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This is the second half of my conversation with Deborah Phillips author of the fascinating book, AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON'S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. If you missed the previous episode you may want to catch up with that before listening to this one. The Boyfriend is one of the most popular and successful British musicals of all time. On the previous episode Deborah Phillips shared with us how its creator Sandy Wilson grew up as a musical theater obsessed kid whose idols were Noel Coward, Ivor Novello, and Binky Beaumont — the three dynamic gay theater artists who dominated London's West End in the 1930s and 40s. She also described London's vibrant but clandestine gay theatrical subculture of the early 1950s out of which Sandy Wilson and The Boyfriend emerged. And we even heard a bit about the secret gay language of chorus boys and sailors called “Polari,” and the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that introduced Polari to millions of listeners in the mid-1960s, even though most of those listeners had no idea what is was, or understood its connections to gay culture. All of that was, of course, happening at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual. Deborah and I pick up our conversation just as Sandy Wilson is about to launch the first production of The Boyfriend at the private theater club, The Players Theatre, where it became a major hit and quickly moved to the West End. We then go on to discuss London's other major hit musical of 1952, Julian Slade's SALAD DAYS. Those two shows — both set in the 1920s — created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth's coronation that same year. In this episode you will hear a clip from Round the Horne featuring two very camp characters named “Julian & Sandy” (inspired by the two songwriters) who pepper their dialogue with Polari words and phrases, and whose catch phrase inspired the title of Deborah Phillip's book. That original West End production of The Boyfriend ran for five years. Meanwhile, an American production opened on Broadway in 1954 and became a major hit in spite of Wilson's objections to how it was redirected for Broadway. 18 years later, in 1972, a film version of The Boyfriend was released, directed by Ken Russell, that Wilson loathed. Wilson went on to create several highly anticipated subsequent musicals including The Buccaneer, Valmouth, and the sequel to The Boyfriend — Divorce Me Darling. None of them, however, were able to achieve the same kind acclaim and popularity as The Boyfriend. Phillips also shares some fascinating stories of several other high-profile projects that got away from Sandy Wilson and went on to legendary success with other songwriters. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of Producer Level Patrons: Gary Fuller & Randy Everett. If you would like to help support the work of Broadway Nation I will information at the end of the podcast about how you too can become a Patron. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My guest this week is author Deborah Phillips whose new book is titled: AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON'S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. Sandy Wilson's The Boyfriend — for which he wrote the book, music, & lyrics — is one of the most successful British musicals of all time. It emerged in 1952 out of London's secretive but vibrant gay theatrical subculture, at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual. By the following year both The Boyfriend and Sandy Wilson were the toast of London's West End, and created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth's coronation that same year. That original West End production ran for five years. Meanwhile, a hit American version of The Boyfriend opened on Broadway in 1954 and made a star out of Julie Andrews. The show was revived on Broadway in 1970 and made a star of Sandy Duncan, and two years later an ill-conceived film version was released, starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune and directed by Ken Russell. Despite all of this, prior to this book, very little has been written about Sandy Wilson. Deborah Phillips, who is Professor of Literature and Cultural History at the University of Brighton, is the first researcher to delve into Wilson's extensive archives out of which she has created an captivating portrait of Wilson as a both a key figure in post-war British theatre and the era's gay culture. This book and interview introduced me to a number of fascinating subjects I had never encountered before including the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that inspired the book's title; the history of London's Players Theatre; and the secret gay language, Polari. Exploring all that sent me into several amazing internet rabbit holes and I will be posting articles and video clips that I found there in the Broadway Nation FaceBook Group. This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're back with another Broadway episode!Andrew Tomlins (West End Frame Editor) is back from New York City, and reunited with regular co-host Lisa Martland (Editor of Musical Theatre Review).In this episode, they discuss Chess (Imperial Theatre), Cats: The Jellicle Ball (Broadhurst Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee(New World Stages), Wicked (Gershwin Theatre) and Death Becomes Her (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre).Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.That's a wrap on our three Broadway episodes for this season! This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time for another Broadway episode!Andrew Tomlins (West End Frame Editor) is live in New York City, with regular co-host Lisa Martland (Editor of Musical Theatre Review) zooming in from the UK.In this episode, they discuss Ragtime (Vivian Beaumont Theater, Lincoln Center) and Just In Time starring Jeremy Jordan (Circle in the Square). Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.Stay tuned for more Broadway episodes coming soon!This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're crossing the pond for a special Broadway episode!Andrew Tomlins (West End Frame Editor) is live in New York City, with regular co-host Lisa Martland (Editor of Musical Theatre Review) zooming in from the UK.In this episode, they discuss The Lost Boys (Palace Theatre), Schmigadoon! (Nederlander Theatre) and Beaches (Majestic Theatre).Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.Stay tuned for more Broadway episodes coming soon!This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us Fan MailAfter leaving Canada for the UK, Arthur Boan has worked steadily through some of the most acclaimed production in recent years on stage. For our latest interview, Arthur Boan joined us to unpack how he tapped into Chief Bromdon in Clint Dyer's electric revival of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. We dive into the challenge of playing a silent giant where his most powerful lines are the ones he never actually says. We talk about Clint Dyer's reimagining of Dale Wasserman's play based on Ken Kesey's own classic novel and how they wanted to tackle themes like colonialism and abuse of power.In an exciting new interview, Arthur Boan opens up about navigating the 360-degree exposure of performing in the round and what it's like sharing the floor with powerhouses like Aaron Pierre, Giles Terera and Olivia Williams. Arthur also shares his insight into the responsibility of reimagining classic stories like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Oklahoma. Indeed, he worked closely with director Daniel Fish on both the multi-award winning revival of Oklahoma and on a radical reimagining of Elektra starring Brie Larson. We hear him talk about the challenges of being an understudy as well now that he's playing in the main cast of a major new production, starring opposite top-tier actors in his own right. It's a deep, honest look at a performer who is proving that in a world full of noise, the quietest person in the room can sometimes have the most to say.One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest runs at Old Vic Theatre until 23rd May.
