Frey), who met a rather sticky canine end after three seasons in HBO classic Game of Thrones, but has also appeared in a variety of TV, Film and stage hits.She talks to Dark Unicorn Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about her life and career as an actress, director, producer and lover of short-form theatre.Follow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, HBO, Sky Living, Alex An der Lampe (and his poodles)Executive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Richard Dempsey first burst on to the UK's television screens at the age of 14, when he played Peter Pevensie in the iconic 1988 BBC adaptation of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe".And the icons kept coming as he was the original Jack in the UK production of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" and Ugly, the lead in Stiles and Drewe's Olivier Award-winning original production of their hit "Honk!".Since then he has appeared with almost every major theatre company in the UK and in a slew of beloved TV series and films, including last year's much-awarded Sam Mendes production "1917".He discusses his incredible career, his optimistic outlook on life and what it's been like pioneering socially distanced musical workshops during The Great Bizarreness of 2020, with Dark Unicorn's Artistic Director Paddy Cooper.Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, BBC, Stephen Sondheim, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, Dan Jackson, Laura Melhuish, The Royal National Theatre.Executive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josephine Lloyd-Welcome has been a familiar face on our screens for over forty years, appearing in character roles in a wide variety of UK TV staples, from her powerful role as camp administrator Miss Hassan in 1980s prisoner-of-war drama "Tenko" through a memorable role as Del Boy Trotter's largely unflappable doctor in "Only Fools and Horses" to regular appearances on pretty much any major TV franchise you care to name, as well a bulging theatre CV in shows all over the UK and Europe.In addition, she works as a director for the theatre and is one-third of 1960s girl-trio style act The Hornettes, under the musical direction of her husband, BAFTA-winning composer and founding member of The Flying Pickets, Ric Lloyd.She discusses life, career and working on her first Covid-secure film set with Dark Unicorn's artistic director Paddy CooperFollow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, the BBCExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Robin Wiener has been a journalist for 45 years, most of it with ABC News (US), as a senior news producer and bureau chief, leading work in Washington DC, Hong Kong, Rome, South Africa, Los Angeles and London in a career which has seen her produce ABC's authoritative content on everything from US politics and the Vatican to the first democratic elections in post-apartheid South Africa, the OJ Simpson trial, the Hong Kong handover and the death of Princess Diana. She now works freelance, covering US sporting fixtures in the UK.In addition she is a proud patron of the arts and has been one of Dark Unicorn's major supporters since our inception, so it was a pleasure for DU Artistic Director Paddy Cooper to sit down to talk about her life, career, love of theatre and exactly what it was about Michael Jackson that she once had to find a way to report.Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS: Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Sequence: Matt McGurk (http://www.matthewmcgurk.com)Title Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com)Special thanks to: The estate of James LiptonExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor, writer and producer Tom Palmer (EastEnders, Live at the Electric, Totally Tom) talks to Dark Unicorn Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about his life, career, his forthcoming feature film and how to get your shot-list right before approaching soap royalty.To find out about Access All Areas Theatre, which works with people with learning disabilities, and how you can support their work, please visit: http://www.accessallareastheatre.org/To find out about Bare Face Theatre, the AAA seed company which Tom has helped start, visit: https://ravanburn.com/bareface-collective-1Tom's short film "Man of the Hour", which won a Best Short Film award at Cannes, is viewable now on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Hour-Charlotte-Ritchie/dp/B0886JHGWZTo keep up with information about his forthcoming feature film "All My Friends Hate Me", visit the Ravanburn Films website http://www.ravanburn.com.Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, BBC, Ravanburn Films, Totally Tom Films, The Arcola Theatre, Oliver King, Alastair Muir, Chloe Wicks.Executive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

London-based actor and LGBT+ activist Denholm Spurr talks to Dark Unicorn Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about his life, career, work within queer theatre and how he moved from homelessness into being one of the most recognisable faces in the capital's LGBT+ arts scene.Happily Ever Poofter has now been re-scheduled and is playing The Two Brewers, Clapham on Sept 24/25, 2020. For more information and to book, please visit: http://www.happilyeverpoofter.comTo find out more about Denholm's new board game and to get in touch to be a test player, visit http://www.dicecruise.comTo find out more about the work of Wandsworth Oasis and how you can support it, please visit: https://www.wandsworthoasis.org.uk/Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Eliza Goroya, Reece McMahon & The Pleasance Theatre, The King's Head Theatre, 56 Dean Street & Amazon Prime, The Production Team of Happily Ever PoofterExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor, audiobook narrator and former Doctor Who companion for Big Finish Productions Elliot Chapman talks to friend and Dark Unicorn Productions' Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about life, work, sci-fi conventions, how retirement is a state of mind and the Shakespearean sights his whippet has seen in a warm, friendly, insightful interview with some questions from the public included for good measure.To purchase Elliot's contributions to the Doctor Who audio universe, please visit: https://www.bigfinish.com/contributors/v/Elliot-Chapman-6336Follow Dark Unicorn Productions here and in audio form on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, the estate of Michael Craze, BBC, Big Finish Productions, Tony Jones/Red Rocket RisingExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lincolnshire-born Chloe Gale, better known as Berlin burlesque sensation Cadbury Parfait, talks to Dark Unicorn Productions' Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about her life, her path into and through performance, her commitment to daring, inclusive, body-positive and diverse burlesque and her passion for vintage fashion, even in the face of Berlin's low-key style.You can follow her work via Facebook and Instagram:http://www.facebook.com/cadburyparfaithttp://www.instagram/cadburyparfaitFind out more about the work she produces with Extravagant Shambles at:http://www.facebook.com/EXTRAVAGANTSHAMBLESFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, the estate of Keith Morris, Professor Emeritus David Ian Rabey, Shimmy Shake Berlin Burlesque Academy, Camile Photography, Veronika Marx, The Grand Club, Daniel Paikov, Frack & Spitzenhoschen and River HughesExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor, writer, comedian and star of both Horrible Histories and Thomas the Tank Engine, Tom Stourton, talks to Dark Unicorn Productions Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about his life and work, coming onto a long-running series with a very established audience and his love of painting.You can follow Tom on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tomstourtonFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Totally Tom, Lion TV, BBC, Scholastic PublicationsExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sketch comedy duo Barry Glennon and Sian Hutchinson - long-time favourites at the Brighton Fringe and national finalists in the UK-wide SketchOff competition, sat down in their separate homes to talk to Dark Unicorn Artistic Director (and their show pianist) Paddy Cooper about what makes them laugh, their love of live comedy and bringing their work to life with an all-LGBT+ company. Subscribe to their YouTube Channel for their latest output: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCRfua9jq9WtRnzuum2xSigFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, BS ProductionsExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kit Hesketh-Harvey has been a fixture on the cabaret circuit for nigh on 40 years, and is also a screenwriter, librettist, broadcaster, veteran panto villain and social dynamo, among much else besides.Famous for 30 years as one half of "Kit and the Widow", and subsequently as 50% of "Kit and McConnel", his skewering, blithely acidic and sometimes heartrending cabaret chansons have tackled every subject under the sun from fans of Stephen Sondheim and the perils of eating at Nando's to the (thankfully now abolished) Clause 28 and environmental destruction, and he now has his eye on how best to adapt to a world now acutely aware of the politics of identity. He talks, from the former church designed by William Donthorn which he owns, which sits next to his house and within which he has passed a hermitesque lockdown, to Dark Unicorn Productions Artistic Director Paddy Cooper about the many turns and twists his career has taken, his adoration for the magic of pantomime and how a great-aunt managed to escape back to England from behind enemy lines in World War One using a ukulele and her feminine wiles. Follow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, James McConnel (The McConnel of that ilk), Richard Sisson, The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Jenks & Co., Gay Times, The Evening Standard, The How To Academy/FANE, Channel 4, The Daily Telegraph and The Reading ChronicleExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Danny Rogers was the child who had it all - a great home with a loving family and a Dad who had made millions as one of the UK's most recognisable light entertainers. But by the time Danny was 11, the money had gone, his Dad was dead and he was in care.Finding a way of embracing the spectre of his father - singer, comedian and host of 1980s Saturday night classic gameshow 3-2-1, Danny has forged a career as an actor, presenter and entertainer in his own way, and has also turned the tumultuous story of his life into a one-man show, "Bin and Gone" (special guest appearance in that, as in this interview, from the legendary Dusty