Podcasts about st james theatre

Bob Geldof is a musician, an activist, a charity man, and a Knight of the British Empire... despite being an Irishman. He rose to fame as a member of The Boomtown Rats, but in 1984 an item on the 6 o'clock news sparked him to create one of the world's most memorable charity drives; Band Aid and then eventually Live Aid, raising money to end famine in Ethiopia. Geldof is in Wellington this week to share stories of his life and joined Nick Mills to discuss his legacy and what audiences can expect at Saturday's show at the St James Theatre. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Council has signed off on the $15 million restoration of the St James Theatre on Queen Street. Owner Steve Bielby spoke to Alexa Cook.

‘I wanted adulthood': Comedian Chelsea Handler opens up on life-shaping experiences ahead of NZ tour US comedian Chelsea Handler is set to bring her controversially-named tour to New Zealand shores this July. Handler had a diverse, long-running entertainment history, having worked as an actress, writer and television host for over two decades. It's been a long career, the result of big plans and ambition brought about by a complicated family dynamic. “I was not satisfied at all with my family dynamic when I was born as the youngest of six children. I remember being very young and looking around like- who's in charge? Because it wasn't my mom, it wasn't my dad, they were two hot messes. And my brothers and sisters were just doing what they wanted.” She told ZB's Francesca Rudkin she knew she wanted to turn her life around, and she started working as early as she could to ensure she didn't get anything less than the best for herself. “I wanted a big life, I wanted freedom and I wanted adulthood. And I wanted to cut ties with anyone who was going to hold me back- I thought childhood was insulting, I never felt like a child.” Her upcoming comedy tour promises similar anecdotes and stories to the ones she shared with Francesca- Handler vividly recalls the day she was told she would never fly first class, and that moment stuck with her. “I remember walking past the first class section and I was sniffing around- this is my group, you know? It smells like my group! And my mom's like- keep going, keep going, we're in the back, we'll never be able to fly first class. Those people are rich and we're not. And I was like- first of all, speak for yourself.” Handler knew from an early age she could get away with being opinionated and assertive. Despite her ‘messy' upbringing as the youngest in a family of eight, her five siblings eventually looked to Handler as a family leader. She told Francesca she was bold and opinionated- and she hopes to encourage other women to do the same. “It's all about women knowing their own power and standing up for themselves and being loud and brave. I like to live my life in a very loud, brave way as an example to everyone. You don't have to get married, you don't have to have babies to have value, there are a million things you can don in this world." She's copped some backlash for her controversial moments, but she's unbothered by the headlines and negative comments. She explained to Francesca that she doesn't feel the need to be liked by everyone, and that's never her intention. “Also if everyone does like you- what does that say about you? It says that you have no opinions, that you don't stand for anything, because it's impossible to be liked by everybody. I started my career understanding that a lot of people would not like me, so anyone who likes me is a bonus." Chelsea Handler's still looking forward to touching down in New Zealand, it'll be her first tour since 2019. And depending on how a certain presidential election turns out- she could come back again much sooner, as she explained to Francesca. “I want my life to be one big adventure, and it has been. Getting to come to New Zealand and Australia and travelling the globe to make people laugh is a total, total privilege." Chelsea Handler's two-stop New Zealand tour, Little Big B****, will play at the Auckland Town Hall on July 5th and Wellington's St James Theatre on July 6th. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did the Olivier Award winning revival of SUNSET BOULEVARD fare when it officially opened for the New York press last weekend? The production, a revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in a bold new staging by Jamie Lloyd starring Nicole Scherzinger, recently opened at the St James Theatre on Broadway, in New York. Check out this episode for an overview of a selection of the Broadway reviews and Mickey-Jo's own thoughts on them as an independent critic. • 00:00 | introduction 05:06 | New York Times 15:18 | New York Times (2023) 18:21 | New York Post 22:51 | the Wrap 31:06 | Vulture 41:44 | Variety 44:46 | TimeOut NY 50:06 | New York Theatre Guide • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

Sunset Boulevard is getting talked about again on social media for its impressive act 2 stunt - but not entirely for good reasons. The production, a revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in a bold new staging by Jamie Lloyd starring Nicole Scherzinger, recently began previews at the St James Theatre on Broadway in New York and has encountered a couple of issues with their updated 'route'. During the show's second act, its Olivier Award winning leading man Tom Francis sings the titular number via live video feed, and the nature of this moment has divided social media users, with many declaring it simply not viable on the comparatively intense streets of Manhattan. In today's episode Mickey-Jo is debunking some of the more dramatic responses to this as well as sharing some context about the history of this scene, the production itself, and my thoughts about its ongoing potential... • 00:00 | introduction 04:06 | what is Sunset Boulevard? 09:36 | what is *that* scene? 16:03 | the journey to Broadway 19:52 | what went wrong? • About Mickey-Jo: As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers. Since establishing himself as a theatre critic he has been able to work internationally. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. He has also twice received accreditation from the world renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. He has been invited to speak to private tour groups, at the BEAM 2023 new musical theatre conference at Oxford Playhouse, and on a panel of critics at an event for young people considering a career in the arts courtesy of Go Live Theatre Projects. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre

Music101's Charlotte Ryan beams in from the St James Theatre in Wellington for an update on the country's biggest night in songwriting.

