Explore every episode of the podcast How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.

EXCLUSIVE EPISODE

In this special early release, I sit down with musical theatre star Jordan Luke Gage, ahead of the launch of his brand new show Redcliffe, opening at Southwark Playhouse later this month.

Known for his standout performances on stage, Jordan is now stepping into a new chapter - writing the book and lyrics for his first ever musical, as well as starring in it. We talk about the journey of creating Redcliffe, what it’s been like bringing his own work to life, and the highs and lows that come with putting something so personal out into the world.

We also dive into his career so far - how he first fell in love with the arts, the realities of navigating the industry, and the challenges and breakthroughs that have shaped him along the way.

It’s an honest, insightful and inspiring conversation about creativity, risk, and trusting your voice.

Plus - listen in for details on a very special giveaway.

This episode may contain strong language.

In this final episode of the season, I sit down with the producer of the podcast, and my sister, Caitlin Thornton.

Together, we reflect on some of our favourite moments from the season, the biggest learnings and takeaways from our incredible guests, and how this podcast came to life in the first place. From the initial idea to hitting record, we talk honestly about what it’s been like building this together and what we’ve learned along the way.

We also share a little of what’s coming up in season two, and where we’d love to take the podcast next.

If you’re up for hearing two sisters natter about big ideas, creative ambition, and actually making things happen, this one’s for you.

This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, an English actor whose work spans stage, television and film with remarkable range and depth. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Ronkẹ has built a dynamic career that moves effortlessly between powerful theatrical performances and memorable screen roles.

You’ll hear about her journey from classical theatre training to taking on roles in acclaimed productions such as Been So Long and the Amazon Prime series Alex Rider, where she brought Jack Starbright to life. She’s also appeared in Doctor Who, Christopher Robin and the critically praised drama Rain Dogs.

In our conversation, Ronkẹ reflects on the craft of acting, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the persistent joy she finds in both stage and screen work. We explore what it feels like to grow as an artist, the challenges she’s faced in pursuing bold and varied roles, and how she navigates the emotional territory of a life in performance.

It’s an honest, inspiring and deeply thoughtful discussion with an incredibly gifted performer whose voice continues to resonate across theatre and television.

This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

In this episode, I sit down with West End musical theatre star Tom Senior, known for iconic roles including Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and Kenickie in Grease. While his career on stage has been massive, Tom has since built a hugely successful online coaching business, which is now his main priority.

Now running the online platform Powerful Performers with his fiancée Mimi, Tom helps artists get into the best shape of their lives, while navigating the demands of the industry.

In this open and honest conversation, Tom speaks candidly about the struggles he faced while acting, including insomnia, burnout, and the constant juggle between work, training and everyday life. He shares the routines and habits that helped him find balance, and how shifting his focus towards helping others has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

It’s a powerful, practical and inspiring episode for anyone trying to build a sustainable career in the performing arts.

This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

In this episode, I sit down with comedian, actor and writer Michelle De Swarte for an honest, funny and deeply refreshing conversation about her journey in the industry.

Michelle opens up about finding her voice, carving out her own lane, and what it’s really been like building a career on her own terms. We talk about the highs and lows of acting, navigating rejection, self-belief, and what it really takes to keep going in an industry that constantly asks you to prove yourself.

Smart, sharp and unapologetically honest, this conversation is full of insight, humour and moments that will resonate with anyone trying to stay true to themselves while chasing a creative life.

This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

For this special bonus episode, we’re flipping the script. Stacey Dooley steps into the host’s chair, while How To Be An Actor And Not Lose Your Sh*t host Shvorne Marks becomes the guest.

In this open, honest and often funny conversation, Stacey digs into the story behind the podcast, from when Shvorne first fell in love with acting, to the highs and lows of her career so far, and the moments that nearly made her walk away altogether. Shvorne opens up about rejection, resilience, self-belief, and why creating this podcast felt not only necessary, but personal.

It’s vulnerable, candid and full of warmth, offering listeners a deeper look at the person behind the mic and the reasons this podcast exists in the first place.

This episode may contain strong language.

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow ArtsEd alum, Daisy Doris May. We’ve known each other for years, so it was a real joy to finally sit down and talk about her creative journey, from drama school to becoming one of the most iconic comedic drag kings on the scene today.

Daisy opens up about how she discovered drag, how she built her unique style of comedy, and what it takes to carve out your own space in an industry that doesn’t always know where to put you. We talk about her process, her inspirations, the challenges she’s faced, and the power of fully embracing who you are as an artist.

It’s funny, heartfelt, honest, and full of the infectious energy Daisy brings to everything she does.

Please note - this epsiode may include strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producer - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning actor Hammed Animashaun - whose love for performing began at just 11 years old. Born and raised in London, Hammed discovered his love for acting early, joining youth theatre before eventually pouring everything into stage, screen and everything in between.

We dive into his story: growing up in London, the internal and external battles he faced when choosing to follow his calling, and the pressures of pursuing a creative life. From early struggles to breakthrough moments, Hammed shares his highs, his lows, and the hard-won lessons along the way.

You’ll hear about his remarkable career, from theatre triumphs to television success, including some of the accolades and roles that prove just how far he’s come. Expect honesty, vulnerability, and nuggets of advice for anyone chasing a dream.

Please note: This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producer - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee,

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

From gracing our screens since the age of eleven, Nell Tiger Free has grown up in front of the camera - and in this episode, she sits down with me for a completely open and honest conversation about what that’s really been like.

We talk about the highs, the lows, the pressure of starting young, and the moments that shaped her both as an actor and as a person. Nell shares the realities behind the roles, how she navigates uncertainty in the industry, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

It’s heartfelt, candid, and full of insight.

Check out Nell's new EP here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4myMaNKLX6qFamJ5jbGUvX?si=JpwpHVjeTQ6yRaQkkd3hqw

Please note: This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

Kevin Clifton has been performing since he was a child. Many of you will know him from Strictly Come Dancing, but I know him from working alongside him on stage.

In this episode, Kevin opens up about his lifelong love for musical theatre and acting, passions that were put on hold while his dance career took the lead. It wasn’t until his mid-twenties that he found his way back to the world of theatre, discovering a renewed sense of joy and purpose.

Join me as we dive into Kevin’s journey: the highs and lows of both dancing and acting, the pressure and the pivot points, and how he’s built a career that truly lights him up.

Please note: This episode may contain strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

Welcome to How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.
In this first episode, host Shvorne Marks sits down with her long-time friend and fellow actor Pearl Mackie. The two first met back in 2012, performing together in a tiny garage theatre in Peckham, and now, over a decade later, they reflect on just how far they’ve come.

Expect honest chat, laughter, and a few raw moments as they share the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. It’s an episode about growth, grit, and giving each other their well-deserved flowers.

Please note: This episode contains strong language.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton

In this introductory episode, actor Shvorne Marks , introduces How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.

Shvorne shares why she created this podcast: to have honest conversations about what it really takes to survive and thrive as an actor in an unpredictable industry. Over the coming weeks Shvorne talks to some brillant actors and artists about their own journey's, the highs, the lows, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

If you’ve ever questioned your place in this industry or needed a reminder that you’re not alone, this podcast is for you, open, funny, vulnerable, and very real.

Host - Shvorne Marks

Producers - Caitlin Thornton & Shvorne Marks

Music - Joe Sigee

Artwork - Caitlin Thornton