Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Show People Podcast With Andrew Keates
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 068: Michael Dorn (Part One) | 28 Oct 2026 | ||
From Rocky to the bridge of the Enterprise, Michael Dorn joins Andrew Keates for a candid, laugh-filled conversation about the craft, character and determination behind an extraordinary screen career. Recorded live at The Two Brewers in Clapham, Part One goes behind the prosthetics to explore Michael’s journey into acting, the creation of Worf and the enduring connection between Star Trek and its fans. Expect Hollywood lessons, affectionate cast memories, questionable Klingon hairstyles and rather too much prune juice. Episode Highlights Include: • Life 2.0: Michael introduces his independent science-fiction feature with Marina Sirtis, Michelle Hurd and Dominic Keating. In Memory of Brett Jones Like and Subscribe Support Us Sponsors & Supporters: Videography | Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Michael Dorn Life 2.0 | |||
| 067: Cheryl Fergison (Part Two) | 04 Oct 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast - the podcast that shines a spotlight on the performing arts and those dedicated to their craft - recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. Cheryl Fergison returns for Part Two: an intimate, funny and deeply moving conversation about EastEnders, George Michael and her extraordinary resilience. Episode Highlights Include: • From five episodes to five years: becoming Heather Trott Like and Subscribe Support Us Sponsors & Supporters: Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Sean Lindsell Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin Cheryl and Andrew’s Hair Styled by Special Thanks Queer Theatre Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Cheryl Fergison Behind the Scenes by Cheryl Fergison is available now in print and audiobook editions. | |||
| 066: Cheryl Fergison (Part One) | 20 Sep 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is Part One of a funny, heartfelt and wonderfully candid conversation with actor, singer and author Cheryl Fergison. Known to millions as Heather Trott in EastEnders, Cheryl has a lifetime of stories beyond Albert Square. In this first half of their conversation, she and Andrew explore the experiences that shaped her: a working-class childhood, finding humour in the face of bullying, a passion for community theatre and an unpredictable journey into the West End, television and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cheryl discusses why queer spaces matter, her lifelong LGBTQIA+ allyship and the enormous pride she takes in her son, Alex. She reflects on writing her autobiography, recovering from a stroke and learning to embrace who she is. There’s also a glimpse of the television series she and Alex are writing together, alongside her excitement about the film Tits Up. From training at Rose Bruford to arriving at Wigan Pier expecting a seaside theatre, Cheryl shares the unexpected beginnings of her professional career. There are tales of learning the cello for Chicago, her mother meeting Peter Bowles, working with Kenneth Connor and Alec Guinness, and an RSC audition that involved improvising Shakespeare — without realising Trevor Nunn was in the room. Along the way, Cheryl and Andrew speak openly about body image, class, belonging and the masks we learn to wear. Andrew reflects on his own ADHD diagnosis, while Cheryl describes fighting for support for her son. The conversation also explores the craft of making a small role memorable, with reflections on ’Allo ’Allo!, Doctor Who, Little Britain and Beadle’s About. Warm, irreverent and full of laughter, this is a conversation about finding your voice, standing up for other people and discovering that a career can take you to places you never imagined. Episode Highlights Include: Why queer venues, Pride and knowing LGBTQIA+ history matter to Cheryl Motherhood, her bond with Alex and the television series they are writing together Writing her autobiography, turning 60 and finding perspective after a stroke Childhood bullying, body image and learning to use humour to fit in Working-class identity, belonging and the different faces we show the world Training at Rose Bruford and her love of community theatre and workshops A first professional job at Wigan Pier — with an unexpected shortage of seaside Learning instruments for the stage, including the cello for Chicago ADHD, Andrew’s experience of diagnosis and Cheryl’s determination to get her son support Memories of Peter Bowles, Kenneth Connor and Alec Guinness Improvising Shakespeare at an RSC audition and failing to recognise Trevor Nunn Creating distinctive characters in small television roles, from Doctor Who to Little Britain Like and Subscribe Support Us Sponsors & Supporters: Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Sean Lindsell Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin Cheryl and Andrew’s Hair Styled by Special Thanks Queer Theatre Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Cheryl Fergison Behind the Scenes by Cheryl Fergison is available now in print and audiobook editions. | |||
| 065: Rosie Jones (Part Two) | 24 Aug 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is part two of an in-depth conversation with comedian, writer, actor, presenter, children’s author, documentary maker and charity founder Rosie Jones. One of the boldest and most distinctive voices in British comedy, Rosie has appeared on The Last Leg, Live at the Apollo, QI, Taskmaster, Question Time, 8 Out of 10 Cats and many more. She is also the creator, co-writer and star of the Channel 4 sitcom Pushers and the founder of The Rosie Jones Foundation. In this urgent, candid and frequently riotous second instalment, Rosie reflects on the television appearance that changed her career and the complicated pressure of being expected to represent disabled people through her comedy. She charts her journey from feeling that every joke had to address her disability, through a period of refusing to discuss identity altogether, to finding a balance that allows her to be funny, political and unapologetically herself. Rosie speaks powerfully about appearing on Question Time, the ableist abuse and death threats that followed, and why she eventually stepped away from social media to protect her mental health. She discusses therapy with a counsellor who also has cerebral palsy, the importance of surrounding herself with supportive people, and the strength she has found in admitting that living with a disability can sometimes be extraordinarily difficult. The conversation also explores Rosie’s experiences working with The Last Leg, the urgent need for more disability-led television and the creation of her Channel 4 sitcom Pushers. Rosie explains why she fought for a predominantly disabled ensemble, meaningful representation behind the camera and an access coordinator who could ensure that every member of the company felt heard and supported. Rosie then shares the deeply personal mission behind The Rosie Jones Foundation, which provides people living with cerebral palsy with counselling delivered by therapists who share that lived experience. She discusses the stigma surrounding mental health support, the Foundation’s extraordinary achievement in funding 1,000 counselling sessions and why this work may ultimately become the proudest achievement of her life. In a moving final section, Andrew and Rosie discuss recovery, shame, addiction, community care and the forces that divide queer and disabled people. Together, they consider what it means to look after one another, speak up during a hostile political climate and become the adults their younger selves so desperately needed to see. Content note: This episode includes discussion of ableist language, online abuse and death threats, mental health, addiction, suicidal thoughts and discrimination. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Sean Lindsell Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Rosie Jones Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 064: Rosie Jones (Part One) | 10 Aug 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is part one of an in-depth conversation with comedian, writer, actor, presenter, children’s author, documentary maker and charity founder Rosie Jones. One of the boldest and most distinctive voices in British comedy, Rosie has appeared on The Last Leg, Live at the Apollo, QI, Taskmaster, Question Time and many more. She is also the creator, co-writer and star of Channel 4 sitcom Pushers, the author of The Amazing Edie Eckhart, founder of The Rosie Jones Foundation, and the driving force behind the powerful documentary Rosie Jones: Am I a R*tard?. In this candid, moving and frequently riotous conversation, Rosie discusses growing up in Bridlington with ataxic cerebral palsy, the love and encouragement of her family, and her experiences of ableism from a very young age. She charts her journey from working behind the scenes as a television researcher and joke writer to finding her own voice as a stand-up comedian. Rosie also explores the extraordinary precision behind her comedy, the performers who shaped her work, and how she transformed the rhythm of her speech into one of her greatest creative strengths. In a deeply personal conversation, Andrew and Rosie discuss coming out, internalised ableism, the absence of positive queer-disabled representation, and learning that everyone deserves to be seen, celebrated and loved. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Sean Lindsell Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Rosie Jones Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 063: Kerry Ellis (Part Two) | 05 Jul 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is part two of an in-depth conversation with West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis. Widely recognised as one of the great leading ladies of British musical theatre, Kerry Ellis has played some of the most iconic roles in the West End, on Broadway and beyond. Best known for becoming the first British Elphaba in Wicked, Kerry’s extraordinary career includes originating Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, playing Fantine in Les Misérables, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Nancy in Oliver!, Grizabella in Cats, and appearing in My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, Chess, The War of the Worlds and many more. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Sean Lindsell Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Kerry Ellis Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 062: Kerry Ellis (Part One) | 22 Jun 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is part one of an-depth conversation with West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis. Widely recognised as one of the great leading ladies of British musical theatre, Kerry Ellis has played some of the most iconic roles in the West End, on Broadway and beyond. Best known for becoming the first British Elphaba in Wicked, Kerry’s extraordinary career includes originating Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, playing Fantine in Les Misérables, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Nancy in Oliver!, Grizabella in Cats, and appearing in My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, Chess, The War of the Worlds and many more. In this conversation, Kerry discusses her journey from training at Laine Theatre Arts to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in musical theatre, her life-changing collaboration with Queen legend Brian May, the demands of leading major West End and Broadway shows, and what it takes to sustain a career at the very top of the industry, as well as a touching conversation between Andrew and Kerry about their shared ADHD diagnosis. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Sean Lindsell Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Kerry Ellis Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 061: Jack Holden (Part Two) | 01 Jun 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is the second part of an in-depth conversation with Olivier Award winning actor and writer Jack Holden. Recorded just before Jack travelled to America for the Off-Broadway transfer of Kenrex, and before he went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Actor, this conversation captures him at a thrilling turning point in his career. Best known for writing and performing Cruise, his acclaimed one-man play about Soho and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, Jack discusses the creation of Kenrex, the true-crime thriller he co-wrote with Ed Stambollouian, in which he delivers a virtuosic solo performance playing multiple characters. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Paul Madeley Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Jack Holden & Kenrex Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 060: Jack Holden (Part One) | 17 May 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an in-depth conversation with now, Olivier Award winning actor and writer Jack Holden. Recorded just before Jack travelled to America for the Off-Broadway transfer of Kenrex, and before he went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Actor, this conversation captures him at a thrilling turning point in his career. Best known for writing and performing Cruise, his acclaimed one-man play about Soho and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, Jack discusses the creation of Kenrex, the true-crime thriller he co-wrote with Ed Stambollouian, in which he delivers a virtuosic solo performance playing multiple characters. Just some of the credits dicscussed include Marriage for BBC One, Ten Percent for Amazon, the RSC’s Oppenheimer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, James Graham’s Ink at the Almeida and in the West End, War Horse for National Theatre and much, much more. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Paul Madeley Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Jack Holden & Kenrex Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 059: Martin Sherman (Part Two) | 30 Apr 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is the second part of an in-depth conversation with legendary gay playwright, screen-writer and author - Martin Sherman. Perhaps best known for writing landmark gay play, Bent, As well as other stunning plays such as When She Danced, Messiah, Cracks, Gently Down The Stream and many, many others. On screen, his credits include Mrs Henderson Presents (BAFTA-nominated), The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, Callas Forever, Alive and Kicking, and The Clothes in the Wardrobe. Across theatre and film, Martin has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and two BAFTA Awards, and he has crafted queer stories thoughtout the decades. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Paul Madeley Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates On The Boardwalk by Martin Sherman, published by Inkandescent Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 058: Martin Sherman (Part One) | 06 Apr 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an in-depth conversation with legendary gay playwright, screen-writer and author - Martin Sherman. Perhaps best known for writing landmark gay play, Bent, As well as other stunning plays such as When She Danced, Messiah, Cracks, Gently Down The Stream and many, many others. On screen, his credits include Mrs Henderson Presents (BAFTA-nominated), The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, Callas Forever, Alive and Kicking, and The Clothes in the Wardrobe. Across theatre and film, Martin has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and two BAFTA Awards, and he has crafted queer stories thoughtout the decades. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company Photography by Paul Madeley Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates On The Boardwalk by Martin Sherman, published by Inkandescent Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 057: Marina Sirtis (Part Two) | 16 Mar 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode is the second part of a conversation with actor, Marina Sirtis as the two boldly explore Marina's life and career. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special Thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Marina Sirtis Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 056: Marina Sirtis (Part One) | 02 Mar 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an extraordinary conversation with actor and popular culture icon, Marina Sirtis. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK Follow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeates Follow Marina SirtisInstagram: @officialmarinasirtis Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 055: Pearl Mackie (Part Two) | 16 Feb 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features part two of our extraordinary conversation with actor and activist, Pearl Mackie. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Pearl Mackie Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 054: Pearl Mackie (Part One) | 31 Jan 2026 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an extraordinary conversation with actor and activist. Pearl Mackie. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow The Show People Podcast Follow Andrew Keates Follow Pearl Mackie Thank you for your support. Until next time - love always, Ax | |||
| 053: Sir Ian McKellen (Part Two) | 15 Nov 2025 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from the Two Brewers in Clapham. In this second half of an extraordinary conversation, Sir Ian McKellen reflects on some of the most iconic roles of his career; from Richard III to Gods and Monsters, Gandalf, Magneto, and his legendary collaborations with Patrick Stewart. He also dives into grassroots theatre, sitcoms, Shakespeare, queer representation, and the roles he still hopes to play. Essential listening for fans of The Lord of the Rings, X-Men, Vicious, Shakespeare lovers, and anyone who cherishes Sir Ian’s extraordinary legacy. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow Andrew Keates: Follow Sir Ian McKellen Thank you for your support - until next time, love always x | |||
| 052: Sir Ian McKellen (Part One) | 30 Oct 2025 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an extraordinary conversation with one of the world’s most celebrated actors: Sir Ian McKellen, a performer whose career spans over six decades, with more than sixty major awards across stage, screen and television, and whose voice in LGBTQ+ equality has inspired millions around the world. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Support Us Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow Andrew Keates: Follow Sir Ian McKellen Thank you for your support - until next time, love always x | |||
| 051: JP McCue aka Mary Mac (Part Two) | 13 Oct 2025 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. In Part Two of this unmissable conversation, Andrew welcomes back JP McCue – better known as Mary Mac – one of the UK’s most beloved drag performers, celebrated for her tartan, powerhouse vocals, and infamous Mary Mac medley across theatres, cruise ships, and queer venues worldwide. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow Andrew Keates: Follow JP McCue Thank you for your support - until next time, love always x | |||
| 050: JP McCue aka Mary Mac (Part One) | 24 Sep 2025 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an unmissable conversation with JP McCue, better known as Mary Mac - one of the UK’s most loved drag performers, famous for her tartan, powerhouse vocals, and infamous Mary Mac medley across theatres, cruise ships, and Queer venues worldwide. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Special thanks Queer Theatre Follow Andrew Keates: Follow JP McCue Thank you for your support - until next time, love always x | |||
| 049: Sir Stephen Fry (Part Two) | 03 Jul 2025 | ||
Join host Andrew Keates for the second part of a very special relaunch of The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an intimate, wide-ranging conversation with national treasure, Sir Stephen Fry, celebrated writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, and recent knight for his contributions to mental health awareness and environmental causes. Episode Highlights Include: - Views on JK Rowling and radicalised she has become and his current relatioship with her. - The benefits of re-writign the Greek myths and the universal human truths that come with doing so. - Why he is one of the most recognisable voices in the UK - The facts which still haunt him from QI - How he prepared to play roles such as Jeeves in Jeeves and Wooster, Oscar Wilde in Wilde and the interesting aspects of playing historic, iconic roles. - A very special letter he received from P.G. Wodehouse. - The worst audition he's ever had. - And just what is Claudia Winkleman's fringe like... Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment part two is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers 🌈 This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates Or connect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Thank you for your support—until next time, love always. | |||
| 048: Sir Stephen Fry (Part One) | 21 Jun 2025 | ||
The Show People Podcast is back! Join host Andrew Keates for a very special relaunch of The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an intimate, wide-ranging conversation with national treasure, Sir Stephen Fry, celebrated writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, and recent knight for his contributions to mental health awareness and environmental causes. Episode Highlights Include: Like and Subscribe Sponsors & Supporters: Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Thank you for your support - until next time, love always. | |||
| 047: Peter Polycarpou went from a convent to Christian Slater’s flat (Fourth Anniversary Special). | 20 Sep 2020 | ||
This episode was recorded in January 2020 - before Covid-19 changed everything. Andrew shares an explanation about where The Show People Podcast has been for most of 2020 and celebrates the podcast’s fourth anniversary. Andrew and Peter Polycarpou two discuss Peter’s childhood, his relationship with his sister Eve Polycarpou and their Greek heritage and representation within the industry. Peter explains his passion for teaching (including teaching Andrew when he was a teenager!) and playing his many roles in iconic productions including Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Mike Bartlett’s Artefacts and his roles in film and television, including De Lovely, Evita and Birds of a Feather. Plus the two play Funny Five Minutes and Peter shares what he would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay. | |||
| 046: Show Peep - All Matthew Wright needed was a global pandemic (Coronavirus Special). | 31 May 2020 | ||
Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussions about mental health struggles, suicide and death. If you find yourself becoming upset during the episode, please contact the organisation or person you rely upon for support. Andrew Keates chats with journalist, broadcaster and presenter Matthew Wright about his controversial comments about using outside spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic, the last two years of coping with multiple bereavements and PTSD and what it’s like to be second to Nick Knowles in the world of fly fishing. | |||
| 045: Show Peep - Financial support advice from Theataccounts (Coronavirus Special). | 17 May 2020 | ||
Andrew chats with Alex Dyer, who runs Theataccounts - a specialist accountancy firm looking after performers and theatremakers in the performing arts industry and advising them on tax and their accounts. In this special episode, Alex takes Andrew through all of the various financial measures and schemes created by the government open to theatremakers during these unprecedented times in a simple and understandable way, including the grants for self-employed people, universal credit, VAT and many other things you may not know you could be eligible for. Also, we hear from Harry Francis, Drew Colby and Charlie Keable. | |||
| 044: Show Peep - Coronavirus is a drag! With Divina De Campo & Robi Hager (Coronavirus Special). | 03 May 2020 | ||
Andrew chats with Owen Farrow aka Divina De Campo about life post RuPaul’s Drag Race, whether they admire Geri Halliwell and finds out how the drag scene has been affected by Coronavirus. He speaks transatlantically with Robi Hager, writer of Basic Witches, which was a musical due to open in Philadelphia and Robi is now using his drag musical to raise funds for his cast (who we also hear perform a song from the show at the end of the episode). And we open up the Show People Podcast answering machine to listen to messages from Mama G, Ross and Monica of the Montague Arms and Dolly Parton (Well, Kelly O’Brien). | |||
| 043: Monday in the supermarket with George (Coronavirus Special). | 19 Apr 2020 | ||
We open up the Show People Podcast answering machine and we hear from and AJ O’Neill and Emily Clare about what they’re doing to use their craft to benefit the theatre industry. Andrew chats with West End leading man and teacher George Ure about what it’s like swapping the West End for Tesco Express and we hear a song by Flloyd Kennedy all about social distancing. | |||
| 042: Show Peep - The Show People Podcast & the Covid-19 pandemic. | 05 Apr 2020 | ||
Andrew Keates explains how The Show People Podcast is responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. | |||
| 041: Pauline McLynn is too old for Jesus (Christmas Special). | 22 Dec 2019 | ||
Merry Christmas from The Show People Podcast! Listen to our Christmas special and last episode of 2019 with actor and author Pauline Mclynn. We make fun listening whilst stuffing a turkey, or of course, if you're having a nice cup of tea. Pauline is best known for playing Mrs. Doyle in the iconic sitcom Father Ted, not to mention roles in Shameless, EastEnders and the acclaimed film Gyypo, of which she was nominated as Best Actress in the Irish Film And Television Awards. She’s recently graced our stages playing Mephistofeles in Doctor Faustus at the Globe, Mother Courage at Leeds Playhouse and Trixie in Daisy Pulls It Off. Thanks to two bottles of Malbec and a lot of Christmas spirit, the two amble around our usual format and have a good natter about Pauline’s life, career and Christmas. Merry Christmas and have a very happy new year. | |||
| 040: Kurt Kansley is Cape coloured. | 15 Dec 2019 | ||
Director, Andrew Keates is joined by actor, singer, composer, writer and musician Kurt Kansley. Kurt was born in Cape Town, South Africa and due to apartheid fled to Australia with his family. He’s had a career that’s taken him all over the world playing roles in Ragtime, Show Boat, Evita, Naked Boys Singing and later would find himself becoming a British citizen when he joined the West End production of The Lion King and go on to other productions including Miss Saigon, Hair and Sweet Bird Of Youth (to name but a few Kurt shares with Andrew Keates the difficulties he’s faced thanks to his ethnicity, what an international life as a performer has been like as well as his journey in the performing arts and his cherished writing partnership with Oliver Lidert. Episode features: Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news and performing arts stories. The Platform: We hear a song written by Kansley and Lidert. And of course we have a little silliness along the way too. | |||
| 039: Rosalind James was a quiet child. | 01 Dec 2019 | ||
Andrew is joined by Rosalind James just before she performs a showcase of her new musical Stigma – a piece about HIV/AIDS. In one of the most emotional episodes we’ve ever produced, Rosalind discusses some very difficult times in her life as well as her experiences training at Sylvia Young Theatre School and performing in shows such as Les Miserables (where she was the first black Eponine), Hair, Ragtime, Little Shop Of Horrors and more. Rosalind split one of her vocal chord whilst working on a show; an event she found totally disabling, both mentally and physically and she opens up about her fight to regain her reputation and quash the industry’s misconceptions about her. Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussions about abuse, mental health struggles, suicide and abortion. If you find yourself becoming upset during the episode, please contact the organisation or person you rely upon for support. Episode Features: Act Hacks: Andrew gives some great tips to save money this Christmas. The Platform: We hear a song written and performed by Rosalind from her new musical Stigma. | |||
| 038: Daniel York Loh is a bit rough and ready. | 17 Nov 2019 | ||
Andrew is joined by actor, writer, director and musician Daniel York Loh. The two discuss how their friendship was forged during a protest against The Print Room production of In The Depths of Dead Love and their shared passion for the fair representation of BAME artists in the performing arts, the boys discuss Daniel’s career that has taken him from fringe theatres to Hollywood movies, the RSC and the Royal Court and so much more. Act Hacks The Platform: We hear a song called A Woman of A Certain Age from Stephen Cole and Jeffrey Saver’s musical Dodsworth, performed by Christine Ebersole. Plus the latest dramatic news and our infamous Show People Podcast challenges. | |||
| 037: Paul ‘Paulus’ L. Martin Loves Marmite. | 03 Nov 2019 | ||
Happy Halloween from The Show People Podcast! Today’s guest may be best known for being the Marmite judge on the BBC reality series All Together Now – however there’s more to judge Paulus than meets the eye. We discover the truth about the man behind the mascara, including his upbringing in Kent, his 30 year career in cabaret and why Paul L. Martin is a very different person to who you may have watched on television. Act Hacks: Andrew delivers another ‘Act Hack’ to help you look after the pennies, so the pounds can look after themselves. The Platform: We hear a song called Tribe from Paul L. Martin and Jordan Clarke’s new musical in development, performed by Paul himself. | |||
| 036: Stephen Mear uses a harness and a swing. | 20 Oct 2019 | ||
The Show People Podcast welcomes world renowned and Olivier Award winning choreographer Stephen Mear as our special guest between rehearsing for both the new West End production of Mary Poppins and an upcoming production of Funny Girl in Paris. Stephen shares his journey from being a West End dancer to one of the most respected names in the West End as a choreographer and director. Just some of the shows discussed include Acorn Antiques, Tonight’s The Night, The Witches Of Eastwick, The Little Mermaid, Stephen Ward, Betty Blue Eyes, She Loves Me, Anything Goes and of course, Gypsy. Stephen shares some extraordinary stories about working with some of the finest names in the entertainment industry, including Julia McKenzie, Sir Trevor Nunn, Bob Avian, Ria Jones, Imelda Staunton, Glenn Close and the late, great Victoria Wood. This really is a must listen to episode. The Platform: We hear a song called Goodbye Rachael, performed by Ben Lewis from Summer – a new musical written by Jamie St. Glynn. Plus all of our regular sections, including Dramatic News and our infamous Show People Podcast challenges. | |||