Send us Fan MailAs Marylebone Theatre prepares to open a seminal revival of Arthur Miller's The Price, Elliot Cowan sat down with us to talk about taking on the role of Victor Franz, a man grappling with the physical and emotional debris of a family estate. As a veteran of the stage, he's become known for his ability to inhabit characters defined by internal conflict. Indeed his career has seen him move seamlessly between the physical demands of the stage and the precise requirements of screen acting. The new production at Marylebone reunites him with director Jonathan Munby and serves as a testament to Elliot's versatility, placing him at the heart of a timely exploration of sacrifice, duty, and the American Dream within an intimate performance space.In this brand new interview, Elliot Cowan opens up about the changing environment for actors and the psychological toll of the actor's craft. We talked about his role as Victor Franz very much mirrors his own life right now as he approaches 50 and how he himself feels has paid "the price" for longevity in this industry. Our conversation also addressed contemporary challenges facing actors in 2026 as demands on actors continue to shift and evolve. We also reflected on his role as the title character in Macbeth, starring opposite Laura Rogers and how he learned to play to a theatre like The Globe. Indeed, we also delved into his early training as he notes both Laura and John Hopkins who he stars alongside in The Price all trained at RADA around the same time. We learn what has stayed with him since those early years and how he continues to cross paths with peers decades into his career.The Price runs at Marylebone Theatre from 17th April - 7 June.
Send us Fan MailAhead of his return to the Donmar Warehouse for the first time since 2010's Polar Bears, multi-award-winning actor Paul Hilton sits down to discuss his role as Richard in the world premiere of Fran Kranz's Mass. Paul delves into the psychological weight of portraying a father navigating the devastating aftermath of a school shooting under the visceral direction of Carrie Cracknell. We hear him reflect on the unique technical demands of the Donmar's intimate space, inviting the audience in to join a high stakes meeting in a church basement. Our conversation explored his process of physical discovery in the rehearsal room and the challenge of finding "play" and lightness within such profound human tragedy.In this new interview, Paul Hilton offers a rare, introspective look at a career that has led younger peers to describe him as one of the greatest actors of our generation. We revisit his transformative time sharing the role of Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie with our former guest Tom Glynn-Carney and his recent, acclaimed transition between Ibsen's moral pillars, Father Manders and Peter Stockmann. With his own son Kasper Hilton-Hille now following in his theatrical footsteps, Paul shares his reflections on mentorship, the evolving nature of the industry, and why the theatre continues to act as a sacred space for him and his family. We are treated to a warm and deeply personal exploration of a master craftsman as he continues to challenge the boundaries of contemporary theatre.Mass runs at Donmar Warehouse from 18 April - 6 June 2026.
With the 2026 Olivier Awards fast approaching, Mickey-Jo and his stagey fiancé @AeronJames are finally sharing our predictions for the upcoming ceremony.Check out which productions, actors, and creatives we think (and hope) will win next weekend from nominees including Paddington the Musical, Into the Woods, Kenrex, 1536, All My Sons, Evita, Inter Alia, and more.Check out today's new video for their thoughts and make sure to comment down below with all of yours!•00:00 | introduction01:57 | productions14:04 | creatives30:04 | performances 48:32 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrew and Lisa are back for a special show talk episode!In this episode they discuss Kinky Boots (London Coliseum) starring Johannes Radebe, Matt Cardle and Courtney Bowman as well as the world premiere of The Greatest Showman (Bristol Hippodrome). Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lisa Martland (Founding Editor of Musical Theatre Review) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Lisa joins Andrew Tomlins (West End Frame's Editor) to discuss The Last 5 Years starring Rachel Zegler & Ben Platt and Ryan & Kayla's concert (Piano Smithfield) as well as the latest theatre news about Cats, Into The Woods, Beetlejuice, Billy Nevers, Jesus Christ Superstar and lots more. Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us Fan MailSince her debut, West End rising star Gracie McGonigal has gone from strength to strength and is now in the centre of the world's attention on screen, with her milestone casting as Hazel in the fourth season of Netflix's 'Bridgerton'. We hear her reflect on the significance of the role, noting the production's inclusive approach to disability. This television debut marks a pivotal shift in her career, offering a broader platform for her advocacy for authentic representation within the entertainment industry.During our interview with Gracie McGonigal, we explored her theatrical roots, as she continues her run as Red Riding Hood in the Bridge Theatre's acclaimed revival of Into the Woods. We also discussed her earlier work as Susanna Walcott in the National Theatre's production of The Crucible and her relationship with director Lindsay Turner who she recently reunited with on The Little Foxes. Gracie reflected on the technical contrasts between the rigorous, repetitive nature of live theatre and the fast-paced, intuitive demands of a major television set. Throughout the interview, she emphasized that while she is an advocate for disabled performers, her primary goal remains the pursuit of complex, diverse roles that challenge traditional industry casting standards.
