The siren from South Yorkshire on healing the nation with her new live tour Be Well, the pressures of being the most talented and dazzling person in any room and why she's anything but a sex symbol... so don't bring it up. Plus, why theatre is where it all started. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell myradubois.co.uk Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follo...
Oct 18, 2023•38 min•Season 8Ep. 7
The genius writer and director on mounting Theatre Camp with his friends and how he and fellow creatives – including that of Broadway superstar Ben Platt - found the heart of this standout new movie that celebrates our wonderful industry. Plus, why it all revolves back to an umbrella and the original movie of Singin' in the Rain. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell theatercampthefilm.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest star...
Aug 24, 2023•29 min•Season 8Ep. 6
The voice of a generation on seizing the opportunity to star in Love Never Dies, how his connection to the show roots back to 2007 and why his version of The Phantom continues to evolve. Plus, we talk about the deep personal joy of Porgy and Bess with Audra McDonald, mounting The Little Mermaid for Broadway and why he’s forever moved by his impact on a younger generation of stage artists. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell lwtheatres.co.uk Welcome to eleven. The...
Aug 18, 2023•30 min•Season 8Ep. 5
The history-making playwright on the living legacy of his masterpiece The Inheritance, working and collaborating with industry legends including Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Daldry CBE and Uma Thurma and joining the world of directing with Prime Video's much-anticipated queer-focused new film, Red, White & Royal Blue. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell Red, White & Royal Blue will premiere globally on 11 August, exclusively on Prime Video Welcome to el...
Aug 09, 2023•32 min•Season 8Ep. 4
The West End leading lady on returning to play Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, pushing herself into the world of comedy with The Great British Bake Off Musical and why Moulin Rouge and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert remain two of her favourite (and campest!) roles to-date. Plus, why becoming a mum is her proudest performance. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell thebodyguardmusical.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars a...
Aug 07, 2023•29 min•Season 8Ep. 3
The 22-year-old internationally acclaimed superstar voice of Moana on reigning in a new era as Eva Perón, leaning into history with her portrayal of the Argentine rose and why EVITA is all about words, words, words! Plus, we get an update on the hilarity of the upcoming Mean Girls musical movie. And, of course, there may be a little mention of Moana too. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell lwtheatres.co.uk Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brin...
Jul 25, 2023•28 min•Season 8Ep. 2
The Grammy-nominated Pussycat Dolls star on belting it out as Rachel Marron in the UK Tour of The Bodyguard, singing one of the finest musical catalogues of all time by the greatest singer of all time - and stepping into the spotlight to receive her own round of applause. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell thebodyguardmusical.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in t...
Jul 05, 2023•24 min•Season 8Ep. 1
The West End leading lady on making Broadway her new home in Max Martin’s hit &Juliet, the personal joys of Ragtime and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and why she will only ever do it her way! Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell andjulietbroadway.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via elevenpodcast.com....
Jun 28, 2023•59 min•Season 7Ep. 11
The blonde bombshell on belting out Celine Dion and embracing the lolz as she sets sail on her final week at Titanique. Plus we talk performing for First Lady Michelle Obama as Glinda in Wicked, tackling British accents in Kinky Boots and why comedy is just her thing. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell titaniquemusical.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts...
May 31, 2023•54 min•Season 7Ep. 10
From backstage at the Kit Kat Club, the Olivier nominee on life as the Emcee in Cabaret and sharing the stage with Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood as Sally Bowles. Plus, what it’s like being a key figure for a whole new generation of audience members seeing a play or musical for the first time and, of course, his star turn as Jamie New in Everybody's Talking About Jamie. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell kitkat.club Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcas...
May 15, 2023•34 min•Season 7Ep. 9
The leading star on saying goodbye to the Gershwin Theatre and her history-making chapter leading Wicked on Broadway, Glinda chats with Ariana Grande ahead of the Wicked Movie and stepping into the spotlight with her new solo show “Ripple Effect” at Birdland. Plus we talk representation, representation, representation and why everybody deserves a place to feel special. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell birdlandjazz.com brittneyjohnsonofficial.com Welcome to ele...
Apr 28, 2023•59 min•Season 7Ep. 8
The electric standout lead of Hadetown on her journey to star as Persephone on Broadway, how Disney's The Lion King changed her life and facing personal vulnerability head-on with new solo show, Tomorrow Is My Turn. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell 54below.org hadestown.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodca...
Apr 27, 2023•38 min•Season 7Ep. 7
The Grammy winner and Tony nominee on the unparalleled joy of returning to Broadway this season with The Piano Lesson opposite Samuel L. Jackson, the honour of the New York Women in Film & Television “Made In New York” Award and why “theatre belongs to us all”. We also talk Zoom calls with Oprah, wrapping the much-anticipated new The Color Purple movie musical and the personal responsibility of success. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell Image: Ira Black/Dan...
Apr 05, 2023•46 min•Season 7Ep. 6
The Oscar-nominated Screenwriter-Producer-Director of the Back to the Future movies on adapting his infamous franchise for the stage and why this new adventure always featured a red button when things didn’t feel right. We also discuss what it was like collaborating with music genius Glen Ballard, why there’s ZERO plans to capture the stage musical for a big screen viewing and why there's not a reboot, remake or part four of the original Back to the Future films in the works. Plus, Bob fights te...
Mar 28, 2023•42 min•Season 7Ep. 5
The Emmy, Grammy and six-time Tony winner on her record-breaking career, the power of representation for Black women in theatre and why she’s proudly, perfectly flawed. Plus, the unexpected impact of her Tony speeches, living with ADD/ADHD and headlining at the London Palladium this September. And we remember her late friend and collaborator, Stephen Sondheim. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell fw-live.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that bri...
Sep 17, 2022•39 min•Season 7Ep. 4
The Fairy Godfairy of Broadway on bringing Live In London to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August with his friend and collaborator Jeremy Jordan, the global success of Disney Princess - The Concert and his rather showbiz night writing the 2022 Tony Awards opening number for Oscar winner Ariana Debose. Plus, what advice he would give his younger self who dreamed of reaching just some of the extraordinary successes he has. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell fw...
Aug 27, 2022•39 min•Season 7Ep. 3
The Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk nominee on bringing his legendary voice to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August, the thrill of Bonnie & Clyde and now Newsies playing in London and rocking out with his exciting new band, Age of Madness. Plus, if a lengthy West End run could be on the cards in the not-so distant future – and wearing spandex? Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell fw-live.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the bigge...
Aug 24, 2022•29 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Direct from backstage between shows at the Barbican, the First Lady of the West End on taking the reins are Reno Sweeney in Kathleen Marshall’s Olivier and Tony-Award winning musical Anything Goes. Plus, how Wicked has and continues to impact her life, learning to own the difference in her vocals thanks to the love and support of Dr Brian May, singing with Barry Manilow and performing for The Queen. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell anythinggoesmusical.co.uk We...
Aug 11, 2022•41 min•Season 7Ep. 1
The globally acclaimed musical theatre actress and recording artist on dreaming the dream all over again as she heads out on tour with one of the world’s most famous musicals - and why playing a signature role like Fantine is different now she’s become a mother. Plus, how originating Eliza in London’s Hamilton changed her life and why Miss Saigon was an experience that she will never forget. We discuss how she got the creative sign off for that riff choice at the 25th anniversary gala and why re...
Aug 03, 2022•35 min•Season 6Ep. 11
The Tony nominee and Broadway leading man on joining the Sondheim legacy with the release of the Assassins cast album, the wild ride of bringing Hair to West End audiences and how starring as drag queen Tick in Priscilla - Queen of the Desert taught him some extra things about life in heels. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell broadwayrecords.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to d...