| 035: Danny-Boy Hatchard blagged it all the way. | 15 Sep 2019 | ||
We’re back for series three of The Show People Podcast! Andrew sits down with actor Danny-Boy Hatchard and the two discuss Danny-Boy’s working class upbringing and those that gave him opportunities and the obstacles he faced, his time in training at ArtsEd, appearing in Beautiful Thing at the Arts Theatre and working with his favourite director Nikolai Fosterh on that production and a number of other productions. They also discuss ow his life changed when he was cast in EastEnders working with Danny Dyer, Annette Badland and Timothy West and what life is really like on Albert Square. The Platform: We hear a song called Self Checkout, performed by Maria Leon from The Memory Robot, music and lyrics by Amir Shoenfeld, book by Matthew Greene, based on a story by Amir Shoenfeld, Matthew Greene and Rebeca McDonald. Plus all of our regular sections, including Dramatic News and our infamous Show People Podcast challenges. | |||
| 034: The 98% & The Show People Podcast Xmas Special (Dedicated to Hamleys’ Elves). | 16 Dec 2018 | ||
It’s Christmaaaaas! And The Show People Podcast has teamed up with Alexa Morden and Katie Elin-Salt of The 98% Podcast to bring you a very special Christmas crossover episode. The 98% takes a comedic, brutally honest look at all things within the performing arts industry and lifts the curtain on the real life #actorslife whilst knee deep in the daily grind themselves. The three podcasters chat about podcasting, surviving the industry, the worst jobs they’ve ever done, give gifts and undertake The Show People Podcast’s infamous challenges and more. This episode is dedicated to the Hamleys’ Christmas elves. | |||
| 033: Sam Spencer-Lane is wonderful. | 02 Dec 2018 | ||
Andrew is joined by Choreographer and former Head of Dance at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts – Sam Spencer-Lane. Just some of Sam’s credits include working on FLIGHT for the Scottish Opera (Theatre Royal, Glasgow), West Side Story and Kiss me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre), The UK Premiere of Death Takes a Holiday at The Charing Cross Theatre, Pageant with the writer and Director, Bill Russell for the Camden Festival. Sam and Andrew have worked together on a number of shows as well as being Andrew’s dance teacher when a student at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Episode features include: Dramatic news: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Sleeping Beauty The Musical with book and lyrics by Ian Curran and music by Simon Hanson and Peter Vint. We hear a song called Take My Chances – performed by Maria Coyne. Show People Podcast Challenges: We challenged Sam to a dance quiz, discovered what she would need to survive if she was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay and ask her some hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game. | |||
| 032: Jamie Chapman-Dixon loves spreadsheets. | 25 Nov 2018 | ||
Theatre Director and host of The Show People Podcast, Andrew Keates interviews Producer Jamie Chapman Dixon all about his life and career, including being the in-house executive producer of the Barn Theatre, Cirencester and their productions of The Hound of the Baskervilles and Just So. Jamie is the proud owner of Rigmarole Productions, who focus on new writing, commercial theatre and their boutique agency. His credits include; Madagascar (UK and International Tour), Spamalot (UK Tour, Dubai & South Korea), Lottys War (UK Tour), Pippin (Southwark Playhouse), Zanna Don’t (The Landor Theatre), Molly Wobbly (The Phoenix Artist Club), Geek! A New Musical (Tristan Bates Theatre),The Mikado (Battersea Barge and No 1 Leicester Square), Kray Kray (N16), Banana Crabtree Simon (Drayton Arms Theatre and Theatre 503),The Singers Soiree West End Concerts (St Giles In The Fields and Battersea Barge), Safe Sex/OnTidy Endings (Tristan Bates Theatre), SPB (Soho Theatre), The Fringe on The Fringe (London Theatre Workshop), Americana (Workshop), Setara (Workshop), Romeo and Juliet (London Theatre Workshop), Santaphrenia (Leicester Square Theatre), Pirates of Penzance (Brookside Theatre), ScreamFest (National Forest), HMS Pinafore (Battersea Barge/Kings Head), Tomorrow Maybe (Workshop, Union Theatre). Episode features include: Theatrical Tips: Andrew gets his theatrical tips out of things to see in December 2018, including Just So, How to Catch A Krampus and Snow White at the London Palladium. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Wardrobe – A New Musical. Composed by Ian Stephenson, with a book by Tom Allsopp and lyrics by Adrian Kimberlin. We hear a song called ‘Home by Christmas’ sung Lucy Follows, George Stuart, Liam Sargeant & Aiden Cutler. Show People Podcast Challenges: We challenged Jamie to a Sherlock Holmes quiz, discovered what he would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay and ask him some hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game. | |||
| 031: Daniel Bolton From Bolton (1990 – 2018). | 06 Oct 2018 | ||
In memory of Daniel ‘Dani’ Bolton (1990 – 2018) To donate to the Daniel Bolton Memorial Fund, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/raising-funds-for-dani-bolton. Thank you. | |||
| 030: Simon Lipkin has funny bones. | 09 Sep 2018 | ||
Our special guest has been top of our wish list since we started and we’ve finally managed to have him – the one and only Simon Lipkin! Our intrepid host, Andrew Keates interviewed Simon just before he went into rehearsal for Nativity – The Musical at the Eventim Apollo – a show that is lead by improvisation and Simon revealed the challenges and freedoms that method of performing can present. They also discussed why Simon has been so committed to comedy and his views and inspirations for the genre since he was a ‘a little fat jew from Essex’. Simon trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and then at the Arts Educational. His theatre credits include: Rat in The Wind In The Willows (Palladium, West End), Sheriff in Whisper House (Other Palace), Jason Robert Brown’s Honeymoon In Las Vegas (concert at The Palladium), Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (West End), Bill Sykes in Oliver! (Grange Park Opera), Lou Lubowitz in Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre), The Lorax in The Lorax (Old Vic Theatre), The Proprietor in Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Touchstone in As You Like It (Southwark Playhouse), Barlow in I Can’t Sing (London Palladium), Lonny in Rock Of Ages (Original West End Cast), Galahad in Spamalot (Original UK and International Tour), Nicky and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q (Original West End Cast), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Arts Theatre, London), The Wedding Singer (Original UK Cast), Willard in Footloose (UK Tour), A Christmas Carol (West End), Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Alice In Wonderland (Nuffield Theatre), Austentatious (The Landor), News Revue (Canal Café) and Leopold in Never The Sinner at the Kenneth Moore Theatre. Film and TV include: Show Dogs, Muppets Most Wanted for Disney, The Harry Hill Movie, That Puppet Game Show and Nativity III. Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule, Doctor Who, Harry Hill’s Tea Time, The Bill, Casualty, The Royal Variety Performance, Children in Need, Nativity Rocks! Simon also voices characters on the Cartoon Network’s show The Amazing World Of Gumball and Ricky Zoom. As we anticipated, Simon is an extremely funny guy, but also a real inspiration to anyone that is committed to comedy. Episode features include: Theatrical Tips: Andrew gets his theatrical tips out of things to see in October 2018, including Porgy and Bess at the London Coliseum, Don Quixote at the Garrick Theatre and The Height Of The Storm at the Wyndhams Theatre. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Edward Court’s new musical adaptation Notre Dame and a song called I Lived, performed by Alexandra Doar, orchestrated and conducted by Adam Hoskins, recorded by Harry Hare, music and lyrics by Ed Court. Show People Podcast Challenges: We discover what Simon Lipkin would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay and ask him hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game. | |||
| 029: Scott Garnham is too working class (1st Birthday Episode). | 09 Sep 2018 | ||
We’re one years old! That’s right The Show People Podcast celebrates one year of bringing you special theatre guests every fortnight and shining a spotlight on the UK performing arts and today’s guest is Scott Garnham. Scott is both a performer and an entrepreneur. He along with his business partner Simon Schofield formed Sisco Entertainment to supply elite, creative and original entertainment for the professional theatre industry and corporate market. Their shows take West End performers all around the world, enjoy West End residencies, International cruises and they are the creators of The Barricade Boys. Scott talks about growing up in Yorkshire, training at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and appearing in the original production of Stiles and Drewe’s Honk! at the Scarborough Theatre as well as his early theatre experiences and how both he uses both business strategies as well as his creativity to serve his career. Theatre credits include Tony in Billy Elliot (UK Tour & Germany), Baron Felix Von Gaigern in Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse), Edgar Beane in Titanic (Princess of Wales, Toronto), Buddy Cortina in Made in Dagenham (Adelphi, West End), Feuilly understudy Enjolras and Marius in Les Misérables (Queens, West End), I Can’t Sing (London Palladium, West End), J. Pierrepont Finch in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (City of London Festival), Jest End (Waterloo East), The 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables (O2 Arena), Jose Reize in Never Forget (UK Tour), Ronan Corr in Eurobeat (Novello, West End), Jason in Jason and the Argonauts (New Victory, New York), Hunter in [title of show] (UK Premiere, Landor Theatre), Mr Lindquist in A Little Night Music (Yvonne Arnaud) and many others. The boys discuss the problems with class, the lack of new British Musical Theatre, why Musical Theatre performers shouldn’t necessarily expect to be cast in TV and plays and how Scott seems to always close shows once he’s been cast in them! Episode features include: Dramatic News: Andrew covers latest dramatic news, including the Show People Podcast’s 1st Birthday, a new Artistic Director for The Lyric, Hammersmith and news about Arion’s upcoming masterclass with Julie Atherton. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to In Between – a new musical by Alanya Bridge and a song called Along Came The Light performed by Mikki Sodergren. Show People Podcast Challenges: We discover what Scott Garnham would need to survive if stranded in tour in Whitley Bay and ask him hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game. | |||
| 028: Oliver Savile sings Go The Distance for everything. | 26 Aug 2018 | ||
Oliver Savile may be best recognised for playing Fiyero in the West End production of Wicked. He speaks with Director Andrew Keates all about his life and career, including growing up in Buxton and failing all of his GCSEs at school, his struggles with Dyslexia and how he discovered the performing arts and forged his career as a leading man. Ollie talks about his time at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, discovering his long-time agent Shane Collins, going straight into the UK tour of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, seeing the world on the international tour of Mamma Mia!, playing Peter Tork in the UK tour of Monkee Business, his recurring appearances in the West End production of Les Miserables, working with Gillian Lynne in the UK tour of Cats, playing Raoul in The Phantom of The Opera, his delight playing Robert in Company in Aberdeen, his recent role playing Hugo in Knights Of The Rose and of course, discussing his incredible time playing Wicked’s famous prince. This is an episode full of laughs and even a special appearance from Toby Page – The Show People Podcast podcat. Episode features include: Theatrical Tips: Andrew shares his top theatrical tips of things to see this September 2018, including There is Nothin’ Like a Dame at Cadogan Hall, Distance at the Park Theatre, Sylvia at The Old Vic and Company at the Gielgud Theatre. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Therapy – The Musical with music by Jordan Li-Smith and book and lyrics by Ray Rackham. We hear a song from the show called So What performed by Belinda Wollaston. Show People Podcast Challenges: We challenge our special guest to remember his CV in 60 seconds, discover what he would need to survive if stranded in Whitley Bay and course ask hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes section. | |||
| 027: Frances Ruffelle broke her Tony Award. | 12 Aug 2018 | ||
Frances Ruffelle is a Tony Award winning actor and recording artist. She caught up with Andrew Keates to discuss growing up as the daughter of Sylvia Young, the formation of her mother’s famous theatre school, her early influences and her remarkable family. The two chatted about her early work, including playing the Narrator in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, being fired from that production and her delight going on to originate the roles of Dinah in the original West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express and Eponine in Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Les Misérables – both in the West End and on Broadway – where she would also meet her now ex-husband, Director John Caird. Andrew also asks her about her time representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Concert, her many film and television appearances, her upcoming album, one woman shows and so many other remarkable experiences from Frances’ life and career. Episode features include: Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news, including stories about the the new Kenwright tour of Blood Brothers, the West End production of Bat Out of Hell, the National Theatre’s production of Network and a new patron joins Arion Productions. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Triangle – A New Musical with music by Curtis Moore, lyrics by Thomas Mizer, book by Thomas Mizer, Curtis Moore and Joshua Scher and we hear a song from this show called 9 Floors Up performed by Adam Halpin. | |||
| 026: Josh Boyd-Rochford takes 10%. | 29 Jul 2018 | ||
Today’s guest is Josh Boyd-Rochford, Chief Operating Officer and an agent at Simon and How Associates, who also teaches, produces and is forever generating opportunities for theatremakers. Josh has had one heck of a journey to arrive where he is today as a sober, married and respected agent with an enviable client list. He’s been had highs and lows, from being a struggling actor to appearing in the film Pride (as well as many other productions both big and small), he’s helped Pippa Ailion with her castings, studied Musical Theatre at Mountview, performed as a drag queen whilst running a pub in Dalston, worked as a teacher, been a marketing manager for an international beer company and throughout this myriad of Josh’s jobs and life experiences, his long-time companion throughout it all – even since he was a schoolboy also working with the ENO as a boy soprano – has been alcohol, drugs and depression. | |||
