Podcasts about Menier Chocolate Factory

Fresh from her run in The Almeida's Rhinoceros, singer, composer, writer and actor Anoushka Lucas is back on stage in a revival of her one-way play Elephant. She chats to Hannah about why going back to it is a bit like reading an old diary, having a spectacularly successful side hustle and living in Russia. Tickets to Elephant at London's Menier Chocolate Factory can be bought here: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/elephant/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textOver a long career in musical theatre, Matthew Seadon-Young has performed in some of the most acclaimed productions in recent history including Marianne Elliott's gender-swapped 'Company' and Jamie Lloyd's hit production of 'Urinetown'. His latest venture sees him playing con-man Gordy in the UK premiere of 'Shucked' at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. In our interview, Matthew shares with us his excitement at making his Regent's Park debut and at the start of Drew McOnie's tenure as Artistic Director. 'Shucked' was a huge success on Broadway and audiences are eagerly anticipating the transfer of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally's joyful musical.  Jack O'Brien also makes his directorial debut at Regent's Park, and we hear Matthew talk about how the show has been adapted for the great outdoors.In this new interview with Matthew Seadon-Young, he shares his insight into the craft of carving out a career in musical theatre. Indeed since leaving Mountview, he's been seen in 'Les Miserables' and 'Billy Elliot' on the West End, 'Rockets and Blue Light' at the National Theatre and Manchester Royal Exchange as well as more recently 'The Baker's Wife' at the Menier Chocolate Factory. As an ever-evolving creative, it's been great seeing how he's continued to prove how versatile a performer he is. It will be interesting to see what productions he finds himself attached to in the future, but it seems certain that he will continue expanding his CV with new shows and revivals. As 'Shucked' prepares to open, Matthew sounds like he is in a good place and excited to keep finding new challenges.Shucked runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre from 10th May - 14 June.Support the show

Send us a textShortly after finishing her final show at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Imogen Elliott delivered a Stage Debut Award nominated performance as Sally Middleton in The Voice of the Turtle at Jermyn Street Theatre. She is now on tour with Belinda Lang and Honeysuckle Weeks in Anne Marie Casey's adaptation of Little Women. In the short time since she graduated, Imogen Elliott has garnered glowing reviews for her strong stage presence and continues to impress audiences with her remarkable charm and talent. Later this summer, she'll also be playing Phoebe in As You Like It at Theatre Royal,as part of Ralph Fiennes' season at Theatre Royal, Bath.In this exclusive interview with Imogen Elliott, we talked about her experience training alongside a dazzling year group of actors at Guildhall to making her professional debut last year. Indeed, many of her classmates have since made their professional debuts in acclaimed productions at the likes of the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe, Menier Chocolate Factory. For Imogen, she feels humbled and grateful to have been able to work with so many brilliant talents and says she still feels inspired by the people she's gotten to be surrounded by. In our interview, we hear how she's connected with characters like Amy March and Sally Middleton, and share her love for Shakespeare as she gets ready for As You Like It. There's an incredible sense of wisdom and humility in the way she talks about her experiences so far and we look forward to seeing what she does next.Support the show

Send us a textIn her decades spanning career, Cassidy Janson has lit up all corners of the London theatre scene. From the Landor Theatre to the Menier Chocolate Factory to understudying Elphaba in Wicked to winning an Olivier for her role as Anne Hathaway in & Juliet, Cassidy Janson is a definitive West End leading lady. Having performed in concerts for some 10 years, she has established herself as a singer and songwriter as well as a bona fide West End star. Her most recent credits include Jerry's Girls, Florence in Chess and Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Ahead of her special concert at the Vaudeville Theatre as part of the Westway Sessions, Cassidy Janson sat down to talk about her love for gigging and how a meeting with a jive band led to her performing all around the world, introducing her to new audiences everywhere. In our conversation, Cassidy looks back at milestone moments like taking over the lead role in Beautiful and also originating parts in shows like & Juliet and Lend Me a Tenor. She looks back at her time in off-West End hits like Dessa Rose fondly and we hear her thoughts on how the industry has changed over the years as well as whether or not audience etiquette has gotten worse too. It's a fascinating exchange and we look forward to what Cassidy Janson has to offer in the next few decades of her career.Support the show

Earlier this month, the hit Off-Broadway comedy Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors, opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.Mickey-Jo first saw the show at New World Stages in New York, and was intrigued to pay a return visit.Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought!•00:00 | introduction02:24 | synopsis / overview08:25 | changes / comedy13:32 | 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

Jeffrey Holland is probably best known for playing Spike in Hi-De-Hi!, also the stuffy footman James Twelvetrees in You Rang M'Lord? and as Mr. Parkin the Stationmaster in Oh, Dr. Beeching! His first TV role was in an episode of Dixon of Dock Green and his television work includes such shows as It Ain't Half Hot, Mum, Are You Being Served?, Dad's Army, The Mayor of Casterbridge and Russ Abbot's Madhouse. He was in “Talent” written and directed by Victoria Wood at The Menier Chocolate Factory in London and more recently he toured the UK in “Waiting for God” and was in “Brassed Off” at the Wolverhampton Grand. His one-man show, “…and this is my friend Mr Laurel”, a play about legendary film comedian Stan Laurel, has sold out all over the UK. Now Jeffrey has written a memoir, The First Rule of Comedy which is out now and available here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Rule-Comedy-Memories-Moments/dp/1803996390Jeffrey Holland is our guest in episode 464 of My Time Capsule and chats to Michael Fenton Stevens about the five things he'd like to put in a time capsule; four he'd like to preserve and one he'd like to bury and never have to think about again .Buy Jeffrey's memoir, The First Rule of Comedy, here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Rule-Comedy-Memories-Moments/dp/1803996390Follow Jeffrey Holland on X: @JeffHolland07Follow My Time Capsule on Instagram: @mytimecapsulepodcast & Twitter & Facebook: @MyTCpod .Follow Michael Fenton Stevens on Twitter: @fentonstevens & Instagram @mikefentonstevens .Produced and edited by John Fenton-Stevens for Cast Off Productions .Music by Pass The Peas Music .Artwork by matthewboxall.com .This podcast is proud to be associated with the charity Viva! Providing theatrical opportunities for hundreds of young people . Get bonus episodes and ad-free listening by becoming a team member with Acast+! Your support will help us to keep making My Time Capsule. Join our team now! https://plus.acast.com/s/mytimecapsule. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Careyand special guestDavid Dorfman.In this episode of"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey interviewsDavid Dorfman, the Artistic Director of the David Dorfman Dance Company. They discuss David's journey into dance, his influences, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. David shares insights into his teaching philosophy, the importance of improvisation, and the collaborative nature of dance. He emphasizes the significance of presence in performance and the joy of mentorship in his role as a professor at Connecticut College. In this engaging conversation, David Dorfman shares his insights on the art of partner dancing, the themes of surrender and connection in his work, and the intersection of dance and war. He discusses the transformative power of dance, the importance of legacy, and how revisiting old works can be a journey through time. Dorfman emphasizes the role of dance in healing and connection, advocating for a world where everyone dances as a path to peace.Upcoming performance: Downtown to Uptown, Past to Forward.David Dorfman is the Artistic Director and Founder of David Dorfman Dance (1987), has been Professor of Dance at Connecticut College since 2004. Dorfman received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2005 to continue his research and choreography in the topics of power and powerlessness, including activism, dissidence, and underground movements. DD has been honored with four fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, three New York Foundation for the Arts fellowships, an American Choreographer's Award, the first Paul Taylor Fellowship from The Yard, and a New York Dance & Performance “Bessie” Award.David was a 2019 United States Artists Fellow in Dance. His work has been commissioned widely in the U.S. and in Europe, by Dancing Wheels (Cleveland), AXIS Dance Company (Oakland), and Bedlam Dance Company (London). His forays into theater include choreography for the Tony Award-winning play,Indecent, by Paula Vogel and Rebecca Taichman, for which DD received a Lucille Lortel Award and Chita Rivera Nomination for best choreography for the play's Off-Broadway run. David traveled to London in March 2020 to set choreography forIndecent's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory. In addition, David has contributed his choreography for the upcomingWhisper House, a new musical by Duncan Sheik and Kyle Jarrow, Ibsen'sAn Enemy of the People at Yale Rep;Our Town, a co-production of Deaf West and Pasadena Playhouse;Assassins at Yale Rep; and the original musicalGreen Violin at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia, for which he won a 2003 Barrymore Award for best choreography. Dorfman tours an evening of solos and duets,Live Sax Acts, with dear friend and collaborator Dan Froot, most recently in New York City and at the Harare International Festival of the Arts in Zimbabwe.  As a performer, he toured internationally with Kei Takei's Moving Earth and Susan Marshall & Co.DD hails from Chicago and holds a BS in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis (1977). He appeared on several episodes of A Chance to Dance, a reality show on OvationTV starring Dorfman's pals, the BalletBoyz .DD continually thanks Martha Myers and the late Daniel Nagrin, for being his dance mom and dad; his late parents, Oscar and Jeanette, for inspiring him to dance to heal and instilling the importance of a good joke; and his in-house “family project”, Lisa and Samson, for sharing with him the practice of unconditional love.Info About Upcoming Performanceshttps://www.daviddorfmandance.org/calendar“Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Careywherever you listen to your podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Joanne on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance Tune in. Follow. Like us. And Share. Please leave a review! “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey"Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."

Nancy's back! Former co-host of the WhatsOnStage Podcast's predecessor As An Actress Said to the Critic returns to talk adapting and starring in the critically acclaimed new staging of The Cabinet Minister at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and a plethora of exciting upcoming projects - including a very exciting Hamlet at the RSC… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elena Skye is playing Janis in the West End production of Mean Girls.Having premiered on Broadway in 2018, Mean Girls opened in London earlier this year. Tina Fey adapted the show from her 2004 film, collaborating with Jeff Richmond who composed the music and Nell Benjamin who wrote the lyrics. The show is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Elena made her professional debut as Lauren in the West End production of Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) and went on to play Éponine in the West End production of Les Misérables (Queen's Theatre).Elena starred as Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, initially on tour before transferring with the show into the West End for a run at the London Coliseum. Last year Elena originated the role of Twiggy in Close Up: The Twiggy Musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory. In this episode, Elena discusses all things Mean Girls, including auditioning for the show, why she wanted to play Janis and how she got to grips with her song "I'd Rather Be Me". Elena also discusses her path into theatre, the hardest role she has played and what she's learnt along the way.Mean Girls is booking at the Savoy Theatre until 6th April 2025. Visit www.london.meangirlsmusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

Katie Bernstein returns to co-host The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Katie talk about the sad loss of Dame Maggie Smith, Gavin Creel and Ken Page. They also discuss Buyer and Cellar (King's Head Theatre), Cake (The Other Palace) and A Chorus Line (Wycombe Swan Theatre, UK Tour) as well as the latest news about Operation Mincemeat, West End Musical Halloween, Hadestown, Choir Of Man and lots more. Katie was most recently in Power of Sail and Habeas Corpus, both at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Her West End credits include The Man in the White Suit, The Play That Goes Wrong, Mrs Henderson Presents and Urinetown. Katie was in Allegro at the Southwark Playhouse and the 2013 concert tour of Rent.  She also works extensively on screen. Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiebernsteinukHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.   

