The Stage / Podcasts

Omid Djalili: The Stage Podcast #33

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:25:29 +0000

In this week’s Stage Podcast, Nick Smurthwaite talks to Iranian comedian and actor Omid Djalili, who is set to replace Rowan Atkinson in Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from July 20.

To listen to the podcast:

The preferred way to listen to the podcast is through iTunes. If you subscribe to the podcast series in iTunes, then not only will you get this edition of the podcast, but you will automatically receive further editions, for free, as they are released.

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

You can also listen to an audio stream using the player below:

Finally, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Coming up: The Edinburgh Fringe podcast

Once again, The Stage will be providing full coverage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including our renowned daily podcast, hosted by Ewan Spence. For more details, the opportunity to subscribe to the 2009 series in advance and to hear some classic interviews from the Fringe Podcast archives, go to http://edinburghfringe.thepodcastnetwork.com.

Matthew James Thomas: The Stage Podcast #32

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:46 +0000

With screen roles including Stephen Poliakoff’s The Lost Prince and West End parts in Whistle Down the Wind and Fame, Matthew James Thomas’s highest profile role to date has been Jez Tyler on ITV1’s performing arts school-based musical drama Britannia High.

He now returns to the stage, playing the title role in Ruby in the Dust’s production of Dorian Gray, adapted and directed by Linnie Reedman, playing at the Leicester Square Theatre.

In this edition of the Stage Podcast, Thomas talks to Scott Matthewman about the play, his experience on Britannia High and what he thinks went wrong with a series that had so much potential.

Dorian Gray details on The Stage Listings.
The Stage review of Dorian Gray

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

You can also listen to an audio stream using the player below:

Finally, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

The YouTube trailer for Dorian Gray is below:

Everybody Loves a Winner - Sally Lindsay & Neil Bartlett: The Stage Podcast #31

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:20:00 +0000

In this week’s Stage Podcast, former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay and writer-director Neil Bartlett talk to Nick Smurthwaite about Everybody Loves a Winner, which runs at the Manchester Royal Exchange from July 3-18 as part of the Manchester International Festival.

Following twenty friends on a night out, the production sees the Exchange theatre converted into a bingo hall for the night, and will include a live bingo game in the second act.

Find out more about Everybody Loves a Winner

To listen to the podcast:

The preferred way to listen to the podcast is through iTunes. Subscribing in iTunes will ensure that not only do you get this edition of the podcast, but you will automatically receive further editions, for free, as they are released.

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

You can also listen to an audio stream using the player below:

Finally, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

See below for a short video:

The Stage @ Adam Street: The state of regional theatre

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:33:36 +0000

In the second of our The Stage@Adam Street podcasts, we brought together some of the biggest names in British regional theatre:

Derek Nicholls, president of the Theatrical Management Association and chief executive of the Churchill Theatre in Bromley
Julius Green, producer for Bill Kenwright Limited
John Stalker, chief executive of Festival City Theatres Trust in Edinburgh
Rachel Tackley, director of English Touring Theatre
Sarah Holmes, chief executive of the New Wolsey theatre, Ipswich, and
Vikki Heywood, executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company

Under the umbrella theme of The State of Regional Theatre, they discuss topics including how the recession is affecting them, the effectiveness (or otherwise) of the Arts Council England ticket scheme for under 26s, whether you need big name stars to sell a show in the regions, whether the traditional theatre brochure is dead and how important London is to regional theatre around the UK.

The Stage@Adam Street podcasts are produced in association with the Adam Street private members’ club, Adam Street, London.

If you have any opinion or comments on the topics raised — or on any other aspect of regional theatre — please use the comment box below, or send your email to podcasts@thestage.co.uk. We may print a selection in future print editions of The Stage.

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

You can also listen to an audio stream using the player below:

Finally, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Daniel Dae Kim: The Stage Podcast #29

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Best known to TV audiences around the world as Jin-Soo Kwon in US TV show Lost, Daniel Dae Kim takes to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall next month to play the King of Siam in The King And I opposite Maria Friedman’s Anna Leonowens.

As he prepared to start rehearsals, Daniel sat down with The Stage’s Nick Smurthwaite to talk about Rodgers and Hammerstein, colour-blind casting and the relationship he has with his Korean heritage.