Ebony Clarke (I'm Every Woman / Everybody's Talking About Jamie) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Ebony joins Andrew Tomlins (West End Frame's Editor) to discuss Legally Blonde (UK & Ireland Tour, Milton Keynes Theatre) and Into The Woods (Bridge Theatre) as well as the latest news about the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre's new report, changes to West End Live, The Devil Wears Prada, Dylan Wood starring in Once and lots more. Ebony is a performer, choreographer and associate director. As an associate/resident choreographer and director she has worked on shows including Why Am I So Single? and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.As a performer she has been in shows like Bacchae and Hex (National Theatre), Why Am I So Single? (Garrick Theatre), And Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Everybody's Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre and Tour), Some Like It Hip Hop (Peacock Theatre) and Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre). As a choreographer, she won the UK Pantomime Award for Best Choreography for Cinderella (Royal and Derngate). Ebony is the choreographer for the brand new musical I'm Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical which is about to premiere with runs in London, Coventry and Eastbourne. Visit www.imeverywomanthemusical.com for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Last week the nominations were announced for the 2026 Olivier Awards, celebrating the best of the last year of London Theatre.The most nominated shows this year were Paddington and Into the Woods, with recognition for 1536, Evita, Inter Alia, Punch, Kenrex, Stereophonic, and more.There were, however, some productions, performances and creatives who were snubbed from this year's nominations...check out Mickey-Jo's brand new substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00:00 | introduction03:11 | performances in plays08:26 | performances in musicals14:46 | snubbed shows20:24 | creative teams30:06 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Thursday 5th March at 12pm, the nominations for the 2026 Olivier Awards will be announced, celebrating the best of the last year of London Theatre.In today's video, Mickey-Jo and his stagey fiancé Aeron James are predicting which shows, performers and creatives might be nominated amidst a hugely busy year that included the likes of Paddington the Musical, Evita, All My Sons, 1536, Inter Alia, Into the Woods, and more.Check out today's new episode for their thoughts and make sure to comment down below with all of yours!check out Mickey-Jo's brand new substack newsletter:www.mickeyjotheatre.substack.com•00:00 | introduction01:18 | shows15:47 | performances37:21 | creatives49:44 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time for another catchup episode!Join Andrew Tomlins (Editor of West End Frame) and Lisa Martland (Editor of Musical Theatre Review) for discussion about Cable Street (Marylebone Theatre), Beautiful Little Fool (Southwark Playhouse Borough) and Hamilton (UK Tour, Theatre Royal Glasgow). Andrew and Lisa also talk about The Traitors stage show and Eva Noblezada & Reeve Carney starring together in The Great Gatsby on Broadway. Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The West End Frame Show is back with a catchup episode!Join Andrew Tomlins (Editor of West End Frame) and Lisa Martland (Editor of Musical Theatre Review) for discussion about Paranormal Activity (Ambassadors Theatre), Kenrex (The Other Palace), Ballet Shoes (National Theatre) and Hercules (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Andrew and Lisa also delve into the announcement that Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey will star in Sunday in the Park with George as well as Wicked: For Good's Oscars snub. Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is a theatre journalist who has worked for theatrical publications such as Musical Stages, Musicals Magazine, London Theatre, Stage Faves and My Theatre Mates. She is the Founding Editor of www.MusicalTheatreReview.com.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a textIn this episode, we sat down with the luminous Holly Godliman as she prepares to take the stage at the Old Vic in Tom Stoppard's masterpiece, Arcadia. As the production approaches its February 4th opening, Holly delves into the "brilliant machinery" of Stoppard's writing and her role as the spirited Chloë Coverly—the modern-day character who famously suggests that sex is the one force capable of upsetting Newton's deterministic universe. From the technical rigors of mastering chaos theory dialogue to the unique energy of performing "in the round" under Carrie Cracknell's direction, Holly offers a rare, intellectual glimpse into the rehearsal room of what is widely considered the greatest play of the late 20th century.Beyond the gardens of Sidley Park, the conversation explores Holly's meteoric rise following her "startlingly assured" professional debut in Doubt: A Parable. Carlos and Holly revisit the high-stakes atmosphere of that production in Bath, reflecting on the lessons she carried from acting alongside Maxine Peake into her current collaboration with friends like Isis Hainsworth. It is a warm, deeply personal exploration of an actress finding her footing on the world's most historic stages, balancing the disciplined curiosity of a researcher with the raw confidence of a natural-born performer.
Send us a textOver the last few years, Rosie Sheehy has established herself as a force to reckon with. Her latest role sees her making her Royal Court Theatre debut in Luke Norris' Guess How Much I Love You? The new play explores what it means to be in a long term relationship and the difficult choices that come with being in love. She'll be starring opposite Robert Aramayo and Lena Kaur, and we hear her talk affectionately about Luke's writing as well as Jeremy Herrin's masterful direction. Having previously performed at the Old Vic, the National Theatre and the RSC, we hear Rosie share her excitement at being at the Royal Court to debut what is expected to be a searing drama from Luke Norris.In this brand new interview, Rosie Sheehy discusses with us how she balances the light and shade in all her roles and how it's been a joy to develop her character in Guess How Much I Love You? We talk about her Port Talbot roots and look back on some of her recent roles such as her Olivier Award nominated performance as the young woman in Machinal and her heartbreaking role as Julie in Gary Owen's Romeo and Julie. During our conversation, we also talk about Oleanna and her recent reunion with Harry Lighton on his acclaimed new film: Pillion. During our conversation, Rosie tells us how a lot of these dark stories are often still about love and how it can be presented in so many different forms. It's a fascinating conversation as she prepares to begin performances for her latest project which is expected to be another emotional ride.Guess How Much I Love You? runs at the Royal Court Theatre from 16 January - 21 February.
Send us a textAs Fred Woodley Evans prepares to return to the Jermyn Street Theatre for a high-stakes run in Lyle Kessler's Orphans, he sat down with us to talk about this eagerly anticipated revival. A visceral drama exploring the raw edges of family and survival, this production marks a significant homecoming for Fred. After making waves in Outlying Islands at the start of 2025, his return is something audiences are very much looking forward to. Alongside Fred, he will be starring opposite Olivier Award winner Chris Walley and fellow Jermyn Street favourite Forbes Masson.In this candid conversation, Fred reflects on the journey from his professional debut in Outlying Islands to the "Neverland magic" of his recent turn in Wendy and Peter Pan at the Barbican. We take a deep into his RADA days and his professional reunion with fellow actor Jonathan Rubin after graduating at Edinburgh Fringe. From the intensity of world-class training to the realities of navigating his first steps as a professional actor, this interview offers an insightful look into the rise of one of the most exciting young actors of his generation.Orphans runs at Jermyn Street Theatre from 5 January - 24 January 2026 with tickets on sale now!