Kayleigh McKnight (Six / Hugh Jackman's Arena Tour) returns to co-host The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Kayleigh discuss Next To Normal (Wyndham's Theatre) as well as the latest theatre news about The Producers at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Ragtime at New York City Center, Ghost The Musical's tour casting and lots more. Some of Kayleigh's theatre credits include Bend It Like Beckam, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tina, Heathers, Lift and Mandela. She most recently starred as Jane Seymour in the West End production of Six The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre. In 2019, Kayleigh was a vocalist in Hugh Jackman's world arena tour The Man The Music The Show. Kayleigh is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and releases music as "KAELI". This is her third time co-hosting The West End Frame Show, having previously featured in January 2020 and July 2021. Follow Kayleigh on Instagram: @ohhkaeli Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.   Creative RiskArtists and creatives, GET RISKY! Candid convos, expert interviews & actionable advice.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Olivier nominee Josefina Gabrielle is playing Denise in the London revival of The Baker's Wife.Featuring the iconic song 'Meadowlark', The Baker's Wife is written by Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein. The show first ran in the West End in 1989 and is being revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory directed by Gordon Greenberg.Josefina received her first Olivier Award nomination for her performance as Laurey in Oklahoma! at the National Theatre, a role she later reprised on Broadway. Josefina has been nominated for two further Olivier Awards for her performances in Sweet Charity and Merrily We Roll Along, both at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Josefina recently played Madame Thénardier in the West End production of Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre). Just a few of her further theatre credits include Chicago (Garrick, Cambridge, Adelphi & Pheonix), The Witches of Eastwick (Prince of Wales), The 39 Steps (Criterion), Hello, Dolly! (Regent's Park Open Air), The King and I (UK Tour), Two Into One (Menier Chocolate Factory & Harold Pinter) and A Chorus Line (Sheffield Crucible).Recorded on the set of The Baker's Wife at the Menier Chocolate Factory, in this episode Josefina discusses what drew her to this production of The Baker's Wife and what happened when Stephen Schwartz visited rehearsals. She also reminisces about special moments of her career - such as Oklahoma!, Merrily We Roll Along and Les Misérables.The Baker's Wife runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 14th September. Visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

We review the hotly anticipated Broadway transfer of the latest revival of Hello Dolly, starring Imelda Staunton and Jenna Russell; Fuerza Bruta are back at the Round House with their new show Aven; And we went to see The Bakers Wife, the Stephen Schwartz musical, at The Menier Chocolate Factory, starring Lucy Jones and Clive Rowe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara Denning is currently starring as Anne in And Juliet. Following its triumphant West End run and ongoing Broadway engagement, And Juliet is touring the UK and Ireland for the first time. And Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Juliet's new story bursts to life through a playlist of iconic pop anthems by Max Martin. The show features hits such as  “…Baby One More Time,”  “Roar,” “Since U Been Gone,” “It's My Life,” “I Want It That Way,” and “Can't Stop the Feeling!”.Most recently Lara was the Standby Norma Desmond for Nicole Scherzinger and Rachel Tucker in Jamie Lloyd's revival of Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre).Some of Lara's other West End credits include: Doreen/Miss Elf in The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 (The Ambassadors & Menier Chocolate Factory), Louise/Eve in Ruthless The Musical (Arts Theatre) and Mrs Bucket in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). After understudying Miss Honey and Mrs Wormwood in Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), Lara went on to takeover both roles. Lara's other theatre credits include: Lex Logan in Eugenius! (Turbine Theatre), Aunt Fanny in The Famous Five (Theatre Clwyd & Chichester Festival Theatre), Mrs Mullin in Carousel (Kilworth House Theatre), Miss Hedge in Everybody's Talking About Jamie (UK Tour), Mrs Cratchit in Scrooge The Musical (Curve Leicester), The Rocky Horror Show (European Tour), Gotta Sing Gotta Dance (UK Tour), All The Fun Of The Fair (UK Tour) and Dirty Dancing In Concert (UK Tour). Recorded at And Juliet's rehearsal studio, in this episode Lara discusses all things And Juliet and Sunset Boulevard, as well as lots more along the way.And Juliet tours the UK & Ireland from 8th July until June 2025. Visit www.andjulietthemusical.co.uk for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

Over the last year. Joaquin Pedro Valdes has proved himself to be one of the most sought after West End performers. Last year, he starred in the sold out concerts of Death Note, made his Menier Chocolate Factory debut in the highly acclaimed revival of Pacific Overtures and is now about to return to the Menier for an eagerly anticipated revival of The Baker's Wife. Originally hailing from the Philippines, Joaquin takes time to talk to us about his move to London to make his career here after already establishing a successful career in his home country before joining the international tours of The Lion King and The King & I. Since arriving in London, he also starred in the premiere productions of Killing the Cat and Then, Now & Next and we can expect more exciting projects from Joaquin going forwards.In this special interview, Joaquin Pedro Valdes tells us about the journey he's made over the last few years and the joy he's found since arriving in London. He acknowledges the renowned talent that's based in the UK and the competition he's found himself facing whilst remaining inspired by his peers. He also pays tribute to his wife and his loved ones for continuing to support him in his career advancements. Now as he approaches the role of Dominique, Joaquin also tells us about his personal approach to tackling characters and why it feels like a masterclass working with this company at the Menier. Indeed, the show will see him starring opposite the likes of West End veterans: Clive Rowe, Josefina Gabrielle and Finty Williams. Composer Stephen Schwartz has also been in rehearsals to talk about the show and Joaquin shares his excitement at getting to continue working with so many great talents. It's a very candid interview too and we hear Joaquin speak openly with heartfelt candour throughout our conversation.The Baker's Wife runs at Menier Chocolate Factory from 6 July - 14 September.

We review two new musicals in this episode; Kiss Me Kate, starring Stephanie J Block and Adrian Dunbar which has just opened at The Barbican; and Jerry's Girls, the Jerry Herman musical revue, which is currently running at The Menier Chocolate Factory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As prescriptions for weight loss drugs in the UK increase, Woman's Hour explores how safe online prescriptions for things like Ozempic and Wegovy are. Fashion stylist Jeannie Annan Lewin tells us how she buys the drugs and how they have helped her. Anita Rani is joined by Alima Batchelor, from the Pharmacists Defence Association, and Professor James Kingsland, Chair of Digital Clinical Excellence. Cassidy Janson won an Olivier Award for her performance as Anne Hathaway in the musical & Juliet. She's also appeared in Wicked, Chess and in the role of Carole King in the West End production of Beautiful. Cassidy is now performing in Jerry's Girls at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London, which celebrates the life and legacy of the legendary award-winning Broadway composer Jerry Herman. Cassidy joins Anita and performs live.Yvette Fielding is best known for hosting the TV show Most Haunted, and for being the youngest ever presenter of Blue Peter. She was just 18 when she joined the iconic BBC children's show in 1987. Yvette joins Anita to talk about her memoir Scream Queen, which charts her journey from child actor to 'ghost hunter'. Today is a big day in the world of women's sport. The Netball Super League, the UK's elite level domestic competition, has relaunched and embarks on what it calls a "new era of transformational change". Anita is joined by Claire Nelson, Managing Director of the Netball Super League, and London Pulse CEO Sam Bird. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Emma Pearce

Olivier nominee Natalie Paris is currently starring as Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman The Musical.Following its hugely successful West End run, Pretty Woman is on its first UK & Ireland tour. The show is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams.  Natalie started her career as a child, playing Young Cosette in the Wets End production of Les Misérables and Louise in Sunday in the Park with George at the Menier Chocolate Factory and cast recording. She was also in the West End productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Billy Elliot.Natalie then spent time in the music world, performing countless gigs internationally. She returned to theatre as an adult and originated the role of Jane Seymour in Six The Musical. Natalie was with the show from its initial Arts Theatre performances in 2017 and recorded the cast album, including her iconic rendition of "Heart Of Stone" which has been streamed over 38 million times on Spotify. Natalie continued with Six through to its original UK tour, including a sell out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and West End run at the Arts, Lyric and Vaudeville theatres. She was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2019 for her performance in Six, alongside the original queens.After leaving the West End production at  the end of 2021, Natalie returned to Six the following year to reunite with the original cast for three special performances at Hampton Court Palace and to film the show in the West End. Last year Natalie once again returned to Six, this time touring the US in the first North American Tour.Some of her other theatre credits include: The Regulars (Hope Mill Theatre), Emojiland (Garrick Theatre) and No Limits (Turbine Theatre). In this episode Natalie discusses creating her signature Kit De Luca riff, the path she took after having West End success as a child and what her relationship is like now with "Heart Of Stone"... plus lots more!Pretty Woman tours the UK & Ireland until September 2024. Visit www.uk.prettywomanthemusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Past Present FeatureA filmmaker appreciation podcast hosted by Emmy-winning director...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Since her debut in Godspell on tour in 1994, Anna Francolini has cemented herself as one of the most respected actresses on the UK stage. In a remarkable career now spanning 3 decades, she has since earned a TMA Award for Best Actress for playing the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and worked on landmark productions of both plays and musicals. Some of her most notable credits include working on acclaimed productions of Stephen Sondheim's musicals such as Sam Mendes' Company, Michael Grandage's Merrily We Rolle Along, both at the Donmar Warehouse as well as Jamie Lloyd's Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory. She is now currently starring as Olivia in William Shakespeare's classic comedy Twelfth Night (Or What You Will), working opposite the likes of Julie Legrand and Richard Cant, under the direction of RSC Associate Artist Owen Horsley.In our interview, Anna Francolini talks candidly about the struggles of working in the theatre industry and tells us how grateful she is to be able to still find meaty roles 30 years since her debut. She tells us about her admiration for Shakespeare having previously worked on The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream to great acclaim although remains humble about her knowledge about approaching his work. We also hear her share her excitement at getting to play in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre for the first time and getting to share in the magic of outdoor theatre. Over her career, Anna has also gained considerable credits on screen too working on House of the Dragon, Vera and Roadkill just to name a few. Still, she remains committed to theatre and live audiences and we hope to see her continue to share her incredible theatrical talents for 30 more years.Twelfth Night runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 8th June with tickets available NOW!