| 025: Marie McCarthy is turning into Clapham’s theatrical mum. | 15 Jul 2018 | ||
Our special guest on the Show People Podcast is Marie McCarthy – Artistic Director of the Omnibus Theatre, Clapham. Marie goes into great detail about her multi-award-winning theatre, its history, her vision and the many ways that theatre-makers can work with them as well as outlining their exciting upcoming season too. Episode features include: Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest industry headlines, including stories about the passing of Dame Gillian Lynne, casting announcements for Marianne Elliott’s upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company and the West End production of 42nd Street, a new Disney pop-up for The Lion King and Aladdin in Covent Garden and an update about Arion Productions’ GoFundMe campaign. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Joe Wilson and Matthew Rankcom’s new musical Perfectly Ordinary – a piece that explores the lives of patients with mental health illnesses and their carers and we play a song called, In-between, performed by Emily Lane. | |||
| 024: Cassie Compton likes to dress as a crow. | 01 Jul 2018 | ||
Cassie Compton talks with director Andrew Keates about growing up in Crouch End, London in a home filled with music and her supportive teachers during education and her early experiences in the West End as a child actor in productions such Whistle Down The Wind and The Secret Garden at the Aldwych Theatre. She also reveals her extraordinary relationship with fellow musician and mother Terri Christopher and tells us about her rebellious teenage years and how one day her mum handed her an application form for a new TV series called The X Factor, which would lead her to become a finalist, mentored by Sharon Osbourne in front of millions of TV viewers and often over 22,000 people in arena tours. We explore Cassie’s many theatre and television credits, West End highlights include playing Eponine in Les Miserables, Nessa Rose in Wicked (and playing a character with specific needs), Elizabeth in Dirty Dancing, Jemma in Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory, Kate in Spinach and Lena in Diamond (both at the Kings Head Theatre), Jean in American Psycho (opposite Matt Smith at the Almeida) and her commitment to new writing and the many lessons she’s learned on her journey as an actor and singer. Episode features include: Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest industry headlines, including stories about the National Theatre and London Fashion College’s commitment to BAME wardrobe, hair and make-up specialists, Maisie Williams’ stage debut, a new production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in San Francisco and a brand new Show People Podcast addendum series called, Show Peep. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Paul Boyd’s most successful piece, Alice – The Musical, based on the famous Lewis Carol story. We play a song from that show called Nothing Here Makes Sense performed by John Davis as the Caterpillar. Alice meets the caterpillar in Wonderful and realises they both have much in common – that nothing here makes sense! Alice – The Musical returns to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast in November 2018 in a new production directed by Paul. | |||
| 023: Julie Atherton wants little girls to be powerful. | 17 Jun 2018 | ||
Julie Atherton joins us shortly after completing the West End run of The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Studios and shares her experiences of working with puppets in that and many other productions she has starred in. She speaks passionately about her frustrations with the patriarchy in the performing arts industry and the reasons why she has decided to become a director to take control and make the work she wants to be a part of. Julie suffered a terrible tragedy as a little girl and spent a great amount of her childhood being a very quiet child growing up in a grieving household in Preston. She explains how her life changed when she discovered the cast recording of Miss Saigon and her experiences struggling at school - later training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and how her time at drama school was both the very best and the very worst time of her life - especially when she discovered performers who liked to sing in her face. Julie covers her early career successes including Charlotte’s Webb, Just So and Mamma Mia and how she became an established industry name in the original London cast of Avenue Q and the gruelling media schedule she had to endure. Julie Atherton is synonymous with championing new Musical Theatre both in the West End and on the London Fringe and explains why she invests so much of her time in brave new pieces of theatre in tiny little theatres for very little money but with so many rewards. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Julie shares the difficulties she has faced in her career thanks to a theatre industry that is still very much lead by white men. She explains why she doesn’t like female roles in older musicals and what she is doing in her work as a director to empower women and the preconceptions that many women face when it comes to comedy. Theatrical Tips: Andrew shares his theatrical tips of things to see in July 2018 including Home, I'm Darling by Laura Wade and The Lehman Trilogy by Stefano Massini in an English version by Ben Power at the National Theatre and Consent by Nina Raine at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The Platform: Today’s platform is a Show People Podcast exclusive! Actor and comedian Steve Furst has sent in a very special recording he made for the London cast of Matilda - The Musical just before he left the production playing Mr. Wormwood. You won’t hear this anywhere else! | |||
| 022: David Bedella is not from Mexico. | 03 Jun 2018 | ||
Host and Director Andrew Keates is joined by two-time Olivier Award winner David Bedella. David talks about growing up in Gary, Lake Country, Indiana to a family who worked in the steel industry, his showbiz inspirations and challenges he faced during education, his first jobs as a performer - including spending ten years working in Chicago, appearing in the first Broadway production of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, his frustrations with being perceived as being ‘just a dancer’ and why he left America after falling in love with a pastor that would end up seeing him folding towels as a hairdresser in Islington. David explains his profound connection with God and how that relationship has transformed him and how that relationship has been strengthened playing roles such as Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Satan in the highly controversial Jerry Springer - The Opera. He talks in great detail about his involvement in the many different productions of Jerry, including working with Harvey Keitel in a production at Carnegie Hall as well as his conversations with Christian protesters outside the theatres during the “blasphemous production”. For many David is synonymous with playing Frank’N’Furter in both the touring and West End productions of The Rocky Horror Show - a role he played as a much younger man that didn’t satisfy him in America and how later he would play the role in the UK for over three years and why he did not appear at the Royal Court anniversary celebrations. Other productions that David talks about include Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd and Roadshow, Harvey Fierstein’s A Torch Song Trilogy, John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Mel Brooks’ The Producers and many others. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and David discuss the pros and cons of celebrity casting in musical theatre with focus on the recent casting of Cuba Gooding Jnr in the West End production of Chicago and David’s own experiences working with celebrity Jo Brand. Dramatic News: We cover the latest news The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Emma-Jane Morton and Edwin Ray with a song from their new musical Prophecy - A New Tudor Musical. | |||