Bin).He talks to Dark Unicorn Productions' Artistic Director Paddy Cooper as they discuss overcoming obstacles, the joy of panto and acting alongside the world's most famous silent bear.Follow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Paul Holman Associates, The Lowther Pavilion, The Rogers Family Photo Archive, The Royal National Children's SpringBoard Foundation, The Reedham Children's Trust, ITV Central News and Yorkshire TelevisionExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Award-winning indie screenwriting partnership Dan John Witherall and Colin Adams-Toomey - the creative force behind the festival-wowing 2016 indie horror feature "Lost Creek" - discuss working between continents, their separate achievements, and reminisce on their meeting at university with the man who introduced them - Dark Unicorn Productions' artistic director Paddy Cooper.They are represented by LA agents Schemers Entertainment - http://www.schemers-ent.comFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James LiptonExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Still in the midst of his project to record all Shakespeare's sonnets with his own improvised modern translations, Ashley Shiers - Actor, Wrestler, winner of Dark Unicorn Productions' Viewers' Choice Award as part of our lockdown Monologues and Musicals Marathon - discusses his path through the arts with DU Artistic Director Paddy CooperFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Tom Jordan & The Academy of Performance Combat, The Rondo Theatre, Bath Opera and Lance StormExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Following a childhood which included civil war, homelessness and uncertainty, Marc Zayat went on to be educated at the prestigious BRIT School for the Arts (which produced Adele, Amy Winehouse and Tom Holland among countless others) and, following time at Royal Holloway, University of London and the Arts Educational Schools, he has launched forth not only as an actor, but as the artistic director of Ethereal Theatre, which helped lead the way on transferring theatre content to Zoom during the Covid-19 lockdown in England, with the aid of London's Cockpit Theatre.Marc talks about his fascinating life and career to date (and he's still incredibly young) and his hopes for the future with Dark Unicorn Productions artistic director Paddy Cooper.For more info on Ethereal Theatre and how to support their work, visit: http://www.etherealtheatre.comFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-usCREDITS:Written, Presented and Edited by Paddy CooperTitle Music: Curtis BatsonSpecial thanks to: The estate of James Lipton, Arts Ed, Ethereal Theatre and the Watford Palace TheatreExecutive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Danielle Tarento (www.tarento.net) has been a fixture on London's vibrant off-West End musical theatre scene for two decades, first as a co-founder of the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre in London Bridge - one of the most important theatres in the UK for the development of new work and chamber versions of revived shows - then as a producer and casting director in her own right with a company in her own name.Notable successes included "Titanic: The Musical" (Charing Cross Theatre and national tour), "Grey Gardens" (UK Premiere, Southwark Playhouse) and "Ragtime" (Charing Cross Theatre) with countless others besides. She talks about her life, career, views and aspirations to Dark Unicorn Productions Artistic Director Paddy Cooper.For more info on Acting For Others, visit http://www.actingforothers.co.uk)For more info on Danielle's Work, visit: http://www.tarento.netFollow Dark Unicorn Productions on all good podcast providers for the latest content, and also follow us on:YouTube: http://tiny.cc/DUTubeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/DarkUnicornUKInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/darkunicorntheatreFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/darkunicorntheatreTo support the work of Dark Unicorn Productions, visit http://www.darkunicorn.org/support-us See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dark Unicorn Productions Artistic Director Paddy Cooper talks to actor and shiatsu therapist Jill Greenacre about her life and career, including her six years in classic UK sitcom of the 1990s "The Brittas Empire", her relocation to Cornwall and how one teacher's belief helped to forge her career.Jill is appearing in a live-streamed performance on July 31 at 7pm BST as part of London venue The Space's 2.0 Festival. For more information, please visit: http://www.space.org.uk/event/2-0-fest/To find out more about the work of Dark Unicorn as an ethical theatre producer and our forthcoming productions and other content, and to find out how you can help us in our work, please visit http://www.darkunicorn.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paddy Cooper talks to actor/producer/designer Sadie Frost and her long-time collaborator, photographer/director Ben Charles Edwards about their lives and work, and Sadie's work with homelessness charity Centre Point.For more information about Centre Point, visit http://www.centrepoint.org.ukCREDITS:Written, presented and edited by Paddy CooperGuests: Sadie Frost, Ben Charles EdwardsTitle Music: Curtis Batson (http://www.curtbmusic.com0Executive Producer: Eleanor Stourton See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.