The King and I, Royal Albert Hall, London, June 12-28. For more information and to book tickets, click here

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar), or use the player below:

Spotlight On... Arlene Phillips (2/2)

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:43:56 +0000

Mark Shenton concludes his conversation with choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, which took place at The Shaw Theatre last month. The first part of the conversation is still available.

In this final part of the discussion, Arlene continues talking about Strictly Come Dancing as well as taking questions from the floor and covering topics such as her favourite directors and choreographers and the challenges of choreographing actors who can’t dance and turning Cliff Richard into a rock star for Time.

The next Spotlight On… event will be a conversation with lyricist Tim Rice at The Shaw Theatre on May 20 at 3pm. Tickets are usually £10, but listen to the podcast for details on how to book tickets for £5.

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar), or use the player below:

David Hare: The Stage Podcast #27

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Playwright David Hare is known for stage productions including Stuff Happens, The Vertical Hour and Gethsemane and this year was nominated for an Oscar for his adapted screenplay of The Reader.

Earlier this year, Hare acted as judge for the Yale Drama Series Prize for emerging playwrights. Won this year Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig for her play Lidless, the prize includes publication by Yale University Press, a $10,000 purse and a staged reading by Yale Rep.

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar), or use the player below:

Spotlight On... Arlene Phillips (1/2)

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:44:54 +0000

Legendary choreographer Arlene Phillips talks to Mark Shenton about how she became interested in dance and choreography, forming controversial dance troupe Hot Gossip, and moving into full-scale musical theatre choreography.

She also discusses moving into directing with Saturday Night Fever, as well as discussing her appointment as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

The second part of this conversation will be published next week.

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar), or use the player below:

Arthur Smith is Daphne Fairfax: The Stage Podcast #25

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:00:42 +0000

In his career, Arthur Smith has been a stand-up comic and compere, an Olivier-nominated playwright and, of course, has been a columnist for The Stage for nearly 15 years.

In the latest edition of The Stage Podcast, Arthur talks to Nick Smurthwaite about his new autobiography, My Name is Daphne Fairfax: A Memoir.

Buy My Name is Daphne Fairfax: A Memoir from Amazon.co.uk and save 40% (£11.39, RRP £18.99)*
My Name is Daphne Fairfax is also available as an audiobook

The book will also be serialised as Radio 4’s Book of the Week from Monday. For more details, visit the Radio 4 website.

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar), or use the player below:

prices correct at time of publication but may change over time

Francesca Annis: The Stage Podcast #24

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:34:50 +0000

Actress Francesca Annis shortly starts a run in the J B Priestley drama Time and the Conways at the National Theatre, directed by Rupert Goold.

She took a break from rehearsals to talk to Al Senter about that production, as well as some her more memorable projects throughout her theatre, film and TV career.

To listen to the podcast:

Listen and subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)

Alternatively, you can download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar), or use the player below:

Hugh Whitemore: The Stage Podcast #23

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:52:27 +0000

In this week’s Stage Podcast, Nick Smurthwaite talks to playwright Hugh Whitemore.

One of the UK’s most prolific playwrights, Whitemore’s work includes Breaking the Code, A Matter of Resignation and Pack of Lies. His most recent work is a collaboration with the late Simon Gray, turning Gray’s memoir The Smoking Diaries into The Last Cigarette, the play which sees Jasper Britton, Felicity Kendall and Nicholas Le Provost each play the author.

The Last Cigarette is currently playing at the Trafalgar Studios.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll automatically receive future podcasts when they become available. In addition, the iTunes version contains album art and chapter marks for easier navigation through the programme.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Spotlight On... Sandy Wilson

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:57:47 +0000

In an event recorded at The Shaw Theatre, London, The Stage’s Mark Shenton talks to Sandy Wilson, composer of musicals including The Boy Friend, The Buccaneer and Valmouth.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to include the first 15 minutes of the audio from the live event, but there is still plenty to listen to.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Sam Wanamaker Festival 2009: The Stage Podcast #21

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:26:50 +0000

This week, The Stage podcast visited Shakespeare’s Globe for the Sam Wanamaker Festival 2009.

The public portion of the festival were performances on Sunday afternoon of duologues written by Shakespeare and his contemporaries by student from each of the 22 drama schools that are members of the Conference of Drama Schools — the first year that every CDS school has taken part.

