Theatre Audience Podcast

This episode, we're talking horses - but in two very different theatrical experiences. Natalie reviews Peter Shaffer's psychological masterpiece Equus at the Menier Chocolate Factory, while Darren heads to the National Theatre for the long-awaited homecoming of the global phenomenon War Horse.EquusWhat could drive a seemingly ordinary seventeen-year-old boy to commit an act of shocking violence against six horses?That's the question at the heart of Peter Shaffer's modern classic Equus, now revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory in a gripping new production directed by Lindsay Posner. As psychiatrist Martin Dysart attempts to understand his young patient Alan Strang, the investigation becomes something far more profound than a search for motive. The deeper Dysart digs, the more he is forced to confront his own beliefs about passion, normality, worship and what it truly means to live a fulfilled life.Natalie discusses whether this powerful revival still packs the same psychological punch that has made Equus one of the most celebrated plays of the twentieth century, and why its questions remain as provocative today as when it first premiered.War HorseNearly twenty years after it first changed the landscape of British theatre, War Horse returns home to the National Theatre.Based on Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel, the production follows young Albert and his horse Joey, whose bond is tested when the First World War tears them apart. As Joey is shipped to the battlefields of France, Albert embarks on a dangerous journey to bring his beloved companion home.Featuring the extraordinary puppetry of Handspring Puppet Company, a soaring score and some of the most breathtaking stagecraft ever created, War Horse remains one of the defining theatrical productions of the modern era. Darren reflects on experiencing the show for the first time, discussing whether its emotional storytelling and revolutionary puppetry still have the power to captivate audiences in an era shaped by productions such as Life of Pi and My Neighbour Totoro.Two acclaimed productions. Two unforgettable relationships between humans and horses. One explores obsession and psychology; the other love, loyalty and survival against the backdrop of war.

This episode, Darren sits down with actor, writer and co-creator Joshua Poole to discuss Monarchs Anonymous, the riotous new historical farce arriving at The Other Palace.What began as a lockdown YouTube project has evolved into a full-scale stage production, bringing together some of history's most famous rulers for a chaotic group therapy session. Joshua talks about the origins of the show, balancing his roles as both writer and performer, and stepping into the shoes of the notoriously flamboyant Charles II.Along the way, the conversation explores the challenge of finding comedy in history, what happens when historical figures are judged by modern standards, and why audiences continue to be fascinated by the personalities behind the crowns.Packed with humour, insight and a healthy dose of royal scandal, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of London's most original new comedies.Monarchs Anonymous plays at The Other Palace from 23–28 June.

This episode, we're joined by writer-director Ellie Coote and composer-lyricist Jack Godfrey, the award-winning creative team behind the smash-hit new musical Hot Mess.Following acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Southwark Playhouse, Hot Mess returns this summer for an extended London season at The Other Palace. The high-energy original romcom reimagines the climate crisis as the ultimate relationship drama, turning Earth and Humanity into star-crossed lovers whose billion-year romance may finally be heading for a messy break-up.During our conversation, Ellie and Jack discuss the journey of creating one of the most exciting new British musicals of recent years, from its Fringe First Award-winning beginnings to becoming a multi-award-winning audience favourite. They talk about writing comedy around such a huge global issue, why hope sits at the heart of the story, and how they balance big ideas with infectious pop songs and laugh-out-loud humour.We also explore their creative partnership, the success of 42 Balloons, the challenges of developing original musical theatre in the UK, and what they've learned from watching audiences connect with the show's environmental message in unexpected ways.Plus, we discuss the show's exciting new London cast, with Danielle Steers returning as Earth and Morgan Gregory joining the company as Humanity for what promises to be a bigger, bolder and even more spectacular production at The Other Palace.If you've ever wondered how to turn climate change into a hilarious, heartfelt and surprisingly romantic musical, this conversation is for you.

This episode, we head from the streets of Victorian London to the African savannah, with a stop at the most delightfully absurd cabaret in town. We review Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular revival of Oliver!, Disney's enduring theatrical phenomenon The Lion King, and the wonderfully bonkers physical comedy of Derrière On A G String at the King's Head Theatre.Oliver!Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Lionel Bart's beloved musical Oliver! continues to delight audiences with its timeless score, unforgettable characters and thrilling storytelling. Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist, the production features iconic songs including Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and As Long As He Needs Me. Packed with heart, humour and outstanding performances, we discuss why this latest revival proves that Oliver! remains one of the greatest British musicals ever written.Derrière On A G StringPart ballet, part physical comedy, part silent movie and entirely ridiculous, Derrière On A G String arrives at the King's Head Theatre with a glorious sense of mischief. Inspired by the visual comedy of Mr Bean and Laurel and Hardy, this highly skilled ensemble of dancers and performers create a series of hilarious, wordless vignettes through movement, slapstick and impeccable comic timing. Camp, chaotic and wonderfully inventive, this is a show where audiences should expect the unexpected - and perhaps avoid sitting too close to the action.The Lion KingMore than twenty-five years after its premiere, Disney's The Lion King continues to be one of the most breathtaking spectacles in musical theatre. Directed by Julie Taymor, whose groundbreaking puppetry and visual design transformed the possibilities of stagecraft, the production combines Elton John and Tim Rice's iconic songs with stunning costumes, choreography and storytelling. We discuss whether the magic still holds up and why generations of audiences continue to be captivated by Simba's journey from cub to king.Join us as we explore three very different theatrical experiences - from musical theatre classics and theatrical spectacle to a gloriously cheeky celebration of physical comedy.

This episode, we celebrate the launch of Sting's return to the stage in The Last Ship, witness Sir Gary Oldman's extraordinary theatrical comeback in Krapp's Last Tape, revisit the magical world of My Neighbour Totoro, enjoy the romantic chaos of Stage Kiss, and experience Cynthia Erivo's astonishing one-woman performance in Dracula.The Last ShipWe attended the media launch for The Last Ship, the acclaimed musical from 17-time Grammy Award winner Sting, which sails into Theatre Royal Drury Lane this autumn. Featuring a new book by Barney Norris, directed by Leo Warner, with set and video design by 59, this reimagined production sees Sting himself taking on the role of Jackie White. Inspired by his own upbringing in Wallsend, The Last Ship tells the moving story of a shipbuilding community facing the loss of its livelihood, combining powerful storytelling with some of Sting's most beloved music. We discuss the launch event and what audiences can expect from one of the most anticipated musical theatre events of the year.Krapp's Last TapeAcademy Award winner Sir Gary Oldman makes his long-awaited return to the stage after nearly four decades in Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape at the Royal Court Theatre. In this remarkable one-man performance, Oldman delivers a masterclass in acting, exploring memory, regret, loneliness and the passage of time through Beckett's haunting masterpiece. We discuss why watching one of Britain's greatest actors live on stage feels like a truly special theatrical event and why this production has captivated audiences and critics alike.My Neighbour TotoroThe Royal Shakespeare Company's acclaimed adaptation of Studio Ghibli's beloved classic returns to the West End. Adapted by Tom Morton-Smith and directed by Phelim McDermott, My Neighbour Totoro combines breathtaking puppetry from Basil Twist and Mervyn Millar with a heartfelt story about imagination, family and childhood wonder. We discuss whether this theatrical phenomenon continues to cast its spell and why Totoro remains one of the most magical experiences currently on the London stage.Stage KissSarah Ruhl's brilliantly funny romantic comedy receives its UK premiere in a delightful production directed by Blanche McIntyre. When two actors with a complicated romantic past are cast opposite each other in a stage melodrama, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur. Sharp, witty and surprisingly moving, Stage Kiss explores love, intimacy, nostalgia and the peculiar magic of theatre itself. We discuss why this long-awaited UK premiere proves Ruhl's writing remains as fresh and insightful as ever.DraculaThree-time Oscar nominee, Tony Award winner and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo takes on all 23 roles in Kip Williams' groundbreaking adaptation of Dracula. Following the extraordinary success of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Williams once again combines live performance and cutting-edge technology to create a thrilling piece of "cine-theatre". Erivo's tour-de-force performance transforms Bram Stoker's gothic horror into a breathtaking theatrical event, delivering a production that is as technically astonishing as it is emotionally gripping. We discuss whether this ambitious reinvention lives up to the enormous expectations surrounding it.Join us as we dive into giant forest spirits, doomed shipyards, haunted memories, complicated romances and one very hungry vampire.

