On Stage with Darryl Rees

In this episode, I sit down with Rhiannon Downie Hurst, a powerhouse in the wedding industry who’s redefining what it means to build a business with purpose. From creating a concierge-style platform that connects vendors and brides, to mentoring others and building a strong community, her impact goes far beyond weddings. But behind the success is a much deeper story. We dive into the reality of building a business while facing life’s hardest moments, including personal loss, pressure, and everything in between. This is an honest conversation about resilience, connection, and what it really takes to turn pain into purpose.

Starting at 30, James Fabulous built a 13 year career in magic and mentalism, facing failures, bouncing back, and mastering his craft. This episode dives into his journey, plus live mind reading and magic that will blow your mind.

In this episode, Darryl sits down with Amber Proctor, the powerhouse founder behind The Modern Bridal Muse, Hen and the City, and CLUBA, to explore how she is transforming the way women celebrate the journey to marriage and beyond. From elevated engagement parties to premium hen experiences and unforgettable honeymoons, Amber shares how brides today are looking for meaning, connection, confidence, and community. With a background in events and a passion for creative storytelling, she dives into the pressure modern brides feel, why social media can complicate planning, and how friendship dynamics can make or break the hen party experience. We uncover her mission to empower women to celebrate more than a single wedding day, create moments that bring female friendships closer together, and build spaces where women can feel seen, supported, and inspired. She also reveals how CLUBA is setting a new standard for lifestyle events that champion women across Dubai. If you are planning a wedding, preparing for a hen party, dreaming about your honeymoon, or simply craving uplifting female community energy, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and game changing perspectives. Press play, celebrate yourself, and discover why the modern bride is rewriting the rules.

He built one of the world’s most recognizable party brands, took it global, and then walked away. In this episode, I sit down with Nick Purvis, the mastermind behind Candypants, to unpack the real story behind the rise, the chaos, and the wake-up call that changed everything. From stamping hands at clubs in the UK to hosting mega-events across Dubai, Ibiza, and Vegas, Nick opens up about success, burnout, and the moment a hospital bed forced him to hit pause. Now leading marketing for Solutions Leisure, he shares what it really takes to evolve from nightlife fame to boardroom power. This one’s raw, honest, and packed with lessons about ambition, identity, and knowing when it’s time to walk away.

Gauri is the powerhouse behind one of the most luxurious and award-winning event agencies in the industry The Big Night. With a motto of “No event is too big,” she has executed show-stopping experiences for global icons like Craig David, Ja Rule, and Arijit Singh. Her company has earned multiple awards for its creativity, scale, and flawless execution. Beyond the world of events, Gauri is also a film star and director, bringing her unique vision and artistry to every project she touches. In this episode, she shares her journey, the challenges of working on world-class productions, and what it truly takes to deliver events at the highest level.

In the very first episode of On Stage with Darryl Rees, I sit down with Nuno Costa, Co-Founder and Managing Director of CRANK, one of Dubai’s most exciting fitness and spin studio concepts. Nuno shares his journey from starting out as a fitness instructor to building a thriving brand that has redefined the group fitness experience in the UAE. We talk about the highs and challenges of launching a business, the importance of community in the fitness and entertainment space, and what it really takes to keep the energy alive both on stage and in business. If you’re an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, or simply curious about what it takes to turn passion into a brand, this episode will give you an inspiring front-row seat.