Theatre Audience Podcast

This episode, we journey from the supernatural world of a Japanese manga phenomenon to one of America’s most notorious murder mysteries, before gathering under the Jellicle moon for a bold new production of a musical theatre classic.We review Death Note: The Musical at the Barbican, the true-crime musical Bury the Hatchet at Southwark Playhouse and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, reimagined for the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.Death Note: The MusicalThe globally successful manga thriller comes to the London stage in an exhilarating new musical. When brilliant student Light Yagami discovers a mysterious notebook that gives him the power to decide who lives and who dies, his determination to create a better society quickly descends into obsession.His actions attract the attention of the brilliant and elusive detective L, beginning an increasingly dangerous battle of intellect, justice and morality. Created in collaboration with the original Japanese producers HoriPro, the musical features a score by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy and a book by Ivan Menchell.Bury the HatchetOn 4 August 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally murdered in their Massachusetts home. Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie Borden, became the prime suspect - but was she really responsible for one of history’s most infamous crimes?A spirited company of three actor-musicians re-examines the case through a lively mixture of true crime, courtroom drama, dark comedy and live folk music. Familiar bluegrass songs, irreverent commentary and sharply performed storytelling give the legendary tale a fresh and thought-provoking theatrical twist.CATSAndrew Lloyd Webber’s global musical sensation receives a bold new production in the magical surroundings of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s *Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats*, this reimagining brings together the strays and rebels of London beneath the Jellicle moon. Each hopes to be chosen for a new life as they introduce themselves through some of musical theatre’s most famous songs, including Macavity: The Mystery Cat**, Jellicle Ball** and the chart-topping Memory.Directed and choreographed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Drew McOnie, this fresh take on CATS promises to be one of the major theatrical events of 2026.

This episode, we're reviewing two wildly different shows with one thing very much in common: relationships heading spectacularly off the rails. Natalie and Darren experience Matthew Bourne's seductive dance thriller The Car Man, while Hot Mess turns the entire relationship between Earth and Humanity into one brilliantly funny, pop-fuelled musical romcom.The Car ManMatthew Bourne's The Car Man roars back onto the stage with its intoxicating mix of dance, desire, jealousy and murder.Loosely inspired by Bizet's Carmen, Bourne relocates the action to a hot and claustrophobic 1960s American town, where the arrival of handsome stranger Luca sends passions spiralling dangerously out of control. Ashley Shaw is electric as femme fatale Lana, opposite Will Bozier as her doomed lover Luca, leading an exceptionally talented New Adventures ensemble through Bourne's unmistakable blend of cinematic storytelling and thrilling choreography.Darren and Natalie discuss the extraordinary chemistry of the company, the production's sensuality and how Bourne takes the familiar DNA of Carmen and transforms it into something entirely his own. Dark, sexy and deliciously dangerous, The Car Man is another reminder of why Matthew Bourne remains one of British theatre's great storytellers.Hot MessAfter a billion years of bad dates, Earth has finally found the one: Humanity. What could possibly go wrong? Quite a lot, as it turns out.Created by the award-winning team behind 42 Balloons, Hot Mess features music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey and a book and direction by Ellie Coote. This hugely entertaining new British musical transforms the climate crisis into a love story between Earth and Humanity - complete with attraction, arguments, break-ups and some seriously catchy pop songs.Danielle Steers is sensational as Earth, with Morgan Gregory bringing enormous charm to Humanity as their passionate relationship gradually becomes, well... a hot mess.But underneath the laughs is something surprisingly thoughtful. The environmental message never feels preachy, instead using comedy to explore what could happen if Humanity continues taking Earth for granted. We discuss why theatre is such a powerful place to tell stories about the climate crisis, the show's ingenious staging, its infectious score and an ending that's worth the ticket price alone.Funny, clever, informative and bursting with originality, Hot Mess confirms Jack Godfrey and Ellie Coote as two exciting voices in new British musical theatre.Plus, we're playing Let It Out from Hot Mess during the episode.Two shows about irresistible attraction, destructive relationships and what happens when desire gets seriously out of control. One involves murder. The other could involve the end of the planet. No pressure.