On today's episode, I'm joined by writer Bethany Henry Gemmell for a special end-of-year conversation. It felt like the perfect way to close out the final episode of 2026—thoughtful, generous, and deeply inspiring. This marks Bethany's second time on the podcast (or, as I like to call it, the Chai Room), and it was such a joy to reconnect. In this episode, we dive deep into the dramaturgical process, with Bethany leading the conversation around working as dramaturg on the second audio series of Chai with Rai, An Ode: Reframing the Classics, now streaming on Patreon. We also explore the “grass is greener” mindset, Bethany's upcoming projects—including a new play and a new novel—and then shares valuable advice for emerging playwrights, freelance creatives, and dramaturgs. You'll also hear a snippet from Catherine, the short story Bethany wrote for the very first storytelling series, Symphonies of Beaded Threads. Bethany's bio: Bethany (they/he) is a Northern playwright. They explore themes exploring family, our relationship to media, and humanity's capability to be good and evil. Examples include being a co-writer for Royal Court Theatre's Listen Local project in 2019, 'WOLF' at Theatre503 in 2023, and 'well, you could be a guy (non-binary edition)' for Baron Court Theatre's Queering the Canon Festival in 2023. Their most recent project was 'The Trial of Thomas Greene' at Hope Mill Theatre for Qweerdog Shorts/Hope 200 Festival in 2025. They were selected for Young Vic's inaugural 2022/23 Creators Program, Soho Theatre's 2023/24 Writers' Lab, and for Nottingham Playhouse's Amplify Program in 2025. Their audio-duologue 'Catherine', dedicated to and involving their mum, is now featured in the Chai With Rai exhibition at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre. They have provided dramaturgical support for community companies like Neurospace Theatre and Wild Forest Theatre from 2020 to 2023. Now, they're developing their dramaturgical skills by supporting artists for An Ode: Reframing the Classics. Topics Breakdown: "Grass is always greener on the other side" mentality. Starving artist vs life experience and the success metrics we place on ourselves. Evolution of personal artistic storytelling. Playwriting with and through ADHD playwriting. Exploring time and thoughts as a playwright. Dramaturgy process for An Ode: Reframing the Classics. Reflecting on the Chai with Rai's Summer exhibition 20245 in London/ Theatre 503 Rapid Writers response to Stray Dogs by Theo Chester. The Royal Court Theatre's Listen Local Program. Dramaturgy process / advice for emerging talent. To Listen to Bethany's audio short story CLICK HERE. To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai. Social: Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai Guest: https://www.instagram.com/hgemmellian/ & https://twitter.com/hengemmell Links: Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_ Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/11946 Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.
Send us a textAs the RSC's Twelfth Night heads to the Barbican Theatre for a festive run, we are joined by veteran actor Norman Bowman. Known for seamlessly bridging the worlds of musicals and plays, Norman's career has taken him from the West End to the Donmar Warehouse to the RSC. Hailing from Arbroath, his journey is one of continuous growth and reinvention, tackling everything from tap shoes to the complexities of Shakespearean verse. As he continues to play Antonio, he shares with us his experience working with actor / director / doctor Prassana Puwanarajah and also about welcoming in new actors such as Daniel Monks to the rehearsal room for the Barbican run.In our interview with Norman Bowman, we discuss his return to the role of Antonio in the RSC's transfer of Twelfth Night to the Barbican. Having previously played Curio in a previous production, Norman tells us about his love for this show and the various characters within the world that Shakespeare has created. Having started off his career in musicals, we also talk about his recent turn as Archie in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's landmark revival of Brigadoon. Throughout our conversation, Norman is humble about the longevity of his career which has taken him from the like of Les Miserables and Guys and Dolls to Twelfth Night which sees him reunite with Samuel West and Freema Agyeman following last year's acclaimed Stratford run.Twelfth Night runs at Barbican Theatre until 17 January 2026
Send us a textTom Glynn-Carney is one of the most dynamic and versatile actors working across stage and screen today. After earning an Evening Standard Award and Drama Desk Award for his role in The Ferryman, he has gone on to become a major figure in Westeros as Aegon II Targaryen in the acclaimed HBO series House of the Dragon. However, Glynn-Carney maintains a powerful connection to the theatre, having more recently won praise for his role in The Glass Menagerie opposite Amy Adams, sharing the role of Tom Wingfield with Paul Hilton . His latest stage venture sees him return to the London stage, joining a world-class ensemble for a major revival of Arthur Miller's All My Sons.In this brand new interview with Tom Glynn-Carney, we discuss his pivotal and explosive role as George Deever in Ivo van Hove's five-star rated production. Tom offers candid insights into collaborating with acting legends like Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and the unique artistic challenge of bringing Miller's devastating themes of war, morality, and the American Dream to life on the West End. Since the show opened, his performance has been hailed by critics as "stupendously well-acted" and vital to this "astonishing, deeply moving piece of theatre." All My Sons runs at Wyndham's Theatre until 7 March 2026 with tickets on sale NOW!
