Theatre Audience Podcast

This episode celebrates two completely different - but equally exhilarating - nights at the theatre. From sweeping, cinematic dance storytelling to full-throttle historical chaos, we explore why live performance continues to thrill, surprise, and transport. One is a five-star festive classic - The Red Shoes -  that dazzles the senses; the other - Oh Mary! - is a riotously funny West End sensation that gleefully tears up the rulebook.The Red Shoes - New Adventures / Matthew BourneInspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale and the legendary 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, The Red Shoes is a five-star triumph and the perfect Christmas theatre treat. Matthew Bourne’s visually sumptuous, emotionally sweeping production explores obsession, ambition, and the intoxicating cost of artistic perfection. We delve into the fascinating history behind the story, the revolutionary impact of the original film, and the legacy of Bourne and his company New Adventures — whose bold, narrative-driven approach has transformed dance theatre and brought new audiences flocking to ballet for decades.Oh Mary! - West EndFrom festive spectacle to feral farce, Oh Mary! is riotously funny, gloriously unhinged, and gleefully inaccurate. A cult New York hit turned Tony-winning Broadway smash, this West End transfer delivers relentless laughs under Sam Pinkleton’s razor-sharp direction, with Cole Escola’s anarchic writing skewering power, ego, and historical mythmaking. We discuss the play’s journey to the West End, its awards success, and why this fearless, five-star comedy has become one of the most talked-about nights out in town — all completely spoiler-free. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast, Darren is joined by trailblazing drag artist, actor and cabaret star Victoria Scone - a performer who made herstory on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and went on to wow audiences internationally on Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs the World. From redefining drag on screen to commanding stages across the UK, Victoria’s career is a joyful collision of theatre, comedy, music and fearless self-expression.Currently, Victoria is bringing full dame energy to the festive season as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk at the King’s Head Theatre, and in this chat she dives into the glorious tradition of panto, the art of playing a dame, audience chaos, and why drag and panto are such perfect bedfellows.The conversation also spans Victoria’s wider stage career. Along the way, Victoria talks cabaret, comedy, music, and creating new work - including sold-out solo shows Jam Packed.It’s a funny, generous and insightful conversation about performance, visibility, tradition, and carving out a career on your own terms - with plenty of laughs, warmth, and a little festive mischief along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three strikingly different productions - each asking big questions about love, belief, bravery and connection - from intimate relationship drama to festive comedy and razor-sharp contemporary writing. Daniel’s Husband, Gawain and the Green Knight and Most Favoured with backstage chat with actor Alexander Arnold.Daniel’s Husband – Marylebone TheatreDaniel and Mitchell appear to have it all: successful careers, a beautifully curated home, devoted friends, and a deep love for one another. But when an unexpected crisis threatens their future, their relationship is pushed to its limits. Tender, intelligent and quietly devastating, Daniel’s Husband is an unflinching exploration of love, morality and where our strongest convictions truly live - in our hearts, or in our minds.Gawain and the Green Knight – Park TheatreFrom the comedy writers behind The Nag’s Head and Sniff, this riotous reinvention of the classic legend swaps medieval castles for corporate Camelot. Meet Gawain: an office everyman hoping for a promotion and the courage to ask out his crush - until a mysterious green figure crashes the Christmas party and launches him into a quest of temptation, danger and destiny. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, multi-rolling madness, festive chaos and heroic silliness in equal measure.Most Favoured – Soho TheatreFrom award-winning playwright David Ireland (The Fifth Step, Cyprus Avenue), this sharp, funny and unexpectedly profound two-hander stars Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold. After a one-night stand in a Travelodge, Mary and Mike reveal the truths they’ve been hiding - leading to a bold exploration of faith, loneliness and vulnerability, with a twist you won’t see coming. Directed by Max Elton, Most Favoured proves that a short play can still pack a huge emotional punch.Backstage InterviewDarren goes backstage with Alexander Arnold, currently appearing in Most Favoured, to talk about tackling David Ireland’s writing, holding a tight two-hander, navigating that unexpected twist, and why risk, faith and short plays can still leave a lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the most theatrical time of the year, and Theatre Audience Podcast is celebrating the festive season with a Christmas Show Special packed full of pantomime, parody and seasonal spectacle. Darren and Natalie discuss their views on; Beauty and the Beast at Churchill Theatre, Ebony Scrooge at Sadler’s Wells East, The Fit Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk - both at King’s Head Theatre and Cinderella at the Rose Theatre. Beauty and the Beast – Churchill TheatreThis lavish festive spectacular brings fairy-tale magic to Bromley, starring national treasure Su Pollard alongside Samantha Womack. With dazzling sets, big laughs and all the traditional panto ingredients audiences love, Beauty and the Beast delivers festive fun for the whole family, led by two powerhouse performers who know exactly how to work a crowd.Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells EastA bold, brilliant reimagining of Dickens’ classic, Ebony Scrooge fuses spoken word, music and movement to tell a fresh, culturally resonant version of A Christmas Carol. Set to a vibrant soundtrack and staged with Sadler’s Wells flair, this production offers a soulful, contemporary take on redemption, generosity and community.The Fit Prince – King’s Head TheatreFresh from its Fringe success, this adults-only festive hit delivers outrageous laughs, filthy innuendo and fearless audience interaction. Created by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, The Fit Prince gleefully dismantles fairy-tale tropes with camp abandon, proving once again that King’s Head Theatre is the home of festive mischief.Cinderella – Rose Theatre, KingstonA sparkling, family-friendly panto packed with heart, humour and high production values. Cinderella at the Rose Theatre delivers classic storytelling with modern wit, bringing magic, romance and plenty of laughs to audiences of all ages in this beautifully staged festive favourite.Jack and the Beanstalk – King’s Head TheatreIslington’s favourite naughty panto returns, starring Victoria Scone as a sensational Dame. Expect filthy jokes, fabulous guest appearances and full-throttle camp chaos in this adults-only version that has become a festive institution in its own right.Join Darren and Natalie as they celebrate the joy, variety and sheer brilliance of Christmas theatre - from family pantos to boundary-pushing festive reinventions - proving there’s truly something for everyone this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive backstage-with session, Darren sits down with award-winning composer, producer, and performer John Patrick Elliott. Originally from West Yorkshire, John has done everything from touring across Europe with his project The Little Unsaid to creating live electronic scores for major theatre productions. He won “Best Composer” at the Stage Debut Awards 2022 for his work on Cruise - and he’s also composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company and has a whole catalogue of genre-hopping, boundary pushing music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three thrilling productions shaking up London’s stages -  from the dark corners of digital desire with Porn Play, to an eternal whodunnit – The Mousetrap and a macabre new comedy with a supernatural twist – The Grim.Porn PlayA sell-out world premiere that’s as provocative as it is powerful. Ambika Mod (One Day, This Is Going to Hurt) stars as Ani, a rising academic whose secret addiction to violent pornography threatens to unravel her entire world. Directed by Josie Rourke (Donmar Warehouse, Bush Theatre) and written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner (This Might Not Be It), this funny, unsettling and fearless new play dives deep into shame, desire and the digital age of intimacy. Featuring Will Close, Lizzy Connolly and Asif Khan, with design by Yimei Zhao and movement by Wayne McGregor.The MousetrapA cultural institution that needs no introduction. Agatha Christie’s legendary The Mousetrap has kept audiences guessing for over 73 years - making it the world’s longest-running play. When seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a countryside guesthouse after a shocking London murder, suspicion turns to panic as they realise the killer might be among them. With twists, secrets and surprises at every turn, this iconic whodunnit remains as gripping as ever. Millions have seen it - have you?The GrimFollowing sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Old Red Lion Theatre, Edmund Morris’s (You’re Dead, Mate) spine-tingling dark comedy The Grim lands at Southwark Playhouse. It’s 1964, and undertaker Shaun (played by Morris) is just trying to get through another day with his hapless assistant Robert (Louis Davison). But when the body of notorious gangster Jackie Gallagher (Harry Carter) refuses to stay dead, chaos - and comedy - ensue. A fast-paced, supernatural farce that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore two masterful productions that examine ambition, morality, and the price of desire - from the glittering privilege of 1980s Britain to the guilt and grief of post-war America.The Line of BeautyStep into Thatcher’s Britain through the eyes of Nick Guest, a young man seduced by a world of wealth, politics and sensuality. Moving into the lavish Notting Hill home of his university friend Toby, Nick finds himself drawn into the lives of Toby’s ambitious father, Tory MP Gerald, his graceful wife Rachel, and their troubled daughter Cat. From decadent dinner parties to clandestine encounters, Nick’s pursuit of beauty leads to revelations about class, power, and the cost of belonging.Adapted by Olivier Award nominee Jack Holden (Cruise, Kenrex) from Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prize-winning novel and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage, The Line of Beauty is a visually stunning, emotionally charged portrait of privilege and longing in a society on the brink of transformation.All My SonsAcross the Atlantic, Arthur Miller’s devastating classic receives a dazzling revival from visionary director Ivo van Hove. Starring an extraordinary ensemble - Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Paapa Essiedu, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Hayley Squires.Set in post-war America, self-made businessman Joe Keller’s success hides a dark secret. As his family unravels under the weight of wartime profiteering and personal loss, All My Sons delivers two gripping hours of moral reckoning, exposing the fragile façade of the American Dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie dive into two powerhouse productions lighting up the West End - the electrifying MJ The Musical and Mary Page Marlowe, starring screen legends Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough.MJ The MusicalThe smash-hit Broadway production moonwalks into the West End! With a book by Lynn Nottageand direction/choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, this spectacular show takes audiences behind the scenes of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring over 25 of his biggest hits - including Beat It, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal - the show explores the creative mind and personal struggles of one of the world’s most iconic performers. Dynamic, dazzling and driven by astonishing choreography, it’s a musical event that captures both the genius and the vulnerability behind the legend.Mary Page MarloweFrom Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts comes this deeply human and haunting portrait of an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. Starring Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking) and Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie, Birdman), this stunning revival unfolds in a series of nonlinear vignettes that piece together Mary’s complex journey through love, loss, motherhood and self-discovery. Directed with precision and compassion, the production reveals the beauty and pain of a life seen in fragments - and how every choice, large or small, leaves its mark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three very different but equally profound productions - The Unbelievers at the Royal Court, The Choir of Man in the West End, and The Wanderers at the Marylebone Theatre.The UnbelieversThe Unbelievers - the highly anticipated new play from acclaimed writer Nick Payne (Constellations, We Live in Time) - now playing at the Royal Court Theatre.When a teenager vanishes, time fractures. His mother refuses to give up hope. The Unbelievers is a haunting exploration of grief, motherhood, and the fragile ways we piece our lives back together after loss. Payne’s poetic writing meets the visionary direction of Marianne Elliott (Angels in America, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), with evocative design by Bunny Christie (Company, People, Places & Things).At its heart is a spellbinding performance by Nicola Walker (Unforgotten, The Split), whose portrayal of a mother clinging to faith in the face of despair is both heart-wrenching and deeply human.The Choir of Man Then it’s over to the West End’s Arts Theatre, where The Choir of Man continues to pack out houses with its heartwarming, beer-pouring, joy-filled celebration of community. Featuring hits from Queen, Adele, Paul Simon, Avicii, and more, this Olivier Award-nominated musical brings nine extraordinary singer-musicians together in the most welcoming pub in the world. With direction by Nic Doodson, choreography by Freddie Huddleston, and musical supervision by Jack Blume, The Choir of Man is a 90-minute rush of pure feel-good energy - a reminder that the best nights out are often the ones shared with strangers who feel like friends.The Wanderers At once intimate and expansive, The Wanderers intertwines the lives of two very different Brooklyn couples. Esther and Schmuli are newly married Orthodox Jews, bound by tradition and faith yet yearning for freedom and fulfilment. Meanwhile, Sophie and Abe - both secular writers - are trapped in a modern marriage fraying under the weight of ambition, expectation, and betrayal.When Abe, a prizewinning novelist, begins a charged correspondence with Hollywood star Julia Cheever, it sparks an emotional reckoning that threatens to unravel everything he’s built. Across both stories, Ziegler explores how love, faith, and identity shape us — and whether any of us can truly escape the stories we inherit.The Wanderers is an elegant, searching drama about the complexity of human connection, the limits of freedom, and the quiet ache of unmet desire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie dive into three wildly different yet equally compelling productions currently electrifying London’s stages - Crocodile Fever at the Arcola Theatre, Punch in the West End, and The Assembled Parties at Hampstead Theatre.Crocodile Fever  First up, it’s mayhem in 1970s