This episode, we're talking audience participation, legendary music and two productions that couldn't be more different. Darren heads to the Mill at Sonning for the interactive comedy phenomenon Shear Madness, while Natalie and Darren take their seats for Sinatra: The Musical, a stylish new portrait of one of the twentieth century's greatest entertainers.Shear MadnessCan you solve a murder before the cast does?The international comedy sensation Shear Madness arrives at the Mill at Sonning, bringing with it a unique blend of murder mystery, improvisation and audience participation. Set inside the delightfully chaotic Shear Madness hair salon, an ordinary day quickly descends into murder, mayhem and outrageous comedy as everyone becomes a suspect—and it's up to the audience to crack the case.No two performances are ever the same, with each audience shaping the investigation and deciding how the story unfolds. Darren discusses why the show's improvisation is its greatest strength, the joy of returning knowing the experience will be completely different, and how the intimate setting of the Mill at Sonning makes audiences feel part of the action from the moment they walk through the doors.We also celebrate a brilliantly committed cast, including Daniel Cane, whose comic timing as Tony Whircomb is a standout, Rosaleen Burton's superb control of the audience, and Natalie Ogle, who gamely endures a live hair wash every performance. Directed by Sally Hughes, with Alex Marker's wonderfully detailed fully functioning salon set, this is a hilarious evening of theatre where the audience truly becomes part of the show.Sinatra: The MusicalOne voice changed popular music forever… but who was the man behind the legend?Sinatra: The Musical charts the extraordinary life and career of Frank Sinatra through more than twenty of his greatest songs, including That's Life, One For My Baby, The Best Is Yet to Come and I've Got the World on a String.Joel Harper-Jackson delivers a charismatic performance as Sinatra, joined by Ana Villafañe as Hollywood icon Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Nancy Sinatra. Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, with a book by Joe DiPietro, the production combines live music, stylish choreography and timeless classics to explore the triumphs and personal struggles behind one of entertainment's biggest stars.Natalie and Darren reflect on the performances, the thrill of hearing Sinatra's iconic catalogue performed live by a full band, and whether the show fully captures the darker complexities of the man behind the music. Plus, don't leave your seat too quickly - the post-curtain call surprise is well worth staying for.From solving murders to singing classics, this week's episode celebrates two productions that remind us theatre is at its best when it brings audiences right into the heart of the story.

This episode, we're stepping back into the years before the Second World War with two gripping historical dramas. One revisits the assassination that ignited the First World War, while the other imagines a pivotal royal visit that helped shape the alliance between Britain and America. Packed with political intrigue, sharp humour and outstanding performances, these productions remind us that history is often decided by ordinary conversations - and extraordinary choices.ArchdukeCould three hungry young men really change the course of history? Rajiv Joseph's brilliantly dark comedy Archduke takes us to Belgrade in 1914, where three inexperienced revolutionaries are handed a sandwich, a pistol and a mission that will alter the twentieth century forever. What follows is a witty, unsettling and unexpectedly funny examination of radicalisation, youthful idealism and the terrifying consequences of political violence.Directed by Lyndsey Turner and featuring an inventive design by Es Devlin, the European premiere boasts a terrific cast led by Chris Walley, Abraham Popoola, Stanley Morgan, Janice Connolly and Marc Wootton. We discuss how the play balances absurd comedy with historical tragedy, and why its themes of disillusioned young men and extremist ideology feel alarmingly relevant today.SpringwoodHistory is also shaped around the dinner table. Richard Nelson's quietly captivating new play transports us to Springwood, the country home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in the summer of 1939. As King George VI and Queen Elizabeth become the first reigning British monarchs to visit the United States, a seemingly informal weekend of picnics, hot dogs and polite conversation carries enormous political significance, with Europe standing on the brink of war.Led by superb performances from Robert Lindsay as Franklin D. Roosevelt and the wonderfully understated Jemma Redgrave as Eleanor Roosevelt, alongside Andrew Havill as King George VI and Rebecca Night as Queen Elizabeth, Springwood reveals the private doubts, humour and humanity behind some of the twentieth century's most influential figures.We discuss Richard Nelson's beautifully observed writing, the subtle humour running throughout the play and why this intimate portrait of diplomacy feels remarkably timely in today's uncertain political landscape.Two historical dramas. Two moments that shaped the modern world. One episode exploring how individual choices can echo across generations.

One script. One actor. No rehearsal. Fifteen years on, White Rabbit Red Rabbit remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created.In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour, whose groundbreaking work has been performed more than 4,000 times in over 25 languages by thousands of actors across the globe.Written while Nassim was unable to leave Iran, White Rabbit Red Rabbit transformed personal circumstance into a theatrical experiment that continues to challenge performers and audiences alike. As the play celebrates its 15th anniversary with a new West End run, we explore how its themes of trust, obedience, freedom and choice remain as powerful and relevant today as ever.Beyond the play itself, Nassim reflects on his remarkable career, from creating internationally celebrated works including NASSIM and ECHO to leading workshops that bring strangers together through storytelling and shared experience.We also discuss the role of theatre in an uncertain world, how his upbringing in Iran has shaped his voice as an artist, why unpredictability is at the heart of live performance, and what continues to inspire him to create work that connects people across cultures and languages.This is a thoughtful, insightful and deeply human conversation with one of contemporary theatre's most original and influential voices.