Send us a textAfter graduating from RADA, James McArdle became a darling of the National Theatre appearing in landmark productions of Platonov, James I and Angels in America, all in a relatively short span of time. Since then, James McArdle has established himself as one of the most compelling actors on stage and screen. Now, he returns to the Olivier stage for the first time since 2019 for newly appointed Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham's inaugural show: a new adaptation of Euripides' Bacchae by Nima Taleghani. In the show, James takes on the role of Pentheus in a show which has been radically revamped for modern audiences. Taleghani's version includes rap verses and a thumping beat which helps build the tension of the piece that leads viscerally into the ultimate tragedy of the piece.In this brand new interview, James McArdle reflects on his numerous successes at the National Theatre and why it feels so fitting returning to the Olivier stage after a few years away. Indeed his last National Theatre project saw him taking on the title role in Peter Gynt, a thrilling update on Ibsen's original text where audiences saw James lead a 4 hour show with immense energy. Throughout our conversation, he also pays homage to Jonathan Kent who he describes as mentor who has helped shape him into the actor he is today. In our interview, we also touched on his critically acclaimed performances in Angels in America, Platonov and The Tragedy of Macbeth at the Almeida where he shares insights into his working relationship with Saoirse Ronan and also fight director Kate Waters who he reunited with on Bacchae. It's a fascinating conversation with one of the most exciting actors on stage and screen working today and it seems there's still more that we can look forward to.Bacchae runs in the Olivier Theatre, National Theatre until Saturday 1st November 2025.Support the show
Send us a textWhen Jasper Talbot graduated from RADA last year, he was quickly whisked off to Chichester to play Mick Jagger in Chichester Festival Theatre's production of Redlands. Now, he is starring opposite Rosamund Pike in the five-star rated production of Inter Alia at the National Theatre. In the show, he plays Henry, Judge Phillips' awkward yet relatable teenage son. The show has been described as a companion piece to Suzie Miller's Prima Facie which won Oliviers for Best Play and Best Actress for Jodie Comer. Inter Alia can be seen as an evolution of Suzie Miller's writing with the introduction of more characters and the reunites much of the team from Prima Facie.In this brand new interview, Jasper Talbot reflects on the last year and opens up about the challenges of being an emerging young actor. He talks to us about graduating RADA where he made lifelong friends with many of his cohort and entering an industry that is often full of uncertainty. He shares with us some key memories along the way that has kept excited about his career ahead as Inter Alia continues performances at the Lyttleton Theatre, something he describes as a big tick for him too. Throughout our conversation, Jasper remains candid about his experiences as a young actor still finding his way, learning from actors in rehearsals and in workshops. It'll be interesting to see what he does next as he cements his status as rising star to watch on stage.Inter Alia is playing at the Lyttleton Theatre, National Theatre until 13th September. The play will also be broadcast to UK cinemas on NT Live from 4 September and worldwide from 25th SeptemberSupport the show
We checked in with Emma De Souza, executive director of audience and commercial at Society of London Theatre and the mastermind behind the long-running audience development initiative, Kids Week. The scheme provides free theatre tickets for youngsters accompanying paying adult punters – a huge move in order to encourage the audiences of the future into the West End and beyond.Decades on from its launch, De Souza reflects on where Kids Week went so right, and why we live in unprecedented times for theatre audiences – and those who may one day build a lifelong love for all things stage. If you want to know more about how you can benefit from Kids Week, it runs until the end of August – so plenty of time to participate! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Journalist and editor Marianka Swain returns to co-host The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Marianka discuss the West End transfer of Stereophonic (Duke of York's Theatre) as well as the latest news about the new Encores season including Billy Porter in La Cage aux Folles, new plays at the King's Head Theatre, Olly Alexander being cast in The Importance of Being Earnest and lots more.Marianka is a London-based journalist and editor, writing culture articles, reviews and general features for the Telegraph newspaper and for London Theatre. This is her sixth time co-hosting The West End Frame Show! Visit Marianka's website: www.mkmswain.comThis podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jessica Daley (Evita / I Should Be So Lucky) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Jessica discuss the latest news about Jessie J turning down the role of Sally Bowles, Remember Monday, casting for Here and Now, Rob Houchen and Anna Jane Casey doing Sweeney Todd and lots more.They also talk about the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre's report with analysis on the current state of theatre in the UK.Fifteen years ago, Jessica was a finalist on Over The Rainbow, BBC1's search for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her theatre credits include: Ali in Mamma Mia! (West End), Maria in The Sound of Music (UK Tour), cover Fantine in Les Miserables (International Tour), Frenchy in Grease (Dubai), Lynette in An Officer and a Gentleman (Curve Leicester), Eva Person in Evita (International Tour), Billy's Mum in Billy Elliot (Leicester Curve) and Betty Haynes in White Christmas (UK Tour)More recently Jessica was in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium covering the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, she toured as Britney in I Should Be So Lucky and played Daisy in Lady Be Good in Sicily. She's also a podcaster in her won right, having hosted Park & Bark which is available wherever you get your podcasts.Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessicacaca7This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In a bonus episode, editor-in-chief Alex Wood chinwags his way around the Olivier Awards winners' room discussing the state of London theatre, new writing and emerging talent – featuring chats with the creators of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the team behind the record-breaking Fiddler on the Roof and the three Olivier Award-winning creatives in Giant – John Lithgow, Elliot Levey and Mark Rosenblatt. As subsidised venues reduce their programming output, what does the future of British theatre look like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 2025 Olivier Awards are less than a week away, and will once again celebrate an extraordinary year of achievement in West End and London Theatre.In today's video, Mickey-Jo and his stagey fiancé Aeron James are predicting which shows, performers and creatives will win and should win in a year that included the likes of OLIVER!, HELLO DOLLY!, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, KYOTO, THE YEARS, GIANT, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF,, and more.Check out today's new video for their thoughts and make sure to comment down below with all of yours!•00:00 | introduction01:34 | new musical02:37 | new play04:52 | musical revival06:11 | play revival07:33 | entertainment or comedy10:19 | director 11:35 | choreographer13:15 | musical contribution14:40 | costume design17:16 | set design19:01 | lighting design20:34 | sound design21:54 | supporting actor in a play23:25 | supporting actress in a play24:53 | supporting actress in a musical27:32 | supporting actor in a musical29:11 | leading actress in a play30:19 | leading actor in a play33:05 | leading actor in a musical35:53 | leading actress in a musical•get tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club:https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 75,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
