Explore every episode of the podcast ENCORE
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP 41: Our appointment with Rob Mills | 14 juin 2026 | 00:39:38 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by stage and screen star Rob Mills, who is currently playing the charmingly awkward Dr Pomatter in Waitress at Her Majesty's Theatre. Rob discusses bringing the beloved musical to Australian audiences, building chemistry with colleagues, and reflects on a career that has taken him from Australian Idol to some of the country's biggest productions. Plus, a Tony Awards debrief before we take an intermission. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 40: Mackenzie Dunn and Gareth Isaac are never ever getting rid of us | 31 mai 2026 | 00:49:44 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by two stars of the Australian premiere production of Waitress: Mackenzie Dunn and Gareth Isaac. Mackenzie returns to the podcast to chat about playing Dawn, the fan-favourite song When He Sees Me, and the latest on her musical One Day in September. She's joined by co-star Gareth who discusses finding the heart behind one of musical theatre's quirkiest characters. Plus, Christie Whelan Brown's Horror or Hero, and the latest from the cursed UK tour of Legally Blonde. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 39: Hello! Matthew Hamilton | 17 mai 2026 | 00:37:47 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Matthew Hamilton, who is currently starring as the Mission President in The Book of Mormon. He discusses the hit musical and his incredible career on stage after moving from the US. Plus, reviews of Waitress and Once, theatre news, and another chaotic edition of Horror or Hero. THE LINKS Get your tickets to The Book of Mormon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 38: Bernie Dieter pulls us into the chaos | 03 mai 2026 | 00:24:41 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Bernie Dieter who’s been captivating audiences around the world with a show that’s equal parts cabaret, chaos, and complete freedom. Now, she’s bringing Club Kabarett back to Melbourne for encore season. They also share their thoughts on the newly announced Australian queens joining the cast of Six the Musical. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 37: Can't take our eyes off Bobby Fox | 26 avr. 2026 | 00:51:06 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Bobby Fox, a dynamic Australian-Irish performer widely recognised for his leading role as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. He is touring Australia with Jersey Forever, which will soon come to Melbourne. They also chat to Max Meaden, the man behind The Last Parma Night, a brand-new Melbourne play that is a love letter to good mates, loud music and the perfect pub feed. THE LINKS Get your Jersey Forever tickets! Get your The Last Parma Night tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 36: The world of kids entertainment with Katie Ditchburn | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:35:54 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Katie Ditchburn - the creative force behind PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue", one of the biggest children’s entertainment productions in the world. Katie has toured globally directing, choreographing and casting shows that bring iconic characters from screen to stage. Plus, they debrief the opening night of Heathers and reignite Horror or Hero! THE LINKS Get your PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue" tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 35: Covered in blood with Elaina Bianchi & Emma Wilby | 29 mars 2026 | 00:41:12 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Evil Dead The Musical stars Elaina Bianchi and Emma Wilby. They dive into their roles as Linda and Cheryl, and what it’s really like performing in the splatter zone night after night. Plus, they chat Melbourne Theatre Company's West Gate, Casey Donovan and get your vibes on an excursion to the theatre! AI DISCUSSION: Audio commentary from creators @jordan_does_theatre & @mikey_polines THE LINKS Get your tickets to Evil Dead the Musical! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 34: Chloe-Jean Vincent was born to play Anne Frank | 08 mars 2026 | 00:32:56 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by award-winning actress Chloe-Jean Vincent, who is currently bringing her powerful portrayal of Anne Frank to the stage in The Diary of Anne Frank. In their conversation, they explore Chloe-Jean's lifelong connection to Anne and the emotional responsibility of portraying such an iconic historical figure. They also discuss the latest cast and show announcement, while teasing upgrades coming soon to the ENCORE website! THE LINKS Get your tickets to The Diary of Anne Frank! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 33: Kala Gare's journey to Sybylla (in caps) | 22 févr. 2026 | 00:48:32 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by powerhouse performer and musician Kala Gare who is currently starring in the encore season of My Brilliant Career at Southbank Theatre. They also chat about some huge cast announcements including Heathers, Waitress and more. THE LINKS Get your My Brilliant Career tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 32: Hamish Johnston & Cameron Taylor get unhinged | 08 févr. 2026 | 00:35:24 | |
Joining Jack and Eden is Kitty Litter writer and actor Hamish Johnston, known for Tick, Tick… Boom!, Happy End, Utopia and the original cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Alongside him is director Cameron Taylor, a Cirque du Soleil performer whose playful, chaotic style perfectly suits this beautifully unhinged new play. They also discuss Jack’s trip to Sydney, where he saw Back to the Future and The Book of Mormon. THE LINKS Get your Kitty Litter tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 31: Groovin' with Drew Anthony & Ethan Churchill | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:45:39 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by the powerhouse duo behind Saturday Night Fever at the Athenaeum Theatre. Producer and director Drew Anthony returns to the show for the second time, following a smash-hit Perth season in 2024, alongside leading man Ethan Churchill. They also share their thoughts on Cats and Anastasia and preview what’s already booked for 2026. THE LINKS Drew Anthony Creative's Instagram Get your tickets to Saturday Night Fever! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 30: A Very ENCORE Christmas with Andrew Coshan & Emily Robinson | 14 déc. 2025 | 00:48:47 | |
Jack and Eden are back with their 2025 Christmas Special, celebrating the festive season and the final episode of the year. They’re joined by Andrew Coshan and Emily Robinson, two New Zealand-born performers currently starring in A Christmas Carol at the Comedy Theatre. They also run through what’s making theatre news, share festive favourites, and wrap things up with a Christmas edition of Hum That Tune. OTHER LINKS Get your A Christmas Carol tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 29: Ilario Grant moonwalks into Melbourne | 23 nov. 2025 | 00:53:40 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Ilario Grant, whose career has skyrocketed internationally. He started out in R&B boy band Afterours, made his film debut in Praise This, and has covered the role of MJ on Broadway. Now he’s in Melbourne, leading MJ The Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre. They also dive into Wicked: For Good, speak to RED's director Iain Sinclair and share some exciting breaking theatre news. SPECIAL ENCORE OFFER - $99 tickets to MJ the Musical!* https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MJTHEMUS25&eg=MJENCORE&ep=MJENCORE OTHER LINKS *offer applicable to midweek and Friday evening performances, through to December 28, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 28: This is Casey Donovan | 09 nov. 2025 | 00:48:49 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Casey Donovan - one of Australia’s most powerful voices. From winning Australian Idol at just 16 to starring in major stage productions like Chicago, 9 to 5, & Juliet, Sister Act, and most recently Kimberly Akimbo, she’s done it all. Now, Casey is gearing up for her This Is Me tour which begins right here in Melbourne this February, with more than 50 dates scheduled across the country. THE LINKS Go see Eden in Stars and the Moon's showcase! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 27: Pamela Rabe is running the house at Manderley | 12 oct. 2025 | 00:47:14 | |
Jack and Eden are joined this week by celebrated actor and director Pamela Rabe who is a long-time Melbourne Theatre Company favourite, appearing in more than forty productions and is now taking on the roles of Mrs Danvers, Mrs Van Hopper and Beatrice in Rebecca.
THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 26: A hard knock chat with Debora Krizak | 28 sept. 2025 | 00:50:35 | |
Jack and Eden are joined this week by Debora Krizak. From dazzling audiences in The Producers and Mamma Mia! to her show-stopping performance in A Chorus Line and Sweet Charity, Deb now shines as Miss Hannigan in the Australian tour of Annie. They also touch on the electric opening night of MJ the Musical, and other shows that opened during their brief hiatus from the pod. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 25: Conor Beaumont takes a stab at Patrick Bateman | 25 août 2025 | 00:31:37 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by rising star Conor Beaumont who is a versatile talent with credits in writing, directing, sound design, and acting. He now takes center stage as the lead character, Patrick Bateman, in the musical revival of thriller American Psycho. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 24: Georgina Hopson is ready for a journey | 15 août 2025 | 00:20:11 | |
In this bonus episode, Jack and Eden are joined by rising star of stage and screen Georgina Hopson, who will lead the cast of Anastasia when it premieres at the Regent Theatre in December. THE LINKS Get your Anastasia tickets now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 23: Inside Kimberly Akimbo with Nathan O’Keefe and Darcy Wain | 10 août 2025 | 00:51:33 | |
Jack and Eden are joined by Kimberly Akimbo cast members Darcy Wain, a rising star making his highly anticipated professional debut as Seth, and acclaimed stage veteran Nathan O’Keefe whose career ranges from Shakespearean classics to Broadway hits. They also catch up with Miss Julie’s Izabella Yena to talk about the production now playing at fortyfivedownstairs. THE LINKS Get your Kimberly Akimbo tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 22: Griffin Youngs blew us away in Hadestown (literally) | 20 juil. 2025 | 00:53:14 | |
Joining Jack and Eden after a mid-year break is Griffin Youngs, fresh off the Australian tour of Hadestown. She wowed audiences as the trombone and glockenspiel Queen, and became a central part of the show. They’re also joined by Jackson Cross who chats about Theatrical and Andrew G production’s season of Legally Blonde, including what it’s been like stepping into the shoes of Emmett. THE LINKS Get your Legally Blonde tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 21: Abigail Adriano & Noah Mullins' mythical love story | 01 juin 2025 | 00:54:02 | |
Joining Jack and Eden are Abigail Adriano & Noah Mullins. Abigail, Australia’s rising star, made her stage debut in Matilda the Musical and recently toured as Kim in the award-winning Miss Saigon. She now stars as Eurydice in Hadestown. Noah debuted as Riff in West Side Story, went on to star in Jagged Little Pill and RENT, and now takes on the role of Orpheus.
