Harvey Morton sits down with Damon Gould, the talented performer behind Noel Gruber - the most romantic boy in town—in the upcoming UK premiere of Ride The Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Damon opens up about growing up in a small industrial town, how dance became his safe space and escape, and the journey that led him to the West End stage.

They dive deep into the themes of Ride The Cyclone - life, death, second chances, and the power of connection. Damon shares how the show’s immersive storytelling and heartfelt characters will inspire audiences to reach out to their loved ones and live authentically. Plus, get a sneak peek into the collaborative rehearsal process and the magic that makes this musical a must-see.

Don’t miss this candid and moving conversation with Damon Gould. Tickets for Ride The Cyclone are on sale now for performances from 14 November 2025 to 10 January 2026 at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Get tickets here:

https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/ride-the-cyclone/

Follow Damon on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/damongxuld/?hl=en

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

Join Harvey Morton on Queerly's Stage and Screen Podcast as he chats with Crayola the Queen about her starring role as Adelphaba in Wicked Witches, the dazzling drag pantomime lighting up the Pleasance London this Christmas. Discover how Crayola’s journey from opening for Chappell Roan to embracing queer storytelling in theatre has shaped this unique production. Hear about the show's blend of family-friendly fun and adult sass, its vibrant soundtrack, and the importance of authentic queer representation on stage. Whether you’re a pantomime fan or new to drag theatre, this episode is packed with sparkle and laughs.

Get your tickets for the family-friendly show here: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/wicked-witches-popular-panto
And for the adult version here: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/wicked-witches-popular-panto

Follow Crayola on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/crayolathequeen/?hl=en

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

Join host Harvey Morton on Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast as he chats with writer-director Siobhan McCarthy and lead actor Nico Carney about their groundbreaking film She’s The He. Premiering internationally at the 69th BFI London Film Festival, this hilarious and heartfelt comedy flips the gender-swap trope on its head, exploring friendship, identity, and the journey of coming out in a world where being trans is still inherently controversial.

Hear about the film’s bold creative spirit, the iconic tampon fight scene, and how an all-queer and trans cast and crew brought this story to life with humor and honesty. Siobhan and Nico share their inspirations, the challenges of making the film, and what’s next for them in their careers.

Stay tuned for release updates by following @shesthehemovie on Instagram. Whether you’re a fan of teen rom-coms or looking for authentic trans stories, She’s The He is a must-watch.

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

Em Prendergast joins Harvey Morton to discuss their role in Deafinitely Theatre’s groundbreaking production of Barrier(s) by Eloise Pennycott. Em shares their journey as an actor working across British Sign Language, Sign Supported English, and spoken English, while offering candid insights into the challenges faced by deaf and queer communities in the arts. From their personal experience with hearing loss to their passionate advocacy for inclusive storytelling, Em delivers a message that resonates far beyond the stage: “Put your money where your mouth is… because you will not learn if you don’t learn directly from the source.”

• Em discusses their role as Alana in Barrier(s), a journalist who has “all the right language” but struggles to support their deaf partner

• The unexpected journey of learning BSL for fun, only to lose their hearing shortly after

• Growing up working class and how theatre provided access to education and self-discovery

• The importance of representing intersectional identities: “The deaf queer community is thriving… but you just don’t see that representation”

• Em’s exciting new project: a lesbian adaptation of Lorca’s Yerma featuring both spoken English and BSL

• Practical advice for theaters wanting to become more inclusive

  Where to See Barrier(s)

• The Rep, Birmingham: October 18-25, 2025

• HOME, Manchester: November 6-8, 2025

• Camden People’s Theatre, London: November 11-29, 2025

Tickets available at deafinitelytheatre.co.uk/Event/barriers

• Follow Em Prendergast on Instagram: @emprenempren

• Deafinitely Theatre - The UK’s first deaf-launched and led theater company

Harvey Morton is joined by Tobias Turley and Danielle Steers, the stars of Hot Mess - the award-winning musical that’s bringing its unique climate crisis rom-com to London after sweeping five awards at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Tobias (Humanity) returns to the podcast following his Mamma Mia journey, while we welcome Danielle (Earth) for the first time as they discuss:

• How the seemingly “crazy” concept of Earth and Humanity falling in love works brilliantly on stage
• The challenges facing original musicals in London’s West End
• Why their collaborative rehearsal process has been so rewarding
• How the show addresses climate change without being preachy
• The importance of supporting new work in musical theatre
• Their Broadway ambitions for the show

Tobias also updates us on his Scene Stealers podcast, now entering its third season.