From the students’ point of view, the festival is much more, with workshops and rehearsals with some of the most experienced theatre practitioners in their field. Anna Lowman met Head of Events and Globe Education Deborah Callan, CDS chair Peter Barlow and the Globe’s Head of Text Giles Block to talk about the weekend’s events, and how the Globe is learning from the students as well as vice versa.

She also met two of the performers, Alice White and Thomasin Rand (pictured above) from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama to talk about their experience of the festival.

And, in advance of Sunday evening’s performance in front of a packed Globe audience, Alice and Thomasin treated us (and Stage Podcast listeners) to a rehearsal performance of their piece - Act I Scene 2 of The Merchant of Venice.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Picture shows (l-r) Thomasin Rand as Nerissa and Alice White as Portia. Photo by Manuel Harlan.

Jet Set Go: The Stage Podcast #20

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:46:03 +0000

In this week’s podcast, I talk to the creative team behind Jet Set Go!, the comedy musical which starts at the Jermyn Street Theatre next week after a successful run at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

In conversation are Pippa Cleary, composer & lyricist and finalist in The Stage’s Notes for The Stage musical theatre composition competition; Jake Brunger, book & lyrics and Luke Sheppard, director and choreographer.

A review of the musical will appear on The Stage website on Friday 3 April, at http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/, and in the following week’s paper.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (10.9Mb) (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

The stories in this week’s news segment:

The Stage @ Adam Street: State of the West End podcast

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:48:15 +0000

This week marks the launch of an exciting initiative by The Stage. In partnership with Adam Street Private Members’ Club, we will be hosting a series of informal roundtable discussions with leading figures from the theatre and entertainment industries.

In this, the first of our The Stage @ Adam Street podcasts, the subject is The State of the West End. Joining Alistair Smith, The Stage’s News Editor, are:

Nica Burns, chief executive, Nimax Theatres
Caro Newling, director, Neal Street Productions
Andre Ptaszynski, chief executive, Really Useful Group
Richard Pulford, chief executive, Society of London Theatre
Malcolm Sinclair, actor and vice-president, Equity
Mark Shenton, theatre critic for The Stage, the Sunday Express and other publications, and Stage blogger at Shenton’s View

Together, they discuss West End box office results, the state of London’s historic theatre buildings, ticket prices and the responsibilities of theatre critics.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (28Mb) or AAC format file (29.9Mb) (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll also automatically receive future podcasts when they become available. In addition, the iTunes version contains album art and chapter marks for easier navigation through the programme.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Phil Mealy and Craig Cash at BBC Showcase: The Stage Podcast #18

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:31:23 +0000

This week in the podcast, we pay our final visit to BBC Showcase 2009. I talk to Phil Mealy and Craig Cash, writers of the comedy-drama Sunshine about the difficulties of talking about a series that does not comfortably fit in a pigeonhole. And BBC Worldwide executives Sarah Cooper (Chief Operating Officer) and Steven Macallister (MD, Sales and Distribution) talk about the pros and cons of trying to sell programmes internationally given the prevailing economic climate.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (25Mb) (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Young Victoria and Suranne Jones: The Stage Podcast #17

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:36:55 +0000

This week in the podcast we talk to Jack Murphy, the man who taught Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend to waltz as Victoria and Albert in the new British film The Young Victoria. And, in our second of three visits to BBC Showcase 2009 in Brighton, Suranne Jones talks about her recent role in ITV1 drama series Unforgiven, her theatre work and the possibility of American TV jobs.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (25Mb) (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar).

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Show notes, including links to the news stories in this week’s podcast, after the jump.

Richard Armitage, Robert Glenister and Who Killed Simon Peters?: The Stage Podcast #16

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:29:12 +0000

This week, in the first of a series of visits to BBC Showcase, we talk to Richard Armitage, star of Spooks and Robin Hood, and Robert Glenister, who plays Ash in Hustle and the Home Secretary in Spooks.

We also meet former Disney Club and Wheel of Fortune presenter Paul Hendy, who talks about his second novel, Who Killed Simon Peters?, a sequel to 2004’s Diary of a C-List Celeb.

To listen to the podcast:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (24Mb) (right-click and select “Download file/Save linked file as…” or similar)

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll automatically receive future podcasts when they become available.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Who Killed Simon Peters? is published by Bantam Books, and is on sale now with an RRP of £7.99. However, Amazon.co.uk currently (as of 27 Feburary 2009) is selling it for £5.99, with free delivery.

Order Who Killed Simon Peters? from Amazon.co.uk

Hendy’s previous book, Diary of a C-list Celeb, is currently available from Amazon.co.uk for £5.99 (RRP £6.99), but only with limited stocks.

Spooks, Series 7 starring Richard Armitage and featuring Robert Glenister will be released on October 12, 2009 with an RRP of £58.99. Amazon.co.uk is taking pre-orders at just £25.98 — that’s less than half price — and, with Amazon’s price guarantee, if you order now, you’ll pay whatever the lowest listed price is between now and the release date.

Preorder Spooks - Series 7 from Amazon.co.uk

Hustle, Series 5 has not yet had a DVD release date set.

Robin Hood, Series 2 is available on DVD for an RRP of £39.99, and is currently available from Amazon.co.uk for £25.98.

Saturday Night, 24: The Stage Podcast #15

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:02:44 +0000

In this week’s Stage Podcast, Scott Matthewman talks to the cast and crew of a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s rarely performed musical Saturday Night - Helena Blackman (Helen), Harry Waller (Ray) and musical director Tom Attwood.

Saturday Night - The Stage Listings
Saturday Night review

And Jon Cassar, executive producer of hit US drama series 24, talks about how America’s changing political landscape and the writers’ strike both changed the shape of the show, and whether there will be a future for 24 after Jack Bauer.

24 on Sky 1

To listen:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select ‘Save As…’/’Download file…’ or similar):

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll automatically receive future podcasts when they become available.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Peter Purves and Sister Act's Patina Miller: The Stage Podcast #14

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:53:35 +0000

In this week’s podcast, we talked to former Blue Peter presenter, actor and panto director Peter Purves, followed by American actress Patina Miller who opens in Sister Act: The Musical in June.

To listen:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select ‘Save As…’/’Download file…’ or similar):

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll receive an automatic notification when future podcast events, including our other Spotlight On… conversations, become available.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Peter Purves

Earlier this week, we went to the press launch of Peter Purves’ autobiography, Here’s One I Wrote Earlier, which also took place on his 70th birthday.

As a birthday present, we presented him with several of his reviews from his career, from his days in repertory theatre, through to his work as a TV actor, as well as his days in Doctor Who and Blue Peter. The article that really excited him was a review of The Girl in the Picture, broadcast in 1964.

View The Stage’s review on The Girl in the Picture (free to view)

The Stage Archive houses a searchable repository of our pages from the first issue in 1880 up to 2007. Searching is free, but to view or print out pages from your search results you will need one of our affordable timed pass options. Prices start at £5 for 24 hours’ unlimited access.

Visit the Stage Archive

The audiobook extract is from Mother Russia by Big Finish Productions, which is available on CD (price £8.99) or as an MP3 download (£7.99).

Order either CD or MP3 from the Big Finish website

Patina Miller

This young US actress will shortly be taking to the stage at the London Palladium to play Deloris van Cartier, the lounge singer who has to hide out in a convent after witnessing a murder, when Sister Act opens later this year.

We caught up with Patina to talk about her previous acting roles, including a stint on US soap All My Children and her involvement with the earlier versions of Sister Act when it played in Pasadena and Atlanta.

We also discuss a YouTube performance of a song called Random Black Girl, composed by her drama school contemporaries Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond:

Spotlight On, spotlight off

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:01:59 +0000

We are sorry to have to inform listeners to The Stage Podcast that the next planned Spotlight On… conversation, with acclaimed composer Michel Legrand, has been cancelled.

Happily, the other conversations in the current run, with Mark Shenton talking to Sandy Wilson, composer of The Boyfriend and opera and musical theatre star Lesley Garrett, will be going ahead.

For more details on those events, please visit The Shaw Theatre website.

Spotlight On... Ruthie Henshall, part 3

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:28:10 +0000

In the final part of our three-part series, Ruthie Henshall answers questions from the audience at the recent Spotlight On… event. Part 1 and part 2 are both still available.

Ruthie covers topics such as her vocal technique, whether she would ever share a role with an alternate, whether jukebox musicals mean the West End is dumbing down, the perils of recording musical theatre albums, what makes her blush on Dancing on Ice and her advice for people entering the industry.

If you want to be in the audience for future Spotlight On… events, book tickets from the Shaw Theare website at http://www.theshawtheatre.com

February 15: ~~Michel Legrand~~ CANCELLED - apologies
March 13: Sandy Wilson
March 25: Lesley Garrett

To listen:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select ‘Save As…’/’Download file…’ or similar):

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Spotlight On... Ruthie Henshall, part 2

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:32:00 +0000

In the second episode of a three-part series, musical theatre actress Ruthie Henshall talks to The Stage’s Mark Shenton. (Missed the first episode? Find it here)

In this segment, Ruthie talks about roles in Crazy For You, She Loves Me, Oliver!, Chicago, Putting It Together, Peggy Sue Got Married and Marguerite. She also talks about the loss of her sister Noel, and how she used that memory in her Marguerite performance.

In the third and final segment of this conversation with Ruthie, which will be online at the beginning of next week, she will be answering audience questions.

If you want to be in the audience for future Spotlight On… events, go to the Shaw Theare website at http://www.theshawtheatre.com.

To listen:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select ‘Save As…’/’Download file…’ or similar):

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll receive an automatic notification when the rest of the interview with Ruthie Henshall is available, as well as other podcasts from The Stage.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Spotlight On... Ruthie Henshall, part 1

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:39:28 +0000

In the first episode of a three-part series, musical theatre actress Ruthie Henshall talks to The Stage’s Mark Shenton.

As well as talking about her position as a judge on ITV show Dancing on Ice, she talks about her entry into the industry, her training and her early career.

In the second episode, she will talk about her more recent career developments, while the third will be devoted to audience questions.

The interview was recorded as part of the Spotlight On… series at The Shaw Theatre. Future interviews are scheduled with Michel Legrand, Sandy Wilson and Lesley Garrett. For more details and to book tickets, go to http://www.theshawtheatre.com/

To listen:

You can use the player below, or download the MP3 file (right-click and select ‘Save As…’/’Download file…’ or similar):

Alternatively, subscribe in iTunes or your favourite podcast player. This will also ensure that you’ll receive automatic notifications when the rest of the interview with Ruthie Henshall becomes available, as well as other podcasts from The Stage.

Subscribe now in iTunes (recommended)
RSS feed for other podcast players

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham - The Stage Podcast #10

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:44:37 +0000

The Stage’s News Editor, Alistair Smith, sat down with Culture Secretary Andy Burnham to discuss free theatre tickets for young people, the effects of the economic recession on arts subsidies, and the Government’s track record on the arts.

If you have any comments, you can leave them below, by email to podcast@thestage.co.uk, or on our page on Facebook.

To listen, you can use the player below:

Or use the link below to save a copy of this episode to your local computer:

The Stage Podcast: Culture Secretary Andy Burnham

Alternatively, subscribe to the podcast series and not only will you get this interview, but future episodes will be automatically downloaded for you.

Subscribe in iTunes (recommended)
RSS Feed for other podcast players

I'd Do Anything: In their own words - The Stage podcast #9

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:43:52 +0000

As the finalists who made it on to the live shows of the BBC’s I’d Do Anything plan the next stage of their careers, Matthew Hemley talks to six of them about their experiences of Saturday night entertainment television and their plans for the future.

Alongside winner Jodie Prenger are interviews with Amy Booth-Steel, Tara Bethan, Francesca Jackson, Samantha Barks and Jessie Buckley.

If you have iTunes

We recommend that iTunes users subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork and chapter points for easier navigation. You’ll also automatically get future editions of the podcast as soon as they’re available, and can download older episodes quickly and easily.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listen to a streaming version of this episode.
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent) to your computer, and play it whenever you like (and/or copy it to your MP3 player).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.

I'd Do Anything: In their own words (eventually)

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:45:24 +0000

In this week’s issue of The Stage you can read interviews with some of the finalists of I’d Do Anything talking of their experiences on the show and their plans for the immediate future and beyond.

We had planned to release a podcast version of the interviews today. However, I am afraid that technical problems mean that it won’t be ready until tomorrow. Apologies for the inconvenience.

The podcast will contain Matthew Hemley’s interviews with Amy Booth-Steel, Tara Bethan, Francesca Jackson, Samantha Barks, Jessie Buckley and winner Jodie Prenger.

I'd Do Anything: The Stage podcast #8

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:21:43 +0000

As Andrew Lloyd Webber and his panel of judges ready themselves for Saturday’s final of I’d Do Anything, we talk to The Stage columnist Zoe Tyler, actress and former judging panel member, who has been reviewing the girls’ performances each week in our print edition.

And now that the three winning Olivers have been chosen, The Stage’s agony uncle John Byrne goes over the options for any young performers who have felt inspired to tread the boards themselves.

Useful links:

The Stage’s I’d Do Anything coverage on TV Today
BBC I’d Do Anything website
Zoe Tyler’s website
Zoe is currently touring in The Show Must Go On
Archive of Dear John columns from the pages of The Stage
The Stage Guide to Schools for Young Performers - download a PDF for £5.50, or order a print copy for £7.95 + p&p

If you have iTunes

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listen to a streaming version of this episode.
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent) to your computer, and play it whenever you like (and/or copy it to your MP3 player).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.

I'd Do Anything: You'd Ask Anything

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:44:01 +0000

As the final for I’d Do Anything approaches, we’re lining up something special for those of you who, like me, have been following the show every week.

As you should know by now, Zoe Tyler, vocal coach and judge on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do, has been reviewing every episode of I’d Do Anything for our weekly print edition. I’ve been doing the same online, on our TV Today blog.

Next week, we’ll be recording a podcast discussing the final three would-be Nancies, looking back over the series and talking about whatever takes our fancy.

Which is where you come in.

If you have a question or conversation topic that you’d like Zoe or I to discuss, then either leave your question in the comments below, or email it to podcasts@thestage.co.uk. Naturally, we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to use every submission, but we’ll do oour best to cover as much as we can.

Get you questions in by 10am Tuesday morning — and listen out to see if we use your question! The podcast previewing the I’d Do Anything final will be availble to listen to online and download from Thursday.

Note: You can sign in below with a number of different ID systems, including LiveJournal, TypeKey, or any system which supports OpenID (there are several). Alternatively, click “comment anonymously” and specify your name (or nickname) and your email address.

Tosca/The Last Standing: The Stage Podcast #7

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 18:19:28 +0000

To complement the Royal Albert Hall’s current production of “Tosca”, the venue’s education department worked with Enfield Young Offenders to create a new, modern day interpretation of the story.

The Stage went to rehearsals for a special reading of “The Last Standing” by a cast of professional actors, directed by Phil Daniels. Hear interviews with the project leaders, two of the young writers involved and some of the cast.

This podcast contains strong language.

If you have iTunes

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BBC Showcase, Mistresses and Timothy Spall: The Stage Podcast #6

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:19:52 +0000

The Stage went down to Brighton to meet some of the people behind BBC Showcase, the annual screening event held by BBC Worldwide to promote the best of British television to international broadcasters.

We talk to BBC Worldwide’s Abigail Hughes about the event, and the importance of ‘talent’ (actors, directors, etc.) to the promotion of programmes.

One of the BBC’s highest profile new shows at the event is relationship drama Mistresses. In a fun round table interview with cast members Sarah Parish, Shelley Conn, Sharon Small, Adam Rayner, Max Brown and Patrick Baladi, we talk about the success of the show, and how actors’ workload involves an increasing amount of PR work.

Finally, Timothy Spall joins us to talk about his role as Fagin in Oliver Twist, one of the BBC’s other high profile shows here at Showcase.

If you have any comments, you can leave them below, by email to podcast@thestage.co.uk, or on our page on Facebook.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listen to a streaming version of this podcast.
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.
If you use iTunes, subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork, chapter points for easier navigation, and smaller file sizes for faster downloads.

Connie Fisher: The Stage Podcast #5

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:48:26 +0000

For our first podcast of 2008, Nuala Calvi interviewed The Sound of Music’s Maria, Connie Fisher.

As well as talking about the audition process via TV show which has spawned so many imitators, Connie talks about life now that she’s the star of the London Palladium production, as well as her plans for the future when she leaves the nun’s habit behind.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listening to a streaming version
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.
If you use iTunes, subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork, chapter points for easier navigation, and smaller file sizes for faster downloads.

If you have any comments, you can leave them below, or email them to podcasts@thestage.co.uk.

Dance X and Eurovision Dance: The Stage Podcast #4

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:37:36 +0000

It’s a TV light entertainment special this edition, as we catch up with one of the winning Dance X dancers, Marie McGonigle, and her mentor during the BBC1 talent show, Bruno Tonioli.

Download Dancing in Repeat from the iTunes Store.

Bruno is also taking part as one of the commentators for next Saturday’s Eurovision Dance Contest. At the press launch for the event, we talked to hosts Graham Norton and Claudia Winkleman.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listen to a streaming version of this episode.
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.
If you use iTunes, subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork, chapter points for easier navigation, and smaller file sizes for faster downloads.

If you have any comments, you can leave them below, or email them to podcasts@thestage.co.uk.

Grease is the Word: The Stage Podcast #3

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:14:56 +0000

After Saturday’s final of Grease is the Word, The Stage’s Alistair Smith got the very first interviews with winners Danny Bayne and Susan McFadden, who are now to become the West End’s latest Danny and Sandy when Grease returns at the Piccadilly Theatre.

He also caught up with TV judge and the musical’s producer, David Ian, to talk about the winners and the series as a whole.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listen to a streaming version
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.
If you use iTunes, subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork, chapter points for easier navigation, and smaller file sizes for faster downloads.

If you have any comments, you can leave them below, or email them to podcasts@thestage.co.uk.

Doctor Who: The Stage Podcast #2

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:58:17 +0000

The third series of the revived BBC series Doctor Who starts on March 31. Prior to the press launch last night, I spoke to executive producer Julie Gardner about the new series, how her recent promotion to Controller of Drama Commissioning at the BBC affects her role on the show, and much more.

Just a couple of days after the new series starts, last year’s Christmas special, The Runaway Bride starring Catherine Tate, is released on DVD. We have a review.

A commentary track (as mentioned in the podcast) is available from the BBC Doctor who website.

And finally, some extracts from the press Q&A session with David Tennant and Freema Agyeman from the press launch, along with interviews with some of the actors in attendance: EastEnders actor and Doctor Who fan Adam Woodyatt; Noel Clarke, who played Mickey Smith in Series 1 and 2; and Linda Clark, who plays the prosthetic-heavy character ‘Bloodtide’ in the second episode of the new series.

Be warned — if you’re the type of person who wants to avoid any foreknowledge of future episodes, some of the interviews in this podcast contain mild spoilers.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player above to listen to a streaming version.
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.
If you use iTunes, subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork, chapter points for easier navigation, and smaller file sizes for faster downloads.

Lesley Garrett podcast transcript

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:10:45 +0000

To accompany our first podcast, we include a full transcript of the podcast here.

Lesley Garrett: The Stage Podcast #1

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 10:00:00 +0000

(Read the transcript)

For the first of our Stage podcasts, I was lucky enough to join Lesley Garrett in her dressing room at the London Palladium for a chat about her new album, When I Fall In Love, and much more.

The new album, produced and orchestrated by Tolga Kashif, is a celebration of love “in all its forms”. Her first studio album for three years, it formed the basis for a discussion that talked about the challenges in choosing whether to sing operas in English or the composer’s original language, how she and Kashif arrived at the music choices and orchestrations, as well as musical TV talent shows, from Fame Academy and Soapstar Superstar to How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, used to select Connie Fisher as Garrett’s costar in The Sound of Music.

To access the podcast

There are several ways in which you can access the podcast.

Use the player (the grey bar) above to listen to a streaming version of the podcast.
Download the MP3 file (right click and select “Save As…”, “Download this file” or equivalent).
Subscribe to the MP3 podcast in your podcast player.
If you use iTunes, subscribe to the enhanced podcast to get album artwork, chapter points for easier navigation, and smaller file sizes for faster downloads.

Thanks to: Lesley Garrett, Adrian Read at Hyperlaunch, Clare Nash at UCJ, and the London Palladium

Coming soon... Lesley Garrett

podcasts@thestage.co.uk (The Stage) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 10:22:13 +0000

On Friday, we will be launching our new occasional series of podcasts with an interview with Lesley Garrett. Formerly a principal soprano with the English National Opera, Lesley is now a member of the ENO Board of Directors and a passionate supporter of the organisation. Her career has further diversified into CD recording, TV and radio presenting and now, playing the Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, into musical theatre.

Returning to the studio for the first time in three years, her new album When I Fall In Love (her first with her new label, Universal Classics & Jazz) is a collection of classic tunes from the stage and screen.

We’ll provide you with ways to listen to the interview online, to download it to your PC or to subscribe to this, and all future, podcasts via iTunes and other podcast services, from Friday.