Backstage Curry

How British trumpet and flugelhorn player, Johnny Thirkell went from playing in a colliery band to recording with some of the biggest names in the music industry.Johnny Thirkell joined his local colliery brass band in the North East of England when he was a kid and soon realised that music would be his whole world. After a short spell working down the mines, his musical talent led to Johnny playing all over the world and providing the brass sound on hundreds of pop, rock and jazz recordings. He’s worked with legendary names such as George Michael, Sir Paul McCartney, Jamiroquai, Lisa Stansfield, Cher, Tina Turner, Spice Girls, Swing Out Sister and has played on 36 number-one albums. In this episode, Johnny takes Mark into the world of the session musician, talks about some of the stars he’s played with and tells how one break has always led to another. 

Behind the scenes of, Paddington The Musical, with Bonnie Langford.During the first part of 2025, whilst starring on Broadway, the immensely talented performer, Bonnie Langford was asked if she’d be interested in being a part of a new musical about everyone’s favourite bear. With music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and based on the original Paddington adventures written by Michael Bond, “Paddington The Musical”, opened at the Savoy Theatre, London in November 2025, receiving 5 star reviews and is now a sell-out show. Bonnie plays the role of Mrs Bird in the production and describes the process from rehearsals to performance including how the on-stage Paddington Bear was created.  

How Yorkshireman Mark Bajerski left the UK for Spain and became a physic healer.Years ago, Mark Bajerski left the UK for a life in Spain, not knowing what the future would hold. He accepted an invitation to attend some spiritual meetings and suddenly discovered that he possessed a psychic awareness. Mark turned this accidental experience into a way of life and has now become known as, “The Healer of Hearts” with his own form of physic healing. In this episode, Mark tells his story and describes the work he does, work which led him to become an acclaimed empathic healer to athletes, artists, students, celebrities and anyone needing support in facing their life challenges. He was voted Spain’s number one Psychic in 2012 and 2013 and has his own Pure Energy Healing Academy. This episode is a glimpse into Mark’s world.

Pantomime season is in full swing, (Oh yes it is!) - actor Peter Duncan describes what this famous theatrical tradition means to him.Actor and ex Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan has starred in, directed, written and produced many pantomimes during his long career. In this episode, Peter describes being a part of this yearly Christmas theatrical event since childhood and how he’s managed to bring panto to theatre audiences all over the UK, including creating his own online productions.

How Trafalgar Entertainment became a global, award-winning production company.In 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment was created and now concentrates on new productions, venues, live music, comedy and Performance Arts, (with the company Stagecoach).Trafalgar owns 21 venues, including spaces in London and around the UK. Helen Enright is the Company Secretary and Chief Operating Financial Officer- here she tells the Trafalgar story, also describing how productions are chosen, created and cast. Plus how and why venues such as the three main theatres in Eastbourne have been taken over.  

Back in 1989, the new McDonald family was being written into the storylines of Coronation Street and the search to find an actress to play Liz McDonald began.Beverley Callard was one of the hot favourites and here she describes the audition process, how much she wanted to be a part of this legendary series and how she’s learned to cope with the fame and attention Coronation Street has brought her.

EPISODE 40. AND SUDDENLY I BECAME ME!How presenting, Blue Peter, changed the life of Sarah Greene.After a guest appearance on, Blue Peter, Sarah Greene was invited for an audition to become one of the presenters on the programme in the early 1980’s. As an actress, enjoying some success at that time, Sarah had never considered television presenting, but she got the job and during her three year stint on the most famous children’s show in the world, her life and career changed. Sarah discusses with Mark how she was able to find her true, ‘on screen’, self during that time and how, Blue Peter, led to her having the successful career she’s still enjoying today.

Actress Susan Penhaligon talks about starring in the ‘70’s TV drama series, “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” and about the industry today.First broadcast on ITV in 1976, “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” was highly impactful and watched by millions. This controversial drama about the secrets and desires of a dysfunctional family, was critically acclaimed at the time and brought actress Susan Penhaligon fame and many career opportunities. Still performing today, Susan discusses the series and tells us why she has no thoughts of ever retiring.