The Business of Show Business

Jamie Body got a sneaky peek press screening of California Scheming, the directorial debut of James McAvoy, and sat down with stars Seamus McLean Ross and Samuel Bottomley for a candid chat about playing morally questionable characters, the wild true story behind the film, working with McAvoy on set, regionality in the UK acting industry, and the survival jobs that kept them going before the work came in.California Scheming is in cinemas from April 10th.🎙️ The Business of Show Business is the podcast exploring the industry behind the industry — for performers, creatives and entertainment professionals.🔔 Subscribe for more industry insights, interviews and commentary.⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 What drew them to the script? 02:00 Improv skills as an actor 03:30 Playing morally dubious characters 06:00 Art imitating life — actors vs musicians chasing the dream 08:00 Survival jobs before the big break 09:30 The audition process 11:00 Working with James McAvoy 13:30 Regionality — do you need to move to London?#CaliforniaScheming #JamesMcAvoy #BusinessOfShowBusiness

Jamie Body sits down with multi-genre casting director Liyanne Marie to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in the entertainment industry and to explore the format that's quietly reshaping it.Liyanne is one of the first casting directors in the UK to be seriously working in vertical drama — the short-form, portrait-mode content exploding on mobile — and she gives an honest, insider view of where it's heading and what it means for working actors right now.Whether you're a performer trying to get in the room, a dancer wondering how to pivot your career, or just curious about where the industry is going, this one is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice.In this episode:- What a casting director actually does (and why the role is so undervalued)- What vertical dramas are and why the UK industry is taking notice- How to email a casting director without getting ignored- What your digital kit should look like — headshots, showreels, social media- Why getting seen is already a win, even if you don't book the job- The self-tape mistakes actors make again and again- How Liyanne went from dancer to one of the UK's leading casting directorsVertical dramas cast by Liyanne: Mafia Lover, The Mafia Obsession, Pride and Prejudice (vertical), Saving Nora🎙️ Subscribe for weekly episodes on the business of performing arts and entertainment.#CastingDirector #VerticalDrama #ActingTips #UKActors #ShortFormDrama

Disney's The Lion King and Disney's Hercules are currently running in London's West End.Disney's The Lion King and Disney's Hercules are lighting up London’s West End — and in this exclusive bonus episode, we go behind the scenes with two incredible stars from these iconic productions.Have you ever wondered what it really takes to perform in a West End musical? From audition songs to onstage surprises, this interview gives you a rare insight into the journey, discipline, and magic behind world-class theatre.🎭 The Business of Show Business host Jamie Body sits down with:Thenjiwe Nofelmele (Rafiki – The Lion King)Trevor Dion Nicholas (Phil – Hercules)In this 15-minute interview, they share:✨ The songs that helped them land their roles✨ Honest West End audition tips for aspiring performers✨ What it’s like performing in major Disney productions✨ Fun onstage banter and behind-the-scenes moments✨ Advice for anyone dreaming of a career in musical theatreWhether you're a drama student, Disney fan, or theatre lover, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and a touch of Disney magic.

From West End Star to TV Presenter | Wayne Perrey on Rent, Bombay Dreams & Breaking Into TVWayne Perrey joins Business of Show Business to share his journey from the West End stage to television presenting.As a performer in the original West End casts of Rent and Bombay Dreams, Wayne built a career in musical theatre before successfully transitioning into TV as a presenter and actor. In this episode, we talk about the realities of performing in landmark West End productions, the transferable skills between stage and screen, and how performers can develop the confidence and communication skills needed to become TV presenters.If you're interested in musical theatre careers, the West End industry, or breaking into television presenting, this episode offers practical insight from someone who has successfully done both.🎭 Topics we cover:• Life in the original West End productions of Rent and Bombay Dreams• The skills performers develop on stage that work for TV• How actors can transition into presenting• Building confidence and communication on camera• The business side of show businessSubscribe for more conversations with performers, producers and creatives about the real business behind the entertainment industry.

Crystal Nicholls is a valid member of the dance charity organisation Dancers Career Development and works heavily as a coach supporting creatives.Previously she worked as a dancer and musical theatre performer, including a 6 year run in The Lion King in the West End. In this episode, Crystal and journalist and presenter Jamie Body discuss the mindset needed to be a performer, what organisations can support you while in your career and after and the transferable skills performers have.Crystal's website - https://www.crystalnicholls.com/Dancers Career Development - https://thedcd.org.uk/

West End performer Rory Phelan on building a career in musical theatre, surviving the industry & launching Stage Strong | The Business of Show Business PodcastIn Season 6 Episode 2 of The Business of Show Business, Jamie Body sits down with West End actor and fitness coach Rory Phelan to talk about life in musical theatre, building resilience in the industry, and why physical and mental strength matter more than ever for performers.Rory shares behind-the-scenes stories from starring in:Heathers: The MusicalClub Tropicana The MusicalGreaseMamma Mia!Saturday Night FeverAlongside performing in the West End and touring productions, Rory founded Stage Strong — a fitness and mindset coaching programme designed specifically for actors and performers.Working with clients across the West End, Broadway, and productions on Netflix, Rory helps performers build consistency, confidence and control — approaching the #ActorsLife with more energy, focus and longevity.In this episode, we cover:• Breaking into musical theatre• Staying physically strong during long runs• Managing rejection and resilience• The reality of West End life• Building a business alongside performing• Fitness for actors & performer wellbeingIf you're an aspiring performer, working actor, or creative building a career in show business — this episode is packed with insight.🎙 Subscribe for more conversations with industry professionals.

The Business of Show Business is back and to launch season 6 I brought back season 1 guest Graeme Pickering.So much has happened since casting director/consultant, choreographer and educator Graeme Pickering appeared on the podcast in first season.You can listen to his season 1 episode here.In this episode Graeme shares what life as a casting consultant is like while sharing tips for singers, dancers and actors wanting to secure, tours, West End contracts and cruise ship opportunities. He also discusses his new CIC Stammers Matter and a whole lot more.Find out more about Graeme on his website here.

That's a wrap on season 5 of The Business of Show Business podcast.After 10 fantastic guests from the entertainment, arts and culture sector, season 5 has come to an end. Don't panic, season 6 is already in development with lots of new guests and subjects to explore.

In this episode of The Business of Show Business podcast, entertainment journalist and presenter Jamie Body sits down with Courtney Ortiz.Jamie and Courtney's paths crossed many years ago when they both worked as dancers for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.Courtney is a professional dancer, educator and adjudicator based in New York City.Some of her credits include the Broadway National Tour of Finding Neverland, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, and the first-ever revival in 30 years of Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, performed at The Muny and TUTS!In this episode, the pair talk about dance competitions and conventions, dance copyright and much more.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 9 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with prima ballerina and dance star of Prime Video's Étoile Constance Devernay-Laurence.From working her way up to Principal ballet dancer at the Scottish Ballet to touring and long days on set, Constance talks about growing her skill set, how dancers can break into TV and all things The Business of Show Business.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 8 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with theatre critic and creative writer Sam Marlowe. Sam Marlowe is reviews editor for The Stage. She trained and worked as an actor before becoming a full-time arts writer with a special interest in theatre and performance. She has written extensively for the Times, as well as the Independent, the i paper, Time Out, Metro, theartsdesk.com and the Chicago TribuneIn this episode, we discuss the importance of theatre reviewing, loving what you do and all things The Business of Show Business.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 7 sees former dancer and now journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with dancer turned personal trainer and fitness guru Chelsea Labadini.In this episode they discuss full body health and the fitness facts performers actually need to know.From what fuels your body to utilising social media to build your brand, join them as they discuss all things The Business of Show Business.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 6 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with West End performer and co-founder of West End Tails, Jack Greaves.Having performed in West End musicals such as Matilda and The Book of Mormon, as well as Starlight Express in Germany, Jack has now utilised his business skills to open a central London dog care space.In this episode, we discuss building a personal brand, launching a business from scratch and all things The Business of Show Business.If you want a sneak peek behind the running of a business while also performing, this is the episode for you.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 5 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with casting associate Bailey Frances.After a 12-year career in the arts, working as a dancer and model, Bailey discovered another side of the industry and started her journey into Casting in 2018.Bailey has worked for a number of well-known Casting Directors, including Tree Petts Casting, Kate and Lou Casting and is now an Associate at Shakyra Dowling Casting CSA.Bailey shares swapping her dancing shoes for the other side of the table.If you want a sneak peek behind the casting curtain, this is the episode for you.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 4 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with West End performer Alyn Hawk.Alyn is currently appearing in the West End musical The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum.His previous credits include:Standby/Resident Director in Come From Away (UK Tour); Andy Lee/ Cover Julian Marsh in 42nd Street (UK Tour) Beast in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast (UK Tour), Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast (UK Tour), Don Lockwood in Singin In TheRain (Adelphi Theatre); Ike Skidmore/Cover Curly in Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre); On Screen Actor in Small Island (National Theatre); Ensemble/Cover Young Buddy in Follies(National Theatre); Ensemble/Cover Pat, Mac and Doc in 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Ensemble/Cover Henri and Adam in An American In Paris (Dominion Theatre); Cover Jerry Travers in Top Hot (UK Tour); Ensemble/Dance Captain in Evita (UK Tour).Alyn shares advice for standbys, covers and swings as well as the truth about life touring in number 1 musicals.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 3 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with West End performer and qualified bookkeeper and accountant Sally Frith.Sally shares what it is like performing in the West End show Evita alongside Rachel Zegler, as well as appearing as Sally Bowles in the West End in Cabaret and why freelance creatives shouldn't be afraid of tax.Tax for Actors appeared on Season 3 Episode 6 of The Business of Show Business podcast.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 2 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with PR specialist Chloé Nelkin who is the creator and founder of Chloé Nelkin Consulting.They discuss all things publicity from crisis comms to getting your personal brand out there and how to win over a PR firm.Find out more about the amazing work Chloé and CNC get up to.

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! This time, we have also added video.Season 5 episode 1 sees journalist and presenter Jamie Body sit down with West End performer and viral content creator Adam Lyons.They discuss knowing your self-worth, how to sustain 8 shows a week on the West End, and creating viral content.Adam is the man behind the viral 'Looking for a man in finance' dance craze on social media, as well as securing millions of views on other dance videos, such as his Gnarly flashmob in London.Gnarly at Waterloo Station TikTokLooking for a man in finance TikTok

The Business of Show Business podcast is back! And this time, it's adding video.Join dancer turned arts marketer and entertainment journalist, and presenter Jamie Body as he sits down with industry professionals to unpack the business skills, stories, & side hustles behind the entertainment and creative industries.Season 5 lands every other Wednesday starting July 9th.

Welcome back to season 4 of The Business of Show Business Podcast.In this episode host, Jamie Body talks to Senay Taormina who as an ex performer runs the very successful agency The Dark Horse.They talk about how to build a career, make the most of every opportunity and much more.You can find out more about Senay online:Website: http://www.senaytaormina.com/Agency Website: https://www.tdhagency.com/Senay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senay_creative/Senay Make Up Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st_makeupartist/Agency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdhagency/