Post-Show Drinks by Encore Radio

In this episode, we take a look back at some of our favourite moments from the latest series of podcasts. Aisha Jawando takes us behind the scenes of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical and Matt Henry tells us why his first professional role got him in trouble. Beverley Knight explains why Nelson Mandela reminds her of one of her earliest performing memories and Karl Queensborough reveals all about a game of darts with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lucy May Barker let's us in on what life is like for a child theatre star and Sam Tutty tells us what it's like playing the lead role in Dear Evan Hansen. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we take a look back at some of our favourite moments from the latest series of podcasts. Trevor Dion Nicholas explains the physical requirements to play Genie in Aladdin, while Shaun Escoffery talks about his twelve year stint in The Lion King. Philippa Stefani and Ryan Hutton share scary audition tales, and Danielle Steers takes us back to the very beginning of her performing career. Daisy Wood-Davis and Laura Baldwin tells us their favourite songs from Beautiful - The Carole King Musical and create their own musical! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Zoe Birkett who tells us about her amazing career - going from a 16-year-old Pop Idol star to a West End musical theatre powerhouse. Zoe explains how Thriller Live helped her to grow up, how an iconic moment from The Bodyguard left her in tears and the roles she hopes to play in the future. As well as this, Zoe shares her lockdown decorating tips and plays Prompt Corner. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Karl Queensborough - who tells us about playing the lead role in the musical phenomenon Hamilton. During this episode of Post-Show Drinks, Karl explains what it's like to play Alexander Hamilton and how a night of darts with Lin-Manuel Miranda helped him settle into the show. Karl shares stories of his time in the show, how his Dad inspired him to sing and how he felt when he was made into a birthday cake. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Joanne Clifton - who tells us about her life on stage, and how she transitioned from being a world champion ballroom dancer to a musical theatre star.  During this episode of Post-Show Drinks, Joanne reveals how she was born into a family of performers and went on to be a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. Joanne shares some of her favourite musical theatre moments from shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Flashdance and The Rocky Horror Show. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Steers - who tells us about how she found her way into the industry and remembers some of her career highlights so far. Danielle originated the role of Zahara in Bat Out Of Hell The Musical, and is currently playing Catherine Parr in Six. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Beverley Knight - who is helping to raise money for the NHS during coronavirus lockdown through the charity single, Lean On Me. She tells us all about her musical theatre career - from amateur displays in Wolverhampton to the bright lights of the West End, starring in The Bodyguard and Memphis. Beverley's getting ready to appear in the world premiere of The Drifters Girl and gives us a hint of what we can expect from the show. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler - who tell us about life in lockdown, some of their favourite moments from shows, and how they can't wait to be back in Bat Out Of Hell - The Musical. Sharon and Rob also tell us about how they've been singing and fundraising while they've been in lockdown with their Grounded living room concert.  Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Jodie Steele - who talks us through some of her career highlights, how her neighbours react to her singing at home and the brilliant work she's doing during the coronavirus lockdown. She's been in Six the Musical, Heathers the Musical, Rock of Ages and Wicked to name just a few - so she's got plenty of stories to tell! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Simon Lipkin - who tells us some of the best memories from his career so far. From being in the original West End casts of Avenue Q and Rock of Ages, to starring opposite Rebel Wilson in Guys and Dolls, Simon looks back on some of his favourite moments. He also talks about doing magic, being a stuntman and priceless audience reactions. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Croke - who played the title character in Aladdin: The Musical. He played the part for two-and-a-half years before the show closed in the West End last August. Matt tells us how he dreamed of playing Aladdin before the story had even been put on stage and reveals some of his favourite stories from his time in the show. He also runs a performing arts school with his sister and is a recording artist, with his album Matt Croke - Only Dreaming available to download now! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with Philippa Stefani - star of On Your Feet!. She's playing Gloria Estefan on the UK tour of the show which features Gloria's greatest hits, and tells the story of her life and relationship with husband Emilio. Philippa tells us what it was like to step into an audition and be faced by Gloria and Emilio, how she decorates her dressing room at every tour venue and she reveals the amazing speed at which she has to change outfits during the show. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with TV and theatre star Matthew Kelly. He's getting ready to go on tour with Alan Bennett's play The Habit of Art, having performed alongside Jay McGuiness and Wendi Peters in BIG The Musical at the end of last year. Matthew tells us what makes him still want to perform as he gets ready for his 70th birthday, how he lied to land his role in BIG The Musical and he shares his memories of presenting Stars In Their Eyes. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with musical theatre stars Daisy Wood-Davis and Laura Baldwin. They're currently touring the UK in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Daisy plays the iconic role of Carole King, with Laura taking on the character of Cynthia Weil. Daisy tells us what it's like on to sing such famous songs, and how she's accidentally decorated her house with memories from her career. Laura explains how tough it is to know when to take the right job in musical theatre, and shares a story of a holiday which turned into an audition. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Ryan Hutton. Ryan's currently playing the role of Rodney Trotter in the London production of Only Fools and Horses The Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket. In this episode, Ryan tells us about taking one of the most TV characters of all time to stage, the feedback he's had from original cast members, and why he was England's lucky mascot at the World Cup. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Aisha Jawando. Aisha's currently playing the role of Tina Turner in the London production of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. In this episode, we actually meet Aisha for a Pre-Show Drink, as she tells us about the routine she has to get ready for a show. Aisha also tells us about the advice she received from Tina Turner, why she struggles to take praise for her performances, and how a performer should never turn the volume down on the tannoy in their dressing room. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Lucy May Barker. Lucy's currently playing the role of Sophie in the London production of Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre. During this episode of Post-Show Drinks, Lucy tells us about her obsession with ABBA, how injuries affect theatre performers and she reveals what she learnt from working with Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Sam Tutty. Sam is currently playing the lead role in the international phenomenon Dear Evan Hansen at London's Noël Coward Theatre. During this episode of Post-Show Drinks, Sam tells us what audiences can expect from his Evan, what it means to sing Waving Through A Window and how it felt performing in front of the writers of The Greatest Showman. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Matt Henry MBE. Matt is an Olivier Award winning actor, who's performed in hit West End shows including Kinky Boots, Avenue Q and The Lion King. During this episode of Post-Show Drinks Matt tells us how landing his first professional job also landed him detention, how Prince Charles reacted to his footwear choices and how family and religion helped pave his way to success. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Shaun Escoffery. Shaun is nearing twelve years of playing Mufasa in Disney's The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London. During this episode of Post-Show Drinks Shaun tells us what has made him stay in the show for so long, how he uses the stage of the theatre to keep fit and how he was nearly left baring all when he performed the national anthem at Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, we sit down with West End star Trevor Dion Nicholas. Trevor tells about his current role in Hamilton as well as reliving some of his favourite moments as Genie in Aladdin. We had lots of fun together during the recording of this podcast; Trevor finds out what Disney character he should be using the Disney instagram filter, his biggest on-stage mishaps and why he loves living in London so much. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