Since her debut in Fiddler on the Roof, Molly Osborne has proven herself to be one of the most exciting actresses to hit the London theatre scene. Her latest role sees her playing Rosie in Stephen Unwin's Laughing Boy at Jermyn Street Theatre, based on Sara Ryan's true story of her search for justice after her son Connor died in care. Steven Unwin also directs this new show which will also include Janie Dee, Alfie Friedman and Forbes Mason in the cast. This will also the mark the first time Molly has starred in Jermyn Street Theatre having previously worked extensively at the Menier Chocoalate Factory as well as at Southwark Playhouse. Following the London run, the show will transfer to Theatre Royal, Bath where Molly will also be making her regional theatre debut.In this new interview, Molly Osborne talks us through her career to date. Most recently, she starred in a 5 star production of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button alongside Jamie Parker. The production is due to transfer to the Ambassadors Theatre later in the year and we hear Molly reflect on her earlier roles in Fiddler on the Roof and Indecent. In a career that's only spanned 5 years, Molly Osborne has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the theatre industry, taking on strong roles that she describes as inspiring to her, and helping forge a way for emerging talent too.Laughing Boy runs at Jermyn Street Theatre on 25 April - 31 May before transferring to Theatre Royal, Bath from 4 - 8 June.

You've seen Sharon Horgan's brilliant sitcom Pulling, right? If you haven't, please do go watch it immediately *waits impatiently, tapping foot* Okay! How good is Tanya Franks in it?!? SOOOO good. Which means you'll understand why our Hannah has been champing at the bit for nigh on a decade to get an interview in. And here she is: Tanya Franks chatting to Hannah about accents, marathons, free speech, her current role in Power of Sail at the Menier Chocolate Factory and, of course, the joy and chaos of Karen in Pulling.  Another brilliant woman? But of course – have two. It's been a while, but Liz Buckley, our resident font of all music knowledge, is back and she's explaining to Mick why we should all love Loretta Lynn. Lynn might not have called herself a feminist, deeming the label too exclusive, but sweet Lordy, she was a shot in the arm for women in the very male, very conservative world of country music.  Get your camel toe out for the lads! In Jenny Off the Blocks, Jen's looking at Nike's new Olympics wear for Team America (fuck yeah!). And in Rated or Dated, can a satire satirise something before it's even happened? Here's looking at you, 1999's Election. Power of Sail is at the Menier Chocolate Factory until May 12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carly Anderson / @anderson_carly recently starred as Polly in Crazy for You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London. Carly's stage credits include playing Polly in Crazy For You at Chichester Festival Theatre; Glinda in Wicked in the international tour; Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at the London Coliseum / ENO; Kira/Clio in Xanadu at Southwark Playhouse; Gwen in Sunny Afternoon at Hampstead Theatre and the Harold Pinter Theatre; Candide at the Menier Chocolate Factory; Avenue Q in Seoul; My Fair Lady at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre; South Pacific at the Barbican Theatre and on National tour; and The Sound of Music. Carly's TV credits include Traces (Alibi) and Trust Me (BBC). *2 week Broadway Fitness Program - No Cost/Commitment  www.builtforthestage.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carly Anderson / @anderson_carly recently starred as Polly in Crazy for You at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London. Carly's stage credits include playing Polly in Crazy For You at Chichester Festival Theatre; Glinda in Wicked in the international tour; Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at the London Coliseum / ENO; Kira/Clio in Xanadu at Southwark Playhouse; Gwen in Sunny Afternoon at Hampstead Theatre and the Harold Pinter Theatre; Candide at the Menier Chocolate Factory; Avenue Q in Seoul; My Fair Lady at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre; South Pacific at the Barbican Theatre and on National tour; and The Sound of Music. Carly's TV credits include Traces (Alibi) and Trust Me (BBC). *2 week Broadway Fitness Program - No Cost/Commitment  www.builtforthestage.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our 100th episode of the podcast we start 2024 by reviewing a new production of Sondheim's Pacific Overtures at The Menier Chocolate Factory, and a new Ballet production based on Federico Fellini's 1954 film La Strada, produced by and staring Alina Cojocaru at Sadlers Welles. -Opening/Closing Music: Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyonis: licensed under a CC Attribution License Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Woodward / @thejoannawoodward is currently starring as Clare in the West End production of “The Time Traveler's Wife” and was seen before on the West End in Pretty Woman.  Joanna is an internationally renowned singer, actress, and burlesque dancer with multiple performances in theatres and cabaret clubs all around the world. She grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset.  Training: She received training in Acting and Musical Theatre at the Central School of Speech and Drama and achieved a BA Honours Degree. Theatre: Joanna has numerous stage credits that show her skills wonderfully. The roles she has played include Princess Atlanta in The Adventures of Jason and the Argonauts at Scoop Amphitheatre; Glauke in Medea; Kimberley in Pages: Promised Land at the Union Theatre; Princess in Sleeping Beauty, and Puss in Boots at the Newbury Corn Exchange; Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Kilworth House Theatre; Tinker Bell in Lost Boy at the Charing Cross Theatre and Finborough Theatre; Mary in The Life at the Southwark Playhouse; Emily in Zombies: The Musical and Eulpha Miziam in Confessions at The Other Palace. She understudied Beth/Meg/KT in Merrily We Roll Along at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Menier Chocolate Factory. She understudied and played Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. *Free Broadway Fitness Program: www.builtforthestage.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joanna Woodward / @thejoannawoodward is currently starring as Clare in the West End production of “The Time Traveler's Wife” and was seen before on the West End in Pretty Woman.  Joanna is an internationally renowned singer, actress, and burlesque dancer with multiple performances in theatres and cabaret clubs all around the world. She grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset.  Training: She received training in Acting and Musical Theatre at the Central School of Speech and Drama and achieved a BA Honours Degree. Theatre: Joanna has numerous stage credits that show her skills wonderfully. The roles she has played include Princess Atlanta in The Adventures of Jason and the Argonauts at Scoop Amphitheatre; Glauke in Medea; Kimberley in Pages: Promised Land at the Union Theatre; Princess in Sleeping Beauty, and Puss in Boots at the Newbury Corn Exchange; Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at the Kilworth House Theatre; Tinker Bell in Lost Boy at the Charing Cross Theatre and Finborough Theatre; Mary in The Life at the Southwark Playhouse; Emily in Zombies: The Musical and Eulpha Miziam in Confessions at The Other Palace. She understudied Beth/Meg/KT in Merrily We Roll Along at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Menier Chocolate Factory. She understudied and played Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. *Free Broadway Fitness Program: www.builtforthestage.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olivier Award winner Elliot Levey was last at the Almeida for Nine Lessons and Carols, and before that in Three Sisters. Now, he has returned to London's top producing house in Cold War: Conor McPherson's adaptation of Pawel Pawlikowski's Oscar-nominated film. Over the course of his career, Elliot has established himself as one of the most recognised actors in British theatre. As Kaczmarek, he helps set up the story of Cold War, setting out the importance of traditional folk music in post-war Poland. Indeed, music plays a very important role in the story of Cold War and audiences are treated to a luscious score by Elvis Costello in this exciting London premiere.In this brand new interview, Elliot Levey opens up about his career working with the likes of Rupert Goold and Elvis Costello, but he also talks about working with Mike Bartlett on Snowflake and his experience of working on unsuccessful pieces like Take Flight at the Menier Chocolate Factory. He tells us about his love for telling compelling stories and seeing audiences moved after a performance. With one of the most familiar faces on stage and screen, he remains constantly excited by new collaboration opportunities having worked with directors such as Stephen Frears, Rebecca Frecknall and even Madonna. Naturally a curious thinker, audiences continue to be delighted by his performances and it's likely we'll have more intriguing performances from him to look forward to.Cold War runs at the Almeida Theatre until Saturday 27th January 2024.

Joaquin Pedro Valdes is currently playing John Manjiro in Pacific Overtures at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's musical hasn't been seen in London since 2014.  Matthew White directs this revival which is a co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater in Japan, where it has already been a huge success in Tokyo and Osaka. Joaquin began his career in The Philippines, originally working in theatre as a child before becoming a member of the boyband 17:28. Some of his credits in Manila include: Jamie in The Last Five Years, standby Charlie Price in Kinky Boots and Mr Wormwood in Matilda. Joaquin moved to the UK in 2017 when he was cast in Miss Saigon (UK & International Tour), covering the Engineer and Thuy.  His credits also include: understudy Lun Tha & Kralahome in The King and I (UK / International Tour), John Safford Fiske in Fanny & Stella (Garden Theatre), Ram Sweeney in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Rooh inVanara The Musical (Hackney Empire) and understudy Simba in The Lion King (UK & Ireland Tour). Joaquin has had a whirlwind year; he appeared in two brand new musicals Killing The Cat (Riverside Studios) and Then Now & Next (Southwark Playhouse). He then starred as Light Yagami in the English-language premiere of Death Note which had a limited semi-staged run at the London Palladium and Lyric Theatre.Recorded at the Menier, in this episode Joaquin discusses all-things Pacific Overtures as well as his busy year and the incredible response to Death Note, plus lots more. Pacific Overtures runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 24th February 2024. Visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

In the latest MUSICALS podcast EDWARD SECKERSON talks to playwright and book writer JOHN WEIDMAN who collaborated with the late, great Stephen Sondheim on three of his shows - Pacific Overtures, Assassins, and Road Show - and was in London for a long-awaited revival of the first of them. Chatting in the bar of the Menier Chocolate Factory the morning after the first preview he reminisces about an extraordinary working relationship where making good theatre was always front and centre of their objectives.  

Since her breakthrough in Mamma Mia! in the West End, Kelly Price has become one of the most respected leading ladies on the West End and UK stages. Most recently, Kelly Price has led key revivals of Stephen Sondheim's Passion and played Lady Bellaston in Leeds Playhouse's production of What's New, Pussycat?  Now, she is preparing to play Lady Dant and Madame Colbert in the London premiere of Flowers For Mrs Harris. After the original production won rave reviews from critics and audiences alike in Sheffield and Chichester, musical theatre fans are eager to see the acclaimed British musical arrive at the Riverside Studios.In our interview with Kelly Price, we hear her talk about her excitement at the recent flurry of new British musicals being produced on our shores. Having established herself as one of the most versatile performers, Kelly tells us about the challenges of learning the material for Flowers For Mrs Harris but also how rewarding it feels to work on such a detailed piece of musical theatre. Last year, audiences also saw her return to the Menier Chocolate Factory for The Sex Party, a controversial new play by Terry Johnson and we hear Kelly reflect upon her experience working on the premiere of that play. Throughout our conversation, we hear Kelly remain very humble about her career achievements, playing a huge variation of roles and gaining a reputation for being a truly versatile actress. It will be interesting to see what other roles Kelly will play in the years to come and we look forward to seeing her make her Riverside Studios debut.Flowers For Mrs Harris runs at Riverside Studios from 30th September - 26th November with tickets on sale now!

