Olivier Nominations, Open Doors & Bringing Back the Boom Cat: Representation in Musical Theatre

Who gets to tell the stories? And who gets to be in them?In Episode 6 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David Grant and NYMT Young Company member Tochi Arinze are joined by two extraordinary artists who are actively shaping what the future of musical theatre looks and feels like.Georgina Onuorah is a two-time Olivier Award-nominated actress, recognised for her performances in Shucked and Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, as well as her landmark portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Leicester Curve and the London Palladium. Christopher Tendai is a choreographer, movement director and founder of CTC Dance Company, whose work spans the West End, the RSC and beyond — most recently as Associate Choreographer on All Is But A Fantasy at the Other Place.Together, they talk candidly about representation, tokenism, the stories that still aren't being told, and what it really takes to feel seen on stage — and behind the scenes.In this episode: Georgina's double Olivier nomination — and the screaming in a Kings Cross coffee shop that followed Playing Dorothy as a young Black woman, and the messages from young girls who felt seen The real conversations about hair, wigs and what it means to bring your whole self to a role Christopher's journey from drama school to choreographer — and why he founded his own dance company Why diversity on stage isn't enough without diversity in the creative team What stories we need to be telling more of — including forgotten Black-led musicals from the 1940s and 50s Tochi's powerful reflection on representation, belonging and what NYMT has meant to her journey Why, in Chris's words: "It's not that hard"Guests:Georgina Onuorah – NYMT alumna, two-time Olivier Award-nominated actress Christopher Tendai – choreographer, movement director and founder of CTC Dance CompanyHosts:David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Tochi Arinze – NYMT Young Company member and co-hostFollow / find out more:N YMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk