The Show People Podcast With Andrew Keates

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is the second part of an in-depth conversation with legendary gay playwright, screen-writer and author - Martin Sherman. Perhaps best known for writing landmark gay play, Bent, As well as other stunning plays such as When She Danced, Messiah, Cracks, Gently Down The Stream and many, many others. On screen, his credits include Mrs Henderson Presents (BAFTA-nominated), The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, Callas Forever, Alive and Kicking, and The Clothes in the Wardrobe. Across theatre and film, Martin has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and two BAFTA Awards, and he has crafted queer stories thoughtout the decades.Episode Highlights Include:• Opening night of Bent at the Royal Court.• Memories of working with legendary actors such as Sir Ian McKellen and Vanessa Redgrave DBE.• Taking Bent to Broadway and the trials and tribulations that came with it.• His experiences adapting Bent into a feature film and working with director Sean Mathias.• What it was like writing his masterpiece, Rose.• How he felt after his play Onassis was panned by critics in the West End.• Taking Bent to Broadway and the trials and tribulations that came with it.• How queer stories have changed over the decades and how age influenced his play, Gently Down The Stream.• And many other insights into playwriting and being one of the greatest gay playwrights to have written for stage and screen.Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts.Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_Photography by Paul Madeleypaulmadeleystudio.com | @paulmadeleystudioSpecial Thanksto Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukOn The Boardwalk by Martin Sherman, published by Inkandescentincandescent.co.uk | @inkandescentThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an in-depth conversation with legendary gay playwright, screen-writer and author - Martin Sherman. Perhaps best known for writing landmark gay play, Bent, As well as other stunning plays such as When She Danced, Messiah, Cracks, Gently Down The Stream and many, many others. On screen, his credits include Mrs Henderson Presents (BAFTA-nominated), The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, Callas Forever, Alive and Kicking, and The Clothes in the Wardrobe. Across theatre and film, Martin has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and two BAFTA Awards, and he has crafted queer stories thoughtout the decades.Episode Highlights Include:• Martin Sherman on writing his memoir and why prose felt possible where theatre did not. • Growing up in the shadow of Huntington’s disease and the fear of inheritance. • A haunting childhood memory of his mother on the Atlantic City boardwalk. • The silence, mystery and influence of a mother who gave him Shakespeare and theatre. • How illness, family history and survival shaped his understanding of life and art. • Theatre as escape: seeing major productions in Philadelphia as a child. • The performances and actors that formed his artistic eye. • Martin’s father, charisma, narcissism and the performance of power. • A striking comparison between his father and Donald Trump. • What Martin learned from the Actors Studio and Lee Strasberg. • Why craft matters as much as emotional truth. • Realising he was not meant to be an actor, but a writer. • Passing By and the challenge of casting unapologetically gay characters in the 1970s. • Finding artistic and political community in London through Gay Sweatshop. • The origins of Bent and the image that unlocked the play.Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts.Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_Photography by Paul Madeleypaulmadeleystudio.com | @paulmadeleystudioSpecial Thanksto Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Pearl Mackie.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukOn The Boardwalk by Martin Sherman, published by Inkandescentincandescent.co.uk | @inkandescentThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode is the second part of a conversation with actor, Marina Sirtis as the two boldly explore Marina's life and career.Episode Highlights Include:• Playing Deanna Troi in Star Trek. • Incredible encounters including King Charles and The Spice Girls. • Her West End debut in Dark Sublime by Michael Dennis. • Being reunited with her co-stars in Star Trek: Picard. • Her love of football. • Her advice to other actors. • Working on The Orville with Seth MacFarlane. • How she feels about leaving America to live in the UK. • Why she signed up to be in Sharknado. • And her pride for appearing in Crash.Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts.Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial Thanksto Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Pearl Mackie.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukFollow Marina SirtisInstagram: @officialmarinasirtisThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.This episode features part two of our extraordinary conversation with actor and activist, Pearl Mackie.Episode Highlights Include: • Her memories and lessons learned travelling in the TARDIS with Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who • How fame changed her life when appearing in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. • Working with great actors in the West End and the advice she has been given by them • Appearing in her many other roles in film and television, including The Diplomat.Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Pearl Mackie.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukFollow Pearl MackieInstagram: @therealpearlmackieThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.This episode features an extraordinary conversation with actor and activist. Pearl Mackie.Episode Highlights Include: • Growing up in Brixton, a love of Judy Garland and watching musicals, wondering why there were no black faces.• The things she learned while training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School• How she survived after leaving drama schools and the many crazy jobs she had to take.• Climbing her way up the London fringe theatre scene and eventually getting her West End breaks.• What it means to be a young black queer woman and the intersectionality that comes with it.• And of course, many references to Bill Potts, her character in Doctor WhoLike and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Pearl Mackie.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukFollow Pearl MackieInstagram: @therealpearlmackieThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates ‪for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from the Two Brewers in Clapham. In this second half of an extraordinary conversation, Sir Ian McKellen reflects on some of the most iconic roles of his career; from Richard III to Gods and Monsters, Gandalf, Magneto, and his legendary collaborations with Patrick Stewart. He also dives into grassroots theatre, sitcoms, Shakespeare, queer representation, and the roles he still hopes to play. Essential listening for fans of The Lord of the Rings, X-Men, Vicious, Shakespeare lovers, and anyone who cherishes Sir Ian’s extraordinary legacy.Episode Highlights Include: • His breakthrough with Richard III and how the film almost didn’t get made • The impact of Gods and Monsters and receiving his Oscar nomination • Gandalf’s legacy, the joy of filming The Lord of the Rings, and what it means to younger generations • Magneto, the political power of the X-Men universe, and why he nearly said no to the role • His friendship and collaborations with Patrick Stewart: Waiting for Godot, No Man’s Land, and their performances in South Africa • His passion for grassroots and Queer theatre, and why local repertory still matters • Working on The Dresser with Anthony Hopkins, and a hilarious encounter with Sir Tom Courtenay • Filming Vicious, performing for a live audience, and the importance of older queer characters on TV • Saying yes to Cats, his experience on set, and the unexpected joy of the project • Taking on Coriolanus, the physical challenge, and the depth of Shakespeare’s most complicated characters • The Shakespeare roles he still wants to play, including Antonio in The Merchant of Venice • His favourite speech from Thomas More, and why its message still resonates todayLike and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates orconnect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow Sir Ian McKellenInstagram: @ianmckellen Website: www.mckellen.comThank you for your support - until next time, love always x

Join host ‪Andrew Keates‬ for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.This episode features an extraordinary conversation with one of the world’s most celebrated actors: Sir Ian McKellen, a performer whose career spans over six decades, with more than sixty major awards across stage, screen and television, and whose voice in LGBTQ+ equality has inspired millions around the world.Episode Highlights Include: • Growing up in Burnley and Wigan during wartime Britain, and the family stories that shaped him, including the loss of his mother and sister. • First memories of stepping into a theatre and discovering performance • Life in repertory theatre at the Belgrade in 1961, and the reality of starting out • The breakthrough of Richard II and Edward II at Edinburgh, and the political weight of portraying a queer monarch • Originating the role of Max in Bent • How he came out on the radio and why the UK had to pay attention. • Advice for trans people during these impossible times.Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates orconnect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow Sir Ian McKellenInstagram: @ianmckellen Website: www.mckellen.comThank you for your support - until next time, love always x

