You're On Tonight

Georgie Staight is working on some of the most exciting and dynamic productions in theatre today. From Hamlet at the National Theatre to the West End and Broadway smash-hit Operation Mincemeat, she’s built a career shaping performances both on and off stage.But what does a director actually do?In this episode, Georgie pulls back the curtain on the rehearsal room. She explains the different roles a director plays throughout a process, the crucial differences between a director and an associate director, and what it really takes to build trust with a cast.We also talk about what it’s like to work on one of the biggest hits in theatre, and the fascinating differences between working in the West End and on Broadway - from rehearsal culture to performance pressure.Along the way, Georgie shares her experiences working with comedy duo Flo and Joan, why she’s such a champion of new writing, and answers the question every actor and creative wants to know: how do you actually network with integrity?This is an episode about leadership, collaboration, and what it really takes to bring a show to life.Georgie Staight - You’re On Tonight.If you enjoyed the show, you can follow us at:Instagram @youreontonightTikTok @youreontonightYouTube @youreontonightGet in contact at: youreontonight@gmail.com Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner & Liam HorriganProduced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London. For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.Show image by Louisa Sexton.

Eddie Marsan has built one of the most extraordinary acting careers in Britain. From Ray Donovan and Ridley Road to blockbusters like Vera Drake, Back to Black, and Sherlock Holmes, he’s almost never been off our screens. But now, for the first time, Eddie talks about his return to the stage after 24 years. In May, Eddie appeared in the Young Vic’s production of An Oak Tree, where he was forced to step onstage - without ever having seen the script - and perform in front of a live audience. In this episode, Eddie talks honestly about what it was like to walk into that unknown, why he chose that moment to return to theatre, and how it felt to put his trust entirely in the hands of another actor. Eddie is also fiercely passionate about the craft of acting. From profit-share theatre above pubs to Hollywood blockbusters, Eddie explains why he believes fantastic acting can be found everywhere, and why understudies deserve far more respect than they currently receive.Along the way, we talk nepotism, working-class representation in the arts, and why he believes an actor should be able to play anyone.Eddie Marsan - You're On Tonight. If you enjoyed the show, you can follow us at:Instagram @youreontonightTikTok @youreontonightYouTube @youreontonightGet in contact at: youreontonight@gmail.com Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner & Liam HorriganProduced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London. For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.Show image by Louisa Sexton.

Nicola Espallardo is a trailblazer. Not only has she appeared in some of the biggest musicals in the world (Les Miserables, Hamilton), she was also the first Asian person to play Elphaba in the West End’s Wicked. All before the age of 30. Nicola has done what many only hope to do - she’s achieved her dream. In this episode she talks about not only how empowering that felt, but why it can also lead to the scariest moment in any career: figuring out what comes next. Along the way, we hear truly sensational stories that shine a spotlight on what really goes on in theatre’s biggest shows. Nicola tells us about being hurriedly painted green when she had to go on mid-show for one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre, what happens when you forget your lines and your scene partner has to improvise you both a way out of it, and how to deal with audience members filming your performance night after night. Nicola also shares the pride of being able to represent her community on stage, as well as explaining the pressures that run alongside that. She’s an incredible, inspiring guest in so many ways.Nicola Espallardo, You’re on Tonight. \If you enjoyed the show, you can follow us at:Instagram @youreontonightTikTok @youreontonightYouTube @youreontonightGet in contact at: youreontonight@gmail.com Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner & Liam HorriganProduced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London. For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.Show image by Louisa Sexton.

David Tarkenter is a rare thing - an actor who simply hasn’t stopped working. For decades he’s graced some of the country’s most iconic stages - The National, The Old Vic, The Globe - alongside theatrical heavyweights including Alan Cumming, Bertie Carvel, Daniel Radcliffe, Mark Gatiss and Johnny Flynn. And then there’s the story that left us speechless. In 2021, David understudied Ralph Fiennes in a one-man production starring and directed by Ralph Fiennes. He talks about the relentless preparation, the psychological pressure of covering a titan, and the moment he had to step into that spotlight alone.In this episode, he tells us what it’s really like to understudy not only famous actors, but famous people. From stepping into the shoes of Donald Trump and Joe Biden at the Old Vic, to performing on opening night - this is high-wire acting at its most intense.This is an episode about resilience. David shares his hard-won wisdom for actors and non-actors alike - and proves why longevity in this industry is anything but luck. And to top it all off, he has a voice like melting butter.David Tarkenter - You’re On Tonight

Strictly Come Dancing winner and star of Coronation Street, Ellie Leach, had her stage debut as Miss Scarlett in 2024 in Cluedo 2. Hannah Boyce starred opposite her, was the show's Resident Director, and also understudied Ellie.Here, for the first time ever, Ellie tells us how terrified she felt about performing for live theatre, and Hannah gives her own experiences of what it’s like for an actor to develop stage fright. Along the way, we hear the most incredible stories from Ellie and Hannah’s careers - wigs going wayward on the Strictly Tour, mad moustaches and getting the giggles on stage, and what it’s like to rehearse sex scenes as an understudy.Reflecting on their careers, Ellie and Hannah also share what’s next. Fear, first nights, and the thrill of facing the crowd - this is the kind of honesty you only hear when the rehearsal room doors are closed.Ellie Leach & Hannah Boyce - You’re On Tonight. If you enjoyed the show, you can follow us at:Instagram @youreontonightTikTok @youreontonightYouTube @youreontonightGet in contact at: youreontonight@gmail.com Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner & Liam HorriganProduced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London. For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.Show image by Louisa Sexton.

Clive Marlowe is a world-record holder: he has been covering the same roles on The Mousetrap for 15 years, making him the longest-serving understudy in history and understudy royalty. This is an episode like no other. Clive reveals incredible stories from his career, including show-stops, acting through COVID, and the terrifying moment when you’re finally told ‘you’re on tonight.’ He reflects not only on what it’s like to be thrown onstage unprepared, but how to deal with your moment being over, and what it can feel like to be perpetually waiting in the wings. Covering the same roles for so long, Clive talks as well about what it’s like when the aches and pains you’ve been performing start to become real.Most inspiring, however, is Clive’s own personal story. In this episode he speaks honestly and beautifully about the challenges he’s overcome in his life including addiction and isolation, how socialising while in recovery can be profoundly difficult, and how, in an unstable profession, he may have found the one stable job going.Clive Marlowe - You’re On Tonight.To watch this episode in video format on YouTube click here: https://youtu.be/MtPnQIGxtDAIf you enjoyed the show, you can follow us at:Instagram @youreontonightTikTok @youreontonightYouTube @youreontonightGet in contact at: youreontonight@gmail.com Hosted by Liam Horrigan & Kara Alberts-TurnerProduced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London. For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.Show image by Louisa Sexton.*Trigger warning* - This episode contains themes of addiction and recovery. If you'd like to know more, head to the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/For Resolve: https://www.resolve.org.uk/

Dawn Buckland has been performing for over 40 years, starting her professional career on Starlight Express when she was just 17. Since then, she’s worked non-stop on stage and screen from Billy Elliot and Fame, to Mamma Mia 2 and Wonka.Dawn has the best collection of stories that you’ve never heard the likes of - until now. In this episode, Dawn talks chaos and crashes on Starlight Express, causing a power outage mid-show, being Cher’s personal choreographer, and what to do when the audience starts literally fighting in the stalls.Reflecting on her long career, Dawn also talks honestly and openly about how menopause affected her voice and forced a career change that she never could have predicted. Dawn Buckland - You’re On Tonight. If you enjoyed the show, you can follow us at:Instagram @youreontonightTikTok @youreontonightYouTube @youreontonightGet in contact at: youreontonight@gmail.com Hosted by Liam Horrigan & Kara Alberts-TurnerProduced by and recorded at The Sound Company, London. For The Sound Company: Dom Boucher, Luke Nagy, Gareth Wood & Nick Thackeray-Cron alongside Freya Baldwin & Seb Stone.

Launching 11th February, You’re On Tonight is a weekly podcast shining a spotlight on understudies, swings and covers in the theatre industry. Hosted by Kara Alberts-Turner and Liam Horrigan, it shares extraordinary, behind-the-scenes stories from the people who ensure the show must go on.New episodes every Wednesday.