Penny Ashton | The Live Performance Addict: How she chose real audiences over screen fame

Andrew G sits down with Penny Ashton to unpack the reality of building a global performance career from the ground up—without a manager, agent, or traditional pathway. A one-woman powerhouse with over a thousand shows under her belt, Penny shares how her love for live audiences, comedy, and storytelling shaped a career defined by independence, resilience, and relentless creativity. From performing as a child to touring internationally, she reflects on why the stage—not screen fame—became her true calling. They explore the deeper themes behind her hit show Promise and Promiscuity, a wildly funny, Austen-inspired performance that blends comedy, music, and sharp social commentary. Penny breaks down why Jane Austen’s stories still resonate today—highlighting how the pursuit of love is often intertwined with the need for financial security, stability, and agency. The conversation reveals how timeless human desires continue to shape modern audiences, no matter the setting or era. Penny opens up about the less glamorous side of the industry—touring challenges, financial instability, rejection, and the constant hustle of producing, marketing, and performing her own work. She shares how tenacity became her greatest asset, from applying multiple times to become a wedding celebrant to pushing forward despite funding rejections and career setbacks. Rather than waiting for opportunities, Penny explains how she created them—building her career through sheer persistence and adaptability. Andrew and Penny also dive into the unique energy of live performance—the unpredictability of audiences, the thrill of real-time connection, and why no two shows are ever the same. From awkward audience moments to unforgettable on-stage mishaps, they highlight how spontaneity and imperfection are part of what makes theatre so powerful and alive. Beyond the stage, the episode becomes a broader conversation about creative independence, the realities of sustaining a career in the arts, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. At its core, this episode is about tenacity, self-belief, and the pursuit of meaningful work—proving that success doesn’t always come from following the traditional path, but from carving your own