The nominations were recently announced for the 2025 Laurence Olivier Awards, celebrating the best of the last year of West End and London Theatre.This year saw nominations for musicals including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, OLIVER!, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON and NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 as well as plays such as KYOTO, THE YEARS, GIANT, OEDIPUS and THE FEAR OF 13.In this new video Mickey-Jo is talking through this year's snubs: the performers, creatives and productions we expected to be nominated... but weren't.Check out Mickey-Jo's thoughts and share your own in the comments!•00:00 | introduction03:16 | shows08:35 | designers15:26 | actors in plays19:22 | creatives23:45 | actors in musicals•get tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club:https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 75,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
Rachel Wagner and Jacklyn Collier analyze the 2025 Olivier Award Nominations, which recognize the best of London Theatre. They also run through the latest shows they have attended or watched in the last few weeks, including the most recent national tour of Les Miserables, The Book of Mormon, Beautiful, Prince of Egypt, English, Gypsy, and more. onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
One of this week's biggest London Theatre openings was a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL at the Barbican Centre, directed snd co-written by Thomas Ostermeier alongside Duncan Macmillan.The production's starry ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Tom Burke, Jason Watkins, Emma Corrin, Priyanga Burford, Zachary Hart, Paul Higgins, Tanya Reynolds, Paul Bazely, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.Check out this full review to find out how Mickey-Jo responded to this challenging, and provocative contemporary staging of the iconic play...•00:00 | introduction02:25 | synopsis / overview07:04 | this production12:16 | adaptation / direction17:13 | standout scenes22:43 | performances•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 75,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
On Tuesday 4th March at 12pm, the nominations for the 2025 Olivier Awards were announced, celebrating the best of the last year of London Theatre.The announcements were filled with plenty of surprises, from unexpected frontrunners to shocking omissions, and a few more reasons Mickey-Jo was taken aback.Check out this recap of the biggest surprises from the newly announced nominations and share your thoughts about them in the comments!•00:00 | introduction03:34 | Jamie Muscato - leading?!06:38 | 13 nominations for Fiddler09:25 | too many leading actors12:24 | The Years cast separated15:22 | Oedipus vs Oedipus17:41 | Why Am I So Single?19:50 | Shocking snubs 22:14 | Solo nominations for big shows24:10 | Underperforming revivals•get tickets to see MickeyJoTheatre LIVE at the Phoenix Arts Club:https://phoenixartsclub.com/events/mickeyjotheatre-live/About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 75,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
On Tuesday 4th March at 12pm, the nominations for the 2025 Olivier Awards will be announced, celebrating the best of the last year of London Theatre.In today's episode, Mickey-Jo and his stagey fiancé Aeron James are predicting which shows, performers and creatives might be nominated amidst a hugely busy year that included the likes of OLIVER!, HELLO DOLLY!, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, KYOTO, THE YEARS, GIANT, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, MEAN GIRLS, and more.Check out today's new episode for their thoughts and make sure to comment down below with all of yours!•00:00 | introduction04:26 | new musical07:12 | new play09:24 | musical revival10:54 | play revival12:53 | entertainment / comedy15:00 | leading actress (musical)18:57 | leading actor (musical)21:08 | leading actor (play)23:11 | leading actress (play)26:33 | supporting actress (musical)28:45 | supporting actor (musical)29:40 | supporting actress (play)31:49 | supporting actor (play)33:13 | musical contribution36:03 | theatre choreographer37:02 | director38:02 | set design38:31 | lighting design39:23 | sound design40:35 | costume design41:21 | final thoughts•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 70,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
After initially being announced for a 2024 premiere, it has finally been revealed that the stage adaptation of Suzanne Collins' THE HUNGER GAMES will arrive at a London Theatre in 2024.The exciting new production, written by Connor McPherson and directed by Matthew Dunster, will receive its world premiere at the purpose built Troubadour Theatre Canary Wharf in October.Check out today's theatre news recap for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on this exciting news and his reaction to a first glimpse from the show's workshop rehearsals...•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 70,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
In a new week of London Theatre openings, Jonathan Bailey is starring in a new production of William Shakespeare's RICHARD II at the Bridge Theatre.Check out this review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought of this production, Bailey's leading performance and the supporting cast.Don't forget to comment below with your thoughts on the play, and make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss upcoming reviews including more Shakespeare!•00:00 | introduction02:49 | overview / synopsis07:31 | Jonathan Bailey as Richard12:35 | supporting performances16:54 | creative choices•About Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 70,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
As part of their year in search, Google have exclusively shared with Mickey-Jo the top 10 most searched London Theatre tickets of 2024, with some surprising results! With new arrivals to the West End dominating the list, do you think film adaptations like Mean Girls and Mrs Doubtfire will have proved the most intriguing to audiences, or star casting in shows like The Devil Wears Prada and Romeo & Juliet? Find out in today's brand new episode where Mickey-Jo is revealing the top 10 most searched for shows! • 00:00 | introduction 01:57 | 10 03:46 | 9 05:51 | 8 07:37 | 7 09:19 | 6 11:16 | 5 12:59 | 4 14:40 | 3 16:46 | 2 18:40 | 1 • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: MickeyJoTheatre is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre
As Robert Icke tackles Oedipus and Alexander Zeldin reinterprets Antigone as The Other Place, Alex and Sarah talk about the ways Greek tragedies speak to our modern age - and why great actors such as Mark Strong, Lesley Manville, Emma D'Arcy and Tobias Menzies are signing up to star. Plus: And what does it all have to do with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis' new musical? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kyle Birch (A Strange Loop / I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Kyle and Andrew discuss Title Of Show (Phoenix Arts Club) as well as the latest news about The Society of London Theatre's “Theatre for Every Child" campaign, casting for the Les Misérables arena tour, James Corden delaying a performance of The Constituent to watch England's penalties and lots more. Kyle is currently playing Brenda Dee Cankles & others in I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire at the Southwark Playhouse (Borough, The Little). Written by Samantha Hurley, the show is described as a sharp new comedy that reminds us that with great obsession comes great heartache.Last year Kyle was in the UK premiere of A Strange Loop. Direct from Broadway, Kyle started out as the alternate for the central character, Usher, before taking over the role full-time to huge acclaim for the final months of its run at the Barbican Centre. Some of Kyle's other theatre credits include The Color Purple (UK Tour), Bat Boy (London Palladium), Children Of Eden (Cadogan Hall) and various iterations of In Pieces. He starred as Agwe in the British Theatre Academy's production of Once On This Island (Southwark Playhouse). I'm Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire runs at the Southwark Playhouse (Borough, The Little) until 10th August. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for info and tickets.Follow Kyle on Instagram: @kbirch27 Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
Alex has been singing along to Taylor Swift and Sarah has been on a musical theatre adventure with London Theatre at Sea. Which got us thinking about the power of song and how it makes people feel. Why does that make musicals such a potent force and are our emotions being played on - with special reference to Ghost Quartet, Dear Evan Hansen and Next to Normal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a festive cutdown taken from our Theatre podcast. Hear Nancy and the Nick's reveal some of their top West End shows from 2023 and what they're looking forward to in 2024. To hear the full episode hit this link: lnk.to/zHhmCdMerry Christmas, and have a happy New Year, with only the best kind of drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Indulge us please, as we look back at a year of amazing London theatre. From Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard to Andrew Scott in Vanya, plus Guys & Dolls and Crazy for You. And of course, Joseph Fiennes in Dear England, as well as The Motive and the Cue, A Streetcar Named Desire...just to name a few.Plus, we talk about the West End shows arriving in 2024, that we are very excited about, including Plaza Suite with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, and Charlie Josephine's Cowbois.Many of the stars mentioned in this episode have appeared on the podcast this year, so make sure you head to our archive to listen back.We'll see you on January 7th! Merry Christmas, and have a happy New Year, with only the best kind of drama.Get in touch with us at theatrepod@standard.co.uk For all the latest news go to standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joining Jill and Doron on the fifth episode of the podcast, to tell us his story, is a contemporary of ours, West End musical theater producer Kenny Wax, who was a pupil at Carmel from 1983 to 1984. Kenny Wax has been working in the West End since 1989, first as an usher, then as a flyman, a box office clerk, follow spot operator and on-stage crew before becoming a producer. Most recently, he is honoured to have completed a six-year term, initially as President and then as Vice President of the Society of London Theatre – the trade organisation for the West End Theatre industry. Over the Christmas season of 2023, as a Producer, he will have four productions running concurrently in the West End, with four shows touring the UK, productions on Norwegian Cruise Lines and Virgin Voyages, as well as five shows running in North America and one show on Broadway (the musical ‘Six', which happens to be a favorite of Doron's wife). Kenny was a pupil at Carmel from 1983 to 1985. Hear Kenny tell us about moving from a Manchester grammar school to a school with girls and football, how his time on HMS Pinafore launched him on a course headed for the stage, unrequited love, and what he owes to Sir Cameron MackIntosh. Thank you, Kenny, for turning us again to Carmel days! Personal mentions in this episode: Jeremy Rosen (Headmaster) Philip Skelker (Headmaster) David Jones (Coach) Yoel Silver (Housemaster) Moshe Miller (Jewish Studies) Ronny Greenberg (Jewish Studies) Allan Hodge (Politics) Freddy Zartz (History) Jonathan Dwek Jeremy Solomon Paul Goldin Albert Corin Marcus Flacks Richard Harris Marc Katz Emma Katz Andrea Frankenthal Sean Casper Feel free to leave a comment letting us know what you liked about this episode. To tell us your story, email us at doronjunger@yahoo.com/jill@jilkenton.co.uk
Today's episode is all about the complexity of hair, from two very different angles. The first segment of the show is going to be a conversation with Theatre Peckham CEO and Artistic Director Suzann McLean about her new all-black cast production of the classic European fairytale Rapunzel – a story about a young girl trapped in a tower in the woods with her only means of possible escape being her extremely long hair. The second segment sees me with my friend and collaborator Winnie Awa of The Hair Lab podcast discussing how our first event, HAIR TALKS went. Thanks as always for listening – it means the world, and if you enjoyed do please rate the show on Spotify and review on Apple Podcasts or anywhere else you like to listen. Also be sure to check out my tiktok @charissekenion and sign up for my newsletter for free at beautymenotes.substack.com. See you next time. Information and tickets for Rapunzel at Theatre Peckham: https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/rapunzel/ BeautyMe on X: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion BeautyMe on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beautyme/message
Let's do the Time Warp... it's the Rocky Horror episode!Though many people have seen the cult classic film, few people know about its origins in a 63 seat London theatre. In this episode, we : delve into the creative team and cast responsible for its deviant mayhem, sharing their back stories and how they all converged in time and place in early '70s London,take a trip back in time to its first performance,follow the Rocky Horror road to Hollywood, pinpoint when this movie became a new creation based on a fan-conceived and fan-scripted interactive experience,consider Rocky Horror Picture Show as a cosplay pioneer, andmark its legacy as young adult rite of passage, opening up ideas about identity, gender, and sexuality.For some, Rocky Horror was a fun and raucous night out, for others, it provided a safe and dependable community for creativity and a sense of belonging. Come along for the ride!And come over to our SHOW NOTES for such fun bonus content! You'll find:rare photos from its original London run (spoiler: Tim Curry as a blonde?), a ticket to a performance 2 weeks into its initial run (costing 80 p - oh, the longing), original program, a link to the full original script, articles, and interviews,and this episode's drink recipe, the "Hot-Pa-Toddy, Bless My Soul."
Earlier this year, the Mind Tools and Emotion at Work teams ran a fringe event at the CIPD Festival of Work. At the event, we asked participants for their ‘Hot Takes': something that's a little bit provocative - but might actually be true. This week, in a special crossover episode, The Mind Tools L&D Podcast team are joined by Phil and Lizzi from Emotion at Work to reveal the winner: Most employees aren't actually that interested in L&D. We discuss: the extent to which we think this ‘Hot Take' is true the importance of development to employees vs ‘learning and development' as a function what L&D teams can do to market and promote themselves. During the discussion, Phil referenced the Kirkpatrick Model of evaluation. Ross referenced the work of Shannon Tipton to help L&D teams develop a brand. In ‘What I Learned This Week', Nahdia referenced the Edelman Trust Barometer and British Social Attitude Survey. Phil referenced Kids Week at the London Theatre. For more from Emotion at Work, including their podcast where you can find their own crossover episode, visit: emotionatwork.co.uk For more from us, including access to our back catalogue of podcasts, visit mindtoolsbusiness.com. There, you'll also find details of our award-winning performance support toolkit, our off-the-shelf e-learning, and our custom work. You can also contact rgarner@mindtools.com. Connect with our speakers If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with our speakers: Ross Garner Nahdia Khan Phil Willcox Lizzi Philokyprou
Get ready for an exciting episode of our podcast, where Natalie and Darren dive into the world of theatre. First up is the innovative play Spy for Spy at Riverside Studios, starring Olive Gray and Amy Lennox. This unique production allows the audience to choose the order of the scenes, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. Natalie and Darren explore the thrilling aspects of this show and delve into the impact of audience participation on the storytelling.In an exclusive interview, Darren sits down with Kirk Jameson, the director of Song From Far Away. They delve into the captivating world of this emotionally charged production, exploring the intricacies of the storytelling and the profound impact it has on the audience. With a keen focus on Will Young's exceptional performance, Darren and Kirk discuss the nuanced portrayal and the powerful connection he establishes with the audience. From the compelling musical moments to the raw and authentic exploration of grief and longing, they provide a deep dive into the artistic choices and the transformative nature of this extraordinary show. Join Natalie and Darren as they unravel the layers of Song From Far Away and uncover the beauty and resonance it brings to the stage.Lastly, Natalie and Darren immerse themselves in the compelling world of Isley Lynn's The Swell at the intimate Orange Tree Theatre. This thought-provoking play takes centre stage with its exploration of complex themes and captivating narratives. Featuring a stellar all-female cast, including the talented Sophie Ward, Jessica Clark, Ruby Crepin-Glyne, Shuna Snow, Viss Elliot Safavi, and Saroja-Lily Ratnavel, the production shines a light on the power of diverse storytelling. Natalie and Darren delve into the impact of the performances, praising the exceptional talent and chemistry displayed by the cast. They discuss how the portrayal of these diverse and dynamic characters adds depth and authenticity to the production, highlighting the importance of representation on stage. Together, they celebrate the significance of The Swell in challenging societal norms and fostering a more inclusive and vibrant theatre landscape.Join Natalie and Darren as they explore these intriguing productions, share insightful discussions, and provide a front-row seat to the vibrant world of theatre.
My guest this week is author Deborah Phillips whose new book is titled: AND THIS IS MY FRIEND SANDY — SANDY WILSON'S THE BOY FRIEND, LONDON THEATRE AND GAY CULTURE. Sandy Wilson's The Boyfriend — for which he wrote the book, music, & lyrics — is one of the most successful British musicals of all time. It emerged in 1952 out of London's secretive but vibrant gay theatrical subculture, at a time when you could be sent to prison for being homosexual. By the following year both The Boyfriend and Sandy Wilson were the toast of London's West End, and created nearly as much excitement as Queen Elizabeth's coronation that same year. That original West End production ran for five years. Meanwhile, a hit American version of The Boyfriend opened on Broadway in 1954 and made a star out of Julie Andrews. The show was revived on Broadway in 1970 and made a star of Sandy Duncan, and two years later an ill-conceived film version was released, starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune and directed by Ken Russell. Despite all of this, prior to this book, very little has been written about Sandy Wilson. Deborah Phillips, who is Professor of Literature and Cultural History at the University of Brighton, is the first researcher to delve into Wilson's extensive archives out of which she has created an captivating portrait of Wilson as a both a key figure in post-war British theatre and the era's gay culture. This book and interview introduced me to a number of fascinating subjects I had never encountered before including the hilarious BBC radio series, Round The Horne, that inspired the book's title; the history of London's Players Theatre; and the secret gay language, Polari. Exploring all that sent me into several amazing internet rabbit holes and I will be posting articles and video clips that I found there in the Broadway Nation FaceBook Group. This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of Broadway Nation Patron Club members Anne Welsh, Chris Moad, and Bob Braun. If you are a fan ofBroadway Nation, I invite you too to become a PATRON! For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussion that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. And you will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Samira Ahmed speaks to Academy Award-nominated actor Jude Law. They speak about his life and career, skipping school to go to the cinema in London as a teenager, his foray into acting, and the wide range of characters he's covered in his career, from Dr. John Watson to the Pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices