amateur

This episode delves into the world of Willy Russell's modern classic, Educating Rita. We talk to actress Vicky Youster about her theatrical life, theatrical loves and the times when she's 'died' on stage. 

Vicky is playing Rita in the Crescent Theatre Birmingham's production of Educating Rita and she also tells us all about rehearsals, the challenges of taking on such an iconic role, and how to master the Liverpool accent.

Laura takes a delve into the Crescent Theatre's archives to find out more about previous productions of the show.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre, and features an amateur theatre-maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

This episode focuses on the Crescent’s upcoming pair of productions, 'House' and 'Garden', both by Alan Ayckbourn. Luke Plimmer is borrowing our backstage pass this month to learn more. He’ll be talking to the Stage Manager for 'Garden', Suzie King, and to Jordan Starks-Browning, who is working on Props for both 'House' and 'Garden'. Our studio guest is Naomi Jacobs, who is the Production  Assistant on 'Garden'.  Naomi also tells us about her life and loves in amateur theatre.

This episode we’re celebrating the past, exploring the present, and looking ahead to the future of amateur theatre.

Chairman of the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Kevin Middleton tells us about his theatrical life and theatrical loves, as well as  discussing the governance of an amateur theatre, and the role of the board. We also chat to one of the Crescent Theatre’s longest-standing members, set-builder and former stage manager, Phil Parsons, about his memories and experiences over more than 50 years with the company.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre, and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

This episode focuses on the Crescent’s upcoming production of Othello.

Our backstage pass holder, John O'Neill, will be exploring the iconic Props department with the Production Assistants for Othello, Steve Davis and Jess Shannon.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre, and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

This episode focuses on the work of a giant of modern British theatre, Harold Pinter. We will be talking to Graeme Braidwood, who is directing the Crescent Theatre Birmingham’s upcoming production of two one act Pinter plays, A Kind of Alaska and Ashes to Ashes, about his life and loves in theatre.

And we’ll be delving into the archives to find out a bit more about the Crescent Theatre’s history of producing Pinter’s work.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre, and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage.

This episode focuses on the history of the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, which is celebrating a big birthday this season. We’ve been talking to Clare Crosland, the Crescent’s Head of Archives, about the rewards and challenges of archiving a hundred years of amateur theatre history.  And we delve into the archives to find out a bit more about the history of the Crescent Theatre Company and about past productions of the two classic shows that open its centenary season this month; Blithe Spirit and Pride and Prejudice.

For those that missed the recent Facebook Live chat I had with the hilarious Aaron Gocs here's the edited version in full.

We spoke about Gocsy's comedy journey so far, the challenges that he has had to overcome throughout his life, the big Div 12 Ressies game that he was a part of and went beyond all expectations and what's happening for the rest of the year for Gocsy.

Thanks so much to Gocsy for his time, to Peter Oldfield from Southern Slugs Football Club for sponsoring the episode and for their continued support and to the team at PodBooth for putting this great video together.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

This episode focuses on Kevin Elyot’s 1990s masterpiece, My Night with Reg. Liz talks to David Baldwin about his life and loves in amateur theatre, and about My Night with Reg, which David is appearing in.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve died on stage. Our Backstage Pass feature takes us behind the scenes at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham to discover more about what goes into making a great amateur production.

This episode explores Florian Zeller’s modern masterpiece The Father. Our studio guest is director and actor Mark Thompson, who is directing the Crescent Theatre’s forthcoming production of The Father. Mark tells us about his life and loves in amateur theatre and about how he has approached directing The Father.

Our Backstage Pass Holder, John O’Neill, has been behind the scenes of the Box Office, a crucial department of any theatre, to find out more about how the box office supports and enhances the work of a busy amateur theatre venue.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve died on stage. Our Backstage Pass Feature takes us behind the scenes at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham to discover more about what goes into making a great amateur production.

This episode is all about the work of the late composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and we will be talking to Musical Director and long-standing member of the Crescent Theatre, Gary Spruce, about his life and loves in amateur theatre.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

This episode focusses on A.R. Gurney's charming 1995 romantic comedy "Sylvia."  We'll be talking to actor, author and director Jaz Davison about her life and loves in amateur theatre.  Jaz is directing The Crescent Theatre's forthcoming production of "Sylvia," which will run in the Crescent Theatre's Ron Barber Studio from 1st - 8th April 2023.

"Sylvia" explores the impact of an unexpected pet on the relationship between two empty-nesters who have just moved into New York City after child rearing in the suburbs.

Luke will be going backstage with two of the actors in the show to find out how you bring a dog to life on stage.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

This episode focuses on Shelagh Delaney’s ground-breaking 1950s drama A Taste of Honey. We’ll be talking to designer and director Colin Judges about his life and loves in amateur theatre. Colin is directing the Crescent Theatre’s forthcoming production of A Taste of Honey.

And because it’s February, the month of Valentines, we’re doing something a little bit different this episode and celebrating stories of those who have found love, be it romantic or platonic, through amateur theatre.  We asked our listeners to send us in their amateur theatre love stories and we’ll be sharing them with you, in celebration of the power that amateur theatre has to bring people together.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve died on stage. 

Our Backstage Pass feature will also take us behind the scenes at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham to discover more about what goes into making a great amateur production.

This episode focusses on Neil LaBute's 9/11 relationship drama "The Mercy Seat."  We'll talk to director, Robyn Dickinson about her life and loves in amateur theatre.  Robyn is directing The Crescent Theatre's upcoming production of the play.

Liz has been behind the scenes of a photo shoot of a poster, for the Crescent's 2023 touring production of The Taming of the Shrew, to find out more about what goes into getting the perfect picture to sell a show.

Book Tickets for The Mercy Seat
Book Tickets for The Taming of the Shrew
The Crescent Theatre Website

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur
theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life,
theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage.

This episode is a celebration of Christmas at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham, and
particularly the Christmas Wassail, a Crescent tradition dating back almost 40 years.
In fact, the Crescent's very beginning was a Christmas show.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

Our Backstage Pass feature takes us behind the scenes at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham to discover more about what goes into making a great amateur production. 

This episode focuses on John Webster’s Jacobean tragedy The Duchess of Malfi. We’ll be talking to actor, director and writer Andrew Cowie about his life and loves in amateur theatre, his approach to directing The Duchess of Malfi, and finding out about the unique and bloodthirsty genre that is Jacobean revenge tragedy.

Meanwhile Liz has been behind the scenes of The Duchess of Malfi to talk to Lighting Designer Charlotte Robinson about the challenges and rewards of lighting this darkest of plays.

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

Our Backstage Pass feature takes us behind the scenes at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham to discover more about what goes into making a great amateur production.

This episode focuses on a powerful play called There Are No Beginnings by Charley Miles.  We'll be speaking to Director Alex Arksen about the play and our Backstage Pass holder, John O'Neill will be talking to Sound Designer Kevin Middleton about the important role of sound in this play.

We’re delighted to be back for a second season of the podcast. 

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve ‘died’ on stage. 

Our Backstage Pass feature takes us behind the scenes at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham to discover more about what goes into making a great amateur production. 

This month’s episode is a little bit different as we lift the lid on some of backstage business that goes on in not one, but two, forthcoming productions at the Crescent. 

John O’Neill will be talking to actor and musician Hugh Blackwood about his life and loves in amateur theatre.

Meanwhile Luke and Liz will be taking a look behind the scenes of the catchily titled musical ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ and the Tudor romcom ‘Shakespeare in Love’, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall from the 1998 film of the same name.  

Each episode takes a look at a different aspect of the wonderful world of amateur theatre and features an amateur theatre maker talking about their theatrical life, theatrical loves, and the times when they’ve died on stage.  For this episode, the last in our current season, we’ve pulled together some clips that we didn’t have time for the first time around.  We’ve also thrown in a few bloopers that made us laugh while we were editing.