PODCAST · arts
ENCORE
by Jack Ward and Eden Hayes
The buzz from Australia’s theatre capital, Melbourne!Join Jack Ward & Eden Hayes as they go behind the scenes, discuss the latest productions, and interview the brightest stars gracing Melbourne's stages.
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EP 38: Bernie Dieter pulls us into the chaos
Jack and Eden are joined by Bernie Dieter who’s been captivating audiences around the world with a show that’s equal parts cabaret, chaos, and complete freedom. Now, she’s bringing Club Kabarett back to Melbourne for encore season.They also share their thoughts on the newly announced Australian queens joining the cast of Six the Musical.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokBernie Dieter's InstagramGet tickets to Club Kabarett!
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EP 37: Can't take our eyes off Bobby Fox
Jack and Eden are joined by Bobby Fox, a dynamic Australian-Irish performer widely recognised for his leading role as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys.He is touring Australia with Jersey Forever, which will soon come to Melbourne.They also chat to Max Meaden, the man behind The Last Parma Night, a brand-new Melbourne play that is a love letter to good mates, loud music and the perfect pub feed.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokBobby Fox's InstagramGet your Jersey Forever tickets! Max Meaden's InstagramGet your The Last Parma Night tickets!
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EP 36: The world of kids entertainment with Katie Ditchburn
Jack and Eden are joined by Katie Ditchburn - the creative force behind PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue", one of the biggest children’s entertainment productions in the world.Katie has toured globally directing, choreographing and casting shows that bring iconic characters from screen to stage.Plus, they debrief the opening night of Heathers and reignite Horror or Hero!THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokGet your PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue" tickets!
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EP 35: Covered in blood with Elaina Bianchi & Emma Wilby
Jack and Eden are joined by Evil Dead The Musical stars Elaina Bianchi and Emma Wilby.They dive into their roles as Linda and Cheryl, and what it’s really like performing in the splatter zone night after night.Plus, they chat Melbourne Theatre Company's West Gate, Casey Donovan and get your vibes on an excursion to the theatre!AI DISCUSSION: Audio commentary from creators @jordan_does_theatre & @mikey_polines THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokElaina's InstagramEmma's InstagramGet your tickets to Evil Dead the Musical!
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EP 34: Chloe-Jean Vincent was born to play Anne Frank
Jack and Eden are joined by award-winning actress Chloe-Jean Vincent, who is currently bringing her powerful portrayal of Anne Frank to the stage in The Diary of Anne Frank.In their conversation, they explore Chloe-Jean's lifelong connection to Anne and the emotional responsibility of portraying such an iconic historical figure.They also discuss the latest cast and show announcement, while teasing upgrades coming soon to the ENCORE website!THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokChloe-Jean's InstagramGet your tickets to The Diary of Anne Frank!
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EP 33: Kala Gare's journey to Sybylla (in caps)
Jack and Eden are joined by powerhouse performer and musician Kala Gare who is currently starring in the encore season of My Brilliant Career at Southbank Theatre.They also chat about some huge cast announcements including Heathers, Waitress and more. THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokKala's InstagramGet your My Brilliant Career tickets!
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EP 32: Hamish Johnston & Cameron Taylor get unhinged
Joining Jack and Eden is Kitty Litter writer and actor Hamish Johnston, known for Tick, Tick… Boom!, Happy End, Utopia and the original cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.Alongside him is director Cameron Taylor, a Cirque du Soleil performer whose playful, chaotic style perfectly suits this beautifully unhinged new play.They also discuss Jack’s trip to Sydney, where he saw Back to the Future and The Book of Mormon.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokHamish's InstagramCameron's InstagramGet your Kitty Litter tickets!
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EP 31: Groovin' with Drew Anthony & Ethan Churchill
Jack and Eden are joined by the powerhouse duo behind Saturday Night Fever at the Athenaeum Theatre. Producer and director Drew Anthony returns to the show for the second time, following a smash-hit Perth season in 2024, alongside leading man Ethan Churchill.They also share their thoughts on Cats and Anastasia and preview what’s already booked for 2026.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokDrew Anthony Creative's InstagramEthan Churchill's InstagramGet your tickets to Saturday Night Fever!
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EP 30: A Very ENCORE Christmas with Andrew Coshan & Emily Robinson
Jack and Eden are back with their 2025 Christmas Special, celebrating the festive season and the final episode of the year.They’re joined by Andrew Coshan and Emily Robinson, two New Zealand-born performers currently starring in A Christmas Carol at the Comedy Theatre. They also run through what’s making theatre news, share festive favourites, and wrap things up with a Christmas edition of Hum That Tune.OTHER LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokAndrew’s InstagramEmily’s InstagramGet your A Christmas Carol tickets!
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EP 29: Ilario Grant moonwalks into Melbourne
Jack and Eden are joined by Ilario Grant, whose career has skyrocketed internationally.He started out in R&B boy band Afterours, made his film debut in Praise This, and has covered the role of MJ on Broadway. Now he’s in Melbourne, leading MJ The Musical at Her Majesty’s Theatre.They also dive into Wicked: For Good, speak to RED's director Iain Sinclair and share some exciting breaking theatre news.SPECIAL ENCORE OFFER - $99 tickets to MJ the Musical!*https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MJTHEMUS25&eg=MJENCORE&ep=MJENCOREOTHER LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokGet your tickets to RED!Ilario Grant's Instagram*offer applicable to midweek and Friday evening performances, through to December 28, 2025.
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EP 28: This is Casey Donovan
Jack and Eden are joined by Casey Donovan - one of Australia’s most powerful voices. From winning Australian Idol at just 16 to starring in major stage productions like Chicago, 9 to 5, & Juliet, Sister Act, and most recently Kimberly Akimbo, she’s done it all.Now, Casey is gearing up for her This Is Me tour which begins right here in Melbourne this February, with more than 50 dates scheduled across the country.They also chat about Melbourne Theatre Company’s Dying; A Memoir, Sydney Theatre Company’s The Talented Mr Ripley, Australian Shakespeare Company’s Hair, and Theatricals’ School of Rock. THE LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokCasey Donovan's InstagramGo see Casey's tour!Go see Eden in Stars and the Moon's showcase!
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EP 27: Pamela Rabe is running the house at Manderley
Jack and Eden are joined this week by celebrated actor and director Pamela Rabe who is a long-time Melbourne Theatre Company favourite, appearing in more than forty productions and is now taking on the roles of Mrs Danvers, Mrs Van Hopper and Beatrice in Rebecca.They also chat with Sarah Bowers, an actor, writer and director who recently graduated WAAPA with a Diploma and Bachelor of Music Theatre, and is now bringing her cabaret show Sarahtonin to Melbourne’s Fringe Festival. THE LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokGet your Rebecca tickets!Sarah Bower's InstagramGet your Sarahtonin tickets!
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EP 26: A hard knock chat with Debora Krizak
Jack and Eden are joined this week by Debora Krizak. From dazzling audiences in The Producers and Mamma Mia! to her show-stopping performance in A Chorus Line and Sweet Charity, Deb now shines as Miss Hannigan in the Australian tour of Annie.They also touch on the electric opening night of MJ the Musical, and other shows that opened during their brief hiatus from the pod.THE LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokDeb's InstagramGet your Annie tickets!
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EP 25: Conor Beaumont takes a stab at Patrick Bateman
Jack and Eden are joined by rising star Conor Beaumont who is a versatile talent with credits in writing, directing, sound design, and acting. He now takes center stage as the lead character, Patrick Bateman, in the musical revival of thriller American Psycho.They also chat about their excitement following the announcement that My Brilliant Career will return in 2026. THE LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokConor Beaumont's InstagramAmerican Psycho Tickets
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EP 24: Georgina Hopson is ready for a journey
In this bonus episode, Jack and Eden are joined by rising star of stage and screen Georgina Hopson, who will lead the cast of Anastasia when it premieres at the Regent Theatre in December.Georgina is known for her roles in Titanique, Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime and more. THE LINKSOur websiteOur InstagramOur TikTokGeorgina's InstagramGet your Anastasia tickets now!
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EP 23: Inside Kimberly Akimbo with Nathan O’Keefe and Darcy Wain
Jack and Eden are joined by Kimberly Akimbo cast members Darcy Wain, a rising star making his highly anticipated professional debut as Seth, and acclaimed stage veteran Nathan O’Keefe whose career ranges from Shakespearean classics to Broadway hits. They also catch up with Miss Julie’s Izabella Yena to talk about the production now playing at fortyfivedownstairs.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokDarcy Wain InstagramGet your Kimberly Akimbo tickets!Izabella Yena InstagramGet your Miss Julia tickets!
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EP 22: Griffin Youngs blew us away in Hadestown (literally)
Joining Jack and Eden after a mid-year break is Griffin Youngs, fresh off the Australian tour of Hadestown. She wowed audiences as the trombone and glockenspiel Queen, and became a central part of the show.They’re also joined by Jackson Cross who chats about Theatrical and Andrew G production’s season of Legally Blonde, including what it’s been like stepping into the shoes of Emmett. THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokGriffin's InstagramJackson's InstagramGet your Legally Blonde tickets!
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EP 21: Abigail Adriano & Noah Mullins' mythical love story
Joining Jack and Eden are Abigail Adriano & Noah Mullins. Abigail, Australia’s rising star, made her stage debut in Matilda the Musical and recently toured as Kim in the award-winning Miss Saigon. She now stars as Eurydice in Hadestown.Noah debuted as Riff in West Side Story, went on to star in Jagged Little Pill and RENT, and now takes on the role of Orpheus.They also touch on Beetlejuice's opening night and Eden’s evening at the Green Room Awards. THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokAbigail's InstagramNoah's InstagramGet your Hadestown tickets now!
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EP 20: Stefanie Caccamo enters middle-earth
Joining Jack and Eden is Stephanie Caccamo, a seasoned screen and stage actor known for her roles in Once, Oklahoma!, and Into the Woods. She's now taking on the iconic role of Arwen in The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale.They also review Hadestown, The Black Woman of Gippsland and Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular. Plus... there's a giveaway!THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokStefanie Caccamo's InstagramGet your The Lord of The Rings - A Musical Tale tickets!
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EP 19: Rob Johnson haunts our studio
Joining Jack and Eden is Sydney writer and actor Rob Johnson, known for his roles in Calamity Jane, The Boomkak Panto, and award-winning short fiction work. He is now joining the cast of Beetlejuice as Adam Maitland!They also discuss the new Australian production A Wake to Remember with writer Samantha Wong, and share their thoughts on the full cast announcement for Cats. THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokRob Johnson's InstagramGet your Beetlejuice tickets!
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EP 18: Jesus Christ, It’s Michael Paynter
Joining Jack and Eden is Michael Paynter, an Australian singer-songwriter who has toured with major acts like Miley Cyrus and Seal, while also performing as a member of Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes' band.Michael is now taking a leap outside his comfort zone to play Jesus in the Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokJesus Christ Superstar tickets!Michael Paynter's Instagram
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EP 17: Reaching for the stars with Lauren McKenna
Fresh from the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar, Jack and Eden are still buzzing! This week, they're joined by the incredible Lauren McKenna - musical theatre performer, director, and artistic leader .Lauren has starred in arena spectaculars like Hairspray (as Tracy Turnblad) and Grease (as Jan), worked as associate director for Courtney Act’s Fluid, and directed showcases featuring icons like Rhonda Burchmore and Marina Prior. Now, she’s the Artistic Director of Stars and The Moon, a not-for-profit theatre company making the stage accessible to performers of all abilities.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokLauren McKenna's Instagram
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EP 16: And Then There Was… Mia Morrissey
Joining Jack and Eden this episode is Mia Morrissey, an accomplished actor, singer, and writer. Mia has an impressive resume, having portrayed Mimi in RENT, Jade Lennox on Home and Away, and Nadyiah Zammit in the global sensation Deadloch. Currently, she is captivating audiences as Vera Claythorne in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.In this episode, they also discuss Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's Oscar performance, and the launch of the Choc Top Pins!THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokMia's InstagramAnd Then There Were None tickets!
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EP 15: A rant on theatre etiquette
Jack and Eden dive into some audience horror stories and chat all things theatre etiquette.They also discuss Beetlejuice's cast, react to a sneak peek of Hadestown, and reveal some thrilling 'shoppe' news.THE LINKSOur websiteOur shoppeOur InstagramOur TikTok
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EP 14: Talking to the Wall with Natalie Bassingthwaighte & Disney princess Amy Manford
Joining Jack and Eden is the talented Natalie Bassingthwaighte, a singer and actress with an impressive background in both stage and television. She is currently captivating audiences in her one-woman show, Shirley Valentine, at the Athenaeum Theatre.They also dive into the enchanting world of Disney in Concert with artistic director and vocalist Amy Manford, who has previously taken on the role of Christine in the West End production of Phantom of The Opera.She has also performed alongside Andrea Bocelli and showcased her incredible talent at Buckingham Palace for King Charles.THE LINKSOur website Our Instagram Our TikTokNatalie's InstagramGet your Shirley Valentine tickets!Amy's InstagramGet your Disney in Concert tickets!
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EP 13: Dear Carmel Rodrigues, Lawrence Hawkins & Disney’s Matt West
Joining Jack and Eden for their first episode of 2025 are Carmel Rodrigues and Lawrence Hawkins, who are currently starring in the Australian tour of Dear Evan Hansen. Plus, director and choreographer of Beauty and the Beast, Matt West, drops in while visiting from New York to discuss the show and his remarkable career with Disney. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Carmel's Instagram Lawrence's Instagram Get your Dear Evan Hansen tickets! Get your Beauty and the Beast tickets!
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EP 12: Blessed by Raphael Wong
Joining Jack and Eden in the last episode of 2024 is Raphael Wong, who is currently playing Eddie Souther, the respected police officer in Sister Act. Raph made his debut with Opera Australia in 2012 and has performed as Passarino in Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella’s father in Midnight, and Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods. They also chat with Sophie Loughlin and Belinda Jenkin about Love Actually? The Musical Parody being performed as part of the Christmas Showtime Festival. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Raphael Wong's Instagram Sister Act tickets! Sophie's Instagram Belinda's Instagram Love Actually? The Musical Parody tickets!
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EP 11: A Christmas Special with Sarah Morrison, Kaya Byrne & Asmara Soekotjo
Joining Jack and Eden for the ENCORE Christmas Special is Sarah Morrison and Kaya Byrne who are currently playing Belle and Fred in A Christmas Carol, performing at the Comedy Theatre.They also chat all things A Very Naughty Christmas with Asmara Soekotjo, and have a laugh while playing Hum that Tune. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Sarah's Instagram Kaya's Instagram Get your A Christmas Carol tickets! Asmara's Instagram Get your A Very Naughty Christmas tickets!
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EP 10: Jayde Westaby spills the tea
Joining Jack & Eden is Jayde Westaby who is currently playing Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, having previously performed in roles such as Mrs. Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Donna in Mamma Mia. They also discuss the highly anticipated release of the Wicked movie, including their favourite moments throughout the film. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Jayde's Instagram Book your Beauty and the Beast tickets!
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EP 9: One Day with Mackenzie Dunn & Keanu Gonzalez
Joining Jack and Eden is Mackenzie Dunn, the talented producer and choreographer behind the new Australian show, One Day in September. Alongside Keanu Gonzalez, who is gearing up to take on the lead role of Sam Thompson. Continuing their focus on Australian productions, they also speak with Holly Mouat, the creator and director of Shimmery Burlesque. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Mackenzie's Instagram Keanu's Instagram Holly's Instagram Book your One Day in September tickets now! Book your Shimmery Burlesque tickets now!
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EP 8: Talking Tina with Jayme-Lee Hanekom
Joining Jack & Eden is Jayme-Lee Hanekom who is currently playing Alline Bullock and understudying Tina in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. They also touch on the Hadestown cast announcement, new Australian musical One Day in September, and Australia's Wicked movie premiere. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Jayme-Lee's Instagram Book your Tina tickets now!
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EP 7: Tuning into menopause with Katrina Retallick & Lisa Callingham
Joining Jack & Eden is Katrina Retallick and Lisa Callingham who are playing Housewife and Soap Star in Menopause the Musical at the Athenaeum Theatre. They also touch on CLOC's non-professional premiere of Come From Away, MDMS’s Sweet Charity production and share some BREAKING theatre news. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Katrina's Instagram Lisa's Instagram Book Menopause the Musical tickets!
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EP 6: Oli Pizzey Stratford on the cost of being human
Joining Jack & Eden is actor, model, athlete and disability advocate Oli Pizzey Stratford who is currently playing John in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Cost of Living. They also touch on inclusion in theatre, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the opening night of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. THE LINKS Our websiteOur InstagramOur TikTok
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EP 5: Breaking industry barriers with Matt Hearne
Joining Jack & Eden is Matt Hearne who recently received a standing ovation following his blind audition on The Voice, and just performed in the ensemble of Carousel: A Concert at the Princess Theatre. They also chat to Cooper Prize winner Chris Stollery, share details about Annie's return to Melbourne and Melbourne Theatre Company's 2025 season, and talk about the future of the Regent Theatre. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Matt's Instagram
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EP 4: Remixing history with Loren Hunter & Giorgia Kennedy
Joining Jack & Eden is Loren Hunter and Giorgia Kennedy who are currently playing Jane Seymour and Catherine Parr in Six the Musical. They also touch on Frankenstein’s Melbourne season, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Topdog/Underdog and share a major musical announcement! THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Loren's Instagram Giorgia's Instagram Go and see Six the Musical!
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EP 3: Daydreaming with Brianna Bishop
Joining Jack & Eden is Brianna Bishop who has recently finished up with Grease as Marty, and has previously taken on the roles of Ella in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical and Amber Von Tussel in Hairspray. They also speak about Jemma Rix's return as Elphaba, the upcoming Melbourne tour of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, and the premieres of Shake and Stir's Frankenstein and Melbourne Theatre Company's Topdog/Underdog. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our Tiktok Brianna's Instagram Midnight: The Cinderalla Musical cast album
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EP 2: Gareth Jacobs & Rohan Browne Be Our Guests
Joining Jack & Eden is Gareth Jacobs and Rohan Browne who are currently playing Cogsworth and Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Her Majesty's Theatre. They also discuss the casting of Evan Hansen, opening night of Six the Musical and find out what an 'inclusical' is with suburban theatre group Stars and the Moon! THE LINKS Our websiteOur InstagramOur TikTok Gareth's Instagram Rohan's Instagram Beauty & the Beast's Instagram Go and see Beauty & the Beast!
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EP 1: Courtney Monsma is going to make us Popular
Joining Jack & Eden is musical theatre sensation Courtney Monsma, who is currently playing Glinda in the Australian tour of WICKED. Courtney has previously starred as Princess Anna in Disney's Frozen the Musical and Katherine Howard in Six the Musical. THE LINKS Our website Our Instagram Our TikTok Courtney's Instagram WICKED Aus Instagram Go see WICKED at the Regent Theatre!
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TRAILER: Something New
The buzz from Australia’s theatre capital, Melbourne! Join Eden Hayes & Jack Ward as they go behind the scenes, discuss the latest productions, and interview the brightest stars gracing Melbourne's stages. Don’t miss a single show-stopping moment! The ENCORE podcast premieres July 29, wherever you get your podcasts.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The buzz from Australia’s theatre capital, Melbourne!Join Jack Ward & Eden Hayes as they go behind the scenes, discuss the latest productions, and interview the brightest stars gracing Melbourne's stages.
HOSTED BY
Jack Ward and Eden Hayes
CATEGORIES
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