Taking Turns To Talk

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Taking Turns To Talk is a podcast about the theatrics of life and the lives of the theatrical. Each episode Gordon Cooper takes us on a journey with a wonderful guest both in the spotlight and out, where we muse on what makes these people want to be in this glamorous (and often very much unglamorous…

Gordon Cooper and Chris Gardner


    • Oct 5, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
    • 55 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Taking Turns To Talk

    #54 Jeremy Secomb

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 110:57


    Taking their turn this week, is actor and all round West End favourite Jeremy Secomb. Gordon and Jeremy discuss how banking's loss is musical theatre's gain, learning to sing by osmosis, and the trial and tribulations of being on the road.   Jeremy is no stranger to the stage, featuring in shows such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Woman In White, Phantom Of the Opera, Javert in Les Miserables, and his award nominated turn as Sweeney in Sweeney Todd.  Support the show on Patreon!    

    #53 Joanna Monro

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 99:05


    Taking their turn this week is actor, presenter and all round glorious human, Joanna Monro. Gordon and Joanna discuss getting all giggly with Alan Rickman, being David Tennant's wife, mother and girlfriend, and that working with Gordon was her career highlight. Support the show on Patreon!  

    #52 Jon Robyns (again)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2021 78:37


    Taking their turn again this week, is now fully fledged West End leading man, Jon Robyns. Jon and Gordon discuss actually being in a show during the current climate, the lasting legacy of Hamilton the musical, and how Jon is overcoming his guilt at having had the easiest gig in town.  Head on over to Patreon to hear something really special from Jon!!

    #51 Brian Blessed (Rebroadcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2021 65:06


    Taking their turn this week is one from the archive - Brian Blessed. We'll be back very soon with new episodes but for now, strap in, get ready, and enjoy Gordon's attempt at interviewing the legend and force of nature that is Brian Blessed.   Support the show on Patreon!  

    #50 Lucie Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 99:33


    Taking their turn this week is actor, singer and West End leading lady: Lucie Jones Gordon and Lucie discuss how Welsh athletics' loss is musical theatre's gain, when choreography brings one to tears, and how Jedwood helped Lucie pack her bags on X-Factor. Lucie's Album Lucie Jones Live at The Adelphi is available now! Support the show on Patreon!

    #49 Paul Hendy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 86:00


    Taking their turn this week is producer, writer, director and TV presenter Paul Hendy. Paul currently runs Evolution Productions who have been responsible for numerous award winning Pantos up and down the country. Gordon and Paul discuss Paul's drive and ambition, his comedy heroes, and how he may be personally responsible for killing off The Wheel Of Fortune.   Support the show on Patreon!

    #48 Tim Howar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2021 104:02


    Taking their turn this week is actor, singer, songwriter, and vocalist of Mike and the Mechanics - Tim Howar Gordon and Tim discuss (among many, many other things!) the transformative power of his sister's record collection, the pitfalls of worrying about tomorrow's performance tonight, and advice for anyone coming up in the business.   The gamut of Tim's CV stretches from Roger in the 10th anniversary production of Rent on Broadway to Freddie in the English National Opera's recent production of Chess, via Tommy, Tonight's the Night and of course The Phantom in Phantom Of The Opera. AND a lead for vocalist for a smash hit rock band.  We're tired just writing it all down...   Support the show on Patreon!

    #47 Helen Hobson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 104:10


    Taking their turn this week is  actress, singer, wellness coach, mosaic maker and presenter Helen Hobson. Gordon and Helen discuss treating show business as a business, her lasting friendship with Sir Cliff Richard, and the things she has learned over lockdown. Helen has had a very distinguished career, appearing in the West End in the likes of Chess, Mamma Mia, Sunny Afternoon, Aspects of Love, Les Mis, Heathcliffe, and most recently Come From Away. Support the Show on Patreon!

    #46 Ricky Rojas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 74:29


    Taking their turn this week is star of Broadway's Moulin Rouge! The Musical Ricky Rojas. Gordon and Ricky discuss the joys and pitfalls of an international lifestyle, recording with Baz Luhrmann in your ear, and how Ricky's performance of Joseph looked like an Asian gentleman in a wig.   Support the show on Patreon!    

    #45 Bill Deamer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 58:30


    Taking their turn this week is the Olivier Award winning choreographer and director Bill Deamer. Gordon and Bill discuss Bill's 10 years of work on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, refusing to be pigeon-holed, and posing for Cyd Charisse.

    #44 Michael Ball (Rebroadcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2021 53:18


    This week, we delve into the archive to share one of favourite episodes with the Top Turn himself: Michael Ball. Recording in 2018 when Michael was working on Chess at The London Coliseum, Gordon and Micheal discuss work ethic, Cher's underwear and finding treasure in the woods.   Support the show on Patreon!

    #43 Celinde Schoenmaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 68:42


    Taking their turn this week, is actress and singer Celinde Schoenmaker.  Gordon and Celinde discuss staying positive during lockdown, the importance of art in all its forms, and the correct way to eat chips. Support the show on Patreon.  

    #42 Irvine Iqbal

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 61:30


    Taking their turn this week, is actor Irvine Iqbal.  Gordon and Irvine discuss business - and show business, the current state of representation and ethnic diversity in the theatre industry, and dealing with Covid in paradise. Irvine is a familiar face to many a West End audience, appearing in Bombay Dreams, Disney's Aladdin and most recently appearing in the RSC's adaptation of David Walliams' 'The Boy In The Dress'. Say hi to Irvine on Twitter  Support the show on Patreon!

    #41 Ashleigh Gray

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 93:39


    Taking their turn this week, is actor and singer Ashleigh Gray. Gordon and Ashleigh discuss the physical and mental effort required to perform Elphaba in Wicked 8 shows a week, the joy of crafting, and they spend a moment celebrating the life of Scottish theatre legend Andy Gray. Check out Ashleigh on Twitter and please do stop by her Etsy shop! Support the show on Patreon.

    #40 Martin Ball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 124:33


    Taking their turn this week, is the actor Martin Ball. Martin and Gordon discuss pretty much everything from Covid vaccines to coffee commercials via acid trips and opera. They also take a brief stop in the land of fonts whilst managing to squeeze in a minute or two talking about acting.   Support the show on Patreon!

    #39 Gavin Mitchell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 123:32


    Taking their turn this week is star of Scottish comedy smash 'Still Game' - Gavin Mitchell. Gavin and Gordon discuss Gavin's start in the industry, his conversations with the late Robin Williams, way too much time on things overheard in car parks, and Gavins pants.  Gavin on Twitter. Support the show on Patreon!

    #38 Steve Balsamo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2021 87:28


    We've spoken to Judas, now it's time for Jesus to have his say! Talking their turn this week is singer, actor and songwriter Steve Balsamo. Gordon and Steve discuss his award winning performance of Jesus, name dropping left, right & centre, and how he nearly killed Meatloaf.   Support the show on Patreon!

    #37 Eric Potts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 67:59


    Taking their turn this week is writer, director, actor and one of the country's most beloved panto dames, Eric Potts Eric and Gordon the intricate details of being actor/director, the joy in a post show pint and the hidden value of a Poundland dame.

    #36 Claire Underwood

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 77:58


    Support the show on Patreon! Taking their turn this week, is singing teacher and vocal coach extraordinaire, Claire Underwood. Claire is vocal coach to some of the biggest West End shows such as Les Miserables, Hamilton and Mary Poppins. She has also been vocal coach on big screen movie musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables and Aladdin. Gordon and Claire discuss the mental health of performers during these unusual times, Russell Crowe's work ethic and advice from former guest Jon Robyns. Check out Claire's Instagram page @showminds to see how she's doing her bit to help the mental health of performers.

    #35 Matt Lucas

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2020 68:46


    Taking their turn this week is writer, presenter, actor and musical favourite: Matt Lucas. Among other things, Gordon and Matt discuss their shared love and ability for the medium of dance, The Kids From Fame, and how Matt nearly was in Star Wars. To support the show and help it continue, please visit our Patreon page. Matt on Twitter Talking Turns To Talk on Twitter West End Does Baked Potato Patreon  

    #34 Ricardo Afonso

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2020 91:19


    Taking their turn this week is Judas himself, Ricardo Afonso. Gordon and Ricardo discuss shaking things up, the trials and tribulations of a socially distanced performance, and how brick dust is surprisingly good for the voice (please consult a qualified physician before including brick dust as part of your vocal warm up).

    #33 Michael Jibson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2020 109:26


    Taking their turn this week is favourite of stage and screen, Michael Jibson.  Amongst other things, Gordon and Michael discuss being slapped by Anne Hathaway, being shot by Kevin Costner and trying in vain to kill Luke Skywalker. 

    #32 Madeleine Worrall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 93:39


    Taking their turn this week is star of The National Theatre' s production of Jane Eyre -  Madeleine Worrall. Gordon and Madeleine discuss the state of the industry, lockdown thoughts of her local haberdasher, and how theatre is not a washing machine.

    #31 Killian Donnelly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2020 64:13


    Taking their turn this week is West End favourite Killian Donnelly.  Gordon and Killian discuss Killian's Dad's reviewing method, being a Phantom of the Opera record holder and the importance of having your own black shoes and trousers.   Now there were some technical issues with this one but Killian has agreed to come back on for a part two so keep a look out for that one.

    #30 Rosalie Craig

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 82:35


    Taking their turn this week is leading lady extraordinaire Rosalie Craig.  Gordon and Rosie discuss how Tim Minchin thinks he writes terrible songs, Patti Lupone's Whatsapp method and Vanessa Redgrave's onstage 'issue'.

    #29 Kevin Clifton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2020 93:39


    Taking their turn this week is ballroom dancing and musical star Kevin Clifton.  Gordon and Kevin discuss Strictly (obvs), WWE and channeling De Niro.