Jul 31, 2022•29 min•Season 6Ep. 10
The Guys and Dolls, Grease and Anything Goes leading lady on fighting to play Mrs. Wilkinson in the new Curve production of Billy Elliot – and why she’d like to see the show return to the West End. Plus, the remarkable career moment of sharing a stage with Dame Julie Walters and the late Victoria Wood CBE in Acorn Antiques: The Musical, being front and centre in the Spice Girls musical Viva Forever and why she hopes the industry remembers her for being one of the good ones. Host: William J Conno...
Jul 07, 2022•41 min•Season 6Ep. 9
For the first time in… well, ever, the married couple on spreading Disney magic across the United States with Frozen and the welcomed pressures of playing such signature roles on stage, why nobody is ever fooled by the enormity of singing Let It Go, and why this show means more to fans than they first thought possible – plus we talk Jersey Boys, Evita, Wicked, Kinky Boots, YouTube hits and why the most important person their household has four legs and a tail! Host: William J Connolly Produced b...
Jun 27, 2022•47 min•Season 6Ep. 8
The legendary Tony and Olivier award-winning stage superstar on returning to the UK for her Dream Again tour, 30 years of A Whole New World and the forever joy of Miss Saigon. Plus, how meeting Dame Julie Andrews changed her life and why she will forever be proud of to give a voice to fellow Asian performers in the arts. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell leasalonga.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives t...
Jun 08, 2022•23 min•Season 6Ep. 7
The West End witches of Wicked on 15 years of Defying Gravity, the pressures of playing two of the most iconic roles in theatre and why their friendship lives both on stage – and off. Plus they talk vocal riffs, going green and giving a voice to the outcast. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell Recorded by: West End Media Image of Lucie by: Michael Shelford wickedthemusical.co.uk Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and cre...
Apr 25, 2022•24 min•Season 6Ep. 6
The original West End stars of Bonnie & Clyde on finally bringing this iconic pair to the London stage, creating magic with a legendary set of creatives and why history romanticises this tale of lovers, yet the reality was something different. Plus they talk signature songs, selling out Drury Lane and, of course, Jeremy Jordan. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell bonnieandclydemusical.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest...
Apr 17, 2022•31 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In a year that will mark Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, her daughter discusses her lasting legacy, shares personal memories of her mother and how her family is planning to honour the anniversary this June. Plus the singer and actress discusses bringing her solo show The Joy of Spring to the UK this April, that Oscars moment between her sister Liza Minnelli and Lady Gaga and why she’d liked to see a theatre named after her late mother. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darr...
Apr 08, 2022•35 min•Season 6Ep. 4
The two-time Olivier nominated dance and stage superstar on bringing The Cher Show to the UK, revisiting the new West End production of Grease and why the love for Starlight Express lives on. Plus, why Damehood is a deeply personal moment in her career and what she hopes is her lasting legacy for our industry. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell Image: Oliver Rosser cheronstage.com | greasemusical.co.uk Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings ...
Apr 01, 2022•27 min•Season 6Ep. 3
The award-winning stage star on what it’s like collaborating and creating an original new musical with Andrew Lloyd Webber and why she feels much more comfortable and authentic with Cinderella's pre-transformation vibe. Plus she reveals the magical journey to starring in The Addams Family, how she isn’t totally ruling out a return to Heathers and why penning a stage show all of her own is something that's on the horizon. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell andrew...
Mar 18, 2022•36 min•Season 6Ep. 2
The breakout star of the BBC mega hit Strictly Come Dancing on launching his own solo show Freedom, honouring his homeland of South Africa and the unbreakable support of his family. Plus we talk queer visibility, overcoming the homophobes and choosing joy. Plus there might, just might, be talk of all things FABULOUS! Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell johannes-live.com Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives to...
Mar 15, 2022•25 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Broadway leading lady on playing Cher alongside the legendary Stephanie J Block, keeping up the belting during the pandemic and why she wouldn’t be able to return to a role like Elphaba again. We also discuss her love and respect for Take That’s Gary Barlow when working on his musical Finding Neverland – and how she’s learnt to love the beautiful individuality of her unique and top-tier voice. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell abingdontheatre.org Welcome to ele...
Feb 24, 2022•49 min•Season 5Ep. 11
