park theatre

This episode we are thrilled to welcome the cast of Park Theatre's The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute!  Starring Luke Newton (Bridgerton, The Book of Mormon), Amber Anderson (Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror), Carla Harrison-Hodge (Cyrano De Bergerac, Amadeus) and Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy (War Horse, Hollyoaks).  We chat with the cast (our first in-person interview since before the pandemic) about working on this current production of The Shape of Things, their interpretation of the characters, and much more!

*Please note that this podcast episode contains plot spoilers of the play.* 

Get ready for an episode filled with theatrical brilliance as Natalie and Darren delve into a wide range of incredible productions! They'll immerse themselves in the dazzling world of Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, featuring a cast of theatre royalty including Daniel Mays, Andrew Richardson, Celinde Schoenmaker, Marisha Wallace, and Cedric Neal. Prepare to be enchanted by the classic charm and toe-tapping tunes of this beloved musical, promenade style. Next, they'll explore the comic gem How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Southwark Playhouse, a delightful show that combines sharp wit, catchy songs, and uproarious humour and starring Olivier Award and Tony Award legend Tracie Bennett. Get ready to laugh out loud as they uncover the hilarious escapades of ambitious office worker J. Pierrepont Finch. Intrigue awaits as they discuss Philip Ridley's gripping narrative of memory, manipulation, and power in Leaves of Glass, which recently had a revival at Park Theatre. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of human relationships and the haunting echoes of the past starring Eastenders favourite actress Kacey Ainsworth.

Prepare for laughter aplenty as they uncover London's bleaking hilarious new comedy, Bleak Expectations, based on the award-winning comedy by Mark Evans, with the talented Sally Phillips as our narrator. Join them at the Criterion Theatre for a rollicking adventure through the absurd and absurdly funny world of Dickensian parody. And don't miss the mesmerising performance by Dickie Beau in Re-Member Me at Hampstead Theatre, where he expertly channels the voices of past Hamlets in a captivating lip-sync show. Get ready to be swept away by the artistry and emotional depth of this truly unique theatrical experience. Tune in for an episode that celebrates the magic of the stage, showcasing a variety of genres and performances that will leave you entertained, inspired, and eager for your next theatre-going adventure. Don’t forget the Jasmine tea or if you prefer a nice fresh brewed pot of Earl Grey.

A recent graduate from LAMDA, Ned Costello has been making quite the impact on the theatre scene. Since his debut understudying Nero in the Lyric Hammersmith's production of Britannicus last year, Ned has gained a reputation for playing being one of few young actors truly able to capture the essence of a theatrical villain. He's currently preparing to open the Park Theatre's highly anticipated revival of Philip Ridley's Leaves of Glass where he will play the central character of Steven. After a period of playing to large houses like the Lyric Hammersmith and Nottingham Playhouse, this will also mark a return for Ned performing in an intimate studio space with the play arriving at Park Theatre's PARK90 auditorium.

In their first major interview, Ned Costello opens up about the past year - stepping onto the Lyric Hammersmith stage last minute to play the legendary Roman Emperor Nero and then playing opposite Olivier Award winners Adrian Scarborough and Sophie Thompson in The Clothes They Stoop Up In. His debut has excited audiences and his peers as anticipation grows around Leaves of Glass. Throughout our interview, he shares his unwavering enthusiasm for the industry that he's joined. After finishing a Politics and International Relations degree at University of Bristol, his transition to acting was perhaps not unexpected after spending some time with NYMT - he even shares he was mentored by West End leading lady Alex Young! When we ask him if he'd be interested in returning to musicals, he immediately sprites up - expressing his love for Standing at the Sky's Edge and Cabaret which have opened to huge acclaim. Nevertheless, Ned Costello remains one of the most exciting new actors to emerge onto the stage and we look forward to Leaves of Glass and anything he does next.

Leaves of Glass plays at Park Theatre on 11 May - 3 June and tickets are available now.

Hey, y'all! We are finally back to kick off our new season with a trailblazer in politics, theatre, Zionism, and racism, Mordecai Manuel Noah.