Chris White is a saxophonist who's shared the stage with countless stars; Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Tom Jones just to name a few.  But it was in 1985 that he joined one of the biggest bands on the planet at the peak of their fame; Dire Straits.  He was part of the band's memorable Live Aid performance and continued to tour with the band afterwards.  Now he's coming to Wellington's St James Theatre as part of the Dire Straits Experience, and joined Nick Mills to talk about his memories of the band, as well as what audiences can expect.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a hit show that is adored overseas, and now it's on its way to Wellington. We Will Rock You is the story of a world without musical instruments, where the cast fights for the rebirth of rock. It features 24 Queen classics and is endorsed by Brian May and Roger Taylor.  Nick was joined by two homegrown members of the cast, Caleb Jago-Ward and Ella Monnery, who told us what we can expect.  You can catch it at the St James Theatre from August 15. Tickets from Ticketmaster.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another of America's most prolific comedians, Chelsea Handler has had quite the extensive career.  She not only hosted her own late-night comedy show on E!, she's also had a couple of Netflix shows, performed countless standup shows, hosted her own podcast, and written a number of books.  She's bringing her comedy tour ‘Little Big B****' to New Zealand shores for a couple of days this coming July, the show already on the road.  “It's going pretty well,” Handler told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking.  “So, I'm coming to New Zealand.”  The act will eventually be filmed and turned into a Netflix special, but Handler says she doesn't have to fulfil that obligation until the end of the year.  “I was like, oh, let me take this on the road because it's, I've got this whole year and, you know, I love to visit these places and come back and see people, and meet people up close and personal.”  “It's a different, you know, different level of travel fun.”  Comedians often try to tailor their acts to their locations to at least a small degree, localising certain jokes and leaving out others that just wouldn't land, but for the most part Handler say's her act goes down the same.  “If you're coming to see me, you probably know me, so you know what to expect, you know?”  “It's not like I'm introducing myself to people all the time.”  Although it is definitely motivated by her love of travel, Handler admits that her international tours are in part motivated by her desire to get out of the United States, telling Hosking that “America's pretty rough”.  “These days it's a pretty hard pill to swallow,” she told him.  “So, I choose to smoke a lot of cannabis and travel as much as I can out of the country.”  Her upcoming travel plans included a month in Spain, a visit to Australia, and one to New Zealand.  “Anything to get out of this country.”  Comedy serves a variety of purposes, some using it for commentary, others for escapism and levity. Handler falls into the latter category.   "I wanna like, pass high vibes around,” Handler told Hosking.  “I want people to come to my show, leave having forgotten whatever that was annoying them that day in their life.”  Many comedians chafe against the idea that there could be boundaries to their art, holding the opinion that as long as it's a joke, it's free game. Handler doesn't agree.  “I'm not against having people set parameters about what you're about to say, what you're allowed to say, or what's going to be frowned upon,” she said.  “If you want to say I can't make fun of, you know, different cultures because that's insensitive, okay, that's fair!”  Art is often about breaking boundaries but when it comes to entertainment, there's also value in working within a framework. Handler told Hosking that working within boundaries is a good challenge for any comedian or artist, as it challenges them to focus on something beyond the lowest common denominator.   “Perhaps focus that energy back on yourself and make a joke about yourself first,” she said.  “Like with everything, start within. It's the same in comedy.”  Over the years Handler has created a wide variety of content, allowing her to really nail down the type of art she likes to create and the means with which she creates it.  “I don't like to be, having to be in the same place every day,” she told Hosking.  “I like to be around the world and like, you know, I do my podcast from Majorca, I can do my podcast in London, I could do my podcast wherever.”  "I kind of feel like I found the best thing to live my life to the fullest.”  Chelsea Handler's ‘Little Big B**** Tour' is coming to Wellington's St James Theatre on July 5th, and Auckland Town Hall on July 6th.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Rula Lenska is known around the world as Claudia Colby from Coronation Street, but did you know she's also Polish royalty?  The actress, also a Countess, joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about her stage show, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which is playing at the St James Theatre in Wellington this week. She was joined by Stewart MacPherson - a legendary Wellington promoter who has brought the show to New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this Musicals Magazine Podcast, Edward Seckerson meets Samantha Barks, who has travelled far since she and Rachel Tucker went head-to-head in a bid to win the role of Nancy in the reality TV show I'd Do Anything. Unforgettably, there was Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years where she and Jonathan Bailey lit up the then St James Theatre with their conspicuous talent. Then came Éponine in Les Misérables both onstage and onscreen, and a Broadway debut as the feisty Vivian in Pretty Woman. Edward Seckerson meets her in her dressing room at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane where Queens Elsa is about to put the freeze on for a lot of adoring little girls. 

The zoo has hit Wellington, with Madagascar The Musical set to take over the St James Theatre this week. The main cast and show producer joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for an in-studio performance.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US comedian Chelsea Handler is set to bring her controversially-named tour to New Zealand shores this July. Handler had a diverse, long-running entertainment history, having worked as an actress, writer and television host for over two decades. It's been a long career, the result of big plans and ambition brought about by a complicated family dynamic. “I was not satisfied at all with my family dynamic when I was born as the youngest of six children. I remember being very young and looking around like- who's in charge? Because it wasn't my mom, it wasn't my dad, they were two hot messes. And my brothers and sisters were just doing what they wanted.” She told ZB's Francesca Rudkin she knew she wanted to turn her life around, and she started working as early as she could to ensure she didn't get anything less than the best for herself. “I wanted a big life, I wanted freedom and I wanted adulthood. And I wanted to cut ties with anyone who was going to hold me back- I thought childhood was insulting, I never felt like a child.” Her upcoming comedy tour promises similar anecdotes and stories to the ones she shared with Francesca- Handler vividly recalls the day she was told she would never fly first class, and that moment stuck with her. “I remember walking past the first class section and I was sniffing around- this is my group, you know? It smells like my group! And my mom's like- keep going, keep going, we're in the back, we'll never be able to fly first class. Those people are rich and we're not. And I was like- first of all, speak for yourself.” Handler knew from an early age she could get away with being opinionated and assertive. Despite her ‘messy' upbringing as the youngest in a family of eight, her five siblings eventually looked to Handler as a family leader. She told Francesca she was bold and opinionated- and she hopes to encourage other women to do the same. “It's all about women knowing their own power and standing up for themselves and being loud and brave. I like to live my life in a very loud, brave way as an example to everyone. You don't have to get married, you don't have to have babies to have value, there are a million things you can don in this world." She's copped some backlash for her controversial moments, but she's unbothered by the headlines and negative comments. She explained to Francesca that she doesn't feel the need to be liked by everyone, and that's never her intention. “Also if everyone does like you- what does that say about you? It says that you have no opinions, that you don't stand for anything, because it's impossible to be liked by everybody. I started my career understanding that a lot of people would not like me, so anyone who likes me is a bonus." Chelsea Handler's still looking forward to touching down in New Zealand, it'll be her first tour since 2019. And depending on how a certain presidential election turns out- she could come back again much sooner, as she explained to Francesca. “I want my life to be one big adventure, and it has been. Getting to come to New Zealand and Australia and travelling the globe to make people laugh is a total, total privilege."  Chelsea Handler's two-stop New Zealand tour, Little Big B****, will play at the Auckland Town Hall on July 5th and Wellington's St James Theatre on July 6th. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Harrison of indie/rock/psych band from the UK channel islands THE RECKS chats with Brett Newski in Guernsey Island at the St James Theatre.  More on the Recks: https://therecks.bandcamp.com/ Keep the pod alive: https://www.patreon.com/Newski NEWSKI TOUR w We Are Scientists  11/19 - Vancouver, BC - @wisehallandlounge 11/20 - Seattle, WA - @thecrocodileseattle 11/22 - San Francisco, CA - @theindependentsf 11/24 - West Hollywood, CA - @theroxy 11/25 - Santa Ana, CA - @constellationroom 11/26 - San Diego, CA - @casbahsandiego 11/27 - Phoenix, AZ - @valleybarphx 11/30 - Dallas, TX - @dada 12/1 - San Antonio, TX - @papertigersatx 12/3 - Austin, TX - @antonesnightclub