Jonathan Andrew Hume is a professional British screen and stage performer who is highly skilled in both acting and singing and is well-known for his work on Pride, Amazing Grace and 10,000 BC. On stage, he is famous for playing Simba in The Lion King musical, Kevin J, Ali and various other roles in Come from Away and is currently playing the part of Sargeant Paine in the musical adaptation of The Third Man directed by Trevor Nunn at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.His other theatre projects include Jesus Christ Superstar at the Wyllyotts Theatre; Rufus Longbottom and the Space Rabbit in the UK Tour; Alice in Hinterland with the Rose Youth Company at Rose Theatre and Bernstein's Mass at the Royal Festival Hall.Jonathan was in the 2018 feature film Mary Poppins Returns.Among his television works is Down to Earth, EastEnders, Disney's Favourite Songs, Strictly Come Dancing, Hope & Glory, and Anything's Possible.He has performed at the Musical Meets Opera with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (De Deolen, Rotterdam) and he has also worked on various commercials both for the TV and radio abroad and in the UK as well as narrating Anton Marks' Audible audiobook recording.

Sam Underwood was born in Woking, Surrey and attended the Winston Churchill School. He trained at the Karen Clarke Theatre Group (now Summerscales Performing Arts). He was taught by vocal coach Phil Wisdom and attended Songtime Theatre Arts. He moved to the United States in 2006 where he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.After graduating he went on to appear as Marchbanks in George Bernard Shaw's Candida at the Irish Repertory Theatre, New York. In April 2010, he was asked to play the part of Alan Strang in a production of Equus at the John Drew Theater at Guild Hall of East Hampton, co-starring alongside Alec Baldwin.In 2013, Sam was cast in the eighth season of television series Dexter in the recurring role of Zach Hamilton, Dexter Morgan's 'protégé'. He subsequently joined the third season of Homeland as Leo Carras.Beginning in February 2014, Sam took on the dual roles of twins Mark and Luke Gray in the second season of the Fox murder mystery The Following. But after the death of Luke, he was left playing Mark – who had split identities – in its third and final season.In 2017, Sam went on to join the cast of the hit AMC thriller series Fear the Walking Dead in its third season as Jake Otto, the enigmatic son of the colony leader.In 2019, he was cast as Adam Carrington in The CW television series Dynasty, a reboot of the 1980s series of the same name.When this podcast was recorded, he was playing the title role of Holly Martins in the brand new musical production of The Third Man directed by Trevor Nunn at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.

Pia studied costume design at the Wimbledon College of Art and Design, which is part of the University of the Arts London, where she learnt a wide variety of skills including millinery, wiggery, pattern cutting and much more. She also gained a range of technical skills in machine sewing.Since graduating she has worked her way up from a costumer at Chessington World of Adventures to working as assistant wardrobe mistress on a wide variety of productions as Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, Feydra, Small Island and Ocean at the End of the Lane at theatres including The National and the Duke of York theatre.Pia is currently Wardrobe Mistress on the production of The Third Man at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Derek rose to fame as a presenter of the legendary BBC children's show Play School in the 1970s. He was raised in London, the actor and musician and went on to perform in both theatre, film, TV and radio.His West End credits include: Sing a Rude Song, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Black Mikado, The Travelling Music Show, The Secret Life of Cartoons, Run for your Wife, Dry Rot, Aladdin, Snow White, Babes in the Wood, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, Noises Off, Twelth Night, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Exonerated. He recently appeared in The Mousetrap at the St Martin's Theatre, Exit the King at the National Theatre and on tour in Driving Miss Daisy. Television appearances include: Unforgotten, Midsomer Murders, Small Axe, Casualty, Holby City, Doctors, The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff, Silent Witness and Coronation Street.Regarding composing work, Derek wrote all the music for Heads and Tales, Bod, Two by Two, Mythical Magical Creatures as well as many TV jingles. He wrote the music and lyrics for a production of The Three Musketeers at the Royal Exchange.In 2014, he was awarded a gold award for his music in TV from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. His voice can be heard on many cartoon and TV adverts.At the time of recording this podcast, Derek was appearing in The Third Man at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

In this episode we review three exciting new musical productions: One of our favourite company's returns with another Gilbert and Sullivan operetta in the form of Sasha Regan's All Male The Mikado at Wilton's Music Hall; The Menier Chocolate Factory have a brand new musical adaptation of the Noir classic The Third Man; and lastly The Curious Case of Benjamin Button returns to Southwark Playhouse to their new Elephant venue and in an expanded production form the 2019 original that we so loved on this podcast. -Opening/Closing Music: Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyonis: licensed under a CC Attribution License Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Antony-Whitely (Joseph / Wonka ) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Shane discuss Ain't Too Proud (Prince Edward Theatre) and all-things Wicked as well as the latest news about The Wizard of Oz, The Menier Chocolate Factory, Operation Mincemeat and lots more.Having graduated from ArtsEd in 2021, Shane recently played Isaachar  in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on tour across the UK and Ireland, as well as in Toronto.Shane has performed at the Olivier Awards and in an Emilie Sande music video. Later this year he will be seen in the brand new Disney film, Wonka.Follow Shane on Instagram:  @_.shaneawhitelyHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

Inspired by Jamie Lee Curtis, and Nancy's matinees at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Marjorie Prime, Sarah and Nancy take a gentle look at the pleasure of a mid-afternoon performance. And suggest that perhaps we should be considering shows at midnight too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Line of Duty star Daniel Mays and Broadway's Marisha Wallace join us to discuss their five-star show Guys & Dolls, at the Bridge Theatre. We review Further Than the Furthest Thing, starring Jenna Russell, at the Young Vic, and Marjorie Prime, starring Anne Reid, at the Menier Chocolate Factory.Plus Nancy Durrant and Nick Clark react to playwright David Hare's comments about musicals ‘strangling' the West End. And we chat about some very noisy audience members…In this episode:Part one:Nick Clark and Nancy Durrant react to playwright David Hare's comments...Part two:We review Further Than the Furthest Thing, plus noisy audience members (2 minutes 58)Part three: We're joined by Daniel Mays and Marisha Wallace for Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theatre (10 minutes 34)-What Guys & Dolls is about-Who is Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls and how does Marisha Wallace bring her to life-Who Daniel Mays plays in Guys & Dolls, and how he approached the character-Daniel Mays and Marisha Wallace talk about their favourite songs from the show and why-Turning Miss Adelaide into “Beyonce” and “Megan Thee Stallion”-Daniel Mays on Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat and Arlene Phillips's choreography-Marisha Wallace tears up as she reveals how black audiences are reacting to her leading role-The importance of audience interaction and what it means to them-The musicals they'd love to do next. Will we see Daniel Mays in Jesus Christ Superstar?Part four: Our Chief Theatre Critic Nick Curtis reviews Marjorie Prime, starring Anne Reid (22 minutes 36) For the latest news and reviews head to www.standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nancy is in rehearsals for a new play at the Menier Chocolate Factory. So she and Sarah take the opportunity to talk about what goes on behind the scenes when a cast come together - and why you must never have an affair! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Bobby & Steffan are joined by Katie Bernstein. Having recently played at the Menier Chocolate Factory in the play Habeas Corpus, Katie's career is incredibly varied. She describes herself as an actor-singer, but is repeatedly cast in very physically demanding roles in both plays and musicals! Don't forget to leave us a rating and a review (preferably 5 stars!) and if you've got any questions you want answered, head to Instagram @fit2_talk and slide into those DM's! You can also email us at talk@fit-2.co.uk

Maddison Bulleyment (Anne Boleyn in Six UK Tour/Lyric Hammersmith's Jack and the Beanstalk) (they/them) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Maddie discuss Fame Wh*re (King's Head), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre) and Choir Of Man (Arts Theatre) as well as the latest news about The Black British Theatre Awards, Next To Normal, Idina Menzel and lots more. They also discuss the sad passing of Dame Angela Lansbury. Having trained at Central School of Speech and Drama, Maddie went on to play Carolyn in the UK premiere of The Bridges of Madison County at the Menier Chocolate Factory before starring as Anne Boleyn in the touring production of Six The Musical from October 2019 until March this year. They are about to star as Jill in the Lyric Hammersmith's production of Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas. Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Lyric Hammersmith from 19th November until 7th January. Visit www.lyric.co.uk for info and tickets. Follow Maddie on Instagram: @maddieroseb Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  

Philip Quast graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1979 and began his career with State Theatre Company of South Australia debuting as Adam in The Mystery Plays of Wakefield. He went on to appear in numerous productions with the company including On The Wallaby, A Hard God, No End of Blame and The Threepenny Opera. His first musical was in the title role of Nimrod Theatre Company's Candide. Philip also began appearing as a presenter on the Australian children's show Play School, a program he would continue to present for 17 years.He shot to prominence in 1987 when he appeared as Javert in the original Australian production of Les Misérables. This performance won him a Sydney Critic Award and in 1989, he travelled to London to play Javert on the West End and eventually in Les Misérables: The Dream Cast at The Royal Albert Hall.Philip's stage success continued as he won the coveted role of Georges Seurat in the original London production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at the National Theatre where he also performed in David Hare's Stuff Happens, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum, South Pacific and most recently the award winning Follies (which screened live around the world.)He has won three Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical; Sunday in the Park with George, South Pacific and The Fix.He has appeared with the Sydney Theatre Company in Coriolanus, Sondheim's Into the Woods,The Cherry Orchard, Democracy and the much-lauded production of Waiting For Godot. Most recently with Death of a Salesman.Philip has been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company's seasons in London and Stratford Upon Avon with The White Devil, Macbeth, Troilus and Cressida and The Secret Garden.His other innumerable roles include Juan Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2006 production of Evita at the Adelphi Theatre, Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd at London's Royal Festival Hall, The Lincoln Centre in New York and for The English National Opera. He played Georges in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Jerry Herman's La Cage aux Folles in the West End.His many film and television appearances include; Midsomer Murders, Morse, UltraViolet, Brides of Christ, The Damnation of Harvey McCue,Truth, Hacksaw Ridge,The Devil's Double and Picnic At Hanging Rock.Philip can be heard in over 15 cast recordings. He now devotes much of his time to directing, writing and teaching.Philip will be performing at this year's Adelaide Cabaret Festival with Moments In The Woods – Songs & Stories of Sondheim, directed by Mitchell Butel. Moments In The Woods also features Geraldine Turner, Queenie van de Zandt, Josie Lane and Mitchell Butel. The show plays June 23rd at Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide.The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Philip Quast graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1979 and began his career with State Theatre Company of South Australia debuting as Adam in The Mystery Plays of Wakefield. He went on to appear in numerous productions with the company including On The Wallaby, A Hard God, No End of Blame and The Threepenny Opera. His first musical was in the title role of Nimrod Theatre Company's Candide. Philip also began appearing as a presenter on the Australian children's show Play School, a program he would continue to present for 17 years.He shot to prominence in 1987 when he appeared as Javert in the original Australian production of Les Misérables. He travelled to London to play Javert on the West End and eventually in Les Misérables: The Dream Cast at The Royal Albert Hall.Philip's stage success continued as he won the coveted role of Georges Seurat in the original London production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George at the National Theatre where he also performed in David Hare's Stuff Happens, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum, South Pacific and most recently the award winning Follies (which screened live around the world.)He has won three Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical; Sunday in the Park with George, South Pacific and The Fix.He has appeared with the Sydney Theatre Company in Coriolanus, Sondheim's Into the Woods,The Cherry Orchard, Democracy and the much-lauded production of Waiting For Godot. Most recently with Death of a Salesman.Philip has been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company's seasons in London and Stratford Upon Avon with The White Devil, Macbeth, Troilus and Cressida and The Secret Garden.His other innumerable roles include Juan Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2006 production of Evita at the Adelphi Theatre, Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd at London's Royal Festival Hall, The Lincoln Centre in New York and for The English National Opera. He played Georges in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Jerry Herman's La Cage aux Folles in the West End.His many film and television appearances include; Midsomer Murders, Morse, UltraViolet, Brides of Christ, The Damnation of Harvey McCue,Truth, Hacksaw Ridge,The Devil's Double and Picnic At Hanging Rock.Philip can be heard in over 15 cast recordings. He now devotes much of his time to directing, writing and teaching.Philip will be performing at this year's Adelaide Cabaret Festival with Moments In The Woods – Songs & Stories of Sondheim, directed by Mitchell Butel. Moments In The Woods also features Geraldine Turner, Queenie van de Zandt, Josie Lane and Mitchell Butel. The show plays June 23rd at Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide.The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Whooshkaa, Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Recipient of Best New Podcast at 2019 Australian Podcast Awards. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).www.stagespodcast.com.au

