This week we’re diving into three captivating productions that explore everything from love and infidelity to personal recovery and thrilling reimaginings of classic films. We review Anna Karenina at Chichester Festival Theatre, The Fifth Step in the West End, and Emma Rice’s fresh take on Hitchcock’s North by Northwest . Anna Karenina at Chichester Festival Theatre Anna Karenina returns to the stage in a witty and sensual version of Tolstoy’s masterpiece, directed by Phillip Breen. Set across t...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min
This week we’re reviewing four exciting and diverse productions that span immersive theatre, modern dance, and the power of music. From the return of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre to the atmospheric The Midnight Bell , the ambitious Storehouse immersive event, and the powerful Just For One Day: THE LIVE AID MUSICAL , this episode is packed with unforgettable experiences. A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre Step back into the magical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as...
Jun 17, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 21
This week we’re bringing you an exciting mix of feel-good theatre, intense family drama, and revolutionary musicals. We review House of Life , a high-energy, genre-defying experience, the powerful The Deep Blue Sea starring Tamsin Greig, the moving family story of Marriage Material , and the revolutionary Hamilton , the musical that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. House of Life House of Life is back with its feel-good, high-energy explosion of joy! A blend of music, movement, and col...
Jun 10, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 20
This week we’re reviewing two captivating productions: the electrifying Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and the innovative dance performance The Heat, created by and starring Becky Namgauds. Plus, we have an exclusive interview with Becky, who shares her creative journey behind The Heat, a show that explores the contradictions of domestic space, women’s relationships with their bodies, and the internal dialogue often suppressed in everyday life. Starlight Express at Troubado...
Jun 03, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 19
This week we’re reviewing four exciting productions that showcase the full spectrum of theatre. From the corn-fed, laugh-out-loud Shucked to the powerful drama of Faygele , the sweeping romance of Stiletto , and the fabulous world of The Devil Wears Prada , this episode is packed with thrilling performances and unforgettable stories. Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Shucked , the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, makes its much-anticipated UK premiere at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre....
May 27, 2025•34 min•Season 5Ep. 18
In this week’s episode we’re reviewing House of Games at Hampstead Theatre, a gripping adaptation of David Mamet’s noir thriller, and speaking with performer Ben Welch about his upcoming show The House of Life. House of Games at Hampstead Theatre House of Games follows celebrated psychoanalyst Dr. Margaret Ford as she takes on a new client, Billy, whose dangerous addictions lead him into the world of illicit poker games. As she digs deeper into his case, she finds herself entwined in Chicago’s c...
May 21, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 17
In this packed episode of Theatre Audience Podcast , we’re celebrating a milestone moment in music history with a press event for Just For One Day , commemorating 40 years since the legendary Live Aid concert. We’re also reviewing a mix of theatre productions, including the comedic Weer starring Natalie Palamides, the intimate and powerful Conversations After Sex starring Olivia Hinds, and the thought-provoking Scenes From a Repatriation . Plus, we spotlight Natalie in her latest performance in ...
May 13, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 16
This week on we’re diving into two thrilling productions that explore everything from supernatural suspense to gritty New York dreams. We review Apex Predator , a genre-busting supernatural thriller starring Laura Whitmore and Sophie Melville, and Midnight Cowboy , a world premiere musical adaptation of the classic novel and film. Plus, we have an exclusive backstage interview with cast members Tori Allen-Martin and Elena Breschi from Midnight Cowboy , where they share all the details behind the...
Apr 29, 2025•36 min•Season 5Ep. 15
This week we’re reviewing two fantastic productions that bring a mix of high-energy music and sharp comedy to the stage. First, we’re diving into the feel-good, foot-stomping celebration that is The Choir of Man, now in its third year in the West End, and then we discuss Thanks for Having Me, a clever and comedic exploration of modern romance and heartbreak. Plus, we have an exclusive backstage interview with cast members Adeyinka Akinrinade and writer/performer Keelan Kember. The Choir of Man G...
Apr 22, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 14
In this special episode we’re celebrating the best of London theatre with a full breakdown of the 2025 Olivier Awards. With Fiddler on the Roof leading the nominations with 13, it was an exciting night for theatre, but a range of shows came out victorious. Fiddler on the Roof , Giant , and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button each took home three awards, while Oedipus and Titanique won two. We discuss the major wins of the evening, including Romola Garai's surprise victory in the Best Actress in ...
Apr 08, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 13
This week we’re reviewing three thrilling productions that explore power, privilege, and history. From the raw intensity of The House Party at Rose Theatre to the euphoric vibes of House of Life following its sold-out Edinburgh run, and the gripping portrayal of Sidney Poitier in Retrograde at the Apollo Theatre, this episode is full of thought-provoking theatre and high-impact performances. Headlong and Frantic Assembly’s The House Party The House Party , a co-production by Chichester Festival ...
Apr 01, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 12
This week we’re reviewing an exciting array of productions that span genres from comedy and dark drama to thrilling suspense and musical theatre. We’re diving into The Habits, Alterations, and Weather Girl, and we also bring you insights from the media event of Alfred Hitchcock Presents – The Musical. Plus, we sit down with Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon, the Co-Creators/Directors of THISISPOPBABY, to discuss their groundbreaking work and their upcoming hit show WAKE. The Habits In The Ha...
Mar 26, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 11
The 15th annual Offies Awards recently took place at Central Hall Westminster in a star-studded ceremony hosted by drag superstar Divina De Campo. The event celebrated the best of London's Off-West End theatre scene, recognising groundbreaking work before it reaches mainstream acclaim. Special Award Recipients Lynette Linton & Daniel Bailey received special recognition for their transformative six-year tenure at The Bush Theatre. Under Linton's artistic direction, the theatre championed debu...
Mar 19, 2025•25 min•Season 5Ep. 10
This week we’re reviewing two brilliant productions that offer everything from nostalgia and laughter to dark comedy and suspense. We take a look at The Last Laugh , a hilarious new play celebrating the lives of Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe, and Bob Monkhouse, and Farewell Mister Haffmann , a poignant and intense piece set during Nazi-occupied Paris. Plus, we have an exclusive interview with Olivia Lindsay, talking about her new piece Conversations After Sex at the Park Theatre. The Last Laugh T...
Mar 11, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 9
This week we’re reviewing three electrifying productions that span a range of genres and styles. From the jaw-dropping true crime story in KENREX to the tense AI thriller East Is South at Hampstead Theatre, and the hilarious, sharp wit of Much Ado About Nothing starring Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell, this episode has it all. KENREX KENREX is the unbelievable true story of small-town bully Ken Rex McElroy and his reign of terror over Skidmore, Missouri. From theft to assault, abduction to atte...
Mar 04, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 8
This week on Theatre Audience Podcast , we’re reviewing three powerful performances that span genres from historical drama to Greek tragedy and contemporary theatre. We start with Mrs President at the Charing Cross Theatre, move on to the intense Elektra starring Brie Larson and Stockard Channing, and finish with the emotional Second Best starring Asa Butterfield. Join us for a deep dive into these unforgettable shows. Mrs President at Charing Cross Theatre Mrs President paints an intimate and p...
Feb 25, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 7
This week we’ve got an exciting lineup of reviews and insights, from the grand stage of the London Palladium to the heartfelt If/Then concert performance. We’re reviewing Figaro, What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, the If/Then concert starring Kerry Ellis, David Hunter, and Adam Garcia, and celebrating the 50th birthday of Paines Plough. This episode is packed with theatre magic, memorable performances, and milestones in the theatre world. Figaro at the London Palladium Figaro is b...
Feb 11, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 6
This week we’re bringing you reviews from the vibrant London theatre scene and an exciting interview with the talented Jack Holden. Natalie reviews the thought-provoking The Invention of Love at Hampstead Theatre, while Darren shares his thoughts on the satirical play Posh at Questors Theatre. Natalie also attended the rehearsed performance of If I Had Her at the Actors Church, and we’ve got an exclusive interview with Jack Holden where we discuss his career journey and his exciting new show, Ke...
Feb 04, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 5
This week we’ve got an exciting episode packed with new musicals, iconic productions, and thrilling theatre transfers. We’re reviewing Figaro , a bold new musical, and bringing you behind the scenes of its media event, featuring a short Q&A with some of the talented performers. Plus, we dive into Matilda at the RSC and explore the highly anticipated West End transfer of the RSC’s Kyoto . Figaro – A New Musical Figaro , a fresh take on the classic story, has arrived as a new musical that brin...
Jan 28, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode of Theatre Audience Podcast, we’re diving into two incredible shows: Firebird at the King’s Head Theatre and 10 Nights at Riverside Studios. Plus, we’ve got exclusive insights from the If/Then media event, and a backstage chat with actor Robert Eades, who plays Roman in Firebird. Firebird at King’s Head Theatre Firebird is a powerful and emotional exploration of love, identity, and the search for connection. Set against the backdrop of a post-Soviet world, the play follows Roman,...
Jan 21, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This week on Theatre Audience Podcast , we’ve got a fantastic mix of musical energy, thrilling drama, and poignant storytelling. We’re reviewing MJ the Musical , the electrifying Broadway hit that brings the King of Pop’s music to life, the gripping drama of The Little Foxes at the Young Vic, and the thought-provoking The Invention of Love . Each of these shows brings something unique to the stage, and we’re here to give you all the insights. MJ the Musical Get ready to groove with MJ the Musica...
Jan 14, 2025•27 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Welcome to a brand new season of Theatre Audience Podcast ! In this episode, we kick off the year with reviews of four exciting and diverse productions that are sure to captivate theatre lovers. From the bold and breathtaking Circa presents Duckpond to the whimsical Slava’s Snowshow , the timeless magic of Twelfth Night at the RSC, and the comedic exploration of modern love in Why Am I So Single? , we’ve got something for every theatre fan this season. Circa presents Duckpond Duckpond , by Circa...
Jan 07, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 1
As we wrap up an exciting year of theatre, Theatre Audience Podcast reflects on the highlights of 2024. Over the course of 48 episodes, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing 48 incredible theatre creatives and reviewing an impressive 133 performances, ranging from plays and musicals to operas, dance, cabarets, and festivals. In this special end-of-year episode, we take a look back at the most memorable moments, performances, and behind-the-scenes insights that have shaped our podcast this year...
Jan 01, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 49
This week we dive into two extraordinary productions that capture the magic of theatre, music, and ambition. From the heartwarming tale of Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre to the dazzling Here You Come Again, a celebration of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits, we’ve got an episode packed with creativity, inspiration, and unforgettable performances. Plus, we sit down with the talented Nancy Crane to discuss her upcoming role in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of Kyoto at Soho Place....
Dec 24, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 48
This week we bring you a mix of festive fun, reimagined classics, and bold new adaptations. From PAN! Peter’s Come Out To Play at Theatre Peckham, to the return of Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall, and Jodie Whittaker’s unforgettable turn in The Duchess (of Malfi), we’ve got something for every theatre lover. Plus, don’t miss Dead Hard – the drag Die Hard parody panto that will have you laughing all the way through the holidays. PAN! Peter’s Come Out To Play at Theatre Peckham Discover PAN!, ...
Dec 17, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 47
This week, we’re bringing you a festive mix of enchanting, hilarious, and downright quirky shows that are perfect for the holiday season. From the magical world of Hansel & Gretel at the Globe Theatre, to the toe-tapping tunes of Christmas Bop with the London Gay Men's Chorus, the multimedia madness of The Christmas Thing, and the uproarious hit Mean Girls, this episode is packed with the best of what London’s stages have to offer this Christmas! Hansel & Gretel at the Globe Theatre Step...
Dec 10, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 46
This week, we dive into the uproarious adults - only pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! at the Charing Cross Theatre, alongside an exclusive interview with actor John Hollingworth. Get ready for a magical adventure full of naughty fun, outrageous characters, and a whole lot of laughs! Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! Laugh your stockings off at Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!, a side-splittingly silly and staggeringly naughty adults-only pantomime. From the team beh...
Dec 04, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 45
This week, we explore a diverse mix of productions that are taking London’s theatre scene by storm. From the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory brought to life by the West Wickham Operatic Society, to the heart-stopping true story of The Fear of 13 , and the chilling new chapter of Stranger Things: The First Shadow , this episode is packed with unforgettable stories and insights. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – West Wickham Operatic Society Join us as we delve into the vibran...
Nov 26, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 44
This week we take you through a whirlwind of sensational performances and inspiring tales, from the uplifting Fly More Than You Fall to the multi-award-winning Matilda The Musical, the laugh-out-loud brilliance of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, and the semi-autobiographical Shooting Star. Plus, Darren interviews Yaron Lifschitz, Artistic Director of Circa, about their exciting new show Duckpond and the creative fusion of circus and ballet. Fly More Than You Fall at Southwark Playhouse Tony...
Nov 19, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 43
In this week’s episode, we explore two spectacular shows currently gracing the West End: the magical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the mischievous 101 Dalmatians . Plus, Natalie goes backstage at the Mayflower Theatre for an exclusive chat with cast member Charles Brunton. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , described as “the best British musical in decades” (WhatsOnStage), has captivated audiences with its epic, intimate storytelling. Based on the...
Nov 12, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 42