To celebrate the end of Season 1 of Post-Show Drinks, Connor and Catherine go back through the last thirty-two episodes to celebrate just some of their favourite moments. Over the next four weeks, they will highlight just some of the special moments within season 1 of Post-Show Drinks from great advice to hilarious audition stories. On this week’s episode, Connor and Catherine discuss their favourite pieces of advice featuring episode highlights with West End stars Dean Chisnall, Maiya Quansah-Breed and Chris Aukett.

To celebrate the end of Season 1 of Post-Show Drinks, Connor and Catherine go back through the last thirty-two episodes to celebrate just some of their favourite moments. Over the next four weeks, they will highlight just some of the special moments within season 1 of Post-Show Drinks from great advice to hilarious audition stories. On this week's episode, Connor and Catherine discuss their favourite stories featuring episode highlights with West End stars Rachel Tucker, Jordan Luke Gage and Rebecca Lock.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Jacqueline Hughes. We speak about her training at Glasgow Academy of Musical Theatre and Guildford School of Acting. Jacqueline tells us more about her musical theatre journey from dancing at a young age to then making her West End debut in Wicked. Wicked has continued to play a large part within her career as she played the role of Elphaba in London, on the UK Tour and then on the International Tour. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Ben Forster. We speak about his early passion for musical theatre and about being involved in amateur dramatics from a young age. Ben tells us more about his musical theatre journey from making his West End debut in Thriller! Live, as well as his variety of credits including The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar and Elf the Musical.  Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Sabrina Aloueche. We speak about Sabrina's journey into musical theatre, from singing at an early age and then making her West Debut in Les Misérables. We speak about what it was like returning to Les Misérables a few years later to play the role of Éponine after playing the role of young Cosette aged 7. We also speak about Sabrina's time at the Dominion Theatre playing the role of Scaramouche in We Will Rock You. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Matthew Seadon-Young. We speak about his training at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and about his early days at Stagecoach Theatre Arts. Matthew tells us more about his musical theatre journey from performing at a young age to then making his West End debut in Les Misérables, as well as his variety of credits including Company, The Light Princess, She Stoops To Conquer and Urinetown. 