Join host ‪Andrew Keates‬ for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.In Part Two of this unmissable conversation, Andrew welcomes back JP McCue – better known as Mary Mac – one of the UK’s most beloved drag performers, celebrated for her tartan, powerhouse vocals, and infamous Mary Mac medley across theatres, cruise ships, and queer venues worldwide.Episode Highlights Include: • Touring in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – backstage antics, challenges, and why it continues to inspire young audiences.• Life at sea – the realities of performing on cruise ships and the sacrifices behind a career in drag.• La Cage Aux Folles at Regent’s Park – memories from one of the UK’s most joyful open-air productions.• Panto life – writing, starring, and sometimes directing your own!• Thoughts on RuPaul’s Drag Race – is it a force for good?• Friendship with Bianca Del Rio and reflections on today’s drag scene.Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, JP McCueQueer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates orconnect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow JP McCueInstagram: @marymacofficial, TikTok: @marymacofficial, orconnect with him at www.marymacofficial.co.ukThank you for your support - until next time, love always x

Join host ‪Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an unmissable conversation with JP McCue, better known as Mary Mac - one of the UK’s most loved drag performers, famous for her tartan, powerhouse vocals, and infamous Mary Mac medley across theatres, cruise ships, and Queer venues worldwide.Episode Highlights Include: • How long it takes Mary Mac to get ready? • First memories of The Two Brewers and why LGBTQ+ spaces matter • Growing up in Glasgow, coming out in the 1990s, and the role family played in his life. • Training at GAMTA: highs, struggles, survival jobs, and the teachers who inspired him. • Early days of drag: the queens who lit the way, the toughest gigs, and his time with the Fabulettes. • Balancing drag with musical theatre, and how queer audiences have changed over the years. • Heroes, the future of drag, and whether RuPaul’s Drag Race has been a force for good. • Advice for young drag artists starting out.Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment part two is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, JP McCueQueer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates orconnect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow JP McCueInstagram: @marymacofficial, TikTok: @marymacofficial, orconnect with him at www.marymacofficial.co.ukThank you for your support - until next time, love always x

Join host Andrew Keates for the second part of a very special relaunch of The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an intimate, wide-ranging conversation with national treasure, Sir Stephen Fry, celebrated writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, and recent knight for his contributions to mental health awareness and environmental causes. Episode Highlights Include: - Views on JK Rowling and radicalised she has become and his current relatioship with her. - The benefits of re-writign the Greek myths and the universal human truths that come with doing so. - Why he is one of the most recognisable voices in the UK - The facts which still haunt him from QI - How he prepared to play roles such as Jeeves in Jeeves and Wooster, Oscar Wilde in Wilde and the interesting aspects of playing historic, iconic roles. - A very special letter he received from P.G. Wodehouse. - The worst audition he's ever had. - And just what is Claudia Winkleman's fringe like... Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment part two is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers 🌈 This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates Or connect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Thank you for your support—until next time, love always.

The Show People Podcast is back! Join host Andrew Keates for a very special relaunch of The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an intimate, wide-ranging conversation with national treasure, Sir Stephen Fry, celebrated writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, and recent knight for his contributions to mental health awareness and environmental causes. Episode Highlights Include: - Has Stephen ever been to the Two Brewers before? - Stephen’s formative years growing up, the first parts he played, how he discovered a love of language and how his Jewishness has shaped him. - His passion for working with friends, including collaborating with Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Rowan Atkinson and his unforgettable experiences creating Blackadder, A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster. - Advice for young actors. - How he prepared to play the role of Oscar Wilde and how the playwright, poet and essayist has inspired him throughout the years. - How fame does no necessarily lead to happiness- Frank and powerful discussions around mental health struggles, suicide, addiction and his advocacy for others. Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment part two is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates Or connect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Thank you for your support - until next time, love always.

This episode was recorded in January 2020 - before Covid-19 changed everything. Andrew shares an explanation about where The Show People Podcast has been for most of 2020 and celebrates the podcast’s fourth anniversary.Andrew and Peter Polycarpou two discuss Peter’s childhood, his relationship with his sister Eve Polycarpou and their Greek heritage and representation within the industry. Peter explains his passion for teaching (including teaching Andrew when he was a teenager!) and playing his many roles in iconic productions including Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Mike Bartlett’s Artefacts and his roles in film and television, including De Lovely, Evita and Birds of a Feather.Plus the two play Funny Five Minutes and Peter shares what he would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay.

Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussions about mental health struggles, suicide and death. If you find yourself becoming upset during the episode, please contact the organisation or person you rely upon for support.Andrew Keates chats with journalist, broadcaster and presenter Matthew Wright about his controversial comments about using outside spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic, the last two years of coping with multiple bereavements and PTSD and what it’s like to be second to Nick Knowles in the world of fly fishing.

Andrew chats with Alex Dyer, who runs Theataccounts - a specialist accountancy firm looking after performers and theatremakers in the performing arts industry and advising them on tax and their accounts.In this special episode, Alex takes Andrew through all of the various financial measures and schemes created by the government open to theatremakers during these unprecedented times in a simple and understandable way, including the grants for self-employed people, universal credit, VAT and many other things you may not know you could be eligible for.Also, we hear from Harry Francis, Drew Colby and Charlie Keable.

Andrew chats with Owen Farrow aka Divina De Campo about life post RuPaul’s Drag Race, whether they admire Geri Halliwell and finds out how the drag scene has been affected by Coronavirus. He speaks transatlantically with Robi Hager, writer of Basic Witches, which was a musical due to open in Philadelphia and Robi is now using his drag musical to raise funds for his cast (who we also hear perform a song from the show at the end of the episode). And we open up the Show People Podcast answering machine to listen to messages from Mama G, Ross and Monica of the Montague Arms and Dolly Parton (Well, Kelly O’Brien).

We open up the Show People Podcast answering machine and we hear from and AJ O’Neill and Emily Clare about what they’re doing to use their craft to benefit the theatre industry. Andrew chats with West End leading man and teacher George Ure about what it’s like swapping the West End for Tesco Express and we hear a song by Flloyd Kennedy all about social distancing.

Andrew Keates explains how The Show People Podcast is responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Merry Christmas from The Show People Podcast! Listen to our Christmas special and last episode of 2019 with actor and author Pauline Mclynn. We make fun listening whilst stuffing a turkey, or of course, if you're having a nice cup of tea.Pauline is best known for playing Mrs. Doyle in the iconic sitcom Father Ted, not to mention roles in Shameless, EastEnders and the acclaimed film Gyypo, of which she was nominated as Best Actress in the Irish Film And Television Awards. She’s recently graced our stages playing Mephistofeles in Doctor Faustus at the Globe, Mother Courage at Leeds Playhouse and Trixie in Daisy Pulls It Off.Thanks to two bottles of Malbec and a lot of Christmas spirit, the two amble around our usual format and have a good natter about Pauline’s life, career and Christmas.Merry Christmas and have a very happy new year.

Director, Andrew Keates is joined by actor, singer, composer, writer and musician Kurt Kansley. Kurt was born in Cape Town, South Africa and due to apartheid fled to Australia with his family. He’s had a career that’s taken him all over the world playing roles in Ragtime, Show Boat, Evita, Naked Boys Singing and later would find himself becoming a British citizen when he joined the West End production of The Lion King and go on to other productions including Miss Saigon, Hair and Sweet Bird Of Youth (to name but a fewKurt shares with Andrew Keates the difficulties he’s faced thanks to his ethnicity, what an international life as a performer has been like as well as his journey in the performing arts and his cherished writing partnership with Oliver Lidert.Episode features:Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news and performing arts stories.The Platform: We hear a song written by Kansley and Lidert.And of course we have a little silliness along the way too.

