NYMT Open House

What do you get when a golden buzzer magician and a sell-out musical comedian walk into a podcast? This week's Open House.In Episode 3 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Toby are joined by two exceptional NYMT alumni who have carved out truly unique paths in the performing arts.Rafferty Coope recently received KSI's Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent 2026 for his jaw-dropping fusion of magic and live music — and he's just been invited to perform in Las Vegas this August. Anna Hale is a musical comedian and songwriter whose debut solo show Control Freak sold out, and who has co-written material for RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World.Together, they talk about breaking out of the box, combining unexpected skill sets, and why following your curiosity might just be the most important thing a young performer can do.In this episode: Rafferty's behind-the-scenes story of the BGT Golden Buzzer moment How Anna found her voice as a musical comedian and songwriter Why performers are often pressured to "pick a lane" — and why you shouldn't The art of keeping an audience on their toes with music and comedy Collaborating with Kate Butch and writing for RuPaul's Drag Race What it really takes to produce your own solo show How NYMT helped both guests build the confidence and professionalism to reach these moments A Vegas exclusive — heard here firstGuests:Rafferty Coope – NYMT alumnus, magician, musician and BGT 2026 Golden Buzzer act Anna Hale – NYMT alumna, musical comedian, songwriter and creator of Control FreakHosts:David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Toby – NYMT Young Company member and co-hostFollow / find out more:NYMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk Rafferty: @raffertycoopeAnna: @allhaleanna

What role does youth theatre play in shaping us, not just as performers, but as people?In Episode 2 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Abbie Palliser Kehoe are joined by Craig Randle from Birmingham Hippodrome and Matthew Hawksworth from Chichester Festival Theatre to explore the impact of regional youth theatre.From school productions and first performances to local youth theatre groups and professional arts venues, Craig and Matthew reflect on their own journeys into theatre and the role youth theatre plays in building confidence, creativity, friendships and life skills. They also discuss accessibility, training, community, and the many different pathways young people can take into the arts, both on stage and behind the scenes.They also share how youth theatre can open doors, support personal growth and help young people find a sense of belonging, whether or not they go on to work professionally in the industry.A must-listen for young performers, parents, youth theatre members, educators and anyone passionate about the importance of creative opportunities for young people.In this episode:How Craig and Matthew first discovered theatre and youth performanceThe difference youth theatre can make in a young person’s lifeHow to find and join a local youth theatreWhy youth theatre is about more than just performingThe life skills, confidence and friendships it can buildHow Birmingham Hippodrome and Chichester Festival Theatre support young peopleWhy accessibility and bursaries matter in youth theatreThe different theatre careers young people can explore beyond performingGuests: Craig Randle – Education Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome Matthew Hawksworth – Head of Children and Young People’s Programme at Chichester Festival TheatreHosts:David Grant – NYMT Associate ProducerAbbie Palliser Kehoe – NYMT Young Company member and co-hostFollow / find out more:NYMT: nymt.org.ukInstagram: @NYMTukTikTok: @nymtUKDavid: @david.z.ukAbbie: @palliserabbie Birmingham Hippodrome: birminghamhippodrome.com Chichester Festival Theatre: cft.org.uk

What happens when the show has started, the audience is in, and suddenly you’re told you’re going on in a completely different role?In the first episode of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Hannah Stobart are joined by NYMT alumni Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí to explore the fast-paced world of swings, standbys and West End covers.From Mean Girls and Back to the Future to Cats, Book of Mormon and 42nd Street, Cliona and Brian share what it takes to stay performance-ready, cover multiple tracks, handle last-minute changes, and protect your confidence, voice and mental resilience in the world of musical theatre.They also look back on their time with NYMT, how youth theatre helped prepare them for professional life, and why the people around you can make all the difference in building a career on stage.A must-listen for aspiring performers, NYMT members, theatre lovers and anyone curious about what really happens behind the scenes in the West End.In this episode: What swings and standbys actually do How performers prepare for emergency covers The difference between ensemble tracks, cover roles and principal covers Cliona’s experience covering Katie and Regina in Mean Girls Brian’s experience swinging in Back to the Future, Cats and beyond How NYMT helped shape their careers Advice for young performers entering the industryGuests: Cliona Flynn – NYMT alumna and former standby in Mean Girls Brian Ó Muirí – NYMT alumnus and currently swing in Back to the FutureHosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Hannah Stobart – NYMT Young Company member and co-hostFollow / find out more: NYMT: nymt.org.uk Instagram: @NYMTuk TikTok: @nymtUK David: @david.z.uk Hannah: @hannah_stobart Twain socials: @TwainTwins Brian: @itsbrianmurray Cliona: @clionaflynn01 CADA: cadaperformingarts.ie