One of Broadway's biggest blockbusters is landing in Wellington for the very first time. Wicked, tells the story of what happened in the Land of Oz but from a different angle. It's taking to the stage at the St James Theatre from Thursday and will run until the 3rd of September. Heather Wilcock and Maya Handa-Naff play the two main characters, Elphaba and Glinda, and join Nick in the studio. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers CHRISTOPHER LUXON to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? HELEN WHITE to the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: What announcements has she made about supporting Auckland's St James Theatre? SIMON COURT to the Minister of Transport: Does he agree with former Minister of Transport Hon Phil Twyford, who said in March 2018, "Solving Auckland's traffic gridlock is also important for the rest of New Zealand with congestion in the city between 2015 and 2017 estimated to have cost the economy between $1.3 billion a year in lost productivity", and has congestion become better or worse since then? NICOLA WILLIS to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by his statement in relation to the decision not to progress his tax proposal for Budget 2023 that "I wouldn't have put so much work into it if I didn't think that it had merit. But I also am a team player"; if so, approximately how many hours of officials' time went into developing these tax proposals that were rejected? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister for Infrastructure: What progress has the Government made in addressing New Zealand's infrastructure deficit? CHRIS BISHOP to the Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment: What is the total amount spent from the December 2017 quarter onwards on Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants to date, and is she satisfied with the Government's performance on housing? IBRAHIM OMER to the Minister for the Public Service: What recent announcements has he made about strengthening New Zealand's cyber-security readiness and response? Hon LOUISE UPSTON to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: Does growing up in a benefit-dependent home contribute to child poverty; if so, is she concerned by the increase in children living in benefit-dependent homes under this Government? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she agree it's unfair that young people on the benefit are eligible for almost $44 less every week than people 25 and up? ANAHILA KANONGATA'A to the Minister of Police: What recent milestones have been reached on the roll-out of the Tactical Response Model? Hon MARK MITCHELL to the Minister of Corrections: Does he stand by his statement, "we have safely reduced the prison population"; if so, why? Hon PHIL TWYFORD to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What action is the Government taking to ensure Kiwi consumers are treated fairly by their banks, insurers, and credit unions?

On The Wire for Rāpare Thursday. News and Editorial Director Jessica Hopkins spoke to Labour's Andrew Little about creating a single cybersecurity agency, the government's $15 million pledge to restore the St James Theatre, and a review of weather forecasting systems. Hanna Thompson spoke to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about youth justice. Nicholas Lindstrom talked to Auckland University Students' Association President Alan Shaker about AUSA elections, the upcoming AUSA Annual General Meeting, and calls for a universal study wage.  Olivia Bing speaks to the Green Party's Golriz Ghahraman about their calls for affordable dental care. And Beth Torrance-Hetherington spoke to Principal Planner for the Rapid Transit Network at Auckland Transport, Luke Elliott, about the draft Regional Public Transport plan. 

Auckland's dilapidated St James Theatre has been given a cash injection from the government - but the city's mayor says a matching Council payment won't be made unless construction is underway by next July. Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced a $15m contribution to the restoration of the St James - which has been closed for 15 years - to sit alongside funding from Auckland Council and the owner. But the New Zealand Herald reported this morning Mayor Wayne Brown had written to the Minister, to say the $15 million set aside by Council in 2016 would only be available until June 30 next year. He described it as "impetus" for the restoration to move forward and suggested if construction wasn't underway the Council would recommend the building is demolished. The St James is designated a Category 1 heritage building. So when WILL work begin on the St James? Kathryn talks to the building's owner Steve Bielby from Auckland Notable Properties Trust.

The St James Theatre has been a staple of Auckland since it was constructed in 1928. The Government has agreed to match Auckland Council's $15 million pledge to restore the theatre. Owner Steve Bielby talks to Jesse.

A team effort on Second Guessing sees some good old baked beans donated to the City Mission. On Isthmus'n That with Desley Simpson, the Deputy Mayor speaks about the incident in Auckland's CBD last week, the opening of the FIFA Women's World Cup in the city and the funding pledges from central government and council to restore the St James Theatre. Arabella of Ringlets is in the studio talking about the band's tour, which kicks off this week. Alice Canton is back for some Stage Direction, chatting to Mark Chayanat-Whittet, the director of Henchmen, a new comedy drama play that is debuting at Basement on August 8. Puna-Whakaata Love from the Faculty of Medical Health Sciences is on Ready Steady Learn talking about the development of an app to support rangatahi wellbeing, called Headstrong. Whakarongo mai nei!