In this episode, we head from the glittering celebrations of the Fringe Theatre Awards at the Clapham Grand to the outrageous comedy of Oh, Mary! starring Catherine Tate, the fast-paced female ensemble drama Flush, and a powerful new production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest directed by Clint Dyer. Expect dark comedy, emotional chaos, unforgettable performances and theatre that challenges the systems around us.Fringe Theatre AwardsThe team attended the annual Fringe Theatre Awards ceremony at Clapham Grand, hosted by Michael Twaits alongside a host of guest presenters, celebrating the very best of London’s fringe theatre scene. A joyful evening recognising bold new voices, breakthrough productions and the creative heartbeat of independent theatre.Oh, Mary!Comedy icon Catherine Tate takes centre stage in the West End transfer of Oh, Mary! at Trafalgar Theatre. Written by Cole Escola, this wildly irreverent black comedy reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a boozy, cabaret-obsessed First Lady spiralling in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Sharp, outrageous and completely unhinged, this multi-award-winning hit delivers some of the funniest and most daring comedy currently in the West End.FlushWinner of a Fringe Theatre Award and a Bitesize Award for Best Direction, Flush is an exhilarating ensemble comedy-drama set entirely inside a women’s nightclub toilet. Written by and starring April Hope Miller, the production follows sixteen interconnected women across one chaotic night of confessions, breakdowns, hookups and hard truths. Featuring standout performances from Ayesha Griffiths and Jazz Jenkins, Flush balances razor-sharp comedy with emotional honesty, capturing the fragile solidarity and messy brilliance of modern womanhood.One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestAaron Pierre, Giles Terera and Olivia Williams lead a gripping new production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Directed by Clint Dyer and adapted by Dale Wasserman from Ken Kesey’s landmark novel, this bold reimagining explores power, oppression and institutional control through the eyes of Chief Bromden. Fierce, politically charged and emotionally devastating, this production breathes urgent new life into a theatrical classic.

This episode, we’re diving into the haunting world of Let the Right One In at the Boulevard Theatre. Darren reviews Jack Thorne’s stage adaptation of the acclaimed Swedish vampire story, discussing how the National Youth Theatre tackled the play’s chilling atmosphere, emotional intensity and ambitious physical theatre within the intimate cabaret-style venue. Darren talks about the standout performances from the young cast, including Rachel Dowsett’s striking portrayal of Eli, the inventive staging and movement work, and why the story continues to resonate as both a dark coming-of-age tale and a haunting love story. Darren and Natalie also discuss the importance of organisations like National Youth Theatre in developing the next generation of performers and creatives, with Natalie reflecting on her own experiences training there as a teenager. The episode follows with a behind the scenes conversation with director James Dacre, a long established mentor and director of NYT.

This week, we dive into JEEZUS!, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare's Globe, and FLYBY at Southwark Playhouse Borough - three productions fuelled by desire, transformation, and emotional chaos. From queer rebellion in 1990s Peru, to Shakespearean lovers lost in a moonlit forest, to a fractured romance drifting through deep space, these shows explore identity, connection, fantasy, and the dangerous thrill of feeling truly alive.JEEZUS!Created by award-winning migrant-led company Alpaqa, this explosive musical blends live music, dark comedy, Latin heat, and unapologetic queerness into one gloriously chaotic theatrical experience. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Peru during Alberto Fujimori’s dictatorship, the show follows altar boy Jesús as Catholic guilt collides headfirst with forbidden desire. Winner of the 2025 Untapped Award and The Stage Fringe Five, JEEZUS! returns to London louder, sweatier, and even more unhinged after its Edinburgh Fringe success. Think Bad Bunny meets Bo Burnham by way of Bertolt Brecht.A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Shakespeare's GlobeShakespeare’s beloved comedy is transformed into a vibrant communal celebration in this joyful new production directed by Emily Lim. As lovers chase desire through a moonlit forest and mischievous spirits wreak havoc, the Globe becomes a playground of chaos, wonder, and transformation beneath the summer sky. Filled with music, magic, and theatrical playfulness, this immersive take on the classic reminds us why A Midsummer Night’s Dream remains one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting works.FLYBY – Southwark Playhouse BoroughOriginally developed by the National Theatre, this emotionally charged new musical blends intimate relationship drama with the vast loneliness of space. Written by Theo Jamieson and directed by Adam Lenson, FLYBY follows astronaut Daniel after he steals a spacecraft and disappears, leaving filmmaker Emily behind to piece together the truth. Starring Poppy Gilbert, Stuart Thompson, Gina Beck, Rupert Young and Simbi Akande, the musical explores ambition, obsession, mental health, and the dangerous pull between two people who cannot let each other go.