Hello, y'all! And Happy July! Joining Ben in Benjy’s Cafe this week, is the director, the brilliant, Damian Sandys. Damian, Artistic Producer at UK Productions, one of the UK’s leading production companies & Creative Director of the annual What’s On Stage Awards, is one of the busiest & kindest people in theatre. Damian shares his joy of directing & his life in theatre, including the buzz of directing Neighbours: The Celebration Tour & his role as Associate Director of the hit Br...
Jul 01, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Hello! Been warm hasn't it? Blimey. Pop some ice cubes in yer socks. Joining Ben this week in Benjy's Cafe is The Comedy Wordsmith, comedian, Lloyd Hollett. Described by Gyles Brandreth as “a linguistic comedy genius”, Lloyd has established himself as one of the most unique & original performers in the comedy world today. Lloyd shares with Ben his inspirations in comedy, including summers spent as a child enjoying a golden generation of British variety & the crucial role his teachers pla...
Jun 24, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Hello! It's super to be back after a lovely birthday. Everyone well? Groovy, let's go! Ben's guest this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is the actor, writer & director, Adam Brown. Adam shares the life changing experience of being cast as Ori in the blockbuster, The Hobbit Trilogy, including the delight of working with director, Peter Jackson, the camaraderie on set & life filming in New Zealand. Ben & Adam also chat happiness, Adam's comedy roots & his work with Clare Plested as t...
Jun 17, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Hello, you wonderful lot! Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week, is the human ball of energy, actor, Charles Brunton. Charles takes Ben through his transfer from London's West End to Broadway with the RSC's Matilda. And the joy & challenges of creating leading roles, including Emelius Browne in Disney's Bedknobs & Broomsticks & Dr Gangle in Andrew Lloyd Webber's, Love Never Dies. Charles also shares the rewards of discovering & mentoring new talent in his role as Judge on Brillia...
Jun 03, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Hello! Let's do this, Rodeos! This week, actor, the wonderful, James Mackenzie drops into Benjy's Cafe for a coffee. James appears in the CBeebies hit show, Molly & Mack & played the title role in the multi BAFTA award winning CBBC series, Raven, for over 15 seasons, gaining cult status worldwide. It's a super episode. James shares how growing up in an acting family helped shaped his career choice & his route to the stage & our TV screens, & just what a privilege that is. Jam...
May 27, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Hello! Let's all have a super day! Joining Ben on Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, is the actor, Joe Evans. Joe's theatre credits include Rutherford & Son at The National Theatre, Romantics Anonymous at The Globe & Wild Honey at Hampstead Theatre, directed by the late, Howard Davies. One of the good guys, Joe discusses his time at The National, & his career in musicals, including the worldwide smash hit, Les Miserables. Joe also shares balancing family life with a demanding acting car...
May 19, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Hello! Hope everyone is rockin' & rollin'?! Another corking episode for you this week, especially if you're considering your relationship with alcohol. Joining Ben this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast is the alcohol free coach, Mr Life Beyond Booze, Andy Garwood. At 52, Dad of 4 Andy decided enough was enough & said cheerio to the booze. That was 7 years ago. He now has more energy than a Duracell bunny. Andy completed his 1st triathlon at 52, he’s climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa & this y...
May 13, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Hello! Hope everyone is feeling groovy? Joining Ben in this week's episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is TV Presenter, Briony May Williams. 2018 Great British Bake Off star, Briony shares her new happy & the confidence, mental clarity & newfound joy in life that sobriety brings. Ben & Briony discuss her flying TV career, including the success behind the award winning, Escape To The Country & BBC1's, Morning Live! Plus, the therapeutic benefits of baking & the vibrant life that ...
May 06, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Hello! Everyone ready for another super week? Let's do this! Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week, is the presenter & commentator, the wonderful, Max Whittle. Max is co-host of Ultimate Tennis Showdown & is match day host for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred & Aston Villa in the WSL & can be seen across the Premier League, NBA & Major League Baseball London Series. Yep, he's good. In this episode, Max shares the excitement of working in sport, including the buzz of UTS &...
Apr 29, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Hello! Hope you're all super duper? Ben's guest this week in Benjy's Cafe Podcast is the co founder of Dryyapp & the best-selling author of Better Me, Better You, Matt Pink; The Better Life Guy. Matt joins Ben to discuss his sobriety & the impact it's had on his life, including the positive changes in his mental & physical health. Matt shares his joy of everyday moments & embracing a more mindful & fulfilling life without alcohol. Plus the exciting evolution of Dryyapp, creat...
Apr 22, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Hello! Thanks for popping in to Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Hope you're good? Joining Ben in this week's episode, is the actor & comedian, the brilliant, Adam Moss. BAFTA nominated, Adam entered the world of showbusiness at the age of 6, the beginning of a remarkable 35 year career. 2025 will see Adam star in his 11th consecutive pantomime at the wonderful, Palace Theatre, Mansfield. Adam dives into making people laugh & the privilege of making audiences feel happy, plus the importance of pant...
Apr 15, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Hello! Hope your week has been fun? Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast is singer/songwriter, the brilliant, Roisin Quinn. This week, Rosin celebrates her 5 year sobriety. Wow. Roisin shares the challenges & rewards of creating music, her debut album, Concrete & Trees & the joy of hearing her single, Good Girl Syndrome, played by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music. And how giving up alcohol has allowed Roisin to express herself fully, transforming her life & career; enhancing her creati...
Apr 08, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Hello! Hope you're all groovy? Thanks for popping in. Benjy's Cafe is back open after a week off & joining Ben this week is award winning broadcaster, the wonderful, Harpz Kaur. Harpz, who presented BBC Asian Network's Weekday Breakfast for over 5 years, shares how important it was to recognise the need for change in her professional life & the importance of seeking help & talking about mental health if you're struggling. Plus, her work as an ambassador for Calmzone & the work th...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Hello! Blimey, the weeks are flying! Joining me for a beautiful chat this week, is the author, presenter & campaigner, the inspiring, Jono Lancaster. Jono was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a condition that affects facial appearance. In this episode, he shares how he turned his differences to his greatest strength & the therapeutic process of writing his 2023 memoir, "Not All Heroes Wear Capes." Ben & Jono dive into the challenges of growing up with a visible difference, his ro...
Mar 18, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Hello! Hope you're week has been a happy one? Joining Ben this week in Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is a rising star of theatre, actor & Tik Tok sensation, the wonderful, Kitty Harris. Kitty, recently nominated for the 2025 UK Pantomime Awards as Best Principle Lead for the title role in Cinderella at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, spreads all the joy in this smile inducing episode. Ben & Kitty dive into her flying theatre career, including roles in the World Premiere of the musical, Burlesque &...
Mar 11, 2025•37 min
Hello! Had a good week? Hope so! Getting brighter isn't it? Joining Ben this week in Benjy's Cafe Podcast is the actor, the marvellous, Lucyelle Cliffe. Lucyelle shares her resilient path to the West End & the smash hit musicals, Wicked & Les Miserables. And her roles in the UK Tour of Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music & her delight in working with Monty Python's, Terry Gilliam on Sondheim's Into The Woods at the Theatre Royal, Bath. There's so much to love in this week's episode. B...
Mar 04, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Hello! How are we all? A corking episode for you this week in Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Joining Ben is the comedian, actor & digital creator, the wonderful, Richard Franks. The man behind online comedy viral sensations Mum, Neville Grimace & Gen Z Shakespeare shares his rise to success & 1.6 million online followers. Ben & Richard delve into the role of therapy in personal growth, the challenges of managing anxiety & burn out, plus staying true to one's style in the creative proc...
Feb 25, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Hello! It's episode 4 of series 2 already, blimey. Thanks for popping in. Joining Ben on Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, is the sports broadcaster & Voice of England Cricket, the wonderful Graham Woodward. This episode has more take-aways than Deliveroo & is a brilliant insight into the world of sports broadcasting for budding presenters & fans alike. Graham shares how positivity can enhance the experience of spectators & how the mentorship of the late actor, Johnny Dennis played...
Feb 18, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Hello, everyone! And welcome to episode 3 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast. This week, Ben is sharing a coffee with the theatre director, Tim English. Tim is one of the leading directors for Royal Caribbean Productions & was resident director for Disney's Aladdin at The Prince Edward Theatre, London & the UK & International Tour of The Lion King. His acting credits include Priscilla, Queen the Desert at The Palace Theatre, London & Harry Bright in the smash hit ABBA! musical, Mamma Mia! T...
Feb 11, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Hello! Welcome to series 2 , episode 2, let's do it! Joining Ben for a musical flat white in this week's Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is the DJ, BBC Music Introducing's Christian Carlisle. Christian is human Berocca. And 5 & a half years sober, wow. In this episode, Christian shares his joy of living alcohol free, the realisation that led him to quit drinking & the challenges & triumphs he has faced along the way. Christian discusses the challenges of navigating the music industry while bei...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Hello & welcome back! Kicking off Series 2 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is a coffee with the star of The Fast Show & Cold Feet, actor & comedian, the brilliant, John Thomson. This opening episode celebrates John's amazing 18 year sobriety, delving into the complexities of sobriety & its joy. Plus, the shift of landscape in British drinking culture. John shares how the joy of missing out replaces FOMO & how sobriety creates more energy leading to healthier lifestyle choices. Ben &...
Jan 28, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Fancy a mince pie? Benjy's Cafe is back open for the 2nd Christmas Bonus episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Joining Ben & bringing all the Christmas cheer, is the actor, Leon Craig. One of the UK's most loved Pantomime Dames, Leon is currently wowing audiences as Polly La Plonk in Beauty & The Beast at the Grand Opera House, York. Ben & Leon discuss the magic of performing in pantomime & its beautiful impact on children, the importance of health & wellness in the demanding worl...
Dec 24, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Merry Christmas! In this bonus Festive episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, Ben is joined by the actor & Pantomime Dame, Jamie Riding. In this uplifting chat, Jamie discusses the impact of living with Asperger's Syndrome & his pride in inspiring others with Asperger's. He shares his story from being terrified of theatre to becoming one of the UK's leading Pantomime Dames. Ben & Jamie discuss the art of playing Dame, including the legacy of John Inman, the importance of relaxed performanc...
Dec 10, 2024•39 min
In the final episode of Series 1, Ben is joined in Benjy's Cafe Podcast by the award-winning actor & photographer, Bill Ward. Bill discusses his extensive theatre & television career, including playing Charlie Stubbs in ITV's Coronation St & how he finds balance, so important for mental health, away from the stage through photography. Bill's reflects on his recent play, Gerry & Sewell, which resonated deeply with his personal experiences and the culture of his native Northeast. B...
Nov 19, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In Benjy's Café Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the Olivier Award-nominated actor, Robert Hands. In this episode, Robert chats about his extensive acting career, including his roles in Come From Away & Spamalot, his journey to sobriety & the importance of mental health & fitness in his life. Robert bravely shares with Ben his battle with addiction, how he was drawn into substance use & the subsequent impact this had; plus the slow but rewarding process of rebuilding his life....
Nov 12, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 34
This week, The Good Life Gardener, Ade Sellars joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast for a coffee to share his fascinating story from a career in TV & Film across Europe & LA to becoming an award winning gardener. Ade enthuses about the delights & power of gardening & its importance to personal growth and connection; plus Ade's YouTube mini-series, Down The Garden Path & the joy he finds in educating others about gardening & how every gardening journey is unique and should be...
Nov 05, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 33
This week, decorated Paralympic skier, Millie Knight joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast to talk about her journey of losing her sight at a young age to becoming a 4 times Paralympic & 8 times World Championship medalist. Millie shares the support she received at school, the thrill of skiing, and the importance of trust in her partnership with her guide, Brett Wilde. She discusses the challenges she faced in the sports world plus the significance of her medals, & how her upbringing shaped ...
Oct 29, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this week's episode, actor Mark Peachey joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast to share the delights of performing & the excitement of being cast in the Tony Award winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Mark, who recently starred in the film, The Moor & whose theatre credits include Scar in Disney's The Lion King & the title role in Richard III, discusses balancing family life with a demanding career & his love of working at Curve, Leicester. Mark chats about his foray into audiobooks,...
Oct 22, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by one of the country's best loved personalities, actor & presenter, Les Dennis. Les, who is currently starring in the UK Tour of Ghost, reflects on his 50 year career in showbusiness, including his role as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray opposite Michael Ball and the excitement of making his RSC debut. Ben & Les discuss the lasting impact of comedy on audiences & how it can connect generations, plus Les' early comedy career & mentors...
Oct 15, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 30
This week, Hamilton star, Emily-Mae joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast for a coffee and shares the happiness, excitement and challenges of playing Angelica Schuyler in Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical, plus the beauty and joy of music. Ben and Emily discuss the challenges of a creative career, and the importance of support from family and friends; and Emily also touches on vocal health, performance preparation, and finding joy both on and off stage. Plus Emily shares her experiences in the musica...
Oct 08, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 29