This episode, we're heading to Mount Olympus as we review Disney's Hercules, now lighting up the West End.Has Disney finally found another stage musical to rival The Lion King? We discuss whether Hercules succeeds by reimagining the beloved 1997 animated classic, why Disney's live-action remakes continue to divide opinion, and what makes a great stage adaptation in the first place.Natalie also sits down with Bradley Gibson, who stars as Hercules, for an exclusive conversation about taking on one of Disney's most iconic heroes. Bradley talks about the journey to the role, the demands of leading a major musical, and what audiences can expect from this fresh take on the legendary story.Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or simply love big, spectacular musicals, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we're joined by Jordan Luke Gage to talk about one of our favourite new musicals of the year, Redcliffe.Known for his incredible work on stage, Jordan has now turned his hand to writing, composing and lyric-writing, creating a show that feels both deeply personal and remarkably assured. After seeing Redcliffe, we had to sit down and chat about the journey behind it.We discuss making the leap from performer to creator, the challenge of writing the book, music and lyrics yourself, and why telling a passionate, tragic and authentic queer love story was so important to him. Jordan also shares the inspirations behind the show, the realities of developing new musicals today, and what he's learned from years of performing in some of the industry's biggest productions.Warm, funny and full of heart, this is a conversation with an artist entering an exciting new chapter - and one we can't wait to see more of.

In this episode, we explore three powerful productions that tackle some of the biggest questions facing society today. From the dangers of deepfake technology and online voyeurism to supernatural terror during wartime Iran and an inspiring true story of ingenuity in Malawi, these are shows that challenge, move and ultimately stay with you long after the curtain falls.Are You Watching?What happens when technology blurs the line between reality and exploitation?Georgie Dettmer makes an impressive professional playwriting debut with Are You Watching?, a bold new world premiere directed by Jess Edwards, whose acclaimed work includes Conversations After Sex. Exploring deepfakes, pornography, online voyeurism and the commodification of grief, the play asks difficult questions about consent, responsibility and our growing desensitisation to digital abuse.As stories intertwine and perspectives shift, audiences are forced to confront their own relationship with the content they consume and the systems that profit from it. Timely, provocative and deeply unsettling, we discuss whether this powerful new work succeeds in holding a mirror up to our increasingly online world.Under the ShadowThe horrors of war and the supernatural collide in this gripping stage adaptation of Babak Anvari's BAFTA-winning film.Adapted by Carmen Nasr, Under the Shadow transports audiences to Tehran during the final years of the Iran-Iraq War, where Shideh is left to care for her young daughter as bombs rain down on the city. Yet alongside the very real threat of conflict lurks something far older and more sinister: a djinn carried on the wind between the missile strikes.Featuring a remarkable central performance from Leila Farzad as Shideh, supported by Nadia Albina, Bijan Daneshmand, Souad Faress, Mona Goodwin, Nicholas Karimi and Rachid Sabitri, this atmospheric production feels especially resonant given current events in Iran. We discuss how the play balances psychological horror with a deeply human story about motherhood, identity and the impossible choices faced during times of war.The Boy Who Harnessed the WindBased on William Kamkwamba's bestselling memoir and the acclaimed 2019 film directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind arrives in the West End as a moving and uplifting new musical full of heart, hope and extraordinary talent.Directed by Lynette Linton, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, the production tells the true story of a thirteen-year-old boy in drought-stricken Malawi who uses ingenuity, determination and a handful of library books to build a windmill that transforms his community.We discuss the outstanding central performance from Alistair Nwachukwu as William, alongside Madeline Appiah as his mother Agnes and Sifiso Mazibuko as his father Trywell. The inventive use of puppetry, Frankie Bradshaw's vibrant set and costume design, Oliver Fenwick's lighting and George Dennis' soundscape combine to create a production that celebrates resilience, imagination and the power of education to change lives.Three remarkable stories. Three very different worlds. One episode about the courage to confront fear, challenge injustice and dream beyond the impossible.

This episode, Darren sits down with acclaimed stage and screen actor JJ Feild.Currently starring in the world premiere of Ben Ockrent's darkly comic family drama Relics at the Lyric Hammersmith, JJ discusses the appeal of the play, its exploration of family dynamics and the secrets we inherit.The conversation also takes a broader look at his remarkable career, from returning to the stage as Oberon and Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Bridge Theatre to his work on major screen productions including Jack Ryan, Captain America: The First Avenger, Telstar and Lost in Space.JJ reflects on the roles that have shaped him, what he looks for in a script, the differences between theatre and screen acting, and the importance of continuing to challenge himself as a performer.A warm, thoughtful and insightful conversation with one of Britain's most versatile actors.