Theatre Audience Podcast S3 Ep3: Featuring reviews of Best of Enemies, Back to the Future, Aaron Sorkin's To Kill A Mockingbird, Othello and Smoke.

In this episode we talk about the Sister Act Spectacle at Heaven Nightclub and Blue’s Electrifying Drama at Seven Dials Playhouse. Plus Natalie goes backstage at Just For One Day with cast member Tamara Tare.

Sister Act (media event):

In this episode, we bring you the glitz and glamour from the Sister Act media event at Heaven Nightclub. Join the star-studded cast, including Olivier Award-winner Beverley Knight, the soulful Ruth Jones, Lesley Joseph, Clive Rowe, Lizzie Bea, Lemar, Alison Jiear, and Carl Mullaney, as they gear up for the much-anticipated West End production at the Dominion Theatre. Beverley Knight reprises her role as the disco diva-in-disguise Deloris van Cartier, and Gavin and Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones takes on the role of Mother Superior. With a Motown-inspired score by Alan Menken, this joyous tale of music, mishaps, and nuns on the run is set to captivate audiences from 15 March to 31 August.

Blue:

We dive into the intense and thought-provoking world of Blue at Seven Dials Playhouse. Detective LaRhonda Parker, portrayed by the brilliant Tamara Tare, takes centre stage in a gripping interrogation, adding layers of complexity as she investigates one of her own in the shooting of a Black motorist. This powerful two-hander, hailed with 5-star reviews and the prestigious Fringe First Award, delves into the intricacies of race, justice, and loyalty.

Interview with Tamara Tare:

As a bonus, Natalie sits down with Just For One Day cast member Tamara Tare for an exclusive chat as she shares behind-the-scenes stories, her role, and other intriguing aspects of this dynamic show.

Tune in for all the drama, laughter, and backstage revelations in this exciting episode!

🌟 Featured Shows:

Sister Act: A joyous tale of music, mishaps, and nuns on the run, rocking the pews at the Dominion Theatre.

Blue: An intense and timely exploration of race, justice, and loyalty at Seven Dials Playhouse.

Just For One Day: An inside look at the show with a special chat featuring cast member Tamara Tare.

Hadestown special. Natalie reviews the 5 Star show plus she speaks exclusively to Broadway and West End star Zachary James, the actor portraying Hades.

Welcome to the episode all about Hadestown! In this instalment, we dive into the acclaimed Broadway musical phenomenon, now making its long-awaited West End premiere at the Lyric Theatre. Hadestown, created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, has been celebrated for its epic celebration of music, togetherness, and hope, winning numerous awards, including 8 Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Described as "big, beautiful, and emotionally blasting" by The Guardian, Hadestown intertwines two mythic love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. The musical takes its audience on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, offering a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

This episode also features an exclusive interview with Zachary James, the actor portraying Hades. Natalie takes you backstage into Zachary's luxurious dressing room for a conversation you won't want to miss.

So, get ready to explore the enchanting world of Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. If you have any questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask.

Out Of Season:

The band is back in town, but Michael, Chris, and Dev are no longer in their twenties. Returning to Ibiza and the hotel where it all began thirty years ago, Neil D’Souza's razor-sharp comedy, Out Of Season, explores the gulf between past aspirations and present realities. As they trip down memory lane, Holly and Amy arrive, down-to-earth enough to save our feckless heroes from humiliating themselves. Written by Neil D’Souza and directed by Alice Hamilton, this comedy picks apart how we come to terms with the past and face the future.

Lady Windermere’s Fan:

Oscar Wilde's irreverent comedy, Lady Windermere’s Fan, follows the young Lady Windermere as jealousy over her husband's apparent interest in a mysterious older woman threatens to ruin lives. Set in the upper-class English society of the late Victorian era, the play satirises the hypocrisy of outwardly strict moral rules. With Scarlett Archer as Lady Windermere, George Banks as Lord Windermere, and Olivia Hallinan as Mrs Erlynne, this production promises dazzling period costume, live foley, and an immersive experience.

I Just Like You | a gay myth:

Written and directed by Zachary Wilcox, I Just Like You | a gay myth explores the complexities of gay dating through the intimate story of Pat and Leo. Pat, searching for something deeper, and Leo, who's developed an allergy to intimacy, find themselves unable to resist each other. Following a sold-out Edinburgh run, this play, long-listed for prestigious awards, marks Wilcox's London debut and stars Chandler James and Conor Mainwaring.

The Big Life:

Set in 1950s London, The Big Life follows four men from the West Indies—Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis, and Lennie—who arrive with high expectations and aspirations. Eager to make successes of themselves, they decide to forswear wine and women for three years to focus on their future. However, the women they meet—Sybil, Mary, Zulieka, and Kathy—have different ideas. This joyful Ska musical, blending Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost with the Windrush generation, returns to the stage 20 years after its Stratford East premiere.

Wild About You Interview:

Darren interviews Brian Spector, producer of the brand new musical Wild About You in a concert premiere starring Eric McCormack, Rachel Tucker, and Oliver Tompsett.

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True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City:

Get ready to meet the real Carrie Bradshaw! Candace Bushnell, the international best-selling novelist and creator of TV’s iconic Sex and the City, is taking the stage with her acclaimed one-woman show, True Tales of Sex, Success and SEX AND THE CITY. This whirlwind tour of New York City is a journey through fashion, literature, and, of course, sex. From her arrival in the city with $20 in her pocket to features in Time Magazine and interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Candace Bushnell's incredible life story is a blend of inspiration and entertainment. Whether you're a Carrie, a Miranda, a Charlotte, or a Samantha, grab a seat, pour yourself a Cosmopolitan, and toast to the saucy memoirs of a cultural icon.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical:

From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to becoming the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner's story is one of breaking rules and rewriting them. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical reveals the untold story of a woman who defied age, gender, and race boundaries. With 12 Grammy Awards and record-breaking live shows, Tina Turner's life is a testament to resilience and talent. Featuring her beloved songs, this stage musical is written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.

Just For One Day:

Relive the day music brought the world together in Just For One Day. Featuring the songs of iconic artists like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Queen, U2, and more, this musical tells the story of Live Aid and the people united by it. In a decade of political unrest and social revolution, Live Aid brought 1.5 billion people together. This world premiere musical, written by John O’Farrell and directed by Luke Sheppard, captures the spirit of that moment when rock 'n' roll changed the world. Plus, 10% of all ticket sales will be donated directly to The Band Aid Charitable Trust.

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The Motive and the Cue:

Get ready for a theatrical journey packed with drama, laughter, and musical magic! First up, renowned director Sam Mendes takes the helm in a fierce and funny new play by Jack Thorne. In The Motive and the Cue, witness Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton, Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud, and Tuppence Middleton as Elizabeth Taylor. As the year is 1964, and Burton is set to play Hamlet in an experimental Broadway production under Gielgud's direction, the collision of two ages of theatre brings forth a riveting exploration of the politics of a rehearsal room and the intricate relationship between art and celebrity. After a sold-out run at the National Theatre, this celebrated production is transferring to the West End for 15 weeks only.

Metamorphosis:

Next, dive into the surreal world of Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis in a thrilling new adaptation by Frantic Assembly and Lemn Sissay OBE. The story follows Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into something dangerous and untouchable. Combining Lemn Sissay's lyrical adaptation with Frantic Assembly's uncompromising physicality, this promises to be a visceral and vital depiction of humans struggling within a crushing system.

I Should Be So Lucky:

Brace yourself for a journey down the aisle and into the isles with the official Stock Aitken Waterman musical - I Should Be So Lucky. Featuring the soundtrack of a generation, this musical takes you on a rollercoaster ride of love, laughter, and last-minute getaways. With hits from pop royalty including Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, Bananarama, and more, this British musical, directed and written by Debbie Isitt, is a celebration of the infectious tunes produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. 

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Bitesize Festival:

First up, we've got the fourth edition of the Bitesize Festival at Riverside Studios, running from January 29 to February 25, 2024. This festival is a golden opportunity for emerging artists to shine. Riverside Studios is opening its doors, offering a platform for creatives to not just perform but to experience the full spectrum of producing a show, from rehearsal to marketing, all within the iconic venue of West London.

A Mirror:

Next, join the wedding celebration of Leyla and Joel in the extraordinary and mesmeric play, A Mirror. Starring the award-winning actors Jonny Lee Miller and Tanya Reynolds, this West End production, following a sell-out run at the Almeida Theatre, promises a thought-provoking journey. With the talented duo of writer Sam Holcroft and director Jeremy Herrin, be prepared for a captivating exploration of the intersections of creativity and corruption.

Bronco Billy The Musical:

Prepare yourself for a trip to the wild side of the West End with Bronco Billy The Musical at Charing Cross Theatre. Set in 1979, this Wild West musical introduces you to a group of romantic, fast-drawing, trick-riding, and disco-dancing Wild West enthusiasts led by Bronco Billy. When Bronco Billy crosses paths with Antoinette Lilly, a determined Manhattan heiress on the run, get ready for a thrilling, zany ride filled with love, reinvention, and the pursuit of dreams. Starring the talented Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Tarinn Callender, this musical is set to be a rollicking good time!

And stay tuned for an exclusive interview with James Hillier and Neil D'Souza, who will be sharing insights into their new play, Out of Season, opening at Hampstead Theatre Downstairs on February 16. This promises to be a compelling addition to London's theatre scene.

Join us for an episode brimming with theatrical wonders, where creativity knows no bounds, and the stage is set for unforgettable performances! 

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Kim’s Convenience: 

Welcome to a theatrical journey that spans generations and genres! 🎭✨First up, join us in the heartwarming world of Kim’s Convenience. This award-winning comedy drama, which inspired the Netflix hit, takes you into the life of Mr. Kim, the hardworking patriarch of a Korean family-run corner store in Toronto. As he grapples with changing landscapes and generational gaps, playwright Ins Choi, who himself played Mr. Kim’s son in the original stage play, stars in this feel-good ode to immigrants who have shaped Canada. Esther Jun, who also has a long history with the play having been cast in the original, returns this time to direct the five strong cast which also includes Namju Go, Jennifer Kim, Brian Law and Miles Mitchell.

Rehab the Musical!:

Get ready for a time-traveling musical experience with Rehab the Musical! It's 1999, and Kid Pop, a jaded pop star caught in a tabloid sting, faces a choice between jail time and rehab. What seems like a no-brainer vacation quickly turns into an emotional journey of self-discovery. Starring a stellar cast including Keith Allen, Mica Paris, and Jodie Steele, this musical with a stunning score is a timeless story about striving for a better life.

Saddle up for a rollicking queer Western adventure with the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Cowbois. In a sleepy Wild West town, the women, missing their gold-rush-chasing husbands, find a new frontier when the dashing bandit Jack Cannon arrives. This joyous cowboy romp, co-directed by Charlie Josephine and Sean Holmes, brings humour, swagger, and old-fashioned gun-slinging action to the stage.

Get ready for laughter, heartbreak, and a whole lot of excitement in this theatrical podcast episode. Join us as we explore the stories, characters, and the creative minds behind these captivating productions. From the corner store to the Wild West, this episode promises a theatrical ride like no other!

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Mrs. Doubtfire:

Helloooo, theatre lovers! 🌟 Get ready for a show-stopping episode packed with theatrical delights! First up, we dive into the West End sensation - Mrs. Doubtfire This hit comedy musical, hailed as 'genuinely funny' and 'heart-warming,' is soaring from screen to stage at London's Shaftesbury Theatre. Join us as we explore the magic, the laughter, and the fabulous dance numbers that make this musical a 'surefire hit.

Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical:

A must-see experience in New York and Los Angeles and following a sold-out, critically acclaimed production in the Assembly Palais du Variété spiegeltent at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, from the producers of smash hit Heathers the Musical, finally arrives in London. This nostalgic throwback features the greatest '90s pop classics and promises a wild ride inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Get ready to relive the magic of Losing My Religion, Torn, The Sign, No Scrubs, Genie in a Bottle, I’ll Make Love To You, Bye Bye Bye, Sometimes and, of course, Bittersweet Symphony. 

Cockfosters:

Next, we take an exhilarating trip on the tube with Cockfosters. This brilliantly surreal take on the tube journey introduces larger-than-life characters in a journey you'll never forget. Mind the gap, top up your Oyster, and join us for this unforgettable tube adventure!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie:

Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold-out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie returns on a major UK Tour. Join Jamie New on his journey to overcome prejudice, beat the bullies, and step into the spotlight. With catchy pop tunes that'll 'blow the roof off the Theatre,' this is a coming-of-age musical that'll have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.

As the curtain falls, our host Natalie sits down with actor Matt Lockett for an exclusive chat about Polar Express and the upcoming Sherlock's Excellent Adventure. It's an episode bursting with laughter, nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of theatre!

Tune in, poppets, for a theatrical adventure like no other!

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🌟 Musicals by Candlelight:

Indulge in the magical ambiance of Musicals by Candlelight as it graces the historic Actors' Church in the heart of Covent Garden, London. Immerse yourself in an intimate setting, where you can unwind and enjoy the timeless melodies of the greatest musical theatre songs ever composed. Accompanied by the world-class Icon Strings Quartet, this enchanting experience invites you to listen to popular tunes from beloved musicals such as Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and more.

The Icon Strings Quartet, celebrated for their performances at renowned venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Opera House, will grace all Musicals by Candlelight concerts. Praised by LondonTheatre1 for its focus on pure musicality, this show is a bold celebration of world-class musicianship, devoid of flashy lights or stage gimmicks. The quartet weaves a tapestry of upbeat and majestic melodies, promising an unforgettable evening for everyone.

The Witches:

Embark on a thrilling musical adventure with The Witches, which has had its world premiere at the National Theatre. Prepare to discard everything you thought you knew about witches—no pointy hats or broomsticks here. These are the most dangerous creatures on earth, hatching their most evil plan yet. The only hope lies with Luke and his Gran. But with Luke being ten and Gran having a dodgy heart, time is short, danger is everywhere, and they've got just one chance to thwart the witches from squalloping every child in England. This rip-roaring musical rendition of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale, with book and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood, music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Dave Malloy, and directed by Lyndsey Turner, promises wit, daring, and heart in abundance.

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Infinite Life:

Step into the profound and often humorous exploration of life's complexities with Annie Baker's latest creation, Infinite Life. Set under the direction of James Macdonald, this captivating play presents the stories of five women in Northern California, delving into the intricate nature of suffering and the desires that persist in bodies that may be failing. Fresh from its run at the Tony Award®-winning Atlantic Theater Company in New York, Baker's work is a testament to her singular talent in modern theatre.

The Motive and the Cue:

In another theatrical venture, The Motive and the Cue, the legendary Sam Mendes directs a riveting new play that unveils the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the making of Burton and Gielgud's iconic Hamlet. Delve into the enigma of why a globally acclaimed movie star would choose to tackle a play everyone already knows and discover the allure that draws us back to these timeless classics, year after year. As Richard Burton, portrayed by Johnny Flynn, takes on the titular role under the meticulous direction of Mark Gatiss's Gielgud, witness the collision of two eras of theatre, exposing the intricate dynamics between art and celebrity. Jack Thorne's fierce and funny narrative promises a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the complexities of the relationship between actors and directors.

Additionally, get an exclusive peek behind the curtain with an insightful interview featuring cast members Gabriel Akuwudike and Tom Varey from the enthralling Hamnet. As they share their experiences and perspectives, discover the nuances of bringing this compelling production to life. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of stagecraft, this podcast episode provides a captivating journey through the captivating realms of Annie Baker's Infinite Life and the untold stories behind the making of Hamlet.

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