S1 E9: Grant Olding, Composer

In the penultimate episode of this series of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, host Pauline Fallowell sits down with composer Grant Olding, whose music has been woven into The Bridge’s story since Young Marx first opened the building. Grant reflects on a lifetime spent in and around theatres – from dancing as a shy three-year-old, to appearing in Oliver! in the West End, The Dark Crystal with Jim Henson, and Hamlet at the National Theatre alongside Daniel Day-Lewis and Judi Dench. He talks about how growing up backstage shaped the composer he is today, why theatre remains his first love, and what it really means for music to “help tell the story.” Pauline and Grant dive into the power of a great score, the difference between composing for stage and screen, and the thrill (and terror) of opening a brand-new theatre with a “big rock music cue.” Grant also shares his fantasy production – an immersive Sweeney Todd at the Bridge with a dream creative team – and imagines an alternative life running a second-hand bookshop on the Welsh borders. It’s a heartfelt, funny and passionate conversation with one of The Bridge’s longest-standing collaborators – and a love letter to music, theatre, and the people who make both. Hosted by Pauline Fallowell, Director of Marketing and Audiences at the Bridge Theatre. Follow the Bridge Theatre Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, watch on YouTube, and discover more at bridgetheatre.co.uk. New episodes every Friday. Bridge Theatre Podcast is produced for the Bridge Theatre by Jonny Bunyan at Pardon Our French Productions, with Executive Producer Pauline Fallowell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.