Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts

My guest is the professional acrobat, aerialist and contortionist, Emily McCarthy.After representing her country as an acrobatic gymnast, Emily followed her dream and left home at the age of 16 to join the world-famous Cirque Du Soleil. Then, after hours of extra training in her spare time, she landed a lead part in the Cirque production of “Crystal”.Emily tells me how she went from being a Great Britain gymnast - to lead performer in one of the greatest shows on earth.Emily's YouTube channel and Instagram page:https://linktr.ee/Emily_McCarthy95

I talk to Bruno Poet, one of the top British lighting designers working in opera, theatre, dance, and live music.Bruno has designed lighting for many of the world’s leading opera houses, theatre and musical theatre productions. He won the prestigious Knight of Illumination Award for lighting Björk’s Cornucopia concert - and for the critically-acclaimed Frankenstein at the National Theatre, for which he also won the Olivier Award for Best Lighting Design.He’s currently working on the new Lloyd-Webber musical, Cinderella. Due to open next year (we hope).I wanted to find out what he does, how he does it – and how he became one of the best lighting designers around!Music credits:Music from the trailer for Giudizio Universale"American Dream", "The Movie in My Mind" and "Kim's Nightmare" from Miss SaigonMusic from Frankenstein by Underworld"Hyperballad" by Björk"No Time to Die" by Billie EilishBruno's website: brunopoet.co.uk

My guest is the composer and lyricist, Darren Clark.Since beginning his professional career in 2012, Darren has been commissioned to write music and lyrics for several national touring shows and his work has been heard in productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre.I talked to Darren about his wonderful new musical, called The Wicker Husband.The show was the winner of the inaugural Musical Theatre International Stiles & Drewe Mentorship Award - and a finalist in the Kevin Spacey Artist of Choice Award 2016. And it had only just started a run at the Watermill Theatre, before sadly the Coronavirus pandemic ended it.We chatted about:How he started his career working for a Libyan oil company!Why he wrote The Wicker Husband - and the inspiration behind it.The challenge of writing songs for a life-sized wicker puppet.Casting the role of "The Ugly Girl" - and upsetting some agents in the process!One of the greatest mistakes songwriters can make.The wonder of discovering things you never expected as you write a musical.Music credit:The Wicker Man - a musical by Darren Clark and Rhys Jennings .Songs:Have You Seen My Husband, performed by Alex YoungMy Wicker Man, performed by Alex YoungThe Sparrows TaleThe Wicker MaidHeart of the WeaveWill Ye Lend Me a Suit?Symbols & Numbers - song from the musical Turing written by Darren Clark & Rhys Jennings, performed by Tyrone HuntleyDarren's website: darrenclarkmusic.co.uk

I talk to the professional tap dance performer, teacher and choreographer; Ryan Campbell-Birch.​Ryan's passion for tap developed at a young age, beginning under his mother’s tutelage in his hometown of Bristol, and has since taken him around the world - from Stockholm to Sydney, London to LA, and New York to New Zealand!Ryan talks to me about where tap comes from, why he loves it so much, and what it takes to become a professional tap dancer.RYAN'S CHALLENGE!He has two challenges: one for under 16's and the other for 16+ tappers.After listening to his Podcast, go to the Tap Dance UK website and watch Ryan's challenge videos: tapdanceuk.com/podcast/Video yourself performing one of the routines (for your age) then share your video on your Instagram page, tagging: @tapdanceuk AND @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!). Make sure you include the hashtag: #ryanstapchallengeIf you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to Ryan at: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comIF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #RYANSTAPCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC, JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.The winner of the under 16's challenge will receive a free place at a Tap Dance UK regional workshop (dates and locations to be confirmed). The winner of the over 16's challenge will receive a free portfolio photoshoot in Sheffield with GBDANCESTARS.CLOSING DATE: 13th September, 2020Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.Ryan's decision is final.Dates and times for both prizes to be confirmed.THANK YOU RYAN - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!Ryan's greatest tap video playlist! <HERE>Tap Dance UK website <HERE>Ryan's website <HERE>

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor. In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber. In this third and final episode Laurence talks to me about:How he helped create School of Rock with Andrew Lloyd Webber - and persuaded ALW to write the music for the show!ALW's epic rock music collection.Knowing when to 'let things go' as a director.Why ALW is such an incredible composer and storyteller.The importance of reading a preview audience's reaction.Directing ALW's new musical Cinderella - and why Carrie Hope Fletcher got the dream part.What 'Beauty has a price' means in the new musical.LAURENCE'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Make your own technicolor Dreamcoat and video yourself performing a song from the show wearing it. Be as creative as you want by singing, playing an instrument, dancing etc... Just go for it and get Laurence's attention!Share the video on your Instagram page, tagging:  @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's' me!). Make sure you include the hashtag: #laurenceslockdownchallengeIf you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to Laurence at: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comIF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #LAURENCESLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.The winner will be invited to spend a day in London with Laurence next year at a Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat rehearsal. AND... Laurence has a surprise for the winner!CLOSING DATE: 30th August, 2020Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.Laurence's decision is final.Actual participation in the rehearsal will depend on the winner's age.THANK YOU LAURENCE - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!Music credits:"Finale" "You're in the Band" "I'm Too Hot for You" from The Original Broadway Cast of School of Rock Album"The Way We Were" sung by Carrie Hope Fletcher"Jacob and Sons" sung by the London Palladium Cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat  (London Palladium Cast Recording)Laurence's website is <HERE>(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor. In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber. These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!In this second episode Laurence talks to me about:When he told Cameron Mackintosh he thought The Phantom of the Opera was 'a bit stale'.How Cameron and he audition actors - and why Cameron sometimes 'saves you from yourself'.Why casting ensembles for shows is hard.Why he wishes every young actor could see what it's like being on the other side of the casting table.What he looks for when casting young performers - and his top tips for getting a part in one of his shows.The importance of just being yourself in auditions.Where the inspiration for his Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour production came from.The incredible story of how they found the actor who played Dewey Finn in the original School of Rock production.Look out for episode three - when Laurence talks about his AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!THANK YOU LAURENCE!Music credits:"Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall"The Movie In My Mind" from the Miss Saigon Original Cast Album"I Dreamed a Dream" from the Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album"When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock" from The Original Broadway Cast of School of Rock Album"Heaven On Their Minds" from Tim Minchin Unmasked: The Platinum CollectionLaurence's website is <HERE>(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor. In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber. These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!In this first episode Laurence talks to me about:How a teacher inspired him to become an actor.Why he was just one audition away from giving up acting.Why West Side Story was so important to him in his early career.Why he thinks he's a much better director than he ever was an actor.Getting his first proper acting job - on tour with Les Mis.His big break (doesn't get much bigger than this!).Becoming director of The King and I... and sometimes butting heads with Elaine Page.Why children are often easier to work with than adults!Look out for episodes two and three - and Laurence has the most AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!THANK YOU LAURENCE!Music credits:Jason Donovan and the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1991 productionThe King and I, 2000 cast recordingLes Misérables Live! 2010 Cast AlbumWest Side Story, original motion picture soundtrackSlice of Saturday Night, original London cast recordingLaurence's website is <HERE>(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guests are professional contemporary dancers, Eileih Muir and Jordan Bridge. Eileih and Jordan dance in Company Wayne McGregor - recognised as one of the best contemporary dance companies in the world.Company Wayne McGregor features 10 world-class dancers, who tour the world performing dynamic, visceral contemporary choreography created by its founder, Wayne McGregor.Eileih and Jordan talk to me about:Where they trained.Why they decided to become contemporary dancers.Auditioning for Company Wayne McGregor - and why they wanted the job so much.Their first day - what was it like walking into a Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal for the first time?!Working with Wayne McGregor to create the piece Autobiography.Their advice for young dancers thinking about auditioning for the company.EILEIH AND JORDANS' LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Improvise or choreograph a one minute piece from Wayne McGregor's Collaboration album. You choose the track from the album you want to work with and listen in the Podcast to what Eileih and Jordan say they're looking for.Video yourself performing the piece and share it on your Instagram page, tagging: @eileih_ishbel_muir and @jordanjbridge and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's' me!). Make sure you include the hashtag: #cwmlockdownchallengeIf you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comIF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #CWMLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.The winner will be invited to spend a day in London with Eileih and Jordan watching or taking part in a Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal!CLOSING DATE: 25th July, 2020Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.Eileih and Jordan's decision is final.Actual participation in the Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal will depend on the winner's age and dance ability.GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU EILEIH AND JORDAN!Bit more about Jordan...Born in Manchester, Jordan trained at London Contemporary Dance School graduating with a BA Hons in a Contemporary Dance. Amongst Jordan’s performing career, he has an award-winning dance film entitled ‘Us’ which he directed and choreographed in 2018. Jordan joined Company Wayne McGregor in 2017.Bit more about Eileih...Born in Derby, Eileih trained at London Studio Centre before completing a Masters at The London Contemporary Dance School. After graduating she became an apprentice with NDCWales before joining Richard Alston Dance Company. Eileih joined Company Wayne McGregor in 2019. Eileih's website is HERE.REALLY WORTH WATCHING: Wayne McGregor's TED talkMusic credit: Annotation, Mutation and Blue from Wayne McGregor's Autobiography.

I talk to Roxy - the most incredible 12-year-old contortionist.With nearly 100 thousand Instagram followers, Roxy is a brand ambassador for dancewear labels, frequently models for photographers and performs around the country...  displaying her amazing, jaw-dropping flexibility.Roxy talks to me about:The history of contortion as a circus act and more.What her teachers think of her doing contortion at school!The hardest contortion move she's ever attempted.How to become a contortionist and her top tips for amazing bendy moves!Where she met her performance partner @pixieleknotTraining to be a contortionist - and why its different to dance.Working with the world-famous photographer @jordanmatterWhat she learnt meeting the DanceMums.How she'd love to do acro.Her contortionist heroes.ROXY'S CHALLENGE!Watch the challenge video on her Instagram page <HERE> and post a video of yourself doing it. Tag her @flexible_roxy and @dragonflybrand and me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars with #roxyslockdownchallenge The winner will get a WINDSTORM photoshoot with Roxy (with lots of wind machines!) and a matching set from @dragonflybrandWinner will be announced on 21st June, 2020Roxy's decision is final.Please do not hurt yourself attempting Roxy's challenge - you do it at your own risk!Photoshoot will be in Sheffield, date TBC.Prize includes 8 photos.Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ROXY!

My guest is professional voice-over artist, Sophie Corbett.After training as a singer and actor, Sophie has worked in the voice-over industry for more than twenty years for clients like L'Oreal, Ford and McDonalds. She is also a compère, BBC presenter and host.Sophie talks to me about:How she started in the industry - despite being dyslexic.Her son won a BAFTA for a voice-over ad he did - at just age six!Why you need a showreel, but it's "worth it"!How you can rehearse by watching TV ads.Why you need a license to work as a child artist.The big opportunity for young voice-over artists.SOPHIE'S CHALLENGE!Record your own a voice-over advert and send it to Sophie at: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comSophie will help the winner make their own voice-over showreel in London. Please listen to her talk about this in the Podcast.GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU SOPHIE!Sophie's website: www.sophiecorbett.co.uk

I talk to the legendary musical theatre choreographer, Stephen Mear.A two-time Oliver award-winner, Stephen has choreographed many hit musicals - including the 2010 production of Hello Dolly and 2016 production of Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton.In 2005 Stephen jointly choreographed the Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins with Sir Matthew Bourne. He has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "The old-style master of the modern chorus-line".Stephen talks to me about:Why "dance saved me".Being inspired to dance after watching lots of black and white films with his mother.How he was the only boy in his dance class at home.Getting his first dance job in Cats (after practicing lots of turns in second).Learning to choreograph by sitting in the Gods and watching shows from up there.Why Jerome Robbins inspired him so much.The wonder of working on Gypsy with Imelda Saunton.Working with Sir Matthew Bourne on Mary Poppins.Creating "Poppins sign language".How to tap upside-down!The qualities he looks for in dancers. STEPHEN'S TWO AMAZING CHALLENGES!1. For dancers... Video yourself performing the letter signing from "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"A video tutorial is here (not done by Stephen): CLICK LINKYou can see it being performed here: CLICK LINKThe winner will be taken to see the London production of Mary Poppins by Stephen (date to be confirmed).2. For tappers interested in choreography... Choreograph a tap routine for "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain and video yourself performing it. A video of Good Morning is here: CLICK LINKThe winner will spend a day with Stephen in London (date to be confirmed).Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @stephen.mear and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #stephenslockdownchallengeIf you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comIF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #STEPHENSLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.You can enter one or both challenges.Winners pay their own travel and expenses.Stephen's decision is final!CLOSING DATE: Midnight 3rd July 2020GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU STEPHEN!Other videos to watch:Step in Time: CLICK LINKOasis - The Importance Of Being Idle: CLICK LINKStephen Mear's website: CLICK LINK

My guest is Amelia Holdsworth, a talented contemporary dancer at the beginning of her career.From the age of 16 Amelia trained at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Whilst there she worked with choreographers like; Martin Lawrence, Mark Baldwin and Sisters Grimm. After graduating last year she joined Emergence, a dance company created by Joss Arnott. She is now working towards an MA in Dance Performance and Professional Practice.Amelia talks to me about:Life at Rambert School - and why she went there.Auditioning for companies after graduation.Why one inch of height made all the difference at an audition!Being in the Emergence dance company.The pieces she performed on tour with Emergence (see videos below).Her hopes for the future - despite the virus.AMELIA'S CHALLENGE!Learn and video yourself performing part of the choreography from When Worlds Collide (2019/20) by Joss Arnott - as shown by Amelia on her Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdVgOtjcLn/Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @ameliaholdsworth and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #ameliaslockdownchallengeAmelia will decide the winner - who will get a studio photoshoot in Sheffield for themselves and a friend with me: gbdancestars.com. Amelia's decision is final. Photoshoot date to be confirmed. Photoshoot includes 5 photos per dancer.CLOSING DATE: 20th June 2020GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU AMELIA!Videos and music credits:Emergence performing When Worlds Collide (2019/20) by Joss ArnottOriginal Music: James Keanehttps://vimeo.com/382031391Emergence performing An Event by James Wiltonhttps://vimeo.com/368766215Emergence performing Fuel by Wubkje Kuindersmahttps://vimeo.com/365324846Emergence dancers:Emily Barber, Abbi Gilbert, Amelia Holdsworth, Madeliene Jefferson, Shannon Mcloughlin, Joanna Savva, Natasha Simpkins, Alisha Stanley, Millie Thomas, Wenwen Wang, Kirsten Way, Emily Worrall.Emergence dance company website:jossarnottdance.com/emergence

I talk to Anthony Drewe, the award-winning musical theatre lyricist.In collaboration with the composer George Stiles, Anthony has written songs for; the Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of Mary Poppins, The Wind in the Willows, Half a Sixpence, Just So and Betty Blue Eyes.And his Olivier-winning musical Honk! has been seen by more than 6 million people around the world.As we hear about his wonderful career and listen to some of the beautiful songs he's written with composer George Stiles, Anthony talks to me about:How we went from a student zoologist to award-winning lyricist!How at first he was too shy to perform on the stage.Why he tries to stay "biologically true" to the animal characters in his musicals.After hearing Sweeney Todd he decided to write his first musical - despite having never done anything like it before!How George and he had to work as part-time decorators to fund their early musical writing career.Why he used wallpaper to help write his first musical.The emotive, shocking inspiration for his smash-hit musical Honk!His big break.What an animated film version of the Thumbelina fairytale and the musical Les Misérables have in common.How George and he got the job writing new songs for the Mary Poppins musical!The making of the Mary Poppins London show production - and the story behind the new songs he wrote for it with George Stiles.What Pamela Travers was really like to work with (was it Saving Mr. Banks?).Mrs. Banks' backstory.Why supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is said backward in the new version he wrote with George Stiles.His new musical Identical - and why he's still looking for identical twins to be in it!ANTHONY'S CHALLENGE!Write new lyrics for the song The Perfect Nanny or Practically Perfect from Mary Poppins, or NYC from Annie (choose one song). If you choose the song NYC, write new lyrics for it with the song title changed to "NHS".Please listen to Anthony talk about his challenge in this Podcast before you start writing anything.The winners of each song choice will be taken by Anthony to see the London production of Mary Poppins. Winners pay own travel and expenses.Record yourself performing the new song and send your video/sound clip to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comCLOSING DATE: 28th June 2020THANK YOU ANTHONY - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!Music credits:Mary Poppins (Original London Cast Recording)Jolly Holiday, Brimstone and Treacle, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Being Mrs. Banks, Practically Perfect, Anything Can Happen, The Perfect NannyNYC Company, Kimmy Cobb, Ron Raines, Ruthie Henshall & Sarah French Annie (Original Studio Cast)Prelude / The Ballad of Sweeney Todd Michael Ball Sweeney Todd (The 2012 London Cast Recording) SoundtrackThe Schuyler Sisters Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas-Jones, Leslie Odom, Jr., Original Broadway Cast of "Hamilton" & Renée Elise Goldsberry Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) SoundtrackHeart of the Weave The Wicker Husband, Darren Clark and Rhys JenningsOther songs kindly provided by Stiles&Drewe:Different, Honk!Every Tear a Mother Cries, Honk!One, Two, Three Little Pigs, Three Little PigsDoes the Moment Ever Come?, Just SoThere's Always Tomorrow, Peter Pan

I talk to George Asprey, who plays the evil lion Scar and Gary Jordan, who plays the wisecracking bird Zazu in the London production of the Lion King. They talk to me about:How after leaving the army George went to LAMDA and after graduating started doing musicals as a dancer (despite not being a dancer!).George stood in for Kenneth Branagh on set when Kenneth directed the film Frankenstein.Gary was the voice-over for Tang and Mr. Granite on CBBC's ZingZillas - and also for a Japanese Playstation football video game!George's disaster moment when in the musical Chicago.What they had to do for their Lion King audition - George didn't have to wear a tail, but Gary did have to fly around the room!Why George thinks Scar is the greatest baddie Disney ever created.How they developed their animal characters by watching real animals move and behave - and why George thinks of snakes and spiders (not just lions).What the Lion King's "double event" is.Why there's a little bit of each Lion King actors' own personality in the animal characters they portray on stage.Scar's backstory (according to George) - why George feels sorry for him, what made Scar go bad?Why Zazu knows he won't get eaten by Scar (he hopes)!What's it like in hair and make-up.And lots of top-tips about how to work with puppets.No animals were hurt in the making of this Podcast.GEORGE AND GARY'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Video yourself performing these lines from the show as either Scar or Zazu:Scar: Oh Zazu. Zazu Zazu Zazu. Zazu: Yes sire?Scar: Nobody loved me there’s the rub, not even as a cub. What did my brother have that I don’t have?Zazu: Do you want the short list - or the long?Scar: Whatever.Zazu: Well he had adoring subjects, a loving family, an adoring Queen.....Scar: That’s it, I need a queen!Zazu: A what?Scar: A queen man a queen! Without a queen what am I? A dead end. No descendants, no line, no future. With the Queen I’ll have.... cubs.Make sure you've listened to all the advice and top tips from George and Gary in the Podcast before you record it. And get your mum/dad/sibling to read in the other part if you need to!Send your video to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comCLOSING DATE: 6th June 2020George and Gary's decision is final.The winners will do an online musical theatre workshop with George and Gary; and they'll be recorded performing lines from the show with them. Each winner will also get a poster from the show signed by the cast.THANK YOU GEORGE AND GARY - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

I talk to the 16 year old contemporary dancer and social media star, Serena McCall.As one of the faces of the biggest dance show in the UK - MOVEit – with over 40k followers, she has used Instagram to build her profile, win ambassadorships and grow her career. This year she leaves Elmhurst Ballet School to study at the prestigious Rambert School in London.I wanted to find out how she has managed to combine a talent for dance, with an equally impressive talent for social media.Serena talks to me about:How she has her sister to thank for starting dance.Auditioning to become a RBS associate and her top tips for getting noticed at auditions.Taking corrections the right way.Her life as a boarder at Elmhurst Ballet School - and her suggestions about how to avoid getting homesick.How she got a place at Rambert School – even after improvising her audition dance... in the audition.What fuels her love of contemporary dance.How she choreographs her award-winning pieces.Using social media to support your dance career.What to post - and what not to post.Her “desert island dancers” – who she admires the most.And life after college... her dream company.Links to her "desert island dancers and choreographers":@traviswall@clarice_lantalilly@tatemcraeSERENA’S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Video yourself performing Serena’s No Time To Die choreography <link here>. Then post the video on your Instagram page and tag her @serenamccall_ and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #serenaslockdownchallenge.Serena will pick a winner from the videos - and the winner will get a one hour online class with her.CLOSING DATE: 31st May 2020THANK YOU SERENA - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!Photo credit: @bockerphotography

In this episode I talk to singer/dancer Hannah Taylor. Hannah started performing professionally as a child, in shows like Scrooge! The Musical and Whistle Down the Wind. But her dreams really came true last year, when still in her graduate year she landed a part in the hit West End show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Sheridan Smith and Jason Donovan.I wanted to find out how she got her big break straight out of college, what it was really like at ArtsEd and what happened in the Joseph singing and dancing auditions.Hannah talks to me about:Her life as a child performer in professional shows.How she chose the right college for her.What life was like at ArtsEd.Coping with the pressure of finishing college, doing auditions and finding your first job all at the same time!Dealing with rejection - and why everything happens for a reason.How you may just sing for 30 seconds, but doing open auditions with hundreds of others can still be a very good thing.Being nice to the audition pianist is a must-do.What happened at the Joseph singing and dancing auditions - and what doing dance partner work teaches you.How she had to learn three songs from the show in one night!The first day of Joseph rehearsals - what it was like meeting Sir Tim Rice.How as a MT performer you have to learn how to "think big" on stage.What is was like stepping onto the stage of the London Palladium for the first time.Her secret to combating nerves - the champion's pose!And why Jason Donovan threw an avocado at her!HANNAH'S CHALLENGE!Video yourself performing "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph and send it to us.Hannah will pick a winner, who will get an online masterclass with her.Please email your video to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comCLOSING DATE: 31st May 2020GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU HANNAH!(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

John Rigby is one of the country's leading conductors, musical directors and musical supervisors.As a conductor he is extremely active on the concert platform, working with orchestras like: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia - and the Orchestras of both Welsh National and Opera North.He also conducts the Classical Spectacular concerts for Raymond Gubbay and conducted Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 70th birthday concert.In musical theatre his long list of credits include: the UK Tour of The Producers with Peter Kay and Joe Pasquale, Cameron Mackintosh’s 25th Anniversary Tour of The Phantom of the Opera in both the UK and the USA, the arena world tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Tim Minchin and Melanie C. - and the 2019 London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Sheridan Smith.He has also supervised or directed the music for Les Misérables, Chess and Miss Saigon.John talks to me about:How working with amateur dramatics societies was invaluable for his career and taught him many of the skills he still uses today.What musical inspired him to become a MD.How he got his first opportunity - by asking for it!Doing whatever you can, wherever you can to develop your conducting experience.The difference between a conductor, musical director and musical supervisor.How they cast the School of Rock - turning cellists into bass guitar players!What makes someone stand out at a Les Misérables audition and how musical theatre vocal styles have changed over the last 30 years.What makes a great show great?Why conducting Chess at the ENO was so special.What makes a stand-out audition performance.Which Les Mis character he thinks a prequel musical could be made about (hypothetical only)!The view from the other side of the room - his top tips for young performer auditions.And why 'we all have a Joseph story'...JOHN'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Actually, it's more of a lockdown opportunity...To watch him conduct a performance and meet him backstage, please send him a message saying why you want to meet him - and why it should be you!Send your email to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.com(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)THANK YOU JOHN!

In this episode I talk to the young dancer Hannah Martin. Hannah is a former rhythmic gymnast who represented England at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, then moved to dancing full-time shortly afterwards. She shot to stardom earlier this year when she appeared on BBC TV’s The Greatest Dancer – reaching the semi-final stage, guided by her dance captain Matthew Morrison.Hannah talks to me about her life as an elite rhythmic gymnast, why she made the brave move to dance and what happened on and off the screen when she competed on BBC TV's The Greatest Dancer.She also talks openly about dealing with the pressure of social media and her desire to become a professional ballet dancer.HANNAH'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Learn and video yourself performing this dance <follow link> from Hannah's 30 minute lyrical contemporary dance class.Then publish the video on your Instagram account and Tag @hannahmartinrg with #hannahslockdownchallengeThe winner will get a remote, one hour dance class with Hannah.CLOSING DATE: Midnight, Sunday 10th May (videos received after this will not be accepted).Hannah's decision is final - thank you!GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU HANNAH!(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

Anthony Van Laast is one of the country's leading stage and screen choreographers. After training and dancing at the London Contemporary Dance School, he started choreographing for the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. He then went on to choreograph hit shows like; Sister Act (2011 on Broadway and 2009 West End), Bombay Dreams (2004), Mamma Mia! (2001), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1993), Annie Get Your Gun (1986), Candide (Old Vic, 1988, Olivier Award for Best Musical)  and most recently Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, which opened in the West End in 2018.  His television and film work includes; Beauty and the Beast (2017), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009), Mamma Mia! (2008) - and the sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! (2018).Anthony explains how he got his first big break because he had long hair (but not any more!) and the difference between choreographing for the screen versus the stage. He also taks about how he choreographed the films Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson.And he has some great audition and career advice for young dancers wanting to work in musicals and film.ANTHONY'S TWO LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES!1. Choreograph, dance and direct your own short video of between 45 seconds - 1 minute in duration. Choose your own music to dance to - but make sure you listened to Anthony's description of exactly what he is looking for.2. Learn and perform a small routine from Mamma Mia! - as shown in this video <follow link>. Choreo note from Anthony's associate choreographer, Nichola: Go for it. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Remember... "You're having the time of your life". Nichola xAfter lockdown, the winners from each challenge will be invited to spend a day working with Anthony in his studio making a short film; then be taken by him to see the musical Mamma Mia! (which was choreographed by him).Please email your videos to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comAnd feel free to also post your videos on Instagram and Tag me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars along with #anthonyslockdownchallengeCLOSING DATE: Saturday 16th May (extended deadline)One video entry per challenge per person.You can enter one or both challenges.Winners pay own travel and expenses.Anthony's decision is final - thank you!GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ANTHONY FOR SUCH INCREDIBLE PRIZES!(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)

I talk to Janet Devenish, the very first Meg Giry in the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera.Janet talks about how she landed the dream job (despite singing the wrong song at her audition), how the show was rehearsed prior to its opening in September 1986 and how Andrew Lloyd-Webber offered Michael Crawford the part of Phantom after hearing him having a singing lesson! She also talks about her long career and offers some great audition advice for young performers.JANET'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!Video yourself performing this Masquerade scene from Phantom (follow <link>) with whatever costume you can find or make, then send your video to: spotlightvideos2020@gmail.comTring Park School for the Performing Arts is delighted to invite the winner to a day at the school, taking part in one of their Musical Theatre Holiday Courses... A day packed with singing, acting and dance taught by industry professionals. Janet will be there to greet the winner!Closing date for entries is Saturday, 8th May. One video entry per person. Winner pays own travel and expenses. Janet's decision is final.THANK YOU JANET AND TRING PARK!(Please note: recorded remotely because of lockdown restrictions, so sound quality varies!)