Northern Ireland in Meghan Tyler’s Crocodile Fever at the Arcola Theatre, directed by Mehmet Ergen. This surreal, blood-soaked black comedy tells the story of two estranged sisters - Rachael Rooney as fiery, gun-wielding Fianna, and Meghan Tyler herself as the repressed, devout Alannah - who reunite in their family home after years apart. As old wounds resurface, their violent, hilarious confrontation spirals into absurd chaos, fuelled by revenge, generational trauma and an unstoppable undercurrent of sisterhood. With standout design by Merve Yörük and lighting by Richard Williamson, this production brims with wild energy, gutsy performances and buckets of stage blood. It’s Irish gothic carnage at its best.Punch Next up, Punch, James Graham’s extraordinary new play based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, a young man whose single act of violence changed multiple lives forever. Directed by Adam Penford, Punch charts Jacob’s journey from reckless teenager to a man forced to face the ripple effects of his actions - and the unexpected compassion of his victim’s parents. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble including Alec Boaden (Masters of the Air), Julie Hesmondhalgh(Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Tony Hirst (Boiling Point), Shalisha James-Davis (I May Destroy You), Emma Pallant (Queenie), and David Shields (Black Mirror), this is a play “every single person should see” (WhatsOnStage). Deeply human and profoundly moving, Punch reminds us that forgiveness is not an absence of pain… it’s a choice born of courage and hope.The Assembled PartiesThen, at Hampstead Theatre, Richard Greenberg’s The Assembled Parties returns in a luminous new production directed by Blanche McIntyre, following her recent hits Letters from Max, Apex Predator, and The Invention of Love. This witty, melancholic, and richly layered family drama unfolds over two Christmases - one in 1980, another twenty years later - inside the lavish Upper West Side apartment of former film star Julie Bascov, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman (The Merchant of Venice 1936). Alongside her are Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein, Friends With Kids), making her London theatre debut, and a superb ensemble that brings warmth, humour, and heartbreak to Greenberg’s tender exploration of time, privilege, and the ghosts of memory.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three standout productions lighting up London’s stages - Entertaining Mr Sloane at the Young Vic, The Importance of Being Earnest in the West End, and MUSIK at Wilton’s Music Hall.Entertaining Mr Sloane – Young VicFinally, Entertaining Mr Sloane storms into the Young Vic with a thrilling new production of Joe Orton’s scandalous classic. Directed by Nadia Fall, this darkly comic revival stars Tamzin Outhwaite as Kath, Jordan Stephens as the seductive Mr Sloane, and Daniel Cerqueira as Ed. Wickedly funny and deliciously subversive, it’s a sharp, stylish take on desire, manipulation and power games in 1960s Britain.The Importance of Being Earnest – West End TransferThen it’s Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, newly transferred to the Noël Coward Theatre. Directed by Max Webster, this revival features Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Rev. Chasuble and Stephen Fry as the formidable Lady Bracknell. With dazzling wit, elegant staging, and a stellar cast, Wilde’s beloved comedy of manners feels as fresh and fabulous as ever.MUSIK – Wilton’s Music HallFirst up, MUSIK sees the incomparable Frances Barber reprise her role as Billie Trix, the hard-living, truth-spilling icon created by Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys. Set against a backdrop of post-war Berlin and the glittering hedonism of 1980s New York, this sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly moving one-woman show is cabaret storytelling at its most intoxicating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren reviews Clarkston at Trafalgar Theatre - a beautifully observed, quietly powerful story about friendship, longing, and the search for meaning in small-town America.Clarkston – Trafalgar TheatreFrom Tony Award-winning writer Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale), Clarkston follows Jake, played by Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Chris, as the brooding Ruaridh Mollica, two young men working dead-end jobs at a Costco on the edge of town. As their lives intertwine, the play explores identity, loneliness, and what it means to keep going when the world feels like it’s falling apart. With moving performances and pitch-perfect direction, this is one of the most heartfelt productions in the West End right now.Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical – Shaftesbury TheatreMeanwhile, Natalie shares her thoughts on Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical, a celebration of music’s power to unite the world. Featuring songs by Queen, U2, Elton John, and David Bowie, it brings the spirit of 1985 roaring back to life - reminding us that compassion, collaboration, and hope can still take centre stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re celebrating three decades of one of the UK’s most exciting and influential theatre companies - Frantic Assembly. Known around the world for their bold physical storytelling and collaborative spirit, Frantic has transformed how theatre is made, studied, and experienced.In this special anniversary episode, we dive into:Ignition – their groundbreaking free talent development programme for young people, recently saved through a major fundraising campaign.Lost Atoms – the brand-new 30th anniversary production by Anna Jordan, directed by Scott Graham, starring Ignition alumni Joe Layton and Hannah Sinclair Robinson.BBC Proms collaboration – Frantic joins forces with Aurora Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall for a memorised, dramatised performance of Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony – broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer.From nurturing underrepresented voices to staging unforgettable, heart-pounding productions, Frantic Assembly has spent 30 years pushing boundaries, opening doors, and inspiring the next generation of theatre-makers.Tune in to celebrate their legacy, their future, and the stories that continue to move us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Darren goes backstage with Abigail Hood, the acclaimed writer behind Monster, a gripping and thought-provoking drama exploring the ripple effects of crimes committed in childhood, forgiveness, and the cycles of trauma.Monster – Seven Dials PlayhousePresented by Veritas Theatre Company and KEPOW! Theatre Company, Monster is a triple OFFIE-nominated and one OFFIE-winning production, directed by Kevin Tomlinson. Set across two decades, the play follows Kayleigh, a troubled teenager growing up in Glasgow, whose intense friendship with Zoe offers an escape from her abusive home. As events spiral tragically out of control - including Kayleigh taking the life of her teacher’s baby daughter—the play probes questions of culpability, rehabilitation, and whether someone raised in violence is destined to repeat it.Drawing on extensive research into cases like Mary Bell, Jon Venables, and Robert Thompson, Monster interrogates society’s role in supporting vulnerable young people, the limits of forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption. The revived production features a six-strong cast, including two members of the original award-winning ensemble, bringing fresh perspectives to Hood’s searing script.Backstage Interview with Abigail HoodDarren sits down with Abigail Hood to discuss the inspiration behind Monster, her research into real-life cases, and the moral complexities that the play explores. Hood shares her reflections on what drives a child to commit acts of extreme violence, how such individuals can navigate life afterward, and the profound questions of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption that underpin her work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we dive into some of the most compelling productions in London’s theatre scene with The Cide and Not Your Superwoman. We celebrate live music with Ben Forster’s album launch, and Darren sits down with playwright Amy Rosenthal to discuss her new play The Party Girls.Not Your Superwoman – Bush TheatreDarren reviews this poignant and witty production that explores mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the experience of Caribbean heritage in contemporary Britain. The show stars Golda Rosheuvel and Letitia Wright in powerful performances that are both heartwarming and raw. Directed by Lynette Linton, Not Your Superwoman balances humour and emotional depth, highlighting the complexities of love, family, and generational conflict.The Code – Southwark Playhouse“This entire town is a cesspool, darling. Beautifully lit. Well appointed. But a cesspool nonetheless.” Set in Hollywood, 1950, The Code follows a fading star, a rising one, an agent with an agenda, and a legend who’s seen it all. Tallulah Bankhead stops in for a cocktail at the home of former screen idol turned interior designer Billy Haines, who may or may not be planning to disappear. Enter power agent Henry Willson and his protégé Chad Manford, setting the room alight. In a world where image is everything, can anyone break ‘the code’ without losing it all? Starring Olivier Award-winner Tracie Bennett and John Partridge, with Nick Blakeley and newcomer Solomon Davy, and directed by Tony nominee Christopher Renshaw, this show lays bare the unspoken rules of Hollywood, both then and now.Ben Forster Album LaunchNatalie attends the launch of Ben Forster’s latest album, celebrating his remarkable journey in musical theatre and recording. Known for his performances in Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera and Rock of Ages, Ben brings a theatrical energy to his music that bridges stage and studio, offering fans an unforgettable live experience.Interview – Amy Rosenthal, Writer of The Party GirlsDarren sits down with Amy Rosenthal to discuss The Party Girls, her new play exploring the lives of the infamous Mitford sisters. The show is directed by Richard Beecham and features stunning design by Simon Kenny and lighting by Aideen Malone. Amy discusses her inspiration, the ensemble performances, and the process of bringing this complex, witty, and emotionally charged family saga to life on stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re joined by two women at the helm of one of London’s most historic