Alissening Show

In conversation with Olivier-nominated playwright Mark Ravenhill, who is currently directing the UK’s leading fringe company, Regents Opera, on their immersive production of Richard Strauss' Salome, set in East London's Gangland running at York Hall in Bethnal Green from the 10th to the 23rd of April. Tune in to learn more about the artistic vision behind this production of Salome and discover why this is a particular feast you will not want to miss out on...https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/regents-opera@regentsopera @alisseningshow Support the show

What joy chatting with actor/musical artist Nathan Salstone from the musical LIFELINE, which performed off-Broadway and in Washington, D.C. last year, and was the first musical to be performed at the United Nations, coming to Southwark Playhouse Elephant from March 28th to May 2nd.A musical that connects the urgent reality of antimicrobial resistance with powerful human stories, tune in to learn how this musical approaches the unique subjects of music and science to bring together a powerful new production.  https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/lifeline/@lifelinemusical@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Gary Abrahams, writer and director of Kadimah Yiddish Theatre’s award-winning production, Yentl, based on the original Yiddish short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer, playing at the Marylebone Theatre from the 6th of March to the 12th of April.Tune in to learn more about Isaac Bashevis Singer's infamous short story, Yentl, and how it has been adapted to fit within a theatrical contemporary space. https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/yentl@kadimahmelbourne@alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Haley McGee, actor and writer of Olivier-nominated and Fringe First-winning Age Is A Feeling, which returns to London’s newest venue, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, from the 5th to the 7th of March.Tune in to uncover the inspiration behind Age Is A Feeling as we delve into themes of aging and mortality. https://sohotheatre.com/events/age-is-a-feeling-3/@yeshaleymcgee@alisseningshowSupport the show

LOST ATOMS - question posed, "What makes a successful relationship?" Today, the conversation surrounds Frantic Assembly’s 30th Anniversary production, Lost Atoms, written by Anna Jordan and directed by Frantic Assembly’s Artistic Director, Scott Graham, playing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until the 28th of February. I am joined by actor Joe Layton (previously seen on ITV’s Coronation Street) and Hannah Sinclair Robinson (who was previously in Frantic Assembly’s Metamorphosis)www.franticassembly.co.uk/@frantic_assembly @alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Orlando Jopling, conductor, cellist, and the Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed Wild Arts Opera, to discuss the upcoming 2026 Wild Arts Season. Keep an eye out for Wild Arts Opera, Marriage of Figaro this Summer, Mahler's Das Lied Von der Erde, and the Opera Evening's Love Actually. Wildarts.org.uk @wildartspresents @alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with actors Beth Burrows and Eugenie Bouda, who are currently in the world premiere of Safe Haven by Chris Bowers, running at the Arcola Theatre until the 7th of February. Safe Haven is set in the period following the First Gulf War in 1991, recounting the actions of individuals behind Operation Safe Haven. Arcolatheatre.com@arcolatheatre@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Palestinian theatre-maker, writer, and director Elias Matar and Irish-Palestinian actor, Sarah Agha, whose production, A Grain of Sand, as mentioned in The Guardian as the best in theatre, dance, and comedy in 2026, runs at the Arcola Theatre from the 21st to the 31st of January before embarking on a UK tour.It was an honor to chat with theatre makers who so clearly live and breathe their art. I know it will be a performance that cannot be missed.www.arcolatheatre.comwww.goodchance.org.uk@mattar_elias@goodchancetheatre@alisseningshowSupport the show

Ready to solve a mystery? It was an utter joy to chat with actors Lucy Farrett and Simona Brown, who play Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Joan Watson in Kate Hamill’s Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt 2B. A reimagined version of the iconic duo with a bold feminist twist, running at the Arcola Theatre this holiday season from the 28th of November to the 20th of December. Tune in to uncover more about this thrilling mystery and gain insight into the characters of Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson.  https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/msholmesmswatsonapt2b/@arcolatheatre@alisseningshowSupport the show

I have some exciting news to share with you. The Fantastia Orchestra (previously seen at the BBC Proms in 2024) launches residency at Smith Square Hall with Lucy Crowe OBE on Sunday, the 23rd of November, with their Birdsong-inspired programme making their debut at the venue! It was lovely to chat with the section leader and violinist Millie Ashton about the programme… https://www.fantasiaorchestra.com/@fantasiaorchestra @alisseningshow Support the show

From the theatre company that brought you Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Standing at the Sky's Edge, I am thrilled to be interviewing Eva Scott from Out of the Archive’s production in association with Sheffield Theatre’s world premiere of the musical, Gwenda’s Garage, running at the Southwark Playhouse Borough till the 29th of November. Tune in to learn more about the production and the history surrounding Gwenda's Garage! www.outofthearchive.co.ukhttps://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/gwendas-garage/ @gwendasgarage@alisseningshow Support the show

Join theatre/comedy director and writer Ed Stambollouian in conversation as he discusses co-writing with Jack Holden and directing the critically acclaimed production KENREX. The true crime thriller KENREX returns to London at the Other Palace from the 3rd of December to the 1st of February. Tune in to gain backstage insight into the production of KENREX and uncover Ed's inspiring career. https://theotherpalace.co.uk/kenrex/@kenrextheplay@edstambo@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with actors Katerina Tannenbaum and Eddie Toll for the UK premiere of Anna Ziegler's THE WANDERERS, playing at the Marylebone Theatre from Friday, the 17th of October - Saturday, the 29th of November. Tune in to learn more about the production and the actors' experience bringing The Wanderers to life. https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/the-wanderers@thewandererdsplay@alisseningshowSupport the show

It's always a pleasure to chat with award-winning Polish director Lukasz Twarkowski. Following his sold-out run at the Southbank Centre with The Employees, Lukasz is bringing his production, ROHTKO, to the Barbican Theatre for its UK Premiere, running from October 2nd to 5th. Tune in to learn more about the creative process behind the development of ROHTKO and the stimulating questions posed. https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/lukasz-twarkowski-dailes-theatre-anka-herbut-rohtko@lukasz_Twarkowski @barbicancentre@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Freddie Opoku-Addaie, award-winning dancer, choreographer, Artistic Director, and Co-Chief Executive  of Dance Umbrella —London’s international dance festival celebrating its 47th year, showcasing groundbreaking artists from Colombia, Taiwan, Cyprus, Spain, and Brazil, running from the 2nd to the 31st of October.https://danceumbrella.co.uk/@danceumbrella@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Cian Walsh, one of the dancers in Eireann A Taste of Ireland, blending traditional Irish dance, stagecraft, music, and an exploration of Irish History running at the Peacock theatre from the 28th to the 31st of August, before embarking on an international tour!Tune in to learn more about the history surrounding the production from the perspective of one of the lead dancers! https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/eireann-a-taste-of-ireland/@atasteofirelandcompany @alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Bradley Hemmings, the Artistic Director of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, celebrating 30 Years showcasing world-class outdoor theatre, circus and dance FOR FREE, running from the 22nd of August to the 6th of September in Greenwich and East London. Tune in to hear about performances that will shape the city, and learn about GDIF's history from its artistic director, Bradley Hemmings. Listen now to get inspired and discover the magic behind the festival!  https://festival.org/gdif-2025/@GDIFestival @alisseningshowSupport the show

It was incredibly insightful to chat with Charlotte McBurney from The City for Incurable Women, a devised production by the company, Fish in a Dress, uncovering the history of diagnosed hysteria played through differing perspectives. Running at the Pleasance Upstairs a the Edinburgh Fringe till the 25th August.Ticketshttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/[email protected]@fishinadress @alisseningshow Support the show

It was great to chat with Scott Turnball @smogdog2000 about his production, Surreally Good, a wonderfully silly comedy featuring everything from projection art to clowning, poetry, and a tug at the heartstrings.Running Edinburgh Fringe till the 25th of August at the Former Womens Locker Room at Summerhall @summerhalleryTICKETShttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/scott-turnbull-presents-surreally-goodSupport the show

What an illustrious chat with Robert Tripolino, who plays Mr. Dellamort in the mysterious gothic musical, Falling in Love with Mr.Dellamort at the Edinburgh Fringe running at the C ARTS | C aquila (temple) now till the 24th of August!Tune in to learn more about this intriguing musical, filled with love, heartbreak, and an undeniable twist... Ticket linkhttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/falling-in-love-with-mr-dellamort@dellamortmusical @alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Liv Licursi, director, actor, and producer of the new post-apocalyptic burlesque musical, THE FAMILY COPOLI, which is playing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Lower Theatre at theSpace @ Niddry St till the 23rd of August.The musical explores the discussions surrounding climate change, generational trauma, democracy, and how entertainment can impact our opinions and beliefs. https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-family-copoli-a-post-apocalyptic-burlesque-musicalhttps://thefamilycopoli.com/@thefamilycopoli@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Andrea Irvine and Muireann Ní Fhaogáin from the Paines Plough production, Consumed, written by Karis Kelly, playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Traverse Theatre till the 24th of August. Tune in to learn more about this production exploring the weight of generational trauma from the perspective of four Northern Irish Women. Insightful and reflective, this production stays with you.TICKETShttps://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/consumed-festival-25@painesplough@alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with theatre maker, performer, and senior lecturer in Musical Theatre at the London College of Music, Alejandro Postigo, to chat about Alejandro’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut of Copla: A Spanish Cabaret. Running from the 31st of July – 24th of August at the Assembly Underground. Journey through the upheavals of queer migrant experience: living far from home, translating childhood musical memories, and celebrating foreignness through music. www.assemblyfestival.com@coplacabaret @alisseningshow *This podcast was recorded virtually so I do apologize for the occasional sound distortion*Support the show

Too many laughs were shared in conversation with award-winning actor, writer, and comedian, Kit Loyd, whose production, Frenzy, a brilliant example of physical skit comedy, plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Assembly Roxy Downstairs from the 30th of July to the 24th of August.   "Once you've got the pearls you can then work out the chain" www.assemblyfestival.com@kitloyd @alisseningshow Support the show

Siobhan Bell, the London-born DJ and producer known for her work with Megan Thee Stallion, Skepta, Nike, Karl Lagerfeld, and others, joined me on the Alissening Show to chat about her recent collaboration with AMIRI and Native Instruments Sound Bar drop at Selfridges, and London as a Global Cultural Capital.https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/stores/amiri-sound-workshops-selfridges-london-event/@siobhanbell@alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Nate Bertone, a NYC-based theatrical storyteller who is the Director and Designer for the UK Premiere of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Penny Farrow, playing at the Marylebone Theatre now through the 31st of August. Journey through the rabbit hole and learn more about Alice's adventures to understand the design and makeup of this Wonderland. https://www.aliceinwonderlandlive.com/homewww.demproductions.co.uk/@aliceinwonderlandliveuk@natebertone @alisseningshowSupport the show

Josephine Tey’s infamous novel, The Daughter of Time, is brought to life at the Charing Cross Theatre this summer, and I am fortunate to be sitting with the award-winning playwright, M Kilburg Reedy, to uncover insight surrounding this world premiere running at the Charing Cross Theatre from the 18th of July to the 13th of September.https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/the-daughter-of-time@daughteroftimeplay@alisseningshow*This podcast was recorded 1 week prior to opening night*Support the show

In conversation with creatives, Kelly Copper and Pavol Liška from the NY-based company Nature Theater of Oklahoma, presenting their story ballet, No President: A Story Ballet of Enlightenment in Two Immoral Acts at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall running from the 9th-11th of July, marking their long-awaited London debut.https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/nature-theater-of-oklahoma-no-president/@okroadwhores@southbankcentre@alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with composer Zach Reading and poet Johanna Gibson to discuss the upcoming London Philharmonic Orchestras Young Composers, Debut Sounds: Memory Palace. This year’s Debut Sounds cohort is teaming up with the Southbank Centre’s New Poets collective for a performance on the 2nd of July at 7:30 PM at the Southbank Centre Queen Elizabeth Hall. Tune in to learn more about the programs and hear a live poetry reading... https://lpo.org.uk/event/debut-sounds/https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/debut-sounds-memory-palace/@londonphilharmonicorchestra@alisseningshow Support the show

I am so excited to chat with award-winning playwright, librettist, and television writer Harrison David Rivers, bringing his play, This Bitter Earth, directed by three-time Tony Award winner, Billy Porter, starring Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln to the Soho Theatre on Dean Street running from the 18th of June – 26th of July. Sohotheatre.com @thisbitterearthplay @alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Thea Behrman, the Artistic Director, and CEO of the Estuary Festival Vessels, celebrating the stories, places, and people of the Thames Estuary in North Kent and South Essex running from the 21st-29th of June. A celebration of the Thames Estuary with performances, installations, and events across the region! https://www.estuaryfestival.com/@estuaryfestival @alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Claire Spencer Cook, Senior Producer at Barbican Immersive, to chat about Feel the Sound a new multi-sensory immersive exhibition designed to transform how we think about sound. Running at the Barbican Centre now till the 31st of August. Tune in to learn more about the exhibition and the Barbican-wide summer 2025 season Frequencies.https://www.barbican.org.uk@barbicancentre@alisseningshow Support the show

It was such a pleasure to chat with Mark Curry, who is soon to be playing Elijah in the World Premiere of a new musical, King of Pangea written by Martin Storrow playing at the Kings Head Theatre from the 7th of June – 6th of July. Tune in to learn more about this new piece of musical theatre, the rehearsal process, and why it is an EXCELLENT idea to travel the sea and uncover the King of Pangea. https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/53/by-martin-storrow/king-of-pangea@kingofpangea @alisseningshow Support the show

What an absolute pleasure to interview for the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning My Neighbor Totoro, which is currently playing in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre and will extend to March 29, 2026. In conversation with Victoria Chen in the role of Mei and Ami Okumura Jones as Mei’s older sister Satsuki, these two act as sisters on stage as well as off. Tune in to hear an exclusive interview discussing the development of Studio Ghibli’s animated feature film to uncover the magic! WWW.TOTOROSHOW.COM @totoroshow@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Orlando Jopling, Artistic Director of Wild Arts Opera. For their fourth summer season, Wild Arts takes us to pre-revolutionary Russia in Dominic Dromgoole's retelling of Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, which will be playing at the Essex Summer Festival in Layer Marney from the 17th - 22nd of June. The summer will be filled with performances! Alongside Eugene Onegin, Wild Arts Opera also presents The Elixir of Love and Opera Evenings throughout beautiful venues in the UK this summer. https://wildarts.org.uk/whats-on@wildartspresents@alisseningshow Support the show

Introducing Ben Welch, the almighty creator and performer in House of Life, a one of a kind Cabaret/Theatre Show touring this summer throughout London with performances at the Soho Theatre from the 27th to the 31st of May. Tune in to learn more about the creative process surrounding the show whose mission is to achieve happiness, and for a sneak preview at the end of the episode... LONDON DATES FOR HOUSE OF LIFE INCLUDE SOHO THEATRE 27-31 MAY, BRIXTON HOUSE (2-4 JULY), WILTON’S MUSIC HALL (10 JULY), PARK THEATRE (18-19 JULY) AND LATITUDE FESTIVAL (24-27 JULY). www.houseoflife.me@houseoflife4u @alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum, here to chat about their latest cultural initiative, Transported by Culture: Music programme. Running every Friday from 2-3 PM at the London Transport Museum till the 24th of October. Something bound to set you on the right track!https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/@ltmuseum @transportedbyculture@alisseningshowSupport the show

Always a pleasure to chat with Sijie Chen, Founder, Artistic Director, and Violinist of Vermeer Chamber Concerts. A concert series dedicated to bringing beautiful music to beautiful spaces. The 14th of 15th of May will be the series finale featuring a Horn Trios programme with Ben Goldscheider, Huw Watkins and Sijie Chen. The 14th of May will be at Stone House in Lewisham, and the 15th of May, the performance will be at Leighton House. Tune in to learn more about Vermeer Chamber Concerts - how it began, what inspired the creation, and an insight from the musicians' perspective. https://vermeerchamberconcerts.org/concerts/horn-trios@vermeerchamberconcerts@alisseningshow Support the show

What a joy to chat with Daniel Brine, the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Director, to discuss one of the oldest arts festivals in England, presenting world-class international performances alongside local artists and emerging new talent running from the 9th to the 25th of May. https://nnfestival.org.uk/@nnfest @alisseningshow Support the show

In a galaxy far far away, I had a chat with Bec Morris, LA-based choreographer and dancer who is the director and choreographer for the internationally acclaimed show, The Empire Strips Back, a Burlesque Parody blasting us into space for its London Premiere at the Riverside Studios running from the 2nd of May through till the 17th of August. https://theempirestripsback.com/@theempirestripsback@becmorris@alisseningshowSupport the show

What a joy to chat with Jessica Draper, Head of Creative Engagement at Soho Theatre about the opening of Soho Theatre Walthamstow on the 2nd of May. This newly refurbished London Theatre is restored from the 1930s Granada featuring a Grade ll listed 960-seat auditorium, new studio spaces, backstage facilities, four bars, a restaurant - and of course, the heart of Soho Theatre. Opening Night Performance is the award-winning WEER by Natalie Palamides playing from the 2nd - 10th of May. WEER TICKETS Soho Theatre Walthamstow @sohotheatre@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with Olivia Lindsay, actor and artistic director of Ye You Productions, who is starring in and producing Conversations After Sex, running at the Park Theatre from the 30th of April – to the 17th of May! Tune in to learn more about the production and why Olivia chose Conversations After Sex as Ye You Productions' debut show. parktheatre.co.uk@yeyouproductions@olinds@alisseningshow Support the show

Chatting with Sahar Hamidollah, a part of the Barbican's Young Film Programmer's Scheme, and Blair Davis, Barbican Young Creatives Producer, about the Chronic Youth Film Festival running on the 26th and 27th of April at the Barbican Cinemas was a joy. The program centers around the theme Against All Odds, including one UK premiere, two previews, an archive feature, documentaries, and a short film program showcasing films beyond mainstream cinema's confines. Alongside the program, there will be correlating events, including workshops, post-film discussions, a scavenger hunt, and a DJ dance party. https://www.barbican.org.uk/our-story/press-room/chronic-youth-film-festival-2025-against-all-odds-sat-26-sun-27-april@barbicancentre@alisseningshow Support the show

In conversation with the one and only Jay Miller, Artistic Director of The Yard Theatre - the infamous East London amphitheater. We are celebrating the life of The Yard Theatre before the building will make way for the construction of a New Yard Theatre designed by award-winning Takero Shimazaki expected to open in 2026. Listeners out there … you must see The Glass Menagerie running at The Yard Theatre till the 10th of May before the Yard's brief departure. https://www.theyardtheatre.co.uk/@theyardtheatre @alisseningshow Support the show

I am overjoyed to bring you insight into the previously sold-out run of The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady that transforms the Barbican Theatre once again from the 16th – 19th of April, featuring the collaboration of the Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilization Orchestra to bring Charles Mingus’ infamous recording to life. I am joined by tenor saxophonist, David Kayode and Chloe Carterr, a spoken word artist hosting this immersive theatrical concert. https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/[email protected]@nucivilisationorchestra @barbicancentre@[email protected]@alisseningshowSupport the show

What a joy to interview Naomi Westerman, playwright, screenwriter, author, and former anthropologist who chats about her upcoming play, Puppy running at the Kings Head Theatre from the 1st-27th of April. Puppy is a female-centric romantic comedy about dogging, critiquing the late-stage capitalism porn industry, and the exploitation of female sexuality and sexual liberation. As an award-winning playwright, her work has been staged at numerous theatres across London and the UK, as well as in the USA, Canada, Chile, and Germany.https://kingsheadtheatre.com/@kingsheadtheatre @alisseningshow SIDE NOTE: the recommended book is Bitch by Lucy Cooke Support the show

INSIGHT EPISODE - recorded January 2025What a whirlwind to interview Sara Farrington, NYC & NJ-based playwright & co-founder of the theater company Foxy Films. I previously had the joy of interviewing Sara in December 2024 for her play, A Trojan Woman, which had its London debut at the King's Head Theatre. I was immediately intrigued by her experience in writing traditional and non-traditional pieces of theatre, and as a native New Yorker based in London, I was curious to learn more about her experience working in the theatre scene in NYC. Tune into the interview to receive insight regarding the life of a playwright in NYC - Sara's previous works and what she is currently working on...https://www.ladyfarrington.com/Theatre is Hard@alisseningshowSupport the show

In conversation with Andrea Walker, Artistic Director and Choreographer of 201 Dance Company to chat about the UK tour of their critically acclaimed production of Sad Book, adapted from the children's novel written by Michael Rosen. The production plays at the Hackney Empire on the 2nd of April with live narration by Michael Rosen and a post-show discussion. (Not to be missed!)https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/events/sad-book@201dancecompany@alisseningshowSupport the show

What joy to interview author and curator Tony Fairweather, who has joined me to chat about Woolwich Works, which is honoring the Windrush Generation this March and April with a series of events, including the ‘Windrush Front Room Exhibition’ and ‘Windrush Front Room House Party.’ In this interview, Tony also chats about his experiences growing up in South London with Jamaican parents and how he established his successful career as a published author, writer, and art curator. LINEUPWindrush Front Room 4 -16 of MarchWindrush Front Room House Party – 7th MarchSunday Afternoon in the Front Room – 9th of March In Celebration of my Sisters – 30th of Marchhttps://www.woolwich.works/ @woolwichworks @alisseningshowSupport the show

It was wonderful to chat with dancer and actor, Dylan Barone, who is currently playing the Little Prince in the stage production of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's timeless novel, The Little Prince marking the 80th anniversary of its publication. The new stage production filled with theatrical spectacle, dance, aerial acrobatics, and ground-breaking video mapping technology arrives in London for its UK premiere following sold-out performances in Paris, Sydney, and Dubai and a season on Broadway. The Little Prince flies at the London Coliseum from the 12th-16th of March. https://londoncoliseum.org/@alisseningshow @thelittleprincetourSupport the show