Over the last few years, one of the most exciting companies on the musical theatre scene has been QuickFantastic. Behind the company is acclaimed musical director Alex Parker who has worked on sell-out shows like Barnum at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Mame at Hope Mill Theatre and Les Miserables in London's West End. Today, Alex Parker is known for putting on luscious musical theatre concerts; assembling top West End talent with glorious orchestras for special evenings celebrating the art of musical theatre. Some recent highlights have included A Little Night Music in Holland Park starring Joanna Riding and Janie Dee and Sunset Boulevard at Royal Albert Hall with Mazz Murray and Ramin Karimloo. Later in February, Quickfantastic will also be staging a special concert production of legendary musical Gypsy with 7 actresses starring as Mama Rose. As well as this, Alex is also currently in hometown Guildford getting ready to stage a production of The Bridges of Madison County.  As well as conducting musicals, Alex is also a composer and has created several musicals with lyricist Katie Lam. Last year saw the first workshop of The Danish Girl and he hopes to share the full show with an audience soon. He tells us about his collaboration process with Katie Lam and reveals to us they are still continuing to work together and find new subjects to develop shows on. In this exclusive interview, Alex Parker also tells us about his earliest experiences of seeing live musical productions at the National Theatre as well as discovering musicals like The Light in the Piazza and finding his love for musical directors. We get a real glimpse at the man behind the baton as he maintains that he is a fan first and foremost. It's truly incredible that despite lockdowns and a pandemic, Alex Parker has been busier than ever, providing work for some of the brightest in the business and showcasing the magic of musical theatre to audiences. The Bridges of Madison County runs from 2nd-5th February at Electric Theatre, Guildford and Gypsy at Alexandra Palace Theatre will play for one night only on 21st February. Tickets for both shows are available now!

Rebecca Taichman won the Tony Award for best director for her production of Paula Vogel's hit play Indecent, charting the controversy surrounding Yiddish playwright Sholem Asch's 1906 drama God of Vengeance, a story of exploitation set in a brothel that also celebrates the passionate love between two women. It caused a furore when the English translation opened on Broadway in 1923 and the company were tried for obscenity. Happily, Indecent became one of the hottest tickets in theatre and Rebecca has been in London directing the UK premiere, now selling out at the Menier Chocolate Factory, where it opened to rave reviews. Before she returned to New York, Taichman spoke to JR's Judi Herman about her fruitful, five-year collaboration with Vogel and their shared passion for telling “the true story of a little Jewish play”.Indecent runs until Saturday 27 November. 8pm (Tue-Sat), 3.30pm (Sat & Sun only). £37.50-£47.50. Menier Chocolate Factory, SE1 1RU. menierchocolatefactory.com

Visible Skin: Rediscovering the Renaissance through Black Portraiture is a new outdoor exhibition across King's College London's Strand Campus, showcasing artworks by opera singer Peter Brathwaite. He talks to Tom Sutcliffe about creating the portraits and images, as well as his role in the new opera The Time of Our Singing. Indecent, a play which has just opened at London's Menier Chocolate Factory, explores the origins of the highly controversial 1906 play The God of Vengeance by Sholem Asch, and follows the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it. John Nathan reviews. One of the more unusual sights in Coventry City of Culture is a narrowboat that's a brightly painted floating library of short stories. It's also an artwork, Small Bells Ring, created by artists Heather Peak and Ivan Morison of Studio Morison. The boat, RV Furor Scribendi welcomes on board the people of Coventry, works with local libraries and hopes to attract those who might not ordinarily engage with books. Reporter Ushma Mistry of BBC CWR steps aboard. Last year the playwright and author Lucy Caldwell was a judge for the BBC National Short Story Award but this year she's been shortlisted for the third time for her story All the People Were Mean and Bad. She talks to Front Row about the appeal of writing about a moment of intimacy on a journey, the power of storytelling for children – and whether people really are mean and bad. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Sarah Johnson

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome actress, singer, and Muppet performer, Louise Gold.   ABOUT OUR GUEST: Louise Gold Louise trained as an actor at Arts Educational School but very early in her career she got a job with Jim Henson as one of the Muppet Performers on The Muppet Show (filmed at Elstree Studios) From then on, she has combined both acting and puppeteering. Most recently she played Yente in Trevor Nunn's acclaimed production of "Fiddler on the Roof' at The Menier Chocolate Factory and the Playhouse Theatre London. Directly before that she was one of the core performers on The Netflix prequel series to the film, The Dark Crystal, 'Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'. She was one of the original team that started Spitting Image, doing voices and puppeteering, worked on the recent Cbeebies show ‘The Furchester Hotel ‘playing Funella Furchester. She has appeared in many West End Shows as an actress including Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Assassins, The Cherry Orchard with the RSC and TV, Film and Radio. In lockdown she was part of GLOP (Glorious ladies of Puppetry) 

Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson will soon be seen as Virginia Woolf in Well-Behaved Women at Cadogan Hall in September. A new song cycle by Carmel Dean, Well-Behaved Women is an ode to the fierce famous females from history. These stories of courage, strength and resilience are memorialized through a range of musical styles from rock and jazz to country.  Cassidy recently won the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance as Anne in the West End premiere of & Juliet. She will soon reprise her performance when & Juliet returns to the Shaftesbury Theatre from 24th September 2021. Cassidy's theatre credits also include: Mollie Ralston in The Mousetrap (St Martin's Theatre),  Aldonza/ Dulicinea in Man of La Mancha (Coliseum), Florence in Chess (Coliseum), Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych), Ruth in Dessa Rose (Trafalgar Studios), Paquette in Candide (Menier Chocolate Factory), Maggie Saunders in Lend Me A Tenor (Gielgud), Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q (Gielgud), standby Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria) and Susan in Tick, Tick... Boom! (Menier Chocolate Factory). In this episode, Cassidy discusses her Olivier win, why she said yes to Well-Behaved Women and her new relationship with Uber Eats... plus lots more! Well-Behaved Women is staged at Cadogan Hall on Friday 3rd September 2021. Visit www.cadoganhall.com for info and tickets.  Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @Andrew_Tomlins Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Sally Ann Triplett is a British singer and actress and is one of only four singers to have sung for the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, first in 1980 as the lead female vocals of the six-piece band Prima Donna and then two years later as part of a double act Bardo.Her first West End appearance was in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Subsequent West End productions include Margie and Young Phylis in Follies at the Shaftesbury, Chess at the Prince Edward Theatre, Rizzo in Grease at the Dominion Theatre and Ruby Keeler opposite Brian Conley in Jolson at the Victoria Palace Theatre and then Toronto, as Grizabella in Cats at the New London Theatre, Mrs Big in The Villain's Opera at the Royal National Theatre and, more recently, as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at the Royal National Theatre and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, directed by Trevor Nunn, as Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre, as Miss Berta in Acorn Antiques - The Musical at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket and as Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls at the Picadilly Theatre. Sally Ann also appeared in the world premiere of Take Flight at The Menier Chocolate Factory, playing Amelia Earhart. Other stage appearances include Jubilee at Her Majesty's, a Judy Garland tribute concert at the London Palladium, Jill Kemp in Mister Cinders at the King's Head, Lady Evelyn in the workshop premiere of a new Stiles and Drewe musical Tutankhamun at Imagination, Lucy in Snoopy at the Watermill Newbury, Nancy in Oliver! at the Haymarket Theatre, Leicester and Rebecca Hershkowitz in Rags at the Bridewell Theatre. Sally Ann starred in Phil Wilmott's production of Much Ado About Nothing at the Liverpool Empire. Shakespeare's classic battle of the sexes had been transported to wartime London, where Sal played the feisty Beatrice (played by Emma Thompson in Kenneth Branagh's movie adaptation), she also appeared in the review Make Me A Song, based on the works of William Finn and as Marge in Absent Friends at the Watford Theatre. More recently Sal has appeared as Donna in Mamma Mia! at the Prince Edward Theatre, as Maria Merelli in Lend Me A Tenor at The Theatre Royal, Plymouth and Mistress Page in Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor at Stafford Castle. Sal has played Diana in the Drama Centre Theatre's production of Next To Normal in Singapore and, between 2012 and 2015, Sal has created the roles of Lauren in Viva Forever at the Picadilly Theatre, Judy/Liza in My Judy Garland Life at the Nottingham Playhouse, Peggy White in The Last Ship at The Bank of America Theatre, Chicago (later transferring to The Neil Simon Theatre, New York) and Billie Dore in the 2015 Chichester Festival Theatre production of A Damsel In Distress.On television Sally Ann appeared in the award-winning short film The Fishing Trip and played one of the leading roles in Magic, a six-part drama series set in Hamburg. Her recent TV appearances include Doctors, Down to Earth and EastEnders, all for the BBC. For more information see www.sallyanntriplett-official.com

On this Mini episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Performer, Puppeteer, and Actress, Louise Gold. Episode Outline: Louise remembers special moments and pays tribute to: Richard Hunt Caroll Spinney Jerry Nelson Jane Henson John Henson Jim Henson ABOUT OUR GUEST: Louise trained as an actor at Arts Educational School but very early in her career she got a job with Jim Henson as one of the Muppet Performers on The Muppet Show (filmed at Elstree Studios) From then on, she has combined both acting and puppeteering. Most recently she played Yente in Trevor Nunn's acclaimed production of "Fiddler on the Roof' at The Menier Chocolate Factory and the Playhouse Theatre London. Directly before that she was one of the core performers on The Netflix prequel series to the film, The Dark Crystal, 'Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'. She was one of the original team that started Spitting Image, doing voices and puppeteering, worked on the recent Cbeebies show ‘The Furchester Hotel ‘playing Funella Furchester. She has appeared in many West End Shows as an actress including Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Assassins, The Cherry Orchard with the RSC and TV, Film and Radio. During the lockdown she was part of GLOP (Glorious ladies of Puppetry)    BRIEF ADDITIONAL BIOS Richard Hunt: Muppet performer, who performed characters like Beeker, Sweetums, Scooter, Statler, and Janice. Caroll Spinney: Puppeteer, author, cartoonist, and Muppet performer, who originated and performed Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch. Jerry Nelson: Actor, Musician, and Muppet Performer, known for dozens of characters, including Count Von Count, Sherlock Hemlock, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Robin the Frog, and Sgt. Floyd Pepper. Jane Henson: Puppeteer, artist, wife of Jim Henson. John Henson: Muppet Performer, craftsman, second son of Jim Henson. Jim Henson: Puppeteer, filmmaker, animator, director, writer, and creator of The Muppets. His characters include Kermit the Frog, Ernie, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, and The Swedish Chef.    

Aoife Anastasia Nally was born and raised in Waterloo, Ontario Canada to Irish parents. Drawn to the stage, she was performing from the age of six years old in various community and professional endeavours. This launched her into McGill University’s prestigious Opera Performance program, Montreal which inspired her to form her own Opera/Musical Theatre Company, ‘SECOND.com/p@n.y.’ producing critically acclaimed productions of: Company, Secret Garden, Sweeney Todd, Candide and Mozart’s Magic Flute. She then ventured further afield to do her Classical Theatre Intensive Post-Graduate studies at the London Academy of Music and Drama, UK. Which encouraged her to remain in England and pursue a life of performance on London’s West End Stages. Some of her favourite credits are: Jerry Springer: The Opera, Sweeney Todd with Imelda Staunton, Evita for the Donmar Warehouse and Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory. After releasing an album of her own music, Aoife was commissioned to write her own original musical “Hallowed Ground” based on the Elusian Mysteries, which has already enjoyed two professional workshop productions and is currently seeking further funding for a future fill fledged production. Aoife has found herself grounded here in the pandemic where she is working on her multimedia, performance, literary and visual arts piece of creative non-fiction titled “Drawing Strength: An Artist’s Guide to Creative Recovery”, which she won her development residencies at Atelier Austmarka, Norway and the Banff Centre for the Arts last year. She is hoping to release selections from this work virtually in the new year. Aoife has also trained as a Trance Channel, Psychic Medium and is initiated in several mystery schools. She is currently teaching intuitive painting, immersive astrology and psychic development online. You can follow her work at: Drawing Strength (Facebook), Aoifetography, Strength Drawing and the Painted Path (Instagram) To support the podcast and get access to features about guitar playing and song writing visit https://www.patreon.com/vichyland and also news for all the creative music that we do at Bluescamp UK and France visit www.bluescampuk.co.uk For details of the Ikaro music charity visit www.ikaromusic.com Big thanks to Josh Ferrara for the music

Lacey chats with Dina Janis, Artistic Director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Dorset, VT. Dina has led the Festival for the past 11 years, turning it into a powerhouse of new works development for diverse voices.Take a listen to why Breaking Bad is proof that regional audiences are ready for more than we used to think they were. Hear about Dina's preference for audio plays over Zoom theatre. Get curious about Dina's reaction to the social justice protests and why it matters in Vermont, the second whitest state in the union.___________________________________Dorset Theatre Festival website Joe Papp and the Public Theater wikipediaSteppenwolf Theatre websiteLabyrinth Theater websiteTheresa Rebeck websiteHeidi Armbruster interviewThe Whipping Man by Matthew LopezAlan Ayckbourn wikipediaMerrily We Roll Along at Menier Chocolate Factory, London 2013Podcast websiteLacey's InstagramEpisode transcriptGet in touch at whiletheapplauseispaused@gmail.comCo-Editor: Kelly Gabrielle MurphyKelly's websiteMusic by: Drew WutkeDrew's websiteLogo design by Sarah Kleist, Kleist CreativeSarah's websitePhoto by Billy Bustamante, Billy B PhotographyBilly's website

Danielle Tarento is an award winning Off-West End producer and casting director based in London, England. Danielle chats with Curtis about four things a producer should be good at, percentages of recoupment, how being a casting director has shaped her lens as a producer and how much creative input a producer should have. Curtis also asks Danielle about how she started the Menier Chocolate Factory and if she checks actors social media before casting them. -- Connect with Danielle: Twitter: @Danielletarento Instagram: @Danielletarento Website: www.tarento.net -- Connect with show: Twitter: @IWBAP_Podcast Instagram: @IWBAP_ Facebook: Iwannabeaproducerpodcast --

Matthew Cole is an OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED Choreographer and is the founder of LONDON THEATRE RUNWAY. A musical theatre training and connectivity programme for industry professionals. www.londontheatrerunway.comHis forthcoming productions include: FOOTLOOSE UK Tour - 2021, IDENTICAL (based upon The Parent Trap) Directed by Trevor Nunn, Music by George Stiles and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe - 2021, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF UK TOUR - 2021, BERLIN BERLIN German and International Tour - 2021 and MEMPHIS UK and International Tour - 2022.Choreography: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Olivier Award Nominated for Best Choreographer and Best Revival, dir. Trevor Nunn,The Menier Chocolate Factory, The Playhouse Theatre West End); OKLAHOMA (dir. Jeremy Sams, Chichester Festival Theatre); LOVESICK (dir. Chris Renshaw, Theatre J Washington DC); BERLIN BERLIN (German/International Tour); AMOUR (The Charing Cross Theatre);  THE BEAUTIFUL GAME (NYMT); THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (The Royal Academy of Music); THE NIGHT PIRATES (UK TOUR); THE PRODUCERS (China and Asian Tour); LOVESICK (New York City workshop); CINDERELLA (Milton Keynes); FLASHDANCE (UK and international Tour); EM (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama); FOOTLOOSE (UK and International Tour); LOVESICK (Berkely Repertory Theatre); ALADDIN (Theatre Clwyd); SIDE SHOW (Southwark Playhouse); THE MGM STORY (Upstairs at the Gatehouse); LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (UK TOUR); RAGS (The Royal Academy of Music); FOOTLOOSE (UK Tour); PURE IMAGINATION - The Songs of Leslie Bricusse (The Other Palace); BETTE  MIDLER AND ME (Edinburgh Festival and UK Tour); AMOUR (The Royal Academy of Music); JERRY'S GIRLS (The Other Palace, Jermyn Street Theatre); THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIER (Jermyn Street Theatre); ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MUSICAL (UK and Australian Tour)Associate choreographer credits include: Guys and Dolls (Chichester Festival Theatre and Phoenix Theatre).Television credits include: Assistant Choreographer on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing (BBC).Directing credits include: The Drive In London, Artistic Director; PIPPIN, Director/Choreographer; The Secret Garden, Director/Choreographer; Co Director CARMEN LA CUBANA, (Sadlers Wells); SWEET CHARITY, Director/choreographer; Resident Director on The Railway Children (King's Cross Theatre); Resident Director on West Side Story (ATG UK Tour).

We're kicking off Series 4 with Matt Croke, fresh from his blind audition on The Voice UK! Matt famously played the title role in the West End production of Disney’s Aladdin for over two years at the Prince Edward Theatre and has since headlined concerts all over the world. His other West End credits include understudy Eugene in Grease, understudy Amos Hart & Mary Sunshine in Chicago, understudy Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain and understudy Fiyero in Wicked. He also covered Tony in the UK tour of West Side Story and understudied Eddie in Funny Girl at the Menier Chocolate Factory alongside Sheridan Smith. He made his leading man debut as Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at the Salisbury Playhouse. In this episode, Matt discusses competing on The Voice UK as part of Team Olly Murs and his incredible journey from young ensemble member to West End leading man. Matt's album Only Dreaming is available now. For more information about his theatre academy visit www.RMCacademy.co.uk. Follow Matt on social media: @mattcroke Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @Andrew_Tomlins Thanks for listening! Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

From stage to screen, Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Christina captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 25 million views. Dubbed "the girl of a thousand voices", Christina has performed on major television programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Today Show in the US, and The Paul O’Grady Show and This Morning in the UK. A Two-Time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina made her West End debut starring in The Menier Chocolate Factory’s hailed production of Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. New York credits include Forbidden Broadway; Goes To Rehab (Drama Desk Award Nomination), the one-woman, multi-character comedy, Application Pending (Drama Desk Award Nomination), The Marvelous Wonderettes, and Newsical the Musical. Christina is a life long New Yorker and resides in Manhattan with her husband Billy and their loveable schnoodle, Jeff Vader. Her debut live album, Life Of The Party, is available on iTunes and other major music platforms. WWW.CHRISTINABIANCO.COM - @XtinaBianco1

Bre and Savannah chat about her time on the West End with “Wicked”! We breakdown Savannah’s acting philosophy and talk about how her life has changed since having her son. An established West End leading lady, Savannah Stevenson is best known for playing Glinda in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London. Savannah is also an acting coach and masterclass facilitator, wife to Nate and new mum to Ezra. Her further West End credits include Guenevere in Camelot at the London Palladium, Sybil Evers in Chariots of Fire, the Original Cast of Mary Poppins directed by Sir Richard Eyre, The Menier Chocolate Factory's major revival of Aspects of Love by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Gone with the Wind, both directed by Sir Trevor Nunn. She trained at The Guildford School of Acting, winning a scholarship to the three-year degree course and graduating with First Class Honours in Performance and the Principals Award.She has been involved in workshops for new stage adaptations including Hugo by Brian Selznick, Evelyn Waugh's The Loved One, Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Lincoln Centre's production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown directed by Barlett Sher. She was chosen after worldwide auditions to play Mary, Mother of Jesus in The Bible Videos for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, filmed on location in Utah, USA. Get coached by Savannah! Visit her website here:www.savannahstevenson.com Full show notes here.www.pepperfoxphoto.com/pod/savannahstevenson

Ever wandered what the creative process is behind the films, tv shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, crew chats is a podcast going behind the scenes and chatting to the crew that help make these productions. Sarah Hamza studied Costume for Performance at the London College of Fashion after being inspired to work in the Textiles field from watching her mother sew her clothes and school uniforms whilst growing up. After graduating, Sarah worked on varied projects like the TV mini-series ’The Colour of Magic’ as the Dye Assistant for two episodes and as the Deputy Wardrobe Supervisor on ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ for the Menier Chocolate Factory theatre. At the Royal Opera House (ROH), Sarah began as a Dresser and a casual Wardrobe Technician mainly for the Opera but occasionally for the Ballet too, before joining the Production Costume department as the Junior Buyer and General Assistant. After the ROH, Sarah worked for the English National Opera (ENO) as the Head Buyer and was also one of the in-house Costume Supervisors, supervising revivals such as 'Madam Butterfly' and 'The Mikado', and new productions from the 2019 season that included ‘War Requiem’, ‘Jack the Ripper: The Women of Whitechapel’ and ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’. Since January 2020, Sarah has been the Head of Costume for the Young Vic Theatre. Sarah's Recommendations: -What We Do in the Shadows (TV Series) -The Farewell -DGV: Danse a Grande Vitesse

Welcome to the miniseries, The Producer's Perspective LIVE! From The Pandemic. Inspired by my podcast and check-ins with friends, I started The Producer’s Perspective LIVE! I started going live every night at 8pm with a superstar TheaterMaker to check in with them and see how they were doing and how this pandemic has affected them.  Many shared how they’ve been keeping those creative juices flowing, sharing many fun memories, raising money and awareness for The Actors Fund and other charitable organizations needing our support. We even started sharing ‘something to make you smile’ by featuring a new music video one of you in the community produced, directed, wrote, performed in! In this episode, I catch up with Tony-nominated Director MICHAEL ARDEN and Broadway and TV Actor ANDY MIENTUS. In this episode, we talk about Andy's book series "The Backstagers", what Zoom rehearsals and readings look like as a Director vs an Actor, and Michael teases the early ideas of a his drive-in theater experience (now called: The Forest of Arden). Watch the replay of this episode: https://youtu.be/XPB65hkluC4 Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kendavenportbway Catch the next livestream LIVE: www.theproducersperspective.com/live About Michael Arden: MICHAEL ARDEN is a Tony-nominated director for his revival of Spring Awakening. The acclaimed production transferred from Deaf West Theater in Los Angeles to Broadway in fall 2015. He also won the Outer Critics Circle for Outstanding Director of a Musical and was nominated for a Drama Desk award for the production. Michael made his Broadway debut in Deaf West Theater and the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Big River. Other directing credits include My Fair Lady at Bay Street Theater; Merrily We Roll Along at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles, where he is currently the Artist in Residence; LA Ronde for his company, the Forest of Arden; and For the Record: John Hughes in LA and NYC. His production of The Pride opened at the Wallis Annenberg Center in June 2017. Other theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Times they are a Changin', Ragtime (Avery Fisher), It's Only Life, Swimming in the Shallows, Ace, Juno, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, The Secret Garden, Pippin (Mark Taper Forum), and Aspects of Love at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. Michael's film work includes Source Code, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Bride Wars and So B It. He has also worked extensively in TV, most notably on FX and Fox's "Anger Management." Other TV credits include "GCB," "Nurse Jackie," "Royal Pains," "Unforgettable," "Off the Map," "Kings," "The Closer," "The Forgotten," "Bones," "The Return of Jezebel James," "Cashmere Mafia," "Grey's Anatomy," and "NUMB3RS." Concert work includes singing with Barbra Streisand, Chris Botti, and performances at 54 BELOW, Feinstein's at the Regency and Joe's Pub. Michael is an alum of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School. About Andy Mientus: Andy Mientus makes his theatrical writing debut with Burn All Night. Together with his husband, Michael Arden, he conceived Deaf West Theatre’s Tony Award-nominated revival of Spring Awakening, in which he also acted at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles and the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, at theaters such as The Mark Taper Forum and The Kennedy Center, and on television. He has twice been named in Out Magazine’s list of the 100 most compelling LGBT people of the year. Education: Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, University of Michigan.  The Producer's Perspective LIVE! and this podcast episode was produced by Mary Elizabeth Dina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cassidy Janson is a British actress, best known for her work in musical theatre.In 2005 Janson appeared in Tick, Tick... Boom! at the Menier Chocolate Factory. She played Susan, alongside Neil Patrick Harris as Jonathan and Tee Jaye Susan as Michael. In 2006 she joined the original West End cast of Wicked as part of the ensemble, later moving to be standby for the role of Elphaba. Following this, she joined the final West End cast of Avenue Q as Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut. In 2011 she originated the role of Maggie Saunders in the musical version of Lend me a Tenor. She appears on the original cast recording.Janson has appeared in several shows Off-West End, including Company at the Southwark Playhouse (as Amy), Rooms: A Rock Romance at the Finborough Theatre (as Monica), and Blood Wedding at the Courtyard Theatre.In 2013 she returned to the Menier Chocolate Factory in Candide, playing the role of Paquette. Following this, she played Ruth in Dessa Rose at the Trafalgar Studios, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Dessa.In November 2015 Janson took over the role of Carole King in the West End production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. She joined Carole King at the British Summer Time concerts to perform I Feel The Earth Move. She remained with the production until it closed in August 2017.In 2018 she appeared in a revival of Chess as Florence at the London Colosseum, alongside Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke and Tim Howar.In April 2019 she appeared in Man of La Mancha at the London Colosseum, sharing the roles of Aldonza and Dulcinea with Danielle de Niese. The production played a limited run to 8 June 2019. Following this, she has been cast in the new musical & Juliet, which is currently showing on the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre. She stars as Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare's love, Shakespeare being portrayed by Oliver Tompsett. Janson has been nominated for an Olivier Award in the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance of Anne Hathaway.In 2017 Janson teamed up with Beverley Knight and Amber Riley to form a musical theatre supergroup, known collectively as the "Leading Ladies". Their debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released on 17 November 2017 and features covers songs from Cats, Beautiful and Rent among others.Cassidy Janson announced via her Twitter in late 2018 that she had signed a record deal with BMG. In April 2019 Janson announced that her debut album Cassidy would be released on 14 June. It features 14 new songs, 12 co-written by Janson herself, and new song written for her by legend and friend Carole King.For more information about her and to purchase her album go to her website at http://www.cassidyjanson.comBio courtesy of Wikipedia

At the time of recording, Tara had finished as director for Falsettos at the Other Palace theatre, which was the winner of the Whatsonstage Best Off West End Musical. She is currently associate director/choreographer for Come from Away in the West End.Tara's director credits include: The Producers (China); Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour); Peter Pan and Cinderella (Poole); Miss Saigon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Who's Tommy and Sister Act (Isle of Man) and Cats (Channel Islands).Her associate director credits include: Motown (West End and UK Tour); Memphis (Shaftesbury); Sister Act (UK Tour); Sunday in the Park with George (Menier Chocolate Factory, Wyndham's and Broadway) and High School Musical 1 and 2 (UK Tours).She was resident director for 9 to 5: the Musical (UK Tour); Hair (Gielgud); Grease (Scandinavia) and The Fully Monty (UK Tour) and assistant choreography for Tick Tick…Boom! (Menier Chocolate Factory and Los Angeles) and Adrift in Macao (Off-Broadway).Her workshop experience includes: Allegiance and Frozen (New York).

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

Danielle Tarento is an award winning Producer and Casting director.  Danielle has produced numerous shows including Titanic The Musical, Grey Gardens, Ragtime, Vincent River and many more! She is co-founder of the Menier Chocolate Factory. We talk about Drama Schools, what theatre will look like post quarantine and how to get the job.

Four time Tony Award nominee who most recently appeared in the critically acclaimed Trevor Nunn directed production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Menier Chocolate Factory and in London’s West End for which she received 2020 Olivier Award nomination.

On this episode of Baring It All with Call Me Adam, on the Broadway Podcast Network, I am chatting with actress, singer and impressionist Christina Bianco. We play a DIVAlicious game with "Don't Rain On My Parade” (featuring "special guests" Barbra Streisand, Kristin Chenoweth, Patti LuPone, Liza Minnelli, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, & Julie Andrews) + we discuss Christina's triumphant run in Funny Girl at Paris' Théâtre Marigny & her eventual return to Birdland! ***This interview was recorded at the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic. At the time of recording, we did not know if Christina's Birdland show Swinging Back to Birdland, originally scheduled for April 20, was going to take place. As of publication, her show has been postponed and we are awaiting a new date**** For more on Christina visit https://www.christinabianco.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube! Like what you hear? Then become a member of my Patreon Page for exclusive behind-the-scene perks! For more "Call Me Adam" interviews visit: https://callmeadam.com  Theme Song by Bobby Cronin (https://bit.ly/2MaADvQ)  Podcast Logo by Liam O'Donnell (https://bit.ly/2YNI9CY)  Edited by Drew Kaufman (https://bit.ly/2OXqOnw) More on Christina: Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 24 million views. Dubbed ‘the girl of a thousand voices,’ Christina has performed on major television programs such as The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Meredith Vieira Show, The Queen Latifah Show & The Today Show, in the US alone. A Two-Time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina made her West End debut starring in The Menier Chocolate Factory’s hailed production of Forbidden Broadway at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. New York credits include The Marvelous Wonderettes, the one-woman, multi-character comedy, Application Pending (Drama Desk Award Nomination), Newsical the Musical, and Forbidden Broadway; Goes To Rehab (Drama Desk Award Nomination). Christina originated the role of Dora in the long-running National Tour of Dora The Explorer Live, including two sold-out runs at Radio City Music Hall. As a concert artist, with regular NYC appearances at Birdland, Feinstein’s and Town Hall, Christina has performed her critically acclaimed solo shows to sold out crowds across the U.S. and on luxury international cruise ships. Abroad, she’s enjoyed extended runs headlining at London’s Hippodrome, Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, The Charing Cross Theatre and at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as a 13 city, UK solo tour titled, Me Myself And Everyone Else, and made concert debuts in Australia, Switzerland, Spain and South Africa. Television credits include the POP TV sitcom Impress Me, Hallmark’s, Signed, Sealed, Delivered and VH1’s I Love The 2000’s. Christina frequently performs with major US and Canadian symphonies. She recently debuted her solo symphony show, The Woman Of A Thousand Voices, with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Jack Everly. Christina is a life long New Yorker and resides in Manhattan with her husband and their loveable schnoodle, Jeff. 