Cosi fan Tutte is taking to the stage at the St James Theatre in Wellington on June 14, 16 and 18. Jonathan Abernethy performs as Ferrando, and is a born and bred Wellington.  He joins Nick Mills in the Newstalk ZB studio to discuss the show and his upbringing. LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Sainsbury is a walking definition of polymath. An acclaimed actor, comedian, director and writer - not to mention Snapchat Dude - he tells Simon about swapping his parents' Matamata farm for the bright lights of Auckland. They talk Buddhism, veganism and why he wants a statue. Tom also explains why he decided to impersonate Simon - complete with acrostic poems! - in a series of viral videos. Tom is part of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. His show Gone Bananas is at Te Auha, Wellington till May 12 and the Q Theatre, Auckland from May 16-19. He'll also co-host Loud & Queer at St James Theatre, Wellington on May 20. You can read stories supporting this episode on stuff.co.nz. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? Got a guest you'd like Simon to talk to? We're listening! Email us at generallyfamous@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Host: Simon Bridges Producers: Chris Reed and Jen Black Audio editing and mixing: John Ropiha

British musical theatre actress Louise Dearman is widely known through her many performances both on national tours and in London's West End. Following her graduation from Laine Theatre Arts College, where she won the Musical Theatre and Opera Award, she joined the touring cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the role of the Narrator. She then went on to play Jan for the UK tour of Grease in 2000, before returning in 2003 to London's Victoria Palace Theatre to play the same role. Further past highlights include Sarah Brown for the national tour of Guys and Dolls, and Mimi in the Piccadilly Theatre production of the show; Lucy Harris in the UK tour of Jekyll and Hyde; Debbie in the 2007 Edinburgh Festival production of Debbie Does Dallas; Grizabella in the International production of Cats; Eva Peron in the UK touring production of Evita and becoming the first actress to star as both Glinda and Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked. Louise also created the role of Mrs D in the World Premiere Production of New Musical The Waterbabies. In recent projects she headlined at the St James Theatre, Victoria, starred in An Evening of Movies and Musicals at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and at Swansea's Grand Theatre. She also featured on Friday Night is Music Night on BBC Radio 2. Louise played Lois Lane/Bianca in Kiss Me Kate staged as part of BBC Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra. Most recent engagements include a Variety Gala Evening at Bradford Alhambra guesting with Michael Ball, an autumn UK Tour of Bond and Beyond and Louise was invited to perform on the International production of Tell Me On A Sunday. Louise Dearman's first album You And I was released in 2005, and was followed by Here Comes the Sun (2012), and It's Time (2013).

On today's First Up pod - We touch down in the US and Europe; First Up was at yesterday's funeral of slain dairy worker Janak Patel and the chair of the Sandringham Business Association is with us and, as the campaign to save Auckland's historic St James Theatre ramps up, we got a rare chance to take a look inside. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

Venus Rising, a collection of three celestial ballets, graced the stage of Wellington's St James Theatre last night. On display was the spirit of Venus - the brightest of stars and a sacred goddess of love, beauty and victory over adversity. And the programme's had its fair share of adversity in getting on stage after two years of postponements. Royal New Zealand Ballet's acting executive director Dame Kerry Prendergast is with us now...

Musical Director, Producer and Writer Alex Parker (My Fair Lady / The Light in the Piazza) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Alex discuss Strictly Ballroom (New Wimbledon Theatre, UK Tour) and the WhatsOnStage Awards, as well as the latest news about Wicked casting, The Woman in Black closing, the Nanny McPhee musical and lots more. Alex is currently the musical director for the UK & Ireland tour of My Fair Lady directed by Bartlett Sher.Additionally, Alex is currently producing and musical directing a concert staging of The Light in the Piazza at the Alexandra Palace Theatre on 27th November with an all-star cast including Elena Shaddow, Amara Okereke, Jordan Luke Gage, Rebecca Lock and Amy Di Bartolomeo.Alex made a splash on the theatre scene when he produced and musical directed the London premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Putting It Together at the St James Theatre (now The Other Palace) starring Janie Dee. Most recently he produced and musical directed Wonderful Town at Opera Holland Park, Gypsy starring seven Roses at the Alexandra Palace Theatre, Sunset Boulevard at Alexandra Palace Theatre & Royal Albert Hall and his own musical AmDram at Leicester Curve.Alex has also produced and musical directed A Little Night Music on two occasions, at the Palace Theatre in the West End and Opera Holland Park.Alex was the musical director for Mame at the Hope Mill Theatre, The Color Purple at Leicester Curve and My Left Right Foot for the National Theatre of Scotland. Other shows that he has worked on include Sweet Charity, Barnum, Secret Diary of Adrain Mole, Wonderland, Working, Les Misérables, Stephen Ward, The Pajama Game, Soho Cinders and so much more. The list is endless!The Light in the Piazza is staged at the Alexandra Palace Theatre on 27th November 2022. Visit www.alexandrapalace.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.  

Join host Angus King as he explores the multitude of reported paranormal sightings at Wellington's St James Theatre: a playful ghost named Yuri, believed to have been a Russian ballet dancer who fell to his death from the flies above the stage; the malevolent spirit with the screaming face; and a ghostly boys' choir… Would you dare visit there? Special thanks to our Guest: ·      James Gilberd [Paranormal Researcher, New Zealand Strange Occurrences Society] For pictures and more information, join us on social media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Resources National Library NZ Archives Wellington's St James Theatre brought back to beautiful life Wikipedia Ghost Hunt St James Theatre (Little House of Horrors) St James Theatre (Venues Wellington) Created by Angus King & Sonya Lowe Narrated by Angus King

The owner of the St. James Theatre joins us and opens up about the plans for this iconic music venue. Join the Whānau on Instagram, Facebook & Tik Tok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OPINION: Time is running out for Auckland's St James Theatre.  What once was the site of glittering lights, concerts and events is now a rundown derelict shell of a venue. Graffiti litters the walls, piles of concrete and debris cover the theatre floor and after multiple break-ins - the worst being last month, its future now hangs on a knife edge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New video footage of the interior of the vandalised St James Theatre has been released by Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick, showing fungi growing on damp floors, damaged electrical fittings and roof, as well as an exposure to the weather and rain, and foundation-eroding dampness. Swarbrick has written an open letter calling for the government to match the Auckland Council's $15 million commitment to restoring the building. She says this decision can't be kicked down the road any more and that the revival of the theatre will secure Queen Streets' status as a buzzing destination that will provide space and a place for Auckland's creative community. Built in 1928, St James Theatre once hosted many shows and concerts. St James Theatre is also regarded as a Category 1 Heritage building, meaning it is a historic places are of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance or value.  However, Building owner Steve Bielby says thieves and vandals had 'gutted' the once historic site. Joe spoke to the owner of St James Theatre, Steve Bielby as well as Green Party MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick, about why the revitalisation of St James Theatre is so significant to Auckland.   

This week on The Wire for Rāhina Monday! Joe speaks to Jason Gurney, from Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, about travel costs being a barrier for Māori in need of liver cancer treatment. He also chats to Steve Bielby, the owner of St James Theatre, and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick on the revitalisation of St James Theatre.  Trishil speaks to Catherine Delahunty from Coromandel Watchdog about her petition calling for a moratorium on mining permits for conservation land. He also speaks Anthony Spalinger from the Ancient History Department at the University of Auckland about the recently resurfaced letter from Sir Alan Gardiner confirming the tomb of Tutankhamun had been raided prior to it's official unveiling. That's us for the Monday Wire!  

A thoroughly modern Cinderella centred around a quest for identity, true love and the courage to be yourself is being staged by the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. Cinderella is the company's first national tour in more than a year, and the first production performed at its renovated home base, the St James Theatre in Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. The new ballet, three years in the making, has been choreographed and composed by Kiwis Loughlan Prior and Claire Cowan.

A thoroughly modern Cinderella centred around a quest for identity, true love and the courage to be yourself is being staged by the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. Cinderella is the company's first national tour in more than a year, and the first production performed at its renovated home base, the St James Theatre in Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. The new ballet, three years in the making, has been choreographed and composed by Kiwis Loughlan Prior and Claire Cowan.

Tina Plunket: Save the St Theatre Group spokesperson says Auckland theatre burglary was a planned operationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owner of the St James Theatre in Auckland says this week's theft of copper fittings and a 94-year old statue was the third break in there in just a few months.   The theatre's owner is worried that the building, which needs more funding to complete a long term restoration, will continue to be targeted by thieves while its future remains unresolved.  Owner Steve Bielby joins us with the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was all the drama you could want when Wellington Opera opened La Traviata at the St James Theatre this weekend. At the last minute, two principal singers had to isolate due to Covid-19, other cast members had to cover vocally and the director and assistant director ended up on stage. But for all that, the night was a success. Wellington Opera director Matthew Ross spoke to Corin Dann.

In 2015 the St James Theatre, a Category 1 Heritage building on Courtenay Place, was found to be earthquake-prone.The work to strengthen the theatre to a minimum of 67% of the New Building Standard started in April 2019On Saturday the 2nd of July it will officially open its doors for a public open day.Nick Mills went along for a sneak peak.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Film, ballet, television, theatre and opera - Emma Kingsbury has made a name for herself as a designer across them all. Her latest commission is to design a new interpretation of Cinderella for the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company, in a style she describes as Avant Baroque Maximalism. Emma's TV show designs include Blacklight and HBO's Finding Magic Mike, while ballet commission include The Crucible for Scottish Ballet and The Firebird for Texas Ballet. She arrived in New Zealand earlier in the week and joins Lynn to talk about Cinderella, opening at the newly refurbished St James Theatre in Wellington.

The gilded crown of Wellington's entertainment scene is officially back in business. The heritage St James Theatre has been closed since 2019 for earthquake strengthening. Our reporter Hamish Cardwell and cameraman Angus Dreaver got a tour, and learnt about some of its spooky history.

The lights are back on at the St James Theatre in Wellington. Tonight TEEKS and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra graced the stage, with songs arranged by Mahuia Bridgeman-Cooper

Wellington's historic St James Theatre reopens today after earthquake restrengthening that began three years ago. The Category One Heritage building in Courtenay Place was built in 1912 and houses the Royal New Zealand Ballet. It's a favourite theatre, and celebrations are planned to mark the reopening, beginning today with TEEKS and the Symphony Orchestra. Corin Dann spoke to Jill Day, chair of the Wellington City Council's arts and culture committee.

Wellington Mayor Andy Foster joins Nick Mills for his monthly catch up in June. This time he discusses whether he supports a second Mount Victoria Tunnel, the St James Theatre reopening, the new District Plan and Matariki. LISTEN ABOVE 

From the early days of Talking Heads, David Byrne has been developing unique and fascinating new ways to present his music to the world. There's no finer example of this than the jaw-dropping American Utopia show, which the NME called “The Best Live Show Of All Time”. Today we are delving inside the process of creating and performing the show from its early touring incarnation through to the wildly successful Broadway run that has just triumphantly resumed at the St James Theatre. I talk to key members of the band and cast about the show's merging of rock concert with modern dance piece and Broadway show, the innovative staging and unique challenges of reconfiguring classic songs for the show, the costumes, memories from the road, celebrity encounters, working with Spike Lee on the film version, how they went from collaborators to family and the challenges and joys of finally bringing the show back a year later than planned. Thank you to cast members Angie Swan, Bobby Wooten, Chris Giarmo, Mauro Refosco and Stéphane San Juan for sharing their insights and stories, to Aussie queen of rock radio Zan Rowe for joining me to break down what makes the show special and publicist Michelle Farabaugh for making the whole thing possible.  

Paradox House presents… Episode 7 of Scripted hosted by Daisy Lewis. This week Daisy sat down with one of the U.K's brightest writers in Anya Reiss to talk through all things scripted. We also bump up the excitement with her upcoming TV show, ‘Becoming Elizabeth', that is being distributed via STARZ! Anya Reiss began her writing career in theatre with her debut play Spur of the Moment at the Royal Court Theatre in 2010. She won the Most Promising Playwright Award at both the Critics Circle and Evening Standard awards that year along with Best New Play at the TMAs. Her follow up play The Acid Test was staged at the same venue the next year and her National Theatre Connections play Forty-Five Minutes was in 2013. Her original version of The Seagull, directed by Russell Bolam, was staged in 2012 at Southwark Playhouse, and they worked on two further modern-day Chekhovs together at the same venue and then St James Theatre. Since then her version of Spring Awakening toured with Headlong and an adaptation of Oliver Twist was at the Regents' Park Theatre in 2017. Anya has worked in television, a core writer on Eastenders and a lead writer on series one of Channel 4's Ackley Bridge. She is currently writer-producer on Starz's Becoming Elizabeth which will air next year. Enjoy!

Jacquelene Acevedo is a Grammy award winning percussionist and dancer who stars in David Byrne's American Utopia currently on Broadway at the St James Theatre. She has recorded or toured with Jeremy Pelt, Alicia Hall Moran and her mentor/father, Memo Acevedo. Jacquelene also recorded on the In The Heights movie soundtrack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to get super haunted with Haunted Entertainment Venues tonight! Vanessa warms up first with the tale of Royal Albert Hall, a venue known for its organ with very particular sexual needs, named after a man with a very particular wiener piercing. Then Melissa breaks a leg with the story of St. James Theatre, a place that, of course, has a Peter Jackson connection because...New Zealand. Our beer this week is Greenroom American Pale Ale from Barrier Brewing Co. Who will win in the battle of basement fuck parties vs fart acoustics? Listen and find out!

A ghost choir singin', a phantom woman sobbin', and a deceased dancer savin' lives all reportedly inhabit the St. James Theatre of Wellington, New Zealand. Learn about these haunted happenings, the Phantom of the Opera's storied history, and whether or not “unbeknownst” is a word.

One of New Zealand's foremost true crime writers has taken a break from cold cases to look at some of our greatest local mysteries.Scott Bainbridge's previous six books have focused on missing persons or cold cases, but his latest book New Zealand Mysteries takes a look at some of our countries strange sightings or more unexplainable experiences.The ghosts of St James Theatre, the Kaikoura Lights, the Nelson Street Ripper, the South Canterbury Panther - Bainbridge has looked into them all.He joined Andrew Dickens to discuss what he learnt about these phenomena and what he drew him away from true crime.LISTEN ABOVE

April 22, 2020: Sondheim is a popular choice today in theatre history, as are shows opening at the St. James Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a ride atop the Number 12 bus with national treasure, Sandi Toksvig.In this episode Chair of Virago Press Lennie Goodings chats with the one and only Sandi Toksvig about her long-awaited memoir, Between the Stops: The View of My Life from the Top of the Number 12 Bus. Well known for her television and radio work as a broadcaster, writer, activist and comic on stage, screen and radio, Sandi Toksvig also writes for theatre and television: her film The Man starred Stephen Fry and Zoe Wanamaker and her play Bully Boy starring Anthony Andrews opened the St James Theatre in 2012. In 2016 Sandi took over as chair on QI and in 2017 she started presenting The Great British Bake Off.Between the Stops is A funny and moving trip through memories, musings and the many delights on the Number 12 route, Between the Stops is also an inspiration to us all to get off our phones, look up and to talk to each other because as Sandi says: 'some of the greatest trips lie on our own doorstep'. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's a piece of New Zealand's most important heritage locked behind hoardings on Auckland's Queen St. The St James Theatre is dying a death of neglect - but those who love the old lady haven't given up. 

In this episode: Secondary sales of tickets. Discussion about emma Rice's dparture from The Globe Theatre. Top three Non-Westend shows to see. The Last Five Years at The St James Theatre. "They Say, We Say" we discuss the reviews of Amadeus. Sideshow. King Lear at The Old Vic starring Glenda Jackson. Three shows to watch out for this month... Secret song. Subscribe today!!!!

Libby Purves meets Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman; writer Rex Pickett; writer and academic Bella Merlin and performer Natalie James. Bella Merlin is an actor, writer, and professor of acting and directing at the University of California, Riverside. In her book, Facing the Fear, she draws on her own and other actors' personal experiences to address the issue of stage fright and how the complex relationship between the actor and the audience affects the condition. Drawing on neurological research, she also offers practical tips from physical wellbeing to performance strategies. Facing the Fear An Actor's Guide to Overcoming Stage Fright is published by Nick Hern Books. Natalie Nicole James is dancer and circus performer. She plays Mowgli in Metta Theatre's new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. The story of a child raised by wolves has been transposed to a contemporary urban jungle featuring street dancing monkeys, a beat-boxing bin man Baloo and graffiti artist Bagheera. The Jungle Book is at Cork's Midsummer Festival and at London Wonderground Festival, Southbank. Chris Boardman MBE won an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics – the first British cyclist to win for 75 years. He went on to become the first British rider since Tommy Simpson in 1967 to wear the race leader's yellow jersey in the Tour de France. Now a commentator and presenter, his endeavours both on and off the bike have made him the founding father of the current gold generation of British cyclists. His memoir, Triumphs and Turbulence My Autobiography, is published by Ebury Press. Rex Pickett is a writer and the author of the novel Sideways which became an award-winning film directed by Alexander Payne. Now a play, adapted by the author, Sideways is the story of Miles and Jack, best friends facing their own personal crises who head off to Santa Barbara for a week of wine tastings. Sideways is at the St James Theatre, London. Producer: Paula McGinley.

