The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Ten years on from Waitress' Broadway bow, we had a virtual chat with composer and lyricist Sara Bareilles to discuss the lasting and profound effect of the show, from its much-loved numbers to its now-instantly recognisable characters. What's more, Bareilles is working on a brand new musical, and reflects on this second-time experience as she prepares to bring it to the stage. 

In another busy week Sarah and Alex sit down to discuss whether Peter Schaffer’s Equus is really the Adolescence of its day - and how relevant Brecht’s warnings about totalitarianism and war still feel. Plus a new report on theatre pricing prompts some new thinking

In this episode, we take an exclusive look at Jermyn Street Theatre’s newly announced 2026 autumn season, including the UK premiere of Simon Stephens’ A Slow Fire and a revival of Richard Eyre’s Ghosts. We discuss what A Slow Fire might bring to London audiences following its Dublin premiere, and why Kwame Owusu’s direction of Ghosts continues the theatre’s commitment to developing emerging voices alongside established writers. We also explore the remarkable growth of Jermyn Street Theatre over the past decade, now operating as an intimate central London venue into a theatre increasingly attracting major writers, ambitious productions and a wider profile within the industry.

And who gives a Krapp about Beckett? Sarah and Alex have been ranging across the country, seeing shows in Bowness-on-Windermere and Brighton recently, but still find time to mull over the biggest news stories of the week – from the plans for Ian McKellen to return to the stage in a new version of King Lear at the Yard, and the National Theatre's report into the impact of streamed theatre. Plus, Sarah reminisces about her favourite performers who have tackled the title role in Krapp's Last Tape.

Alex sits down with the two stars of Hit Machine – Josh Radnor (known for playing Ted in How I Met Your Mother) and Noah Galvin (of The Good Doctor, Theater Camp and Dear Evan Hansen fame) – who will be performing at the Soho Theatre this summer. The new play by Jonathan Caren follows two estranged brothers, one a record mogul and the other an aspiring musician. It features original music by multi-Grammy Award winner Ben Harper with direction by Daniel Bailey. Why do the two US TV stars find themselves in London? We find out...

UK theatre fans had reason for cheer with Tuesday's Tony nominations, with recognition for Sam Tutty, Layton Williams, Lesley Manville, Luke Evans, Mark Strong, Rob Icke and many more, but does the full list reflect something more concerning about the state of Broadway? Alex and David mull on a very rocky season for the Great White Way.

Yesterday saw the Tony Awards nominations being revealed - in a great moment for UK theatre, with 41 nominations. We chat to producer Sonia Friedman (Oedipus), star Lesley Manville (Oedipus) and writer Mark Rosenblatt (Giant) about the success of their respective shows – Friedman also reflected on a very exciting period coming up for her company as it prepares to open a wave of new productions.

In a packed week of theatre news Sarah and Alex discuss Cynthia Erivo halting a show to stop filming —and Lesley Manville declaring war on photos. Is technology ruining or helping theatre? Plus: troubled waters at The Bridge, Broadway transfers and whether theatre could learn something from ParkRun.

On this week's bonus episode, Alex chats to Omar Elerian, the director and adaptor of Kohlhaas, a brand new work making its world premiere in the first week of the Brighton Festival. Elerian is also the co-founder of There & Then, a new theatre company that will bring a starry West End season of White Rabbit Red Rabbit to the Duchess Theatre this summer, with stars including David Tennant, Riz Ahmed, Luke Thompson, Jodie Whittaker and David Harewood.