Duncan Stewart Duncan is a Casting Director & Partner at Stewart/Whitley. BROADWAY/NY: Hadestown, The Lightning Thief, The Great Comet of 1812, Rock Of Ages, The Black Clown (Lincoln Center), A Clockwork Orange, On The Town, Pippin, Chicago The Musical, La Cage Aux Folles, As You Like It, Elf the Musical, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Carnegie Hall West Side Story, The Band Wagon, Stuffed, Curvy Widow, Pageant. WEST END/UK: Hadestown (London’s National Theatre), Thriller Live, Menier Chocolate Factory; TV: Tiny Pretty Things(Netflix), Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC/Lionsgate), Freaky Friday (Disney Channel); TOURS: The Lightning Thief, Finding Neverland, Waitress, SpongeBob, A Bronx Tale, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, The Bodyguard, Dirty Dancing, The Sound of Music, Elf the Musical, Into The Woods, Once, Shrek, Flashdance, Anything Goes, Bullets Over Broadway, The Duck Commander Musical, We Will Rock You. UPCOMING: Sunday In The Park With George, Paradise Square, A Wonderful World, Moby Dick, Stephen Schwartz’ The Prince of Egypt, August Rush, Stu for Silverton; REGIONAL: American Repertory Theater, The Alley Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Bay Street Theater, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), Hollywood Bowl, The Berkeley Repertory Theater, The Goodspeed, The Ahmanson, Seattle’s 5th Avenue, Asolo Rep, TheatreWorks, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Miami New Drama, For The Record productions, Aida Cruise Lines, and the Broadway-branded shows on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Prior to forming Stewart/Whitley, Duncan was the in-house Director of Casting for National Artists Management Company (NAMCO) on various Broadway/West End productions. This year he celebrates 16+ years as the Casting Director of Chicago. Previous to this he worked with Alaine Alldaffer (Head of Casting) on numerous productions at Playwrights Horizons. Duncan has been a TV guest judge and panelist for ABC’s Emmy-winning, “Extreme Weight Loss” and Broadway TV’s “Next Broadway Star” and is often booked as a guest lecturer and seminar/workshop leader for numerous colleges, studios and universities in the US, Canada and UK. Mr. Stewart is an Artios Award winner and proud member of the Casting Society of America (CSA). Instagram: @duncanstewart1 Host Jamie Neale discussing rituals and habitual patterns in personal and work life. We ask questions about how to become more aware of one self and the world around us, how do we become 360 with ourselves? Host Instagram: @jamienealejn Podcast Instagram: @360_yourself Music From Electric Fruit Produced by Tom Dalby Composed by Toby Wright

This episode features a returning, and muted loved, special guest host! We discuss Matthew Warchus' joyous production of A Christmas Carol which returns, beginning festive cheer to The Old Vic Theatre for a third year in a row. Then down the road at The Young Vic we saw the show that has set the theatre scene abuzz, Jackie Sibblies Drury's thought-provoking and challenging new play Fairview (no spoilers we promise!). Aurelia Thierree graced London once again with another of her truly unique and magical theatre productions, Bells and Spells which played at The Coronet Theatre. And finally we enjoyed the frothy delights of Sandy Wilson's The Boyfriend in a fabulous new production currently playing at The Menier Chocolate Factory. -- Opening/Closing Music: Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyonis: licensed under a CC Attribution License

Ryan Carter is currently playing Pierre in The Boy Friend at the Menier Chocolate Factory. As a producer, Ryan is the founder of Ryca Creative.Having trained at Urdang, Ryan made his West End debut in Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre. He recently produced Emma Hatton & Hiba Elchikhe's solo shows at Jack Solomans. He is also the genius behind REFRESH, a show that reinvents Musical Theatre cult classics in a pop-concert style. Andrew & Ryan discuss Six (UK Tour) & White Christmas (Dominion Theatre); there's lots of news about Dreamgirls, Sleepless the Musical, Dirty Dancing & Rags PLUS they take on a reader question. Exciting news! We're doing a Q&A on our special End Of Year episode which is being pre-recorded next week. Email your questions to andrew@westendframe.co.uk or contact us via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. To stay up-to-date with what Ryan's producing next, visit rycacreative.com.The Boy Friend runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 7th March 2020. Please visit menierchocolatefactory.com for info tickets. 

OK, we've held off the Strictly references until now but there is a good reason as you will hear. Richard reviews Les Miserables, the concert version at the Gielgud and Assassins at Newbury's Watermill Theatre. Cliff tells us why he thinks that all lovers of Musical Theatre should see "Judy" in the Cinema and how it might fare in the upcoming awards season. We talk about Heathers the musical, bring casting news from The Boyfriend at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and talk about Craig Revel Horwood and his All Balls and Glitter Tour.There is the usual round up of News and Views and as the amateur season is now upon us we preview four shows that you can see in the next few weeks. Send details of your shows and we will give them a plug in future episodes. We are recording the next show on 26th October so items before then please to mail@stagedoorcast.co.uk

In this episode we review two musicals at The Southwark Playhouse; Pasek and Pauls' Dogfight by The British Theatre Academy, and the UK premier of David Malloy's Rachmaninoff musical Preludes. We also have a review of The Watson's, Laura Wade's stage adaptation of Jane Austin's unfinished novel, recorded last year at the time of it's premier at The Chichester Festival Theatre. The Watson's transfers to The Menier Chocolate Factory this September. We also talk Fosse/Verdon, Cassie Levy, and a brand new production of the classic Broadway musical Gypsy!- Opening/Closing Music: Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyonis: licensed under a CC Attribution License

We start in reflective mood as we consider the passing of Hal Prince and his contribution to Musical Theatre worldwide. News and views follow and Richard reviews recent shows including Evita and his admission that he finally gets Jesus Christ Superstar. We talk about the recent John Wilson Orchestra Prom and look forward to upcoming shows.Recorded in the afternoon so rambling quotient medium.

In today’s Encore Meets episode, we head backstage at the Ambassadors Theatre, in London’s West End to meet West End star Lara Denning. Lara is currently playing the role of Miss Elf / Doreen Slater in The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ - The Musical. Lara tells us more about the show and what it was like being involved in this production since opening at the Menier Chocolate Factory before transferring to the West End.

In episode 42 we bring you reviews of new LGBT musical The View Upstairs which recently had its UK Premier at The Soho Theatre; a Tenessee Williams double bill, Southern Belles at The Kings Head Theatre; and the proactively titled play which recently finished its smash hit run at The Royal Court Theatre, Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner. And as well as all this, we have our review of The Bridges of Madison County, The Menier Chocolate Factory’s new production of the Jason Robert Brown musical, staring non-other than Theatre Club Podcast fave Jenna Russell. - Opening/Closing Music: Little Lily Swing by Tri-Tachyonis: licensed under a CC Attribution License

Nick has never seen Fiddler on the Roof - so he and Dom went off to the Playhouse Theatre to see the Trevor Nunn directed production from the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Andy Nyman and Judy Kuhn.  Heat their thoughts...

In Can You Ever Forgive Me? Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling biographer of celebrities such as Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. In the early 1990s - when she was in her early 50s - Lee found herself unable to get published because she had fallen out of step with the marketplace. Unable to pay the rent (or the vet bills for her beloved cat) she turned her art form to deception, aided by her loyal friend Jack Hock (Richard E. Grant). You Know You Want This is the debut collection of short stories from Kristen Roupenian whose short story, Cat Person, became a viral sensation after being published by the New Yorker in December 2017. It became their most read story ever, with more than 2.6 million hits and counting. Included in this collection alongside 11 new stories which are described as examining "the pull and push of revulsion and attraction between people." Winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Martyna Majok’s Cost of Living receives its highly anticipated UK Premiere at Hampstead Theatre starring Adrian Lester and directed by Ed Hall. John, a wealthy, brilliant, and successful PhD student with cerebral palsy, hires Jess, a recent graduate who has fallen on hard times, as his new carer. Across town, truck driver Eddie attempts to support and re-engage with his estranged wife, Ani, following a terrible accident that has left her quadriplegic. As four very different lives collide and entwine, roles are unapologetically flipped, reversed and exposed - who is actually caring for whom? A Place That Exists Only in the Moonlight: Katie Paterson and JM Turner at the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate is the largest UK exhibition of Scottish artist Katie Paterson to date - paired by the artist with a group of works by JMW Turner. Works by Paterson included in the exhibition are Vatnajökull (the sound of), Earth-Moon-Earth and a new work, Cosmic Spectrum, the result of working with scientists Paterson creates a spinning wheel which charts the colour of the universe through each era of its existence. And a look at two recent reality television releases; the BAFTA nominated BBC 3 series Eating With My Ex - in which former couples are reunited over dinner to pick over the bones of their failed relationships - and Channel 4's Flirty Dancing which aims to match singletons based on their love of dance. Each hopeful will learn half a routine, taught by Dancing on Ice judge and Diversity star Ashley Banjo, which they will perform as a couple when they meet for the first time. Podcast extra recommendations Simon: Paul Weller - True Meanings, Fiddler On the Roof at The Menier Chocolate Factory, David Bramwell- The Cult of Water Kate: Pamela by Samuel Richardson and Fleabag on BBC3 Alex: Tessa Hadley -Late In The Day Tom: Peep Show on All 4 and Karl Marlantes -Matterhorn

Stewart Clarke stars in Trevor Nunn’s new production of Fiddler on the Roof, playing Perchik the student revolutionary who falls for Tevye’s second daughter Hodl. As the much-loved musical about the poor Jewish milkman, his wife and five daughters by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick readies to open at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory*, Stewart sits down with JR’s arts editor Judi Herman. The pair discuss tradition and revolution, Anatevka and Siberia, and the resonance of the story of Tevye and his family that has touched hearts and minds worldwide.Fiddler On the Roof runs Friday 23 November – Saturday 9 March 2019. 8pm (Tue-Sat), 3.30pm (Sat & Sun). £45-£49.50, £39.50 concs. Menier Chocolate Factory, SE1 1RU. 020 7378 1713. www.menierchocolatefactory.com*Performances are currently sold out, but check the Menier website for returns and to register for news of extra performances or transfer plans. Returns on the day of performances are possible for those able to register in person at the box office (opens 6pm for evening performances and 1pm for matinees).

This week's guest is Olivier Award-nominated actress Laura Pitt-Pulford. A graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Laura's notable stage roles include Maria in The Sound of Music and Nancy in Oliver!, both at Curve, Leicester. The Light Princess at the National Theatre, Side Show at Southwark Playhouse, Flowers for Mrs Harris at Sheffield Crucible and the UK tour of Nell Gwynne. In 2016 she was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She is currently starring in The Gronholm Method, which runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 7 July.

This week’s guest is cabaret star, drag artist and actor Le Gateau Chocolat. With a wealth of experience across contemporary opera, cabaret and theatre, his solo shows have seen him perform in venues from London’s Menier Chocolate Factory to the Adelaide Fringe. He has worked with the Olivier Award–winning circus acts La Clique and La Soiree and alongside acts including Basement Jaxx at the Barbican. On stage, he has recently been seen in Porgy and Bess at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, The Threepenny Opera at the National and Twelfth Night at Shakespeare’s Globe. He is currently starring in Effigies of Wickedness, which runs at the Gate Theatre until 9 June.