| 021: Paul Taylor Mills has never been to Pride. | 20 May 2018 | ||
Our host Andrew Keates spent the afternoon with Director, Producer and Artistic Director of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Other Palace - Paul Taylor Mills. Paul spoke to us about the thousands of pounds he’s raised for charities running marathons, his upcoming “big-gay-holidays” and his preparations for the upcoming UK premiere of Heathers - The Musical, which stars Carrie Hope Fletcher and how he thought he wouldn’t get the rights to do it because he felt the musical wasn’t quite yet cooked and how he secured the show over the many other producers who wanted to do it and the controversy surrounding the show’s announcement on the day regarding ticket prices and the casting of Carrie Hope Fletcher. Paul Taylor Mills goes into great detail about the highs and lows of running The Other Palace, how shows are produced at the theatre, the ways he facilitates new theatremakers using The Other Palace resources, how shows are chosen to be developed at his venue and the family ethos of theatre too. As well as covering The Other Palace, Paul tells us about how he discovered producing and directing when growing up, his early days producing shows by maxing out credit cards at places such as the Lost Theatre and the Union Theatre, his unfortunate need to liquidate his production company after two unsuccessful shows at Southwark Playhouse and his rise from the ashes within the same week and becoming a recognised producer after his phenomenally successful production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Paul talks with Andrew about the recent attacks he, The Other Palace and Carrie Hope Fletcher received on social media after announcing their production Heathers - The Musical regarding the costs of tickets, casting decisions and other matters. Paul talks frankly about how we should act on social media and what he thinks is unacceptable. He also talks about how he monitors his own behaviour and image on social media being a young, gay man who likes to party with his friends, whilst at the same time, honouring his responsibilities as Artistic Director of The Other Palace. Theatrical Tips: Andrew covers his theatrical tips for June 2018, including Lonely Planet at Trafalgar Studios 2, Heathers - The Musical at The Other Place and Steve Furst: In Character at the Underbelly Festival. The Platform:Today’s platform is given to composer Tim Driesen and a song from his musical, ‘Just a Normal Girl’ (formerly known as Super Alice Smith) called ‘Evil has many faces’ sung by Kelly-Ann Gower. | |||
| 020: Alistair Brammer buys cheap biscuits. | 06 May 2018 | ||
It’s the hottest day of the year and we’ve got a leading man to match! Actor, Alistair Brammer joins host and director Andrew Keates for today’s episode of the Show People Podcast after playing Chris in both the Broadway and West End productions of Miss Saigon. Andrew and Alistair chat about biscuits, the differences between Broadway and the West End as well exploring his whole life and career, including growing up in Exmouth, not going to drama school, working for his local council – counting cars sat in a deck-chair, his experiences participating in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do competition – which took him to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s castle, going on to appear in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, playing various roles both on stage and for the film version of Les Miserables, appearing in his first immersive production of Taboo playing Billy at the Brixton Club House, getting his kit off in Hair, his auditions and experiences in War Horse, working with Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in the TV show Vicious and so much more. He also does a very good impression of Fra Fee. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Alistair talk about pigeonholing/typecasting in the industry. Alistair asks for the opportunity to be seen for roles that might not necessarily be an obvious casting option for him. He shares his frustrations with just getting into the room and the way auditions are very different in America compared to the UK. Andrew chats about his frustrations about why certain roles must have certain physical dimensions and the two of them discuss the horror stories they’ve heard about actors being cast on beauty alone, rather than talent and the subsequent pressures on actors to look a certain way. They also discuss the challenges that face BAME artists and the controversy of casting a black actor to play Javert in Les Miserables. Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news including stories about Gemma Hamilton’s controversial comments about BAME artists, the new cast of Les Miserables and The Other Palace/Mercury Musical Developments upcoming Musical Bites. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to composer Ashley MA Walsh and his new musical called The Jury, which will soon play at the Brindley Theatre and we hear a song called So It Comes To This performed by Leanne Talbot from that show. | |||
| 019: Dominic Keating is coming home. | 22 Apr 2018 | ||
Today’s guest is Dominic Keating who is a British actor who has spent the past 25 years in Los Angeles. He caught up with his friend and host of the Show People Podcast, Andrew Keates whilst filming a new movie which stars Derek Jacobi. Dominic talks in detail about his entire life, from growing up in Leicester as the son of a theatrical landlady and discovering theatre whilst at Stoneygate and Uppingham Schools, receiving his first review from Rowan Atkinson and how when he was denied the opportunity to train as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama he cut his teeth by gaining his Equity Card by unexpectedly becoming a drag-queen, being mentored by Theatre Critic, Jack Tinker and playing roles in early fringe venues, including originating the role of Cosmo Disney in the premiere production of Philip Ridley’s A Pitchfork Disney at the Bush Theatre. Dominic is best known for appearing in long-running television shows including playing Tony in Desmond’s and Malcolm Read in Star Trek: Enterprise for Paramount Pictures. Dominic talks about his experiences in both shows, why they were important and Andrew asks about the rumour that his Star Trek character was nearly the first openly gay main character in the franchise as well as the highs and lows of being an actor in Hollywood. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Dominic discuss whether or not the grass is really greener for performers who move to LA, including explaining Dominic’s decision to move to the USA, the people and haunts he first found himself in when he arrived, the different casting processes he’s experienced, what work is available to British actors, the difficulties that performers face getting a green-card and Andrew asks Dom the question, if he had the choice again, would he have left the UK all those years ago? Theatrical Tips: Andrew delivers his theatrical tips of shows to see this May 2018 including productions such as 3Women, Absolute Hell and Chess the Musical. The Platform: Our platform is given to friend of Arion Productions (due to being in our production of the European premiere of ROOMS: A Rock Romance), Alexis Gerred, who many will recognise from both BBC Eurovision’s Let It Shine and many West End productions such as American Idiot. Alexis is currently appealing to supporters to help him raise £4K to produce his debut album and we play an original track by Alexis called ‘Sweet Angel’. | |||