THE LINKS Get your Hadestown tickets now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 20: Stefanie Caccamo enters middle-earth | 19 mai 2025 | 00:44:08 | |
Joining Jack and Eden is Stephanie Caccamo, a seasoned screen and stage actor known for her roles in Once, Oklahoma!, and Into the Woods. She's now taking on the iconic role of Arwen in The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale. THE LINKS Get your The Lord of The Rings - A Musical Tale tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 19: Rob Johnson haunts our studio | 04 mai 2025 | 00:43:13 | |
Joining Jack and Eden is Sydney writer and actor Rob Johnson, known for his roles in Calamity Jane, The Boomkak Panto, and award-winning short fiction work. He is now joining the cast of Beetlejuice as Adam Maitland! THE LINKS Get your Beetlejuice tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 18: Jesus Christ, It’s Michael Paynter | 20 avr. 2025 | 00:43:00 | |
Joining Jack and Eden is Michael Paynter, an Australian singer-songwriter who has toured with major acts like Miley Cyrus and Seal, while also performing as a member of Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes' band. Michael is now taking a leap outside his comfort zone to play Jesus in the Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. THE LINKS Jesus Christ Superstar tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 17: Reaching for the stars with Lauren McKenna | 24 mars 2025 | 00:39:57 | |
Fresh from the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar, Jack and Eden are still buzzing! This week, they're joined by the incredible Lauren McKenna - musical theatre performer, director, and artistic leader . Lauren has starred in arena spectaculars like Hairspray (as Tracy Turnblad) and Grease (as Jan), worked as associate director for Courtney Act’s Fluid, and directed showcases featuring icons like Rhonda Burchmore and Marina Prior. Now, she’s the Artistic Director of Stars and The Moon, a not-for-profit theatre company making the stage accessible to performers of all abilities. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 16: And Then There Was… Mia Morrissey | 09 mars 2025 | 00:41:24 | |
Joining Jack and Eden this episode is Mia Morrissey, an accomplished actor, singer, and writer. Mia has an impressive resume, having portrayed Mimi in RENT, Jade Lennox on Home and Away, and Nadyiah Zammit in the global sensation Deadloch. Currently, she is captivating audiences as Vera Claythorne in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. THE LINKS And Then There Were None tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 15: A rant on theatre etiquette | 23 févr. 2025 | 00:35:40 | |
Jack and Eden dive into some audience horror stories and chat all things theatre etiquette. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 14: Talking to the Wall with Natalie Bassingthwaighte & Disney princess Amy Manford | 09 févr. 2025 | 00:54:37 | |
Joining Jack and Eden is the talented Natalie Bassingthwaighte, a singer and actress with an impressive background in both stage and television. She is currently captivating audiences in her one-woman show, Shirley Valentine, at the Athenaeum Theatre. They also dive into the enchanting world of Disney in Concert with artistic director and vocalist Amy Manford, who has previously taken on the role of Christine in the West End production of Phantom of The Opera. She has also performed alongside Andrea Bocelli and showcased her incredible talent at Buckingham Palace for King Charles. THE LINKS Get your Shirley Valentine tickets! Get your Disney in Concert tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 13: Dear Carmel Rodrigues, Lawrence Hawkins & Disney’s Matt West | 26 janv. 2025 | 00:53:00 | |
Joining Jack and Eden for their first episode of 2025 are Carmel Rodrigues and Lawrence Hawkins, who are currently starring in the Australian tour of Dear Evan Hansen. Plus, director and choreographer of Beauty and the Beast, Matt West, drops in while visiting from New York to discuss the show and his remarkable career with Disney. THE LINKS Carmel's Instagram Get your Dear Evan Hansen tickets! Get your Beauty and the Beast tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 12: Blessed by Raphael Wong | 15 déc. 2024 | 00:48:21 | |
Joining Jack and Eden in the last episode of 2024 is Raphael Wong, who is currently playing Eddie Souther, the respected police officer in Sister Act. Raph made his debut with Opera Australia in 2012 and has performed as Passarino in Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella’s father in Midnight, and Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods. They also chat with Sophie Loughlin and Belinda Jenkin about Love Actually? The Musical Parody being performed as part of the Christmas Showtime Festival. THE LINKS Love Actually? The Musical Parody tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 11: A Christmas Special with Sarah Morrison, Kaya Byrne & Asmara Soekotjo | 02 déc. 2024 | 00:43:53 | |
Joining Jack and Eden for the ENCORE Christmas Special is Sarah Morrison and Kaya Byrne who are currently playing Belle and Fred in A Christmas Carol, performing at the Comedy Theatre. THE LINKS Get your A Christmas Carol tickets! Get your A Very Naughty Christmas tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 10: Jayde Westaby spills the tea | 24 nov. 2024 | 00:38:40 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Jayde Westaby who is currently playing Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, having previously performed in roles such as Mrs. Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Donna in Mamma Mia. They also discuss the highly anticipated release of the Wicked movie, including their favourite moments throughout the film. THE LINKS Book your Beauty and the Beast tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 9: One Day with Mackenzie Dunn & Keanu Gonzalez | 17 nov. 2024 | 00:47:23 | |
Joining Jack and Eden is Mackenzie Dunn, the talented producer and choreographer behind the new Australian show, One Day in September. Alongside Keanu Gonzalez, who is gearing up to take on the lead role of Sam Thompson. Continuing their focus on Australian productions, they also speak with Holly Mouat, the creator and director of Shimmery Burlesque. THE LINKS Book your One Day in September tickets now! Book your Shimmery Burlesque tickets now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 8: Talking Tina with Jayme-Lee Hanekom | 10 nov. 2024 | 00:39:23 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Jayme-Lee Hanekom who is currently playing Alline Bullock and understudying Tina in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. They also touch on the Hadestown cast announcement, new Australian musical One Day in September, and Australia's Wicked movie premiere. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 7: Tuning into menopause with Katrina Retallick & Lisa Callingham | 20 oct. 2024 | 00:40:48 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Katrina Retallick and Lisa Callingham who are playing Housewife and Soap Star in Menopause the Musical at the Athenaeum Theatre. They also touch on CLOC's non-professional premiere of Come From Away, MDMS’s Sweet Charity production and share some BREAKING theatre news. THE LINKS Book Menopause the Musical tickets! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 6: Oli Pizzey Stratford on the cost of being human | 06 oct. 2024 | 00:31:15 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is actor, model, athlete and disability advocate Oli Pizzey Stratford who is currently playing John in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Cost of Living. They also touch on inclusion in theatre, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the opening night of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. THE LINKS Our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 5: Breaking industry barriers with Matt Hearne | 22 sept. 2024 | 00:38:01 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Matt Hearne who recently received a standing ovation following his blind audition on The Voice, and just performed in the ensemble of Carousel: A Concert at the Princess Theatre. They also chat to Cooper Prize winner Chris Stollery, share details about Annie's return to Melbourne and Melbourne Theatre Company's 2025 season, and talk about the future of the Regent Theatre. THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 4: Remixing history with Loren Hunter & Giorgia Kennedy | 08 sept. 2024 | 00:43:25 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Loren Hunter and Giorgia Kennedy who are currently playing Jane Seymour and Catherine Parr in Six the Musical. They also touch on Frankenstein’s Melbourne season, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Topdog/Underdog and share a major musical announcement! THE LINKS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 3: Daydreaming with Brianna Bishop | 25 août 2024 | 00:41:22 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Brianna Bishop who has recently finished up with Grease as Marty, and has previously taken on the roles of Ella in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical and Amber Von Tussel in Hairspray. They also speak about Jemma Rix's return as Elphaba, the upcoming Melbourne tour of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, and the premieres of Shake and Stir's Frankenstein and Melbourne Theatre Company's Topdog/Underdog. THE LINKS Midnight: The Cinderalla Musical cast album Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 2: Gareth Jacobs & Rohan Browne Be Our Guests | 11 août 2024 | 00:51:03 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is Gareth Jacobs and Rohan Browne who are currently playing Cogsworth and Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Her Majesty's Theatre. They also discuss the casting of Evan Hansen, opening night of Six the Musical and find out what an 'inclusical' is with suburban theatre group Stars and the Moon! THE LINKS Our website Beauty & the Beast's Instagram Go and see Beauty & the Beast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EP 1: Courtney Monsma is going to make us Popular | 28 juil. 2024 | 00:37:03 | |
Joining Jack & Eden is musical theatre sensation Courtney Monsma, who is currently playing Glinda in the Australian tour of WICKED. Courtney has previously starred as Princess Anna in Disney's Frozen the Musical and Katherine Howard in Six the Musical. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Courtney's Instagram WICKED Aus Instagram Go see WICKED at the Regent Theatre! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| TRAILER: Something New | 12 juil. 2024 | 00:01:07 | |
The buzz from Australia’s theatre capital, Melbourne! Join Eden Hayes & Jack Ward as they go behind the scenes, discuss the latest productions, and interview the brightest stars gracing Melbourne's stages. Don’t miss a single show-stopping moment! The ENCORE podcast premieres July 29, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||