and exciting theatres. Stratford East, founded back in 1884, has always been a place for global stories told in the heart of East London. It’s the home of Joan Littlewood’s revolutionary spirit and a launchpad for generations of theatre-makers, from Barbara Windsor to Cynthia Erivo.Now stepping into this legacy are Lisa Spirling, the new Artistic Director and Co-CEO, and Hanna Streeter, the new Executive Director and Co-CEO. Together with Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, they’re shaping a bold new future for this 140-year-old theatre.We’ll talk about their vision, Lisa’s inaugural season - from the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries to Nancy Medina’s Choir Boy and Ava Pickett’s Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy - and why Stratford East remains such a vital part of London’s cultural landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we delve into the darkly compelling world of The Pitchfork Disney at King’s Head Theatre. Darren reviews this intense and unforgettable play, exploring its surreal storytelling, psychological tension, and the electric performances that bring the story to life.Backstage Interview – Ned Costello & Elizabeth ConnickDarren goes backstage to speak with Ned Costello and Elizabeth Connick, who play the enigmatic twin characters Presley and Haley. They share insights into their preparation, the challenges of inhabiting these complex roles, and the dynamic of performing as a twin pair in this extraordinary production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, we journey through the bold, inventive, and utterly captivating theatre that’s lighting up London and beyond. From revolutionary silence to scandalous sisters and chaotic coming-of-age, we explore three productions that are pushing boundaries, thrilling audiences, and reminding us why live theatre matters.Deaf RepublicWe’ll start with the Royal Court’s production of Deaf Republic, Dead Centre and Zoë McWhinney’s adaptation of Ilya Kaminsky’s poetry collection. It’s set in a fictional town where silence itself becomes an act of protest. With BSL, spoken word, creative captions, puppetry, and video all woven into the storytelling, it’s a production that challenges what theatre can be.The Party GirlsThen we head over to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury with The Party Girls, Amy Rosenthal’s new play directed by Richard Beecham, which dives headfirst into the lives of the infamous Mitford sisters. It’s a family saga that mixes politics, glamour, and deep fractures, all brought to life with stunning design by Simon Kenny and lighting by Aideen Malone, plus some terrific performances from the ensemble.The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt ReturnAnd finally, we’re at Southwark Playhouse in The Little for Sam Edmunds’s The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return. This one’s a stomping 80 minutes of full-on theatrical energy - a coming-of-age comedy with a dark twist, performed by a cast of three who bring a whole community to life, including terrific multi-rolling from Leanne Henlon.Plus, a nod to the Fringe Awards summer gathering - celebrating the incredible creativity, risk-taking, and sheer talent across the festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Natalie and Darren review Eireann A Taste of Ireland and Till The Stars Come Down. Darren goes back stage with Sam Edmunds co-AD of Chalk Line Theatre companyEireann: A Taste of IrelandJourney through the sights, sounds, and flavours of Ireland in this vibrant, celebratory production. Darren delves into the music, storytelling, and energy that make this show a true feast for the senses.Till The Stars Come DownSet against the highs and lows of a chaotic wedding day, this sharply comic and deeply touching drama follows a family gathering where love, loyalty, and long-held secrets are tested. Darren shares his thoughts on the performances, humour, and heartfelt moments that make the show unforgettable.Interview – Sam Edmunds, Co-AD of Chalk Line Theatre CompanyDarren sits down with Sam Edmunds to discuss the company’s groundbreaking work, their approach to storytelling, and the inspiration behind their latest productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we review two very different productions, each bringing their own magic to the stage.Brigadoon – Regent’s Park Open Air TheatreReturn to the misty Scottish Highlands in this enchanting revival of Lerner & Loewe’s classic musical. Darren explores the sweeping romance, unforgettable songs, and Olivier Award-winning choreography and direction by Drew McOnie, as well as the immersive experience of Regent’s Park’s iconic open-air staging.Club NVRLND – Edinburgh Fringe 2025Step into the imaginative, high-energy world of Club NVRLND, a new work from the Edinburgh Fringe created by Jack Holden and Steven Kunis with choreography by Ashley Nottingham that fuses music, comedy, and spectacle. Darren shares his thoughts on the show’s creativity, performance, and standout moments.Interview – Solomon Davy in The CodeDarren goes backstage to speak with rising star Solomon Davy about his role in the provocative new play The Code, exploring Hollywood’s unspoken rules, identity, and the pressures of the spotlight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.