Libby Purves meets actor Maureen Lipman; writer and comedian Paul Whitehouse; tightrope walker Chris Bull and farmer Desmond MacCarthy. Chris Bull - otherwise known as Bullzini - is a funambulist or tightrope walker. He is recreating the tightrope walk of Carlos Trower, The African Blondin, at A Day at the Lake in Staffordshire. Trower walked across the lake 100 feet above the water in 1864 and again in 1878, drawing huge crowds 30 years after the abolition of slavery in the UK. Chris first became interested in circus skills as a teenager and learned to juggle while at school. He trained for 12 years seeking out the best artists and teachers in Brazil, Cuba, France and Belgium. A Day At The Lake is at Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire. Maureen Lipman CBE, is an actor and comedian, best known for her homage to Joyce Grenfell in Re:Joyce; as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma and for her role in the Oscar-winning film, The Pianist. Her latest part is in Charlotte Keatley's play, My Mother Said I Never Should at the St James' Theatre, about the relationships between mothers and daughters spanning four generations. She is also appearing in the ITV2 comedy PLEBS. My Mother Said I Never Should is at the St James Theatre, London SW1. Desmond MacCarthy is a gentleman farmer struggling to keep his 17th century manor, Wiveton Hall, afloat while holding on to the country traditions of his childhood. He stars in the television series Normal for Norfolk which follows him as he tries to ensure his café turns a profit, supervises his fruit farm and gets stuck in with the renovation of a dilapidated cottage - which doesn't go at all smoothly. Normal for Norfolk is broadcast on BBC Two. Paul Whitehouse is an actor, performer and writer who has been involved in many of the best-loved comedy shows over the last 25 years including The Fast Show and Harry And Paul. In the comedy drama Nurse, created by Paul Whitehouse and David Cummings, a community mental health nurse makes her rounds to visit her patients in their homes. Most of these patients are played by Whitehouse himself and range from an agoraphobic ex-con; a manic ex-glam rock star and ageing rake Herbert, who hoards his house with possessions and memories. Nurse is broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Producer: Paula McGinley.

Libby Purves meets photographer Don McCullin; Roman Catholic priest Father Ray Kelly; triathlete and coach Fiona Ford and actor Robert Portal. Fiona Ford is a triathlete and coach. In the same week in 2006 she won both World Championship titles at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and Aquathlon events. Three years ago, while cycling along the London 2012 Olympic bike route, she was hit by a car and badly injured. Doctors told her she would never run again. But thanks to her grit and determination, she is back on her bike, competing in a triathlon. Back on Track by Fiona Ford is published by Meyer and Meyer Sport. Photographer Don McCullin's early association with a North London gang, The Guv'nors, led to the first publication of his pictures. He went on to cover many of the world's worst wars and humanitarian crises of his time from the civil war in the Congo to the Tet offensive at Hue during the Vietnam War. His photographs document the building of the Berlin Wall and the famine that ravaged Biafra in the 1960s. Unreasonable Behaviour: An Autobiography by Don McCullin with Lewis Chester is published by Jonathan Cape. Don McCullin Conflict - People - Landscape is at Hauser And Wirth, Somerset. Father Ray Kelly worked as a civil servant before becoming a Catholic priest 35 years ago. He'd always loved singing but it wasn't until 2014 when he sang Hallelujah while officiating at a wedding that he became an internet sensation. Since then he has signed a record deal and performed on TV shows around the world from the US to Germany and Australia. His second album, An Irish Christmas Blessing, is on Wrasse Records. Robert Portal is an actor who is playing Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days at St James Theatre. He is also an adventurer himself, rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic and taking part in the Marathon des Sables - a six-day, 251 km ultramarathon. His theatre and film work includes Communicating Doors, Henry IV, Mr Turner and The King's Speech. Around the world in 80 Days is at the St James Theatre, London. Producer: Paula McGinley.

Matt Forde is joined by Dave “Harry” Bassett And Jon Richardson in the second episode of his Sports Party. This show was recorded at St James Theatre, Studio and originally broadcast on TalkSPORT, the world's biggest sports radio station. For tickets to future dates visit www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/

Ruby Wax joins Richard Coles and Aasmah Mir to talk about how she brings her knowledge of neuroscience, spiked with comedy, to her one woman show. David Reynolds explains how his grandfather's letters, and enthralling childhood stories of the Wild West, inspired him to embark on a road trip along Highway 83 from Canada to the Mexican border. He describes some of the local characters he met, the three different types of cowboys that still exist today and why he thinks Sacagawea should be on US bank notes. Pete Ross meets some of the visitors to the Dragon Café in Borough, London - the UK's first 'mental health café' and creative space. We hear why dancing science teacher Dr. Richard Spencer choreographs his college biology lessons to music, and how this has led to him becoming a top 10 finalist for the $1m (£650,000) Global Teaching Prize. The singer Ray Quinn chooses his Inheritance Tracks: My Special Angel by Malcolm Vaughan and Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. And Josh Carrott - aka 'The Korean Englishman' - tells us why he is on a mission to bring Korean culture to the UK through his YouTube Channel. Sane New World: Taming the Mind - runs at St James Theatre, London from 2-14 March 2015. Slow Road to Brownsville by David Reynolds is published by Greystone Books. 'They Say Love' - the first single from Ray Quinn's new album - is released on Monday 23 February.

As Yet Unnamed London Theatre Podcast 04-Jan-2015 With T R P Watson  - Gareth James - Phil from the West End Whingers  - Terri Paddock - Julie Raby -   Discussion of London Theatre 2014 Almeida  [0:00:17] Royal Court  [0:05:36] Young Vic  [0:12:58] Donmar Warehouse [0:15:45] National Theatre  [0:20:14] West End Plays and St James’ Theatre [0:27:07] Old Vic  [0:39:27] Hampstead Theatre  [0:41:47] Southwark Playhouse and Arcola  [0:48:37] Musicals  [0:51:00] Contributors theatre discoveries of 2014  [0:58:34] Sam Wannamaker Playhouse  [1:01:38]

In the first of a brand new podcast, Matt Forde interviews former Premier League footballer Jimmy Bullard, comedian and Arsenal fan Romesh Ranganathan and notorious agent Eric Hall. This show was recorded at St James Theatre, Studio and originally broadcast on TalkSPORT, the world's biggest sports radio station. For tickets to future dates visit http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/

James Albrecht is part of the team responsible for booking artistes for the St James' Studio. If you'd like to work there he tells us exactly how to make contact and show him what you can do.

Matt is joined by former Director of Communications and Strategy for the Labour Party, Alastair Campbell, for a very special show recorded live at the St James Theatre. For info on future guests visit http://www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Herzog talks to Katie Bernstein, currently performing in Urinetown at the St James Theatre.

For the show 11 Matt is joined but is joined by former Home Secretary Alan Johnson. Recorded live at the St James Theatre. For more info on the show and future guests visit http://www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the ninth show Matt is joined by Labour MP Stella Creasy. For details of The Political Party 2014 shows at St James Theatre, London visit www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With Kirsty Lang. The artist Peter Blake's new exhibition Under Milk Wood is the culmination of a 25-year project, in which he's created a series of illustrations, portraits, watercolours, and photographs based on Dylan Thomas's 'play for voices'. Peter Blake looks back over his ambitious project and discusses his fascination for Thomas's celebrated work. A new film documentary, Leviathan, provides an insight into the harsh world of North Atlantic commercial fishing. With no narration, little dialogue, and long lingering shots of life aboard a fishing vessel, the film has divided audiences. Documentary film maker Molly Dineen gives her response. Iain Sinclair and Professor Jeffrey Richards tell the story of the chequered history of Gaslight, Thorold Dickinson's adaptation of Patrick Hamilton's play, which was suppressed by a Hollywood studio when it bought up the rights. Legend has it that the film only survives now because the director smuggled out a copy under the cloak of darkness. Sarah Ruhl's play In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) was nominated for three Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize after its initial Broadway run in 2009. Opening tonight at the St James Theatre in London, the play shows how 19th Century medicine used the female orgasm as a cure for hysteria, and how the invention of electricity transformed the treatment. Sarah Ruhl discusses the inspiration for the play and reflects on why it has been a hit in some surprising locations. Producer: Stephen Hughes.

Matt is joined by Labour politican and 'Dial M for Murdoch' author Tom Watson. For details of The Political Party autumn shows at St James Theatre, London visit www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Matt is joined by journalist and former Conservative politician Matthew Parris in a special one-off show recorded at The British Library. For details of The Political Party at autumn shows at St James Theatre, London visit www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Libby Purves meets singer Natalie Cole; actor Joan Shepard; columnist Liz Jones and comedian Tom Wrigglesworth. Natalie Cole is the multi Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter and daughter of Nat King Cole. Her new album, Natalie Cole en Español, is recorded entirely in Spanish and features duets with her father and siblings. The album is a tribute to her late father, who recorded three albums in Spanish, and her own love of the region's music and culture. Natalie Cole en Español is released on Decca Records Veteran actor Joan Shepard is celebrating 73 years in show business this year. She was born in London and brought up in New York. She made her debut on Broadway at the age of seven, having been spotted in the crowd by Sir Laurence Olivier. She went on to work with Tallulah Bankhead, Quentin Crisp and Lenny Bruce. Confessions of an Old Lady #2 is at St James Theatre, London and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at Fingers Piano Bar. Liz Jones is fashion editor and columnist for the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Columnist of the Year in 2012, her copy features intimate details of her personal life and the lives of her friends and family. Her sharp observations about women in particular have caused rifts with several celebrities. Her autobiography Girl Least Likely to - 30 years of Fashion, Fasting and Fleet Street reveals details of her anorexia, sexual encounters and experiences of cosmetic surgery. Girl Least Likely to - 30 years of Fashion, Fasting and Fleet Street is published by Simon and Schuster Tom Wrigglesworth is a comedian and a regular performer and presenter on BBC Radio 4. He won a Sony Radio award in 2011. His show Tom Wrigglesworth: Utterly at Odds with the Universe is partly a celebration of his grandfather and partly his take on our throwaway society. Tom Wrigglesworth: Utterly at Odds with the Universe is at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at the Pleasance Courtyard.

For the last show of the run Matt is joined by former Home and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. Recorded live at St James Theatre. For details of The Political Party at Edinburgh Festival visit http://www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the fifth show Matt is joined by Conservative MP Tim Loughton to talk about the current government. Recorded live at the St James Theatre, for future dates visit http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/ | http://www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the forth show, recorded on the day of Margaret Thatcher's funeral, Matt is joined by former Liberal Democrat Lembit Öpik. Recorded live at the St James Theatre. For more info and to book tickets visit http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the third show Matt is joined by former Labour Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Recorded live at the St James Theatre. For info and tickets to future shows visit http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

London games, history, pubs and museums, plus a look around the St James Theatre. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the second show Matt is joined by the UKIP leader Nigel Farage to discuss Europe, immigration, gay marriage and the environment. Recorded live at the St James Theatre. For info and tickets to future shows visit http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Playwright Amanda Whittington talks about her career and her writing process and about three new plays she has opening in the next twelve months: The Thrill of Love opens at the New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme from 22 February to 9 March before moving to the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough from 13 to 23 March and the St James Theatre in London from 27 March to 4 May. The Dugout from Splice Productions will be at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol in May. My Judy Garland Life will open at Nottingham Playhouse at the beginning of 2014.

For the first show Matt is joined by the Respect MP and broadcaster George Galloway. Recorded live at the St James Theatre. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

PRESS RELEASE: 22nd MAY 2006 Edwin Derricutt and Ben Harper "Things just seem to keep on growing for NZ based independant artist Edwin Derricutt. Edwin was invited this week to perform at the 'Ben Harper' after party at the St James Theatre in Auckland. Ben Harpers 3000 sellout concert was a huge success and his presence at the afterparty later in the evening gave Edwin an oppurtunity to mix and mingle with one of the best in the mainstream industry. Ben was relaxed and casual and took up a low profile position at the back of the room with his small entourage followers and nodded his head agreeably to the live performance. Edwin Derricutt's debut solo album 'Symmetry' has been selling well since its release in late March 2006 and has picked up an appreciative following of listners who have often been grabbing Ben Harpers latest release and Edwins debut offering in the same purchase. Online purchases can be made at NZs amplifier.co.nz side or at cdbaby.com for elsewhere in the world."