Andrew is joined by Rosalind James just before she performs a showcase of her new musical Stigma – a piece about HIV/AIDS. In one of the most emotional episodes we’ve ever produced, Rosalind discusses some very difficult times in her life as well as her experiences training at Sylvia Young Theatre School and performing in shows such as Les Miserables (where she was the first black Eponine), Hair, Ragtime, Little Shop Of Horrors and more. Rosalind split one of her vocal chord whilst working on a show; an event she found totally disabling, both mentally and physically and she opens up about her fight to regain her reputation and quash the industry’s misconceptions about her.Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussions about abuse, mental health struggles, suicide and abortion. If you find yourself becoming upset during the episode, please contact the organisation or person you rely upon for support.Episode Features:Act Hacks: Andrew gives some great tips to save money this Christmas.The Platform: We hear a song written and performed by Rosalind from her new musical Stigma. 

Andrew is joined by actor, writer, director and musician Daniel York Loh. The two discuss how their friendship was forged during a protest against The Print Room production of In The Depths of Dead Love and their shared passion for the fair representation of BAME artists in the performing arts, the boys discuss Daniel’s career that has taken him from fringe theatres to Hollywood movies, the RSC and the Royal Court and so much more.Act HacksIt’s national HIV testing week. Visit www.startswithme.org.uk to find out how you can get tested. Also, get your free tickets to see Gloves Off – West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday 19 November 2019. Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gloves-off-tickets-79748075641 The Platform: We hear a song called A Woman of A Certain Age from Stephen Cole and Jeffrey Saver’s musical Dodsworth, performed by Christine Ebersole.Plus the latest dramatic news and our infamous Show People Podcast challenges.

Happy Halloween from The Show People Podcast! Today’s guest may be best known for being the Marmite judge on the BBC reality series All Together Now – however there’s more to judge Paulus than meets the eye. We discover the truth about the man behind the mascara, including his upbringing in Kent, his 30 year career in cabaret and why Paul L. Martin is a very different person to who you may have watched on television. Act Hacks: Andrew delivers another ‘Act Hack’ to help you look after the pennies, so the pounds can look after themselves.The Platform: We hear a song called Tribe from Paul L. Martin and Jordan Clarke’s new musical in development, performed by Paul himself.

The Show People Podcast welcomes world renowned and Olivier Award winning choreographer Stephen Mear as our special guest between rehearsing for both the new West End production of Mary Poppins and an upcoming production of Funny Girl in Paris.Stephen shares his journey from being a West End dancer to one of the most respected names in the West End as a choreographer and director. Just some of the shows discussed include Acorn Antiques, Tonight’s The Night, The Witches Of Eastwick, The Little Mermaid, Stephen Ward, Betty Blue Eyes, She Loves Me, Anything Goes and of course, Gypsy.Stephen shares some extraordinary stories about working with some of the finest names in the entertainment industry, including Julia McKenzie, Sir Trevor Nunn, Bob Avian, Ria Jones, Imelda Staunton, Glenn Close and the late, great Victoria Wood.This really is a must listen to episode.The Platform: We hear a song called Goodbye Rachael, performed by Ben Lewis from Summer – a new musical written by Jamie St. Glynn.Plus all of our regular sections, including Dramatic News and our infamous Show People Podcast challenges.

We’re back for series three of The Show People Podcast! Andrew sits down with actor Danny-Boy Hatchard and the two discuss Danny-Boy’s working class upbringing and those that gave him opportunities and the obstacles he faced, his time in training at ArtsEd, appearing in Beautiful Thing at the Arts Theatre and working with his favourite director Nikolai Fosterh on that production and a number of other productions. They also discuss ow his life changed when he was cast in EastEnders working with Danny Dyer, Annette Badland and Timothy West and what life is really like on Albert Square.The Platform: We hear a song called Self Checkout, performed by Maria Leon from The Memory Robot, music and lyrics by Amir Shoenfeld, book by Matthew Greene, based on a story by Amir Shoenfeld, Matthew Greene and Rebeca McDonald.Plus all of our regular sections, including Dramatic News and our infamous Show People Podcast challenges.

It’s Christmaaaaas! And The Show People Podcast has teamed up with Alexa Morden and Katie Elin-Salt of The 98% Podcast to bring you a very special Christmas crossover episode. The 98% takes a comedic, brutally honest look at all things within the performing arts industry and lifts the curtain on the real life #actorslife whilst knee deep in the daily grind themselves.The three podcasters chat about podcasting, surviving the industry, the worst jobs they’ve ever done, give gifts and undertake The Show People Podcast’s infamous challenges and more.This episode is dedicated to the Hamleys’ Christmas elves.

Andrew is joined by Choreographer and former Head of Dance at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts – Sam Spencer-Lane.Just some of Sam’s credits include working on FLIGHT for the Scottish Opera (Theatre Royal, Glasgow), West Side Story and Kiss me Kate (Kilworth House Theatre), The UK Premiere of Death Takes a Holiday at The Charing Cross Theatre, Pageant with the writer and Director, Bill Russell for the Camden Festival.She created the choreography for the European premier of Dessa Rose at the Trafalgar Studios;  the choreography and movement for the Film Private Peaceful, and Sunday in the Park with George last August at The Other Palace For NYMT. Other credits include Barry Humphries ‘Back With A Vengeance  (Drury Lane, UK and Australian Tour); Little Britain Live Arena tour (Apollo Hammersmith and UK Tour);  Personals (Lyric Theatre);  Rat Pack Confidential (Whitehall Theatre); At The Menier Chocolate Factory – The Last Five Years, The Invisible Man, They’re Playing Our Song and the UK premiere of Maltby and Shire’s ’Take Flight’. Company (Southwark Playhouse), Jaques Brel is Alive and well and living in Paris (Charing Cross Theatre). I Love You,You’re Perfect ,Now Change (Arts Theatre) and many, many others.Sam and Andrew have worked together on a number of shows as well as being Andrew’s dance teacher when a student at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.Episode features include:Dramatic news: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Sleeping Beauty The Musical with book and lyrics by Ian Curran and music by Simon Hanson and Peter Vint. We hear a song called Take My Chances – performed by Maria Coyne.Show People Podcast Challenges: We challenged Sam to a dance quiz, discovered what she would need to survive if she was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay and ask her some hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game.

Theatre Director and host of The Show People Podcast, Andrew Keates interviews Producer Jamie Chapman Dixon all about his life and career, including being the in-house executive producer of the Barn Theatre, Cirencester and their productions of The Hound of the Baskervilles and Just So.Jamie is the proud owner of Rigmarole Productions, who focus on new writing, commercial theatre and their boutique agency.  His credits include; Madagascar (UK and International Tour), Spamalot (UK Tour, Dubai & South Korea), Lottys War (UK Tour), Pippin (Southwark Playhouse), Zanna Don’t (The Landor Theatre), Molly Wobbly (The Phoenix Artist Club), Geek! A New Musical (Tristan Bates Theatre),The Mikado (Battersea Barge and No 1 Leicester Square), Kray Kray (N16), Banana Crabtree Simon (Drayton Arms Theatre and Theatre 503),The Singers Soiree West End Concerts (St Giles In The Fields and Battersea Barge), Safe Sex/OnTidy Endings (Tristan Bates Theatre), SPB (Soho Theatre), The Fringe on The Fringe (London Theatre Workshop), Americana (Workshop), Setara (Workshop), Romeo and Juliet (London Theatre Workshop), Santaphrenia (Leicester Square Theatre), Pirates of Penzance (Brookside Theatre), ScreamFest (National Forest), HMS Pinafore (Battersea Barge/Kings Head), Tomorrow Maybe (Workshop, Union Theatre).Resident Producer credits include: London Theatre Workshop (London) and The Barn Theatre (Cirencester).Episode features include:Theatrical Tips: Andrew gets his theatrical tips out of things to see in December 2018, including Just So, How to Catch A Krampus and Snow White at the London Palladium.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Wardrobe – A New Musical. Composed by Ian Stephenson, with a book by Tom Allsopp and lyrics by Adrian Kimberlin. We hear a song called ‘Home by Christmas’ sung Lucy Follows, George Stuart, Liam Sargeant & Aiden Cutler.Show People Podcast Challenges: We challenged Jamie to a Sherlock Holmes quiz, discovered what he would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay and ask him some hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game.

In memory of Daniel ‘Dani’ Bolton (1990 – 2018)To donate to the Daniel Bolton Memorial Fund, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/raising-funds-for-dani-bolton.Thank you.

Our special guest has been top of our wish list since we started and we’ve finally managed to have him –  the one and only Simon Lipkin!Our intrepid host, Andrew Keates interviewed Simon just before he went into rehearsal for Nativity – The Musical at the Eventim Apollo – a show that is lead by improvisation and Simon revealed the challenges and freedoms that method of performing can present. They also discussed why Simon has been so committed to comedy and his views and inspirations for the genre since he was a ‘a little fat jew from Essex’.Simon trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and then at the Arts Educational. His theatre credits include: Rat in The Wind In The Willows (Palladium, West End), Sheriff in Whisper House (Other Palace), Jason Robert Brown’s Honeymoon In Las Vegas (concert at The Palladium), Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls (West End), Bill Sykes in Oliver! (Grange Park Opera), Lou Lubowitz in Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre), The Lorax in The Lorax (Old Vic Theatre), The Proprietor in Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Touchstone in As You Like It (Southwark Playhouse), Barlow in I Can’t Sing (London Palladium), Lonny in Rock Of Ages (Original West End Cast), Galahad in Spamalot (Original UK and International Tour), Nicky and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q (Original West End Cast), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Arts Theatre, London), The Wedding Singer (Original UK Cast), Willard in Footloose (UK Tour), A Christmas Carol (West End), Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Alice In Wonderland (Nuffield Theatre), Austentatious (The Landor), News Revue (Canal Café) and Leopold in Never The Sinner at the Kenneth Moore Theatre.Film and TV include: Show Dogs, Muppets Most Wanted for Disney, The Harry Hill Movie, That Puppet Game Show and Nativity III. Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule, Doctor Who, Harry Hill’s Tea Time, The Bill, Casualty, The Royal Variety Performance, Children in Need, Nativity Rocks! Simon also voices characters on the Cartoon Network’s show The Amazing World Of Gumball and Ricky Zoom.As we anticipated, Simon is an extremely funny guy, but also a real inspiration to anyone that is committed to comedy.Episode features include:Theatrical Tips: Andrew gets his theatrical tips out of things to see in October 2018, including Porgy and Bess at the London Coliseum, Don Quixote at the Garrick Theatre and The Height Of The Storm at the Wyndhams Theatre.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Edward Court’s new musical adaptation Notre Dame and a song called I Lived, performed by Alexandra Doar, orchestrated and conducted by Adam Hoskins, recorded by Harry Hare, music and lyrics by Ed Court.Show People Podcast Challenges: We discover what Simon Lipkin would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay and ask him hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game.

We’re one years old! That’s right The Show People Podcast celebrates one year of bringing you special theatre guests every fortnight and shining a spotlight on the UK performing arts and today’s guest is Scott Garnham.Scott is both a performer and an entrepreneur. He along with his business partner Simon Schofield formed Sisco Entertainment to supply elite, creative and original entertainment for the professional theatre industry and corporate market. Their shows take West End performers all around the world, enjoy West End residencies, International cruises and they are the creators of The Barricade Boys.Scott talks about growing up in Yorkshire, training at The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and appearing in the original production of Stiles and Drewe’s Honk! at the Scarborough Theatre as well as his early theatre experiences and how both he uses both business strategies as well as his creativity to serve his career.Theatre credits include Tony in Billy Elliot (UK Tour & Germany), Baron Felix Von Gaigern in Grand Hotel (Southwark Playhouse), Edgar Beane in Titanic (Princess of Wales, Toronto), Buddy Cortina in Made in Dagenham (Adelphi, West End), Feuilly understudy Enjolras and Marius in Les Misérables (Queens, West End), I Can’t Sing (London Palladium, West End), J. Pierrepont Finch in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (City of London Festival), Jest End (Waterloo East), The 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables (O2 Arena), Jose Reize in Never Forget (UK Tour), Ronan Corr in Eurobeat (Novello, West End), Jason in Jason and the Argonauts (New Victory, New York), Hunter in [title of show] (UK Premiere, Landor Theatre), Mr Lindquist in A Little Night Music (Yvonne Arnaud) and many others.The boys discuss the problems with class, the lack of new British Musical Theatre, why Musical Theatre performers shouldn’t necessarily expect to be cast in TV and plays and how Scott seems to always close shows once he’s been cast in them!Episode features include:Dramatic News: Andrew covers latest dramatic news, including the Show People Podcast’s 1st Birthday, a new Artistic Director for The Lyric, Hammersmith and news about Arion’s upcoming masterclass with Julie Atherton.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to In Between – a new musical by Alanya Bridge and a song called Along Came The Light performed by Mikki Sodergren. Show People Podcast Challenges: We discover what Scott Garnham would need to survive if stranded in tour in Whitley Bay and ask him hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes game.

Oliver Savile may be best recognised for playing Fiyero in the West End production of Wicked. He speaks with Director Andrew Keates all about his life and career, including growing up in Buxton and failing all of his GCSEs at school, his struggles with Dyslexia and how he discovered the performing arts and forged his career as a leading man.Ollie talks about his time at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, discovering his long-time agent Shane Collins, going straight into the UK tour of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, seeing the world on the international tour of Mamma Mia!, playing Peter Tork in the UK tour of Monkee Business, his recurring appearances in the West End production of Les Miserables, working with Gillian Lynne in the UK tour of Cats, playing Raoul in The Phantom of The Opera, his delight playing Robert in Company in Aberdeen, his recent role playing Hugo in Knights Of The Rose and of course, discussing his incredible time playing Wicked’s famous prince.This is an episode full of laughs and even a special appearance from Toby Page – The Show People Podcast podcat.Episode features include:Theatrical Tips: Andrew shares his top theatrical tips of things to see this September 2018, including There is Nothin’ Like a Dame at Cadogan Hall, Distance at the Park Theatre, Sylvia at The Old Vic and Company at the Gielgud Theatre.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Therapy  – The Musical with music by Jordan Li-Smith and book and lyrics by Ray Rackham. We hear a song from the show called So What performed by Belinda Wollaston.Show People Podcast Challenges: We challenge our special guest to remember his CV in 60 seconds, discover what he would need to survive if stranded in Whitley Bay and course ask hysterical and outrageous questions in our famous Funny Five Minutes section.

Frances Ruffelle is a Tony Award winning actor and recording artist. She caught up with Andrew Keates to discuss growing up as the daughter of Sylvia Young, the formation of her mother’s famous theatre school, her early influences and her remarkable family. The two chatted about her early work, including playing the Narrator in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, being fired from that production and her delight going on to originate the roles of Dinah in the original West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express and Eponine in Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Les Misérables – both in the West End and on Broadway – where she would also meet her now ex-husband, Director John Caird.Other roles discussed include Queenie in Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party (The Other Palace), Piaf in Pam Gems’ Piaf (Leicester Curve), Bella in the A to Z of Mrs P (Southwark Playhouse), Frastrada in Pippin (Menier Chocolate Factory), Roxie Hart in Chicago (Adelphi and Cambridge Theatre), Angelique Picard in Songs from a Hotel Bedroom (Royal Opera House), Mathilde in Mathilde (Edinburgh – directed by Simon Callow) and her time developing iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals in their early stages at his Sydmonton Festival, where she played Betty Shaefer in Sunset Boulevard, Candy in Whistle Down The Wind and even laid down the original tracks for the development of Miss Saigon too.Andrew also asks her about her time representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Concert, her many film and television appearances, her upcoming album, one woman shows and so many other remarkable experiences from Frances’ life and career.Episode features include:Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news, including stories about the the new Kenwright tour of Blood Brothers, the West End production of Bat Out of Hell, the National Theatre’s production of Network and a new patron joins Arion Productions.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Triangle – A New Musical with music by Curtis Moore, lyrics by Thomas Mizer, book by Thomas Mizer, Curtis Moore and Joshua Scher and we hear a song from this show called 9 Floors Up performed by Adam Halpin.

Today’s guest is Josh Boyd-Rochford, Chief Operating Officer and an agent at Simon and How Associates, who also teaches, produces and is forever generating opportunities for theatremakers. Josh has had one heck of a journey to arrive where he is today as a sober, married and respected agent with an enviable client list. He’s been had highs and lows, from being a struggling actor to appearing in the film Pride (as well as many other productions both big and small), he’s helped Pippa Ailion with her castings, studied Musical Theatre at Mountview, performed as a drag queen whilst running a pub in Dalston, worked as a teacher, been a marketing manager for an international beer company and throughout this myriad of Josh’s jobs and life experiences, his long-time companion throughout it all – even since he was a schoolboy also working with the ENO as a boy soprano – has been alcohol, drugs and depression.We spoke with Josh about his entire life, career and lessons learned, as well as answer your questions about how to have the best relationship with your agent.Episode features include:Theatrical Tips:Andrew reveals his theatrical tips of things to see and do this August 2018, including productions at The Park Theatre, Brasserie Zedel and the Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh.The Platform:Today’s platform is given to The Wicker Husband with music and lyrics by Darren Clark and a book by Rhys Jennings (who happens to be our special guest’s husband too!) and a song called The Sparrow’s Tale, sung by Laura Wickham with Josh Sneesby on accordion, Anne-Marie Piazza on ukulele, Rachel Dawson on cello and composer Darren Clark on guitar.

Our special guest on the Show People Podcast is Marie McCarthy –  Artistic Director of the Omnibus Theatre, Clapham. Marie goes into great detail about her multi-award-winning theatre, its history, her vision and the many ways that theatre-makers can work with them as well as outlining their exciting upcoming season too.Marie talks about growing up a Catholic and her early theatre experiences, her time training at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts as an actor and her journey to becoming a director via Birkbeck University and setting up her own company – Lightning Ensemble – an immersive theatre company that creates thought-provoking productions within communities. Marie shares her experiences directing immersive productions and explains why she is so interested in exploring relationships with non-conventional spaces, she also reveals why she decided to leave Lightning Ensemble to take up her post at the Omnibus Theatre and the many challenges and rewards that face her now.Episode features include:Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest industry headlines, including stories about the passing of Dame Gillian Lynne, casting announcements for Marianne Elliott’s upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company and the West End production of 42nd Street, a new Disney pop-up for The Lion King and Aladdin in Covent Garden and an update about Arion Productions’ GoFundMe campaign.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Joe Wilson and Matthew Rankcom’s new musical Perfectly Ordinary – a piece that explores the lives of patients with mental health illnesses and their carers and we play a song called, In-between, performed by Emily Lane.

Cassie Compton talks with director Andrew Keates about growing up in Crouch End, London in a home filled with music and her supportive teachers during education and her early experiences in the West End as a child actor in productions such Whistle Down The Wind and The Secret Garden at the Aldwych Theatre. She also reveals her extraordinary relationship with fellow musician and mother Terri Christopher and tells us about her rebellious teenage years and how one day her mum handed her an application form for a new TV series called The X Factor, which would lead her to become a finalist, mentored by Sharon Osbourne in front of millions of TV viewers and often over 22,000 people in arena tours.We explore Cassie’s many theatre and television credits, West End highlights include playing Eponine in Les Miserables, Nessa Rose in Wicked (and playing a character with specific needs), Elizabeth in Dirty Dancing, Jemma in Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory, Kate in Spinach and Lena in Diamond (both at the Kings Head Theatre), Jean in American Psycho (opposite Matt Smith at the Almeida) and her commitment to new writing and the many lessons she’s learned on her journey as an actor and singer.Episode features include:Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest industry headlines, including stories about the National Theatre and London Fashion College’s commitment to BAME wardrobe, hair and make-up specialists, Maisie Williams’ stage debut, a new production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in San Francisco and a brand new Show People Podcast addendum series called, Show Peep.The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Paul Boyd’s most successful piece, Alice – The Musical, based on the famous Lewis Carol story. We play a song from that show called Nothing Here Makes Sense performed by John Davis as the Caterpillar. Alice meets the caterpillar in Wonderful and realises they both have much in common – that nothing here makes sense! Alice – The Musical returns to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast in November 2018 in a new production directed by Paul.

Julie Atherton joins us shortly after completing the West End run of The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Studios and shares her experiences of working with puppets in that and many other productions she has starred in. She speaks passionately about her frustrations with the patriarchy in the performing arts industry and the reasons why she has decided to become a director to take control and make the work she wants to be a part of. Julie suffered a terrible tragedy as a little girl and spent a great amount of her childhood being a very quiet child growing up in a grieving household in Preston. She explains how her life changed when she discovered the cast recording of Miss Saigon and her experiences struggling at school - later training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and how her time at drama school was both the very best and the very worst time of her life - especially when she discovered performers who liked to sing in her face. Julie covers her early career successes including Charlotte’s Webb, Just So and Mamma Mia and how she became an established industry name in the original London cast of Avenue Q and the gruelling media schedule she had to endure. Julie Atherton is synonymous with championing new Musical Theatre both in the West End and on the London Fringe and explains why she invests so much of her time in brave new pieces of theatre in tiny little theatres for very little money but with so many rewards. Episode features include:The Soapbox: Julie shares the difficulties she has faced in her career thanks to a theatre industry that is still very much lead by white men. She explains why she doesn’t like female roles in older musicals and what she is doing in her work as a director to empower women and the preconceptions that many women face when it comes to comedy. Theatrical Tips: Andrew shares his theatrical tips of things to see in July 2018 including Home, I'm Darling by Laura Wade and The Lehman Trilogy by Stefano Massini in an English version by Ben Power at the National Theatre and Consent by Nina Raine at the Harold Pinter Theatre. The Platform: Today’s platform is a Show People Podcast exclusive! Actor and comedian Steve Furst has sent in a very special recording he made for the London cast of Matilda - The Musical just before he left the production playing Mr. Wormwood. You won’t hear this anywhere else!

Host and Director Andrew Keates is joined by two-time Olivier Award winner David Bedella. David talks about growing up in Gary, Lake Country, Indiana to a family who worked in the steel industry, his showbiz inspirations and challenges he faced during education, his first jobs as a performer - including spending ten years working in Chicago, appearing in the first Broadway production of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, his frustrations with being perceived as being ‘just a dancer’ and why he left America after falling in love with a pastor that would end up seeing him folding towels as a hairdresser in Islington. David explains his profound connection with God and how that relationship has transformed him and how that relationship has been strengthened playing roles such as Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Satan in the highly controversial Jerry Springer - The Opera. He talks in great detail about his involvement in the many different productions of Jerry, including working with Harvey Keitel in a production at Carnegie Hall as well as his conversations with Christian protesters outside the theatres during the “blasphemous production”. For many David is synonymous with playing Frank’N’Furter in both the touring and West End productions of The Rocky Horror Show - a role he played as a much younger man that didn’t satisfy him in America and how later he would play the role in the UK for over three years and why he did not appear at the Royal Court anniversary celebrations. Other productions that David talks about include Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd and Roadshow, Harvey Fierstein’s A Torch Song Trilogy, John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Mel Brooks’ The Producers and many others. Episode features include:The Soapbox: Andrew and David discuss the pros and cons of celebrity casting in musical theatre with focus on the recent casting of Cuba Gooding Jnr in the West End production of Chicago and David’s own experiences working with celebrity Jo Brand. Dramatic News: We cover the latest news The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Emma-Jane Morton and Edwin Ray with a song from their new musical Prophecy - A New Tudor Musical.

Our host Andrew Keates spent the afternoon with Director, Producer and Artistic Director of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Other Palace - Paul Taylor Mills. Paul spoke to us about the thousands of pounds he’s raised for charities running marathons, his upcoming “big-gay-holidays” and his preparations for the upcoming UK premiere of Heathers - The Musical, which stars Carrie Hope Fletcher and how he thought he wouldn’t get the rights to do it because he felt the musical wasn’t quite yet cooked and how he secured the show over the many other producers who wanted to do it and the controversy surrounding the show’s announcement on the day regarding ticket prices and the casting of Carrie Hope Fletcher. Paul Taylor Mills goes into great detail about the highs and lows of running The Other Palace, how shows are produced at the theatre, the ways he facilitates new theatremakers using The Other Palace resources, how shows are chosen to be developed at his venue and the family ethos of theatre too. As well as covering The Other Palace, Paul tells us about how he discovered producing and directing when growing up, his early days producing shows by maxing out credit cards at places such as the Lost Theatre and the Union Theatre, his unfortunate need to liquidate his production company after two unsuccessful shows at Southwark Playhouse and his rise from the ashes within the same week and becoming a recognised producer after his phenomenally successful production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights. Episode features include:The Soapbox: Paul talks with Andrew about the recent attacks he, The Other Palace and Carrie Hope Fletcher received on social media after announcing their production Heathers - The Musical regarding the costs of tickets, casting decisions and other matters. Paul talks frankly about how we should act on social media and what he thinks is unacceptable. He also talks about how he monitors his own behaviour and image on social media being a young, gay man who likes to party with his friends, whilst at the same time, honouring his responsibilities as Artistic Director of The Other Palace. Theatrical Tips: Andrew covers his theatrical tips for June 2018, including Lonely Planet at Trafalgar Studios 2, Heathers - The Musical at The Other Place and Steve Furst: In Character at the Underbelly Festival. The Platform:Today’s platform is given to composer Tim Driesen and a song from his musical, ‘Just a Normal Girl’ (formerly known as Super Alice Smith) called ‘Evil has many faces’ sung by Kelly-Ann Gower.

It’s the hottest day of the year and we’ve got a leading man to match! Actor, Alistair Brammer joins host and director Andrew Keates for today’s episode of the Show People Podcast after playing Chris in both the Broadway and West End productions of Miss Saigon. Andrew and Alistair chat about biscuits, the differences between Broadway and the West End as well exploring his whole life and career, including growing up in Exmouth, not going to drama school, working for his local council – counting cars sat in a deck-chair, his experiences participating in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do competition – which took him to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s castle, going on to appear in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, playing various roles both on stage and for the film version of Les Miserables, appearing in his first immersive production of Taboo playing Billy at the Brixton Club House, getting his kit off in Hair, his auditions and experiences in War Horse, working with Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in the TV show Vicious and so much more. He also does a very good impression of Fra Fee. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Alistair talk about pigeonholing/typecasting in the industry. Alistair asks for the opportunity to be seen for roles that might not necessarily be an obvious casting option for him. He shares his frustrations with just getting into the room and the way auditions are very different in America compared to the UK. Andrew chats about his frustrations about why certain roles must have certain physical dimensions and the two of them discuss the horror stories they’ve heard about actors being cast on beauty alone, rather than talent and the subsequent pressures on actors to look a certain way. They also discuss the challenges that face BAME artists and the controversy of casting a black actor to play Javert in Les Miserables. Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news including stories about Gemma Hamilton’s controversial comments about BAME artists, the new cast of Les Miserables and The Other Palace/Mercury Musical Developments upcoming Musical Bites. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to composer Ashley MA Walsh and his new musical called The Jury, which will soon play at the Brindley Theatre and we hear a song called So It Comes To This performed by Leanne Talbot from that show.

Today’s guest is Dominic Keating who is a British actor who has spent the past 25 years in Los Angeles. He caught up with his friend and host of the Show People Podcast, Andrew Keates whilst filming a new movie which stars Derek Jacobi. Dominic talks in detail about his entire life, from growing up in Leicester as the son of a theatrical landlady and discovering theatre whilst at Stoneygate and Uppingham Schools, receiving his first review from Rowan Atkinson and how when he was denied the opportunity to train as an actor at the Central School of Speech and Drama he cut his teeth by gaining his Equity Card by unexpectedly becoming a drag-queen, being mentored by Theatre Critic, Jack Tinker and playing roles in early fringe venues, including originating the role of Cosmo Disney in the premiere production of Philip Ridley’s A Pitchfork Disney at the Bush Theatre. Dominic is best known for appearing in long-running television shows including playing Tony in Desmond’s and Malcolm Read in Star Trek: Enterprise for Paramount Pictures. Dominic talks about his experiences in both shows, why they were important and Andrew asks about the rumour that his Star Trek character was nearly the first openly gay main character in the franchise as well as the highs and lows of being an actor in Hollywood. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Dominic discuss whether or not the grass is really greener for performers who move to LA, including explaining Dominic’s decision to move to the USA, the people and haunts he first found himself in when he arrived, the different casting processes he’s experienced, what work is available to British actors, the difficulties that performers face getting a green-card and Andrew asks Dom the question, if he had the choice again, would he have left the UK all those years ago? Theatrical Tips: Andrew delivers his theatrical tips of shows to see this May 2018 including productions such as 3Women, Absolute Hell and Chess the Musical. The Platform: Our platform is given to friend of Arion Productions (due to being in our production of the European premiere of ROOMS: A Rock Romance), Alexis Gerred, who many will recognise from both BBC Eurovision’s Let It Shine and many West End productions such as American Idiot. Alexis is currently appealing to supporters to help him raise £4K to produce his debut album and we play an original track by Alexis called ‘Sweet Angel’.

Today’s episode of the Show People Podcast is with world-renowned Theatre Critic and Journalist Mark Shenton – Associate Editor and New York Theatre Critic for The Stage, London Theatre Critic for LondonTheatre.co.uk, he’s Chairman of the drama section of the Critics Circle Awards, he was the former Theatre Critic for the Sunday Express for eleven and a half years, however he was laid off due to a highly controversial legal batter after ‘inappropriate’ images of him were leaked to his employers. He’s just launched a brand new theatre podcast called Commit No Nuisance. Mark talks openly and honestly about his life growing up in Johannesburg and its thriving theatre scene, studying at Cambridge with various famous alumni, coming out and his early relationships, the genesis of his career including working for companies such as Dywynters and the Press Association and ultimately his journey to becoming an internationally recognised theatre critic. Mark goes into great detail about the demons in his life including sex addiction, depression and the simple but effective things he does to stay happy, healthy and continue to be one of the finest critics in the UK. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Mark Shenton has recently taken to Twitter and his blog at thestage.co.uk stating that he will only read reviews and features written by people who are paid to write them. Andrew talks to Mark about his historic championing of work on the fringe and whether his decision may lead to him losing out on discovering new and upcoming talent, whether producers and directors really are getting rich on the fringe and the consequences both Mark and the industry may face thanks to his decision. Mark talks about his own concerns and the difficulties that now lie ahead of him as well as clarifies where he stands not only on his stance, but also about a lot of the injustices that are occurring on the fringe, the Twitter battles he’s faced because of his announcement and his own experiences and mistakes he made when producing a production at the Cock Tavern. Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news, including stories about David Haig’s new play Pressure transferring to the West End, Bat Out Of Hell, the return of Arion Productions’ Steve Furst In Character coming to the Underbelly Festival in June 2018 and news about the 10th anniversary product of Green Day’s American Idiot – The Musical. The Platform: Todays platform is given to The Hidden Theatre Company and a song called So Many Different Windows from their new musical Island Song. With words by Sam Carner, Music by Derek Gregor and Story by Sam Carner, Derek Gregor and Marlo Hunter. The recording comes straight from their rehearsal room and features the full company; Abby Restall, Drou Constantinou, Joshua Wills, Jack Anthony Smart & Stephanie Lyse.

Annie Rowe CDG is a Casting Director for theatre, film, television, commercials, and more. Fresh from casting Not Talking by Mike Bartlett at the Arcola Theatre, Annie talks about growing up in Chiswick as the daughter of two actors and being part of an extensive theatre family, her time training at Arts Ed, National Youth Theatre and RADA and her transition from being an actor to becoming a Casting Director. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Annie discuss what a Casting Director actually does and some of the many misconceptions that some actors have about that role. Annie reveals the right and wrong way to get in touch with her, including whether or not you should use social media to talk to a Casting Director, how to get an audition for productions she’s casting, the way she likes to run an audition room as well lots of handy advice for anyone who is considering doing work as an extra and golden advice about how to prepare and what to do when auditioning. Theatrical Tips: Andrew’s theatrical tips for April 2018 include Strictly Ballroom at the Piccadilly Theatre: http://strictlyballromthemusical.com Pressure at the Park Theatre: www.parktheatre.co.uk I Wish That My Life Were Like a Musical at the Crazy Coqs: www.brasseriezedel.com The Platform: Todays platform is given to composers Sara Eker and Giles Fernando and their musical Country Dream. We hear Cross The River performed by Flyn Devey and Sara Eker. The song is sung by the character Garrison Hendricks, the Nashville DA, to his daughter Ashleigh. It’s the song sung by his ancestors on the plantations, to give them hope. He gives Ashleigh the banjo given to him by his great grandma, the significance being that the banjo is a West African instrument that was brought to the US by slaves. For more information about this dynamic duo, visit www.gilesfernando.co.uk or www.saraeker.com

John “Jonny” Barr is our very special guest on the Show People Podcast. He’s currently touring the UK playing iconic composer Lionel Bart (Oliver!, Blitz, Twang) in The Story of Bart and this year sees him celebrate 40 years working in show business. Jonny discusses growing up in East London, the relationship he had with his family, attending Sylvia Young Theatre School and appearing in Oliver! at just the age 12 as well as the many experiences from his career, including working with Roger Moore in Aspects of Love, playing Dr. Parker in Bat Boy and two very different productions of Ragtime. Other productions include Les Miserables, Snoopy, A Class Act, Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Bent, Cats, Diamond, Flora The Red Menace, Evita, Peter Pan and many, many others. Jonny has enjoyed an international cabaret career and boasts five solo albums (one of which, once being released had Barry Manilow write to him to say how much he enjoyed his work) and he can be heard on many original cast recordings such as the Jesus Christ Superstar 25th Anniversary Recording, Les Miserables Symphonic Cast Recording, Batboy, Matador, Godspell, Oscar, Scrapbook, Dracula and Listen Up. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Jonny discusses how the audition process has changed over the years and not necessarily for the better. The boys also discuss self-tapes, the length of time it can take for producers to make a decision on casting a role and even offer some suggestions of how things could be better. Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news including stories about Mark Shenton, the Olivier Awards, Theatre Royal Stratford East and the new Show People Podcast merchandise. The Platform: Todays platform is given to our special guest John Barr and an original track called Dad’s Song – Where Do I Start? written by John Barr and David McAlmont and performed by John Barr fro his album All I Am (available to listen to on Spotify and to purchase at Dress Circle – The Shopbiz Shop).

Today’s guests all share two things in common. They’re all actors and they’ve all appeared in iconic Science Fiction franchises. They’ve worn all sorts of weird and wonderful costumes and make-up, coped with extraordinary situations both on screen and off and they’re adored by Science Fiction fans across the world. But at what cost? For our first intergalactic episode, we are joined by Jerome St. John Blake from Star Wars, Gary Graham and Terry Farrell from Star Trek. We boldly go where no podcast has gone before, transporting us to the 24th annual Sci-Fi Ball, a three day event which takes over the stunning four star Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton in February, packs it full of geeks and offers guest talks, parties, cosplay madness, games, roaming Daleks, a three course black-tie dinner with cabaret, a cocktail party – the list really goes on, but it’s a weekend out of this world, where fans get up close and personal with actors who have appeared in Sci-Fi television shows and movies whilst raising vital funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Episode interviews include: Jerome St. John Blake – Size matters. Jerome has played seven characters in Star Wars and many others iconic Science Fiction films, including The Fifth Element and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, however he’s not immediately recognisable because most of the roles he’s played have required him to wear physically demanding costumes and prosthetic make-up. Jerome talks about how he got involved in this kind of work (including appearing in music videos for both Freddie Mercury and Elton John), working on Star Wars and how it has changed since Disney has taken over, his relationship working with director Luc Besson on The Fifth Element, how he develops a physical language for the creatures he’s played and even delivers a little bit of Vogon poetry too! Gary Graham – Why are my ears pointy? Gary talks about his time playing Ambassador Soval in Star Trek: Enterprise and the challenges that came with playing a Vulcan – a fictional race he had never heard of before auditioning for the role, the prejudice he has faced from other actors thinking Science Fiction is a lesser art-form and he expresses his pride and gratitude to the Star Trek franchise for the work he has done whilst explaining why he thinks Science Fiction is important due to its morality. Terry Farrell – Holy fuck this is amazing! Terry may be best recognised as science officer Jadzia Dax in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Terry talks about transitioning from being a model working for the likes of Vogue and Maybelline to becoming a successful young actor. She explains what working on Star Trek was like, being a woman in Hollywood and the difficulties she faced at Paramount Studios. Stay tuned until the end as we got Terry to do our famous Funny Five Minutes challenge! Finally Andrew discusses what Science Fiction means to him, how he discovered it and how he become involved and continues to support the Sci-Fi Ball in Southampton.

On The Show People Podcast, host Andrew Keates is joined by West End leading man, Liam Tamne shortly before he appeared on Eurovision: You Decide. Sadly, Liam didn’t win the opportunity to represent the UK in Eurovision 2018, however he’ll always be a winner to all of us at the Show People Podcast. Andrew and Liam have a natter about Liam’s early days as a non-white, young, gay, lad in Coventry and the prejudices he’s faced and his remarkable relationship with his father. Liam remembers his training at Laine Theatre Arts, leaving early to cover and play Fiyero in the London production of Wicked, going on to play roles such as Jordan Jones in Departure Lounge, Enjolras in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre (and coping with the loss of his Nan), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Link Larkin in Hairspray, Frank N Further in the UK tour of the Rocky Horror Show and many other productions including Working at the Southwark Playhouse and his time spent with Gavin Creel and the Broadway cast of Hair. Liam explains what Eurovision means to him, why he wanted to enter and shares his passionate views about diversity and the many special relationships he’s built with Sir. Cameron Mackintosh, Hal Prince, Stephen Schwartz and Sir. Andrew Lloyd Webber. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Liam discuss reality TV shows and in particular when Liam appearing on The Voice and his decision to enter Eurovision and discuss whether it’s worth a performer risking their reputation. Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news including stories about the Guildford School of Acting, Ian McKellen, The War Of The Worlds and The Ferryman. The Platform: Todays platform is given to Liam Tamne and composers Ashley Hicklin, Jacob Pedersen, Jeanette Bonde & Rune Braager. We play Liam’s entry for Eurovision You Decide called Astronaut.

On the Show People Podcast, host and director Andrew Keates is joined by actor, comedian, presenter and polymath Rufus Hound. Rufus discusses how impactful his school life was to his career, including an extraordinary relationship he had with his controversial drama teacher, David Proudlock. Rufus explains his journey from the comedy circuit to panel shows, the Soho Theatre to One Man, Two Guvnors. Rufus also talks about his recent successes in West End Musicals Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Wind In The Willows and how he went from stand-up comedian to West End leading man. Andrew and Rufus are good friends and both are men who are fans of tangents. So expect all sorts of subjects from the Muppet Show to Groundhog Day, Adam Woodyatt to KFC. In short, expect a mixed bucket (minus some chicken wings). Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Rufus discuss the value of the BBC and the public outrage surrounding the high salaries that some performers have been reported to receive at the corporation, compared to private networks such as ITV and Netflix and why television seemed so much better when we were younger. Oh and they talk a little bit about Brexit. Theatrical Tips: Andrew’s theatrical tips for February include There or Here at the Park Theatre (Park 90) and Eugenius! The Musical at The Other Palace. The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Rob Winlow and his is latest work, Austen – The Musical – which explores Jane Austen’s struggle to have her work published in a male dominated environment, her romances and her vow to reject a woman’s lifestyle in Georgian England. It is the story of Jane Austen’s transition from a country parson’s daughter to one of the most read writers in English Literature. The songs in Austen The Musical have moments of joy, despair and heart-wrenching sadness. Austen – the Musical is currently on its nationwide tour, playing to sell-out audiences until March 2018. Todays song is The Snow Outside, performed by Annie Kirkman, Emily Hayles, Oliver J Brooke and Rob Winlow from the original production. For more information please visit www.austenthemusical.co.uk.

Bill Deamer joins host Andrew Keates to discuss his time choreographing Stephen Sondheim’s Follies at the National Theatre, growing up in North London and Hertfordshire, his passion and expertise for period choreography (he is regarded as an expert in the works of Fred Astaire) and his early days going to dance classes, training at the Guildford School of Acting and how he discovered he wanted to be a choreographer. Bill talks frankly and honestly about his many achievements, including his nominations and winning an Olivier Award for Top Hat, as well as his processes and experience as a Movement Director and Choreographer nurturing productions such as The Boyfriend, Evita, Love Never Dies, La Cage Aux Folles, Cats and so many others. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Bill and Andrew discuss the importance of performers, choreographers and shows from the 1920s – 1950s and how much their style and technique influence all musicals that have come since as well as the prejudice and lack of respect for dancers in our industry today. Theatrical Tips: Andrew’s tips include The Grinning Man, Austentatious and some advice for 2018. The Platform: In today’s platform we play a new song called Linger, performed by and composed by Rosalyn Miller from her new musical Casual Fling, co-written with German Munoz. If you would like to find out more about Casual Fling and Rosalyn Miller, please just visit www.rosalynmusic.com

It’s Christmaaaaaaaaaas! And we’ve released a festive edition of the Snow People… We mean the Show People Podcast with our host and director, Andrew Keates and special guest… West End Producer (or WEP)! – The anonymous man of Theatreland. First becoming known for writing about theatre, he then ran two social media contests to find and support the talent of the future – Search For a Twitter Star and Search For a Composer Star. Both culminating in a live final in London’s West End. WEP is a weekly contributor to the entertainment industry’s leading paper – The Stage. He is the author of the hugely popular book ‘Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Acting, But Were Afraid to Ask, dear’, and his latest release, ‘Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Going To The Theatre, But Were Too Sloshed to Ask, Dear’, published by Nick Hern Books. His acerbic wit and naughty comments have earned him national press attention – and rumour has been rife that he could in fact be Lloyd Webber or Cameron Mackintosh. He can always be found attending theatrical opening nights, supporting new work, and getting savagely sloshed on as much Dom Perignon as possible. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and WEP discuss some of the challenges that face performers’ mental health and relevant issues surrounding social media, rejection and their own struggles as well as advice, support and strategies to help maintain a healthy lifestyle when working in the performing arts. Dramatic News: Andrew’s covers the latest dramatic news, including stories about West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Royal Court Theatre and Kander & Ebb’s Chicago. The Platform: Today’s Show People platform is given to Meredith Braun. She performs the title-song from her latest solo album, ‘When Love Is Gone’. The title for the release comes from the Paul Williams song Meredith performed in the iconic film ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Meredith’s new 2017 recording of ‘When Love Is Gone’ marks the first time she has performed the song since recording the original version for the 1992 film soundtrack. Meredith is accompanied on the cello by her son, 13 year-old Tiger Braun-White, a student at the Royal Academy of Music and holder of both the Leverhulme and ABRSM scholarships. Give-Away: We are giving away a signed copy of West End Producer’s latest book, ‘Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Going To The Theatre, But Were Too Sloshed to Ask, Dear’, published by Nick Hern Books, To enter for a chance to win just visit the Show People Twitter account and RT the pinned tweet at the top of our feed about West End Producer and make sure you’re following @ShowPeopleUK and @westendproducer. The winner will be announced on Christmas Day! Plus Show People challenges, tangents and much, much more.

He’s 6’7” and one of the best bass-baritones in the business. Pete Gallagher discusses growing up and playing Jesus numerous times in school assembly, his time at the Carona Stage Academy, being a children’s comedian at Butlins and his early touring work to many of the roles he’s played in major West End and national productions, including Moonlight and Magnolias, Buddy, working with Lionel Bart in Quasimodo, the many stage and film versions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, bringing the first musical as contestant to Britain’s Got Talent and his many other achievements and roles. In a deeply personal episode of the Show People Podcast, Pete talks frankly and honestly about the tragic loss of his daughter Alice, his grieving process and the projects he would go on to create in her memory as well as the battle he still faces to achieve justice in the face of her avoidable death. Throughout this episode we showcase Pete and Rob Dowton’s new musical Fanny Hill with three songs from the show as well as discuss its development. Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Pete discuss why some actors only ever talk about work, the importance of pursuing other things outside of performing arts, whether it’s important for an actor to have experienced loss and pain to be a good artist and whether it’s a social faux pas to ask someone, ‘and what do you do?’. Theatrical Tips: Andrew’s tips for December 2017, include The Christmasaurus, Bananaman – The Musical and A Christmas Carol by The Fitrovia Radio Hour. The Platform: Throughout this entire episode, we play a selection of demos from Pete Gallagher and Rob Dowton’s new musical in development called Fanny Hill. Featured songs include: In a Hat Shop performed by Helen Power, Sitting on a Virgin Whore performed by Lucyelle Cliffe and There Like an Angel performed by Emily Davis.

Andrew charts the history of HIV & AIDS, discusses how he discovered he was HIV+ and who gave it to him, creating both the Finborough and West End productions of William M. Hoffman’s first AIDS play, As Is, how he told his friends and the response from the theatre industry after coming out as HIV+ during West End Eurovision and the many issues he faces living with HIV today. Music: All music except the Show People theme-tune is composed by Matthew Strachan for both the Finborough Theatre and West End productions of As Is by William M. Hoffman.