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Cassidy Janson. Cassidy is about to join the company of & Juliet and will play the role of Anne Hathaway. We speak about her training at London Studio Centre and Millennium School of Dance. Cassidy tells us more about her musical theatre journey from dancing at a young age to then making her West End debut in Wicked, as well as her variety of credits including Tick, Tick, Boom and Beautiful - The Carole King Musical.  Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Joshua Gannon. Joshua is currently playing the role of Motel, a Tailor in Fiddler On The Roof at the Playhouse Theatre. We speak about his training at Guildford School of Acting, his passion for the industry and how support from his family, plus a wonderful relationship with his agent has helped forge his career to date. We also learn more about what it was like for Josh to make his West End debut in The Wind and the Willows at the London Palladium. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Ashford Campbell. Ashford is currently playing the role of Dwayne in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. We speak about his musical theatre journey from singing at a young age to then making his West End debut in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. We also speak about his passion for languages, his time on the X Factor and what it was like playing the role of CC in Dreamgirls. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Natalie McQueen. Natalie is currently playing the role of Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. We speak about her musical theatre journey from singing at a young age to then making her West End debut in Wicked, as well as her variety of credits including Les Misérables, Wonderland and more. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Luke Johnson. Luke talks about training as a gymnast before entering the world of musical theatre, first at Newcastle College and then at Laine Theatre Arts. We speak about the many roles in his career so far including Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane, The Light Princess at the National Theatre and The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down Olivier Award-nominated, West End star Maiya Quansah-Breed. We speak about Maiya’s journey into musical theatre, from singing at an early age and then training at the Guildford School of Acting. We speak about what it was like making her West End debut in SIX at the Arts Theatre playing the role of Catherine Parr. Maiya takes us through her SIX the musical journey from the audition process to currently playing eight shows a week! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Oliver Savile. We speak about Oliver's start in musical theatre and training at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Oliver also tells us more about his time in Wicked, making his west end debut in Les Misérables, as well as his variety of credits including Mamma Mia!, The Last Ship, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.  Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Kate Graham. We speak about Kate’s start in musical theatre, her history degree at Durham University and then training at the Royal Academy of Music. Kate also tells us more about her time in Mamma Mia!, making her west end debut in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, as well as her variety of West End credits including; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Producers and Billy Elliot.  Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Daniel Boys. We speak about Daniel's start in musical theatre to then training at Guildford School of Acting. Daniel also tells us more about his time in BBC's Any Dream Will Do, as well as his variety of West End credits including; Avenue Q, RENT and Grease.  Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Sophie Isaacs. We speak about Sophie's time at Stagecoach Performing Arts and how that initial training gave her the best foot forward. We also speak about Sophie making her West End debut in Made In Dagenham and how it felt originating a role in a new musical. Sophie also takes us through her Heathers The Musical story. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Chris McGuigan. Chris is currently making his West End debut in Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre. We learn more about where his passion began for musical theatre, from performing in a youth production of Hello Dolly to now treading the boards of London's West End. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Rebecca Lock. We speak about Rebecca's time in the National Youth Music Theatre to her training at Central School of Speech and Drama. We speak about her variety of West End credits including Carlotta Giudicelli in Phantom of the Opera, Kate Monster in Avenue Q and Mrs Fleming in Heathers. We also speak about her time as Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me, Kate, at the Sheffield Crucible. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with West End star Joseph Connor. Joseph joined the original London company of Wicked when it first opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre when he was 17! We learn more about Joseph's Wicked Story and what it was like attending the open auditions back in 2005. We also speak about Joseph's time in Lord of the Rings at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and being part of the Starlight Express in Bochum, Germany. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Olivier Award-winner Lorna Want. We speak to Lorna about growing up in the world of theatre and appearing in Les Misérables as a child. We also speak about her time in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical and playing the role of Cynthia Weil. Now a mummy, we learn more about Lorna's dream roles in the theatre. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Broadway and West End Star Rachel Tucker. Rachel is currently playing Captain Beverly Bass, Annette and Others in the Oliver Award-winning musical Come From Away.  We speak to Rachel about growing up in Belfast, about training at the Royal Academy of Music, her first professional role in a musical and her time in We Will Rock You. We also speak about BBC's I'd Do Anything and of course playing the role of Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway and in London. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Jeremy Taylor. Jeremy is currently playing Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre London. We speak to Jeremy about training at GSA - Guildford School of Acting and making his west end debut in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium with Connie Fisher. We also speak about his time playing the role of Fiyero in Wicked and being part of the cast of We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Chris Aukett, he tells us about making his West End debut in The Wind in the Willows The Musical at the London Palladium. We speak about his career to date and discuss what makes a good company member within a musical. We also find what is Chris Aukett's dream West End role! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Olivier Award-winning, Phantom of the Opera star David Thaxton. David tells us about how he got into the industry from his early days in amateur dramatics with KLODS; King's Lynn Operatic and Drama Society, to performing at the opening of the Millennium Centre to then making his west end debut in Les Misérables. We speak about his role as Phantom in Phantom of the Opera as well as about founding W1 Workshops with his wife Nancy Sullivan back in 2012. Throughout this podcast, David Thaxton gives key advice about trying to forge a career in the industry as well as looking after your own mental health. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Olivier Award-winning actress Rebecca Trehearn. Rebecca tells us how she got into musical theatre, about her time with Ghost The Musical and playing Molly on the first UK Tour. We also speak about her winning the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role in Showboat at the New London Theatre. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

Post-Show Drinks, a musical theatre podcast showcasing actors from the West End and beyond. In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Laura Tyrer, who recently played the role of Velma Kelly in Chicago at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End. Laura tells us how she got into musical theatre, about her time at the London Studio Centre as well as playing the role of Sally Bowels in Cabaret. Listen to this episode to find out about the key tips and tricks of playing the role of Velma Kelly! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

Charlotte began her career by studying at the Royal Academy of Music, training as a classical singer and actress. Before entering the world of musical theatre Charlotte has starred in a variety of operas as the principle lead with the Welsh National Opera, D’Oyly Carte and Carl Rosa Opera. Charlotte then joined the company of The Phantom of the Opera as Christine Daaé at Her Majesty's Theatre London and it was there that her musical theatre career began. Since then she has played Sally in Follies in France's second largest theatre; Opéra de Toulon and more recently Alice Beineke in the UK Tour of The Addams Family. As a classically trained singer that is used to performing as the leading lady, eight times a week in opera with no microphone and a full orchestra, Charlotte gives you tips on looking after and maintaining your voice. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Steph Parry. Steph made national headlines as the actress who ran down the road from Drury Lane Theatre to the Novello Theatre to play the role of Donna, mid-show, in Mamma Mia! Steph takes us through the whole story from taking the phone call in her dressing room at the Drury Lane Theatre while she was standing by on 42nd Street to taking her final bow as Donna in Mamma Mia! all in the same day. We also speak about Steph’s time in Billy Elliot and one musical she wishes would return to the West End. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Simon-Anthony Rhoden, during his last week of playing Lola in Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre. Simon-Anthony talks about training in classical theatre at LAMDA - London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art followed by a short musical theatre course at Associated Studios. We speak about his variety of roles in Kinky Boots, going from the role of off-stage swing to the role of Lola in the West End production. We also find what is Simon-Anthony's dream West End role! Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.

In this episode, Connor and Catherine sit down with Julie Stark, who has recently appeared in Bat Out of Hell The Musical at the Dominion Theatre. Julie talks about her fascinating start in musical theatre from publishing to musical theatre. We speak about the many roles in her career making her professional debut in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre including meeting Brian May and then returning a few years later with the company of Bat Out Of Hell. Theme music by Simon Oskarsson and Alex Cardall for ACT Music Ldn.