    #28 Matt Henry MBE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 82:52


    Taking their turn this week is Matt Henry MBE. Gordon and Matt discuss hummus, bunking off college, and warming down with Cyndi Lauper.

    #27 Claire Moore

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 92:03


    Taking their turn this week, is West End leading lady Claire Moore. Gordon and Claire discuss being northern with Ian McKellen, Joanna Lumley's column inches and Dave Willets' ring.

    #26 Elaine C Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020 92:50


    Taking their turn this week is Elaine C Smith. Gordon chats with Elaine about her Bafta winning turn in Two Doors Down, Rab C Nesbitt and that politics is acting for a certain type of person. This Episode is also very, very Scottish.

    #25 Tommie Earl Jenkins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 98:54


    This week, Gordon chats with (the artist formerly known as Tee Jaye) Tommie Earl Jenkins. They discuss unicorns, failing in French and the behemoth of Death Stranding.

    #24 Stephen Mear CBE

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 56:24


    This week, Gordon chats with choreographer extraordinaire Stephen Mear about Glenn, Mary and being a better choreographer than Cameron.

    #23 Charlie Stemp

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2020 81:54


    This week, Gordon sits down with the man of moment Charlie Stemp where they discuss Burt, Boris, Bette and Bernadette.

    boris burt stemp
    #22 Giles Terera

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 82:02


    Gordon sits with Olivier Award winner and OBE recipient Giles Terera to chat all things Hamilton, Sammy Davis Jr and Shakespeare.  

    Season 3 Coming Soon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 1:03


    Stay home, stay safe and listen to podcasts! The new season of Taking Turns To Talk is coming Friday! 

    #21 Alexandra Burke

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2018 62:54


    To round out season 2, Gordon has a chat with the busiest woman in show business: Alexandra Burke.   They discuss working hard, Beyoncé, hard work and Beyoncé.    

    #20 Cameron Jack

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2018 54:02


    This episode, Gordon chats with west end wendy turned movie hard man Cameron Jack (@rentathug).  They discuss being a henchman for Bane, positivity and the joys of Scotland.   Note: Gordon and Cameron are very Scottish. A translator may be required. Also note: There are one or two C-bombs in this episode. Please be advised if you are listening with children or folks who are swearing sensitive.  

    #019 Kate Anthony

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2018 69:08


    This episode, Gordon talks with the totally wonderful KATE ANTHONY. They chat mainly about being northern, clog dancing and being northern. 

    #18 Cassidy Janson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2018 62:25


    This episode, Gordon chats with pocket rocket Cassidy 'CJ' Janson about oversharing, crying at Carole and making the papers.

    #17 Harriet Thorpe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2018 54:05


    This episode, Gordon chats with the absolutely fabulous Harriet Thorpe. They discuss auditions for Joe Allens, Uncle Howard and what not to say to Fred Astaire.

    #16 Jon Robyns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2018 61:47


    This episode, Gordon chats with the West End's very own JON ROBYNS. They discuss chopping vegetables, sibling nicknames and what got Jon (and Gordon and Chris) into performing in the first place.

    #15 Zoe Rainey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2018 61:52


    This Episode, Gordon chats with possibly the nicest person in show business: Zoe Rainey. They talk about potato famines, pointe shoes and upstaging Judi Dench.

    #14 Michael Ball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2018 53:09


    Welcome to season 2! This episode Gordon talks to the top turn himself, MICHAEL BALL. They chat about work ethic, Cher's underwear and hidden treasure in the woods.

    #13 Hadley Fraser

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2018 73:14


    This episode, Gordon chats with renaissance man HADLEY FRASER about monsters, committees and Tarzan.

    #12 Mark Bonnar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2018 83:37


    This episode, Gordon chats with Mark Bonnar about pizza, Porridge and haggis.

    #11 Caroline Sheen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2018 63:56


    This episode, Gordon chats with Caroline about Michelle Obama, Torvil & Dean and the best Nanny you could ask for.

    #10 BRIAN BLESSED

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2017 61:27


    Is there anything else we really need to say?    

    #09 Sam Holmes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2017 65:32


    This episode, Gordon talks with Sam about dead parrots, waxing and performing on one's knees.   You can catch Sam as Lord Farquaad in the upcoming tour of Shrek The Musical.  

    #08 Alex Sharp

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2017 94:22


    This week, Gordon chats with Alex about Christopher, Tony and Brittany.   Say hi to Alex on Twitter    

    Episode #07 Sara Poyzer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2017 58:32


    This episode, Gordon chats with Sara about Rutter, Donna, and a certain evening in Nottingham.   Catch Sara in Mamma Mia.

    #06 Richard Fleeshman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2017 66:22


    This episode, Gordon chats with Richard about Mr John, putting holes in walls and a certain street in Manchester.

    #05 Trevor Dion Nicholas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2017 86:09


    This episode, Gordon chats with Trevor about glitter, blueberries and granting wishes.   Trevor on Instagram Neighborhood Goliath on Spotify and iTunes Disney's Aladdin The Musical in London  

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