The Green Room Podcast

Put down the bourbon, hide the dancing shoes and alert the good people of Bomont… because Footloose has arrived in Wellington! 🕺💃 This week we’re joined by Lottie Butcher and Bruin Maunder from Wellington Footlights’ brand-new production of Footloose. We chat about what it’s like being told YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DANCE… and then immediately agreeing to star in a musical that is basically 90% dancing. 😂 We get into the music, the madness, the choreography, the characters and what happens when Wellington theatre people are let loose with Footloose. There’s singing. There’s dancing. There’s questionable decision-making. Basically… exactly what you’d expect from The Green Room. 🎭

40 episodes! Who knew we’d have this much to say about theatre?! 😂 For our big Episode 40, we’re joined by director Ewan Coleman to chat about his upcoming production of Sense and Sensibility starting this week at Hutt Rep. We get stuck into Jane Austen, directing actors, bringing a classic story to life, and — perhaps most importantly — how Ewan actually directs! 🎬 It’s a great behind-the-scenes chat about the joys, challenges and occasional madness of directing for the stage. So grab yourself a cup of tea, settle into the Green Room and join us for Episode 40! ☕🎭 🎙️ The Green Room – Wellington theatre news, views, interviews and the occasional bit of nonsense.

Joining us on The Green Room is Sara Schroder, talking all things Lettice and Lovage at Mana Little Theatre. With plenty of laughs, and boy did we have some laughs... we chat about Peter Shaffer’s hilarious and wonderfully eccentric comedy, and what audiences can expect when the curtain goes up. Lettice and Lovage runs at Mana Little Theatre from 2–12 September 2026, directed by Lauren Ford-Jones.

This week on The Green Room Podcast, we're joined by Kevin Hastings, President of Wellington Repertory Theatre, to celebrate an incredible 100 years of Rep! We chat about the history, the shows, the people, the stories and what the future holds for one of Wellington's much-loved theatre companies.

Joining us for Episode 37 are Sera Devcich and Martin Tidy, talking all things Maven Theatre Company’s exciting new production of Mother Courage and Her Children. We had a fantastic chat about the show, the challenges of bringing this powerful Brecht classic to the stage, and what audiences can expect. It sounds like it’s going to be an amazing production, and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing it! Another great conversation from The Green Room Podcast — your dose of theatre news, views and goings-on from around Wellington.

We had a fantastic chat with the wonderfully entertaining director Liz Ebrey and actor Shane Abrahams about Obvious Guilt, coming up at Heretaunga Players. If their conversation is anything to go by, audiences are in for a brilliant night of theatre! We also run through all the usual theatre news, including what's coming up, audition opportunities, and everything else happening around the local theatre scene.

This week, Lindsey Rusling joins us for a great chat about life, theatre, and what it's like being one half of this year's epic adjudicating team for the Wellington theatre scene. As always, there's plenty more to catch up on too, including what's coming up and the latest audition opportunities.

Have you ever tried writing a play? We catch up with the writer of New Players Theatre Company's newest production, Murder & Matters More Pressing, Amelia Lucie-Smith. Amelia also stars as Prudence in the show, alongside Rich Taylor, who plays Blunder. He joins the conversation too as we chat about bringing this new production to the stage.

We had the wonderful Amy Whiterod director of Stagecraft's newest show in as well as actors Tom Kereama and Matilda (Mattie) Reeves joining her for a great chat about all things 'The Watsons'. And of course all our other bits and bobs to keep you up to play with Wellingtons local theatre scene.

We have the two co directors of an Accidental Death of an Anarchist Joy Hellyer and Paul Kay joining us to discuss KAT Theatres newest show (it sounds great) plus all the weekly roundups.

We had the lovely Lauren Loghry and Megan Van Der Westhuizen in to have a chat about directing and starring in Coasters Musical Theatres new show 'Little Women'. Plus all our other roundups of what's coming up and auditions.

Episode Thirty! WHAT! We talk to Director Suzy Cain and actor Martyn Barry who plays Mortimer from Butterfly Creeks latest production Arsenic & Old Lace (we also had George sit in - CHARGE!)  Then we do our usual run through of what's coming up and auditions. Enjoy!

We chat and have a laugh with Hay Fever director Susanna Donovan and the maid with all the facial expressions Sara Schroder... it was a great interview we have such a terrible time doing these! plus all the other things we know you love like what's coming up and auditions.

Director Rob Ormsby and the wonderful Sarah Holswich from Porirua Little Theatres new show THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE are in the studio with us and then of course all the usual what's coming up and auditions.

We talk to the very young Sandy Brewer about CTT and their new big show for 2026 - Matilda! plus all the other bits and bobs, news and views that you've come to love.

Neil and Carl interview each other for this Kings Birthday holiday episode, plus the usual what's coming up in the Wellington theatre scene.

We talk to director Malinda Groves and rising star Alex Buchanan of Wellington Comic Operas newest show 'Tell Me The Truth About Love' and we also have Wellington theatre stalwart Ewen Coleman in the studio (and leaving the studio) to talk about his new Wellington Rep show 'The Other Boleyn Girl' plus all the other what's coming up around the town news.

We talk to the wonderful Mel Dodge about directing the new one woman show Julia starting 31st May at Circa Theatre. 

Neil is back and we talk to director Sue Mortimer & lead Christopher Horne about Mana Little Theatres new show Shakespeare In Love.

The one where Neil is still away on holiday so Carl replays the interview we did with the wonderful Khrissie Rhodes Dresser extraordinaire and at this moment working on '& Juliet' that is about to arrive in Wellington! 

Carl is still holding down the studio as Neil is still on holiday! We reply the interview with Ben and Henry from Witch Theatres - Ride The Cyclone! It's a great show and being the only show playing this week lets make people aware of this great piece of theatre.

The one where Carl is still in charge as Neil is away on holiday and we repeat the wonderful interview with Catherine Reid choreographer from Wellingtons season of Mamma Mia 2025.

The one where Neil and Carl are busy doing shows and vacations that we replay the wonderful interview with Sandy Brewer from our second episode. Carl also tries to be Neil and do a little theatre recap of all the local shows on at the moment.

The one where Carl was away so the lovely Lisa stepped in and Neil interviews the wonderful director and originator of all things Witch Music Theatre Ben Tucker-Emerson & the very talented Henry Ashby from their new show Ride The Cyclone! 

The one where we talk to the wonderful, amazing, beautiful Director and Choreographer of Catch Me If You Can - Alistair Davies and Stacey Neale from Kauri Theatres new show.

The one where we interview Shannon Tubman on adjudicating and chat about so much more. Also Neil interviews Julie O'Brien director and two of the stars Serena Daysh and Sandy Leadbeater of PLT's newest show Chicago. 

The one where Neil interviews Tony Burton playing Chief and director Oliver Mander from Wellington Reps new show Gasping. And all the usual new and views from Wellington theatre.

The one where we're back together for the first time since 2025 with a wrap up of all that's coming up in shows and auditions plus we tangent a few times... as we do.

Kicking off 2026 with the dulcet tones of Neil for this one as Carl is a little busy. Neil interviews director Janet Noble and actors Ian and Paul from 'The Book of Will' starting at the Gryphon 4th of Feb and also the usual roundup of what shows and auditions are coming up.

The Christmas one, where we talk to Amanda Stone head honcho of the Pantaloons in her lounge with snacks and with special guests Carol 'Wazza' Reed and Sandy Brewer. Merry Christmas everyone!

The one where Neil interviews James Kiesel the director of Stagecraft's new show 'Superior Donuts' and then we discuss theatre do's and don'ts. 

The one where Carl absolutely mucks up (he didn't do his homework) the intro and more introducing our wonderful guest Millie Fuller one of the co directors of the new show from Hutt Rep Theatre... 'And Then There Were None'.  

The one where Neil talks to Catherine McMechan, Tom Kereama and Micaela Craven from The Great Gatsby and Sue Kinzett, Amanda Watson and Julie Fitzgerald from Calendar Girls The Musical plus all the other random stuff you love from us!

The one where Neil interviews Karin McCracken and Simon Leary from Circa Theatres new show Heartbreak Hotel and we talk to the wonderful Khrissie Rhodes wardrobe expert for all the big shows and WOW!

The one where we talk to Ruth Sarratt the Wellington District Theatre Federation adjudicator.

The one where we interview Catherine Reid chorographer extraordinaire from Mamma Mia in the studio and Neil goes to Hutt City Musical Theatre to interview Dave, Nicole and Chris about their latest musical The Wedding Singer! 

The one where we interview Vic and Jess in the studio from Coasters Musical Theatre about their upcoming show Legally Blonde and Neil pops along to see the team at New Players to have a chat about their new show Crazy Ladies.

The one where Neil interviews the cast of 'Iron' Stagecraft's latest show.

This episode we talk what's coming up in local theatre, Dame Donna Philpott, Rodney Bane and Neil has an idea.

In this episode we interview Sandy Brewer on her early days to running Capital Theatre Trust and everything in between.

News and views from Wellingtons theatre scene. This is our first podcast ever and it may show... but we had fun.