Open House Ep. 1: Swings, Standbys and West End Covers with Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí

What this episode covers

What happens when the show has started, the audience is in, and suddenly you're told you're going on in a completely different role? In the first episode of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Hannah Stobart are joined by NYMT alumni Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí to explore the fast-paced world of swings, standbys and West End covers. From Mean Girls and Back to the Future to Cats, Book of Mormon and 42nd Street, Cliona and Brian share what it takes to stay performance-ready, cover multiple tracks, handle last-minute changes, and protect your confidence, voice and mental resilience in the world of musical theatre. They also look back on their time with NYMT, how youth theatre helped prepare them for professional life, and why the people around you can make all the difference in building a career on stage. A must-listen for aspiring performers, NYMT members, theatre lovers and anyone curious about what really happens behind the scenes in the West End. In this episode: * What swings and standbys actually do * How performers prepare for emergency covers * The difference between ensemble tracks, cover roles and principal covers * Cliona's experience covering Katie and Regina in Mean Girls * Brian's experience swinging in Back to the Future, Cats and beyond * How NYMT helped shape their careers * Advice for young performers entering the industry Guests: * Cliona Flynn – NYMT alumna and former standby in Mean Girls * Brian Ó Muirí – NYMT alumnus and currently swing in Back to the Future Hosts: * David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer * Hannah Stobart – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more: * NYMT: nymt.org.uk * Instagram: @NYMTuk * TikTok: @nymtUK * David: @david.z.uk * Hannah: @hannah_stobart * Twain socials: @TwainTwins * Brian: @itsbrianmurray * Cliona: @clionaflynn01 * CADA: cadaperformingarts.ie