Life After Jazz Hands is a podcast that celebrates the many paths our lives can take, and the diverse stories and characters who are - or have been - drawn to the performing arts.
My name is Matthew Russell-Jones and 20 years ago I graduated from musical theatre college. Back then, I had ideas about how my life and career would look, what constituted success, and what I wanted from the decades ahead.
But I’ve since realised that our lives can take many unexpected twists and turns. And this got me thinking: what were my classmates & others I met along the way professinally? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years or so on.
From performers and directors to doctors and barbers, Life After Jazz Hands charts the diverse careers of a single graduating class across two decades. Along the way, it also explores the moments and experiences that shape us: loss, parenthood, relationships, ill health, and opportunities in the most surprising places. Join us as we navigate the highs, the lows, and the unexpected encores in the lives of those who once shared a stage.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Life After Jazz Hands is a podcast that celebrates the many paths our lives can take, and the diverse stories and characters who are - or have been - drawn to the performing arts.
My name is Matthew Russell-Jones and 20 years ago I graduated from musical theatre college. Back then, I had ideas about how my life and career would look, what constituted success, and what I wanted from the decades ahead.
But I’ve since realised that our lives can take many unexpected twists and turns. And this got me thinking: what were my classmates & others I met along the way professinally? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years or so on.
From performers and directors to doctors and barbers, Life After Jazz Hands charts the diverse careers of a single graduating class across two decades. Along the way, it also explores the moments and experiences that shape us: loss, parenthood, relationships, ill health, and opportunities in the most surprising places. Join us as we navigate the highs, the lows, and the unexpected encores in the lives of those who once shared a stage.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hailing from Abingdon in South Oxfordshire, Mark went on to attend the Arts Educational Schools London studying Musical Theatre graduating in 2003.
From there he appeared as 'Angel' in 'Rent' in Germany, plus UK Tours of 'Chitty Chatty Bang Bang' and 'Singing in the Rain'. He was in the Original West End Cast of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' at Drury Lane in London, as well as productions of 'Elf The Musical' and 'Me and My Girl'.
In 2012, Mark felt the need to pass his knowledge on, so he branched out into musical theatre education, receiving his degree from Middlesex University, and has since taught and choreographed at many of the top musical theatre institutions in the U.K. as well as being a theatre producer for 'An Tobar and Mull Theatre'.
An Tobar and Mull Theatre - https://www.antobarandmulltheatre.co.uk/
If you have been affected by any issues discussed in this episode please see below for some helpful resources
National Bullying Helpline - https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/contact.html
National LGBTQIA+ Helpline - https://switchboard.lgbt/
First 4 Adoption - https://www.first4adoption.org.uk/who-can-adopt-a-child/how-do-i-decide/thinking-about-adoption-lgbt/
Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
988 Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/
Beat (Eating Disorder Helpline) - 0808 801 0677
Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds
Adoption UK - https://www.adoptionuk.org/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
