Prompt

I couldn't quite believe that one of our most prolific living playwright's agreed to be on my podcast. But one of the most incredible things about Mark Ravenhill is how generous he is with his knowledge and expertise.  This was a lengthy chat which covered the French word for prompter, his sometimes- good-sometimes-bad relationships with stage managers, the remarkable German theatre system and his worst digs story. Which also involves me owning up to one of my biggest mistakes. Yikes.  Editing this was almost impossible as so much of what Mark says is so interesting. I think I could have chatted theatre with him all day. Make a cup of tea (or four) and enjoy this week's episode of 'Prompt'.

Gemma Knight Jones is the ultimate West End queen; A talented mama who is always grafting and endlessly optimistic.    Gemma and I were pregnant together on a fast-paced West End show, an experience that truly bonded us, and then we came together again shortly before I left stage management permanently.    I really wanted to chat to her about motherhood in the arts and how she was still managing to fully slay onstage whilst also raising her child. Something which any parent listening will agree is no easy task.    When I listened to this back I realised it was more of a chat than an interview so I hope you can get comfortable and tune into this conversation which covers pregnancy, illness, optimism and how to stay awake onstage.

I saw Rob Madge's production of 'My Son's A Queer But What Can You Do' when it was in the West End and just thought it was a fabulous, moving and beautiful piece.  On social media I saw that they and their stage manager had a really gorgeous friendship and shared the unique bond that can  click into place when working as stage manager and performer on a one person show.  This was such a fun chat and I am so excited to share with you this episode.  Enjoy!

Les Dennis is one of the country's most experienced and popular entertainers. With a career spanning several decades and a CV which boasts gameshow host, stand up comic, straight actor, reality tv star and musical theatre legend, it was not hard for Jess to find topics to chat about. In fact editing their lengthy conversation down to 45 minutes was the hardest part! Join them both as they chat time keeping, stage management and how Su Pollard managed to escape from Woking shopping centre.