Links:
• Hot Mess at Southwark Playhouse Elephant (Oct 16-Nov 8, 2025): https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/hot-mess/
• Scene Stealers Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/scenestealerspodcast/
• Listen to Scene Stealers: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lKkeHYaGCowhkPTLPAhyq

• Follow Danielle on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/misssteers/?hl=en

• Follow Tobias on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tobias_turley/?hl=en

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

Reality TV icon Tiffany “New York” Pollard joins Harvey to discuss her groundbreaking new competition series 'Slayers: Wheel of Fate', which combines fantasy elements with queer representation. From hungry dragons to the villainous Queen Karen, Tiffany shares what makes this show unlike anything you’ve seen before.

About the show:

Hosted by reality TV legend Tiffany “New York” Pollard, “Slayers: Wheel of Fate” follows 10 queer competitors through an immersive gaming experience complete with a mysterious castle, a villain named Queen Karen, and a ‘dragon’ that eats the eliminated contestant every week. Contestants battle for the chance to win $25,000 provided by Taimi, the leading queer dating app.

'Slayers: Wheel of Fate' premieres October 8th 2025 on OUTflix, and on OUTflix Proud via Freeview in the UK.

Find out more about OUTflix: https://www.outflix.com

Follow Tiffany on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_hbic_pollard/

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this joyful and inspiring episode, Harvey chats with Kevin Yates, ensemble member of the world premiere production of 13 Going On 30 - The Musical. Kevin shares his journey from a small town in Norfolk to the stage, discusses the magical elements of bringing this beloved film to theatrical life, and delivers powerful insights about authenticity, representation, and embracing your unique “superpower” in the industry.

Kevin’s impressive credits include Cruel Intentions (UK Tour), Come From Away (UK Tour), Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (Prince Edward Theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), Priscilla Queen of The Desert (UK Tour), and RENT (Other Palace). His TV credits include Dreamland (Sky) and Bimini Bon Boulash: Homecoming Queen (BBC).

13 Going On 30 - The Musical stars Lucie Jones as Jenna Rink, David Hunter as Matt Flamhaff, and Grace Mouat as Lucy Wyman. Based on the 2004 rom-com classic starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, the musical is now playing at Manchester Opera House until October 12 2025.

Get tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/13-going-on-30-the-musical/opera-house-manchester/

Follow Kevin on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kevby91

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this powerful episode of Queerly's Stage and Screen Podcast, Harvey speaks with the team behind the urgent new documentary 'The Librarians' - director Kim Snyder, brave librarian Amanda Jones, and producer Maria Cuomo Cole.

When Amanda Jones discovered she had lost twelve former students to suicide "simply for being othered", she knew she had to stand up against the unprecedented wave of book banning targeting LGBTQ+ stories in her small Louisiana town.

Her courage, alongside other librarians across America, inspired this riveting documentary executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Our guests reveal the organszed nature behind what appears to be grassroots censorship, the historical parallels to totalitarian movements, and how books quite literally save LGBTQ+ lives. Jones shares her legal battle that recently resulted in a Supreme Court victory, while the filmmakers discuss creating a 'Librarians Without Borders' movement as similar censorship efforts spread globally.

From death threats to standing ovations, this conversation explores how everyday heroes are risking everything to ensure marginalised youth see themselves represented on library shelves. 'The Librarians' comes to cinemas on 26 September - a must-watch documentary for anyone who believes in the power of stories to change lives.

To find a screening near you, visit: https://thelibrariansfilm.com/screenings/

Follow The Librarians Film on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thelibrariansfilm/

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this episode of Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, Harvey speaks with Tony-nominated actor Samuel Barnett about his extraordinary performance in 'The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse' at Nottingham Playhouse. Samuel reveals the challenges and joys of playing over 15 characters (including Margaret Thatcher and Jesus) opposite Maxine Peake in Caroline Bird’s provocative new play about Britain’s infamous moral campaigner.

From the technical demands of rapid character changes to the emotional impact of witnessing diverse audiences unite around the play’s message of empathy, Samuel offers fascinating insights into this unique theatrical experience. The conversation expands beyond the current production as Samuel reflects on his remarkable career journey – from his Tony-nominated roles in 'The History Boys' and 'Twelfth Night' to his one-man show at the Edinburgh Fringe and his screen work.

With disarming honesty and humour, Samuel discusses the parallels between historical culture wars and today’s divisive rhetoric, what it’s like working with the “extraordinary” Maxine Peake, and the wisdom he’s gained about finding joy in acting for its own sake.

Get tickets for The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse (running until September 27th, 2025): https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/the-last-stand-of-mrs-mary-whitehouse/

Follow Samuel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsamuelbarnett/

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

This week, Harvey sits down with the stars of the powerful new Canadian film SOLO for two illuminating conversations about toxic relationships, drag artistry, and queer representation on screen.

French actor Felix Maritaud (120 BPM, Sauvage) discusses his transformative experience becoming drag performer Olivier, while award-winning director Sophie Dupuis reveals the collaborative process behind creating "the most queer cast ever assembled in a Canadian production."

Follow Felix on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/itsfelixmaritaud/

Follow Sophie on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sophiedupuis/

SOLO opens in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from September 19 2025.

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

Harvey Morton speaks with Paulus the Cabaret Geek about his critically acclaimed tribute show 'Looking For Me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood'. As the show embarks on its penultimate UK tour before a special final run in 2026 marking a decade since Victoria’s passing, Paulus shares delightful insights into Wood’s musical genius, personal stories of performing the show for five years, and his exciting plans for a sequel. This conversation is a must-listen for Victoria Wood fans and anyone who appreciates British musical comedy.

Tour dates and tickets: https://thecabaretgeek.com/looking-for-me-friend/

About Paulus: https://thecabaretgeek.com/bio/

Follow Paulus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecabaretgeek/

Follow Paulus on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@victoriawoodtribute

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this episode of Queerly’s Stage and Screen, Harvey Morton chats with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star River Medway and West End performer Blake Patrick Anderson about their roles in the joyfully camp production Here & Now: The Official Steps Musical.

River (Jem) and Blake (Robbie) discuss bringing their characters’ queer love story to stages across the UK and Ireland, the importance of representation in theatre, and how Steps’ iconic discography creates the perfect backdrop for this celebration of pop, pride and finding your people.

In this episode of Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, Harvey Morton speaks with Trevor Ashley about his role as Roger de Bris in the West End transfer of Mel Brooks’ comedy masterpiece The Producers at the Garrick Theatre.

Trevor shares insights about bringing this “gloriously over-the-top role” to life, working with Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber, and why the show’s satirical take on fascism feels disturbingly relevant in today’s political climate. He discusses the joy of performing in what he calls “one of those iconic gay roles” and the unique opportunity to play “the gayest Hitler in the entire world.”

As a performer whose career spans from Les Misérables to Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Trevor reflects on how his cabaret background influences his approach to musical theatre and the thrill of bringing the show from the intimate Menier Chocolate Factory to the grand stage of the Garrick.

Get tickets: theproducersmusical.com

Follow Trevor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevor_ashley/

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jan Sport joins Harvey Morton to discuss her UK musical theatre debut as Oscar Wilde in the immersive dystopian dance party 'Oscar at the Crown'. From its origins as a Harvard thesis project to its current run in a purpose-built underground venue on Tottenham Court Road, Jan shares her decade-long journey with the show and why it offers a theatrical experience unlike anything else in London.

• Tickets for 'Oscar at the Crown': oscaratthecrown.com

• Follow Jan Sport: Instagram @janjanjan | TikTok @jansportnyc12

In this episode of Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, Harvey chats with rising star Ruaridh Mollica about his West End debut in Samuel D. Hunter’s play 'Clarkston'. Ruaridh, who previously impressed in the indie film 'Sebastian' and Disney+'s 'A Thousand Blows', opens up about transitioning from screen to stage, working with Heartstopper’s Joe Locke, and the challenges of Hunter’s emotional writing style.

Get tickets to see 'Clarkston' at clarkstonplay.co.uk (starting from just £25).

Follow Ruaridh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruaridhmollica/

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

West End stars Vivian Panka and Ryan Kopel join Harvey Morton to discuss their upcoming concert 'Breaking Character' at Crazy Coqs. Fresh off the Dear Evan Hansen UK Tour, the duo shares behind-the-scenes stories, discusses their musical influences, and reveals what audiences can expect from their intimate November 10th performance.

Get tickets here: https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/vivian-panka-and-ryan-kopel-breaking-character/

Ryan's previous interview on Queerly's Stage and Screen Podcast: https://thisisqueerly.com/ryan-kopel-interview-dear-evan-hansen/

Follow Vivian on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/vivianpanka/

Follow Ryan on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ryankopel/

Follow Ryan on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@ryankopel

Watch Vivian's Vlogs on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@vivianpanka?si=j7MzR5qclKUogz86&sub_confirmation=1

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Queerly LIVE with Harvey Morton, every Sunday morning from 8am to 10am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

This week on Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, Harvey talks with writer and performer Alfie Webster about his acclaimed one-man show ‘lenny.’ - a darkly funny exploration of identity, belonging, and what it means to step off the sidelines of your own life. After a sold-out run at Theatre503, this powerful solo performance is transferring to the Omnibus Theatre this September.

In this candid conversation, Alfie shares how the play developed from a “messy” draft at the Royal Court’s Introduction to Playwriting group to its current form, discusses performing multiple characters, and reflects on modern masculinity from a queer perspective.

In this episode:

• Alfie describes ‘lenny.’ as a play about “being on the sidelines of your own life” and making the decision to “step off the sidelines and live authentically”

• The creative partnership with director Sarah Stacey who Alfie describes as “an incredible dramaturg” who helps him “trust what’s written on the page”

• How performing the show at 31 gives Alfie a different perspective than when he created it in his late twenties

• The technical challenges of embodying multiple characters through physicality and accent

• Alfie’s reflections on modern masculinity and the “acceptance of softness”

• The formative theater experiences that inspired Alfie, from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Bunny by Jack Thorne

About ‘lenny.’:
Lenny’s not even the main character in his own life. Dangerously close to the end of his twenties, he is still waiting for his life to begin. His best mate, Carly is in the epicentre of everything and he’s sick of always being a witness. But after waking up from a very unsettling dream with an unexpected visitor, Lenny decides to step off the sidelines. Tonight, everyone will be watching him. Tonight, he will be born into the man he’s supposed to be, and his life is really going to start… won’t it? But it’s not long before this new way of thinking begins to shift into something darker…

Tickets and Information:
‘lenny.’ runs September 16 - October 4, 2025 at the Omnibus Theatre, London.
Tickets from £10 | Age Guidance: 16+
Book now: https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/lenny/

Follow:
Instagram: @lenny_theplay

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Harvey’s Brunch Club, every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this electrifying episode, Todrick Hall opens up about his transformative journey with Burlesque The Musical. From unexpected directorial debut to creating a West End sensation, Todrick shares the raw, unfiltered story of bringing this iconic film to stage.

Get your tickets now: burlesqueonstage.com

Follow Todrick:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todrick/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@todrick?lang=en

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Harvey’s Brunch Club, every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this Edinburgh Fringe special, Harvey Morton speaks with Ryan Stewart about ‘KINDER’, a chaotic and tender exploration of drag, childhood, and the moral panic surrounding queer visibility. Ryan shares how a humorous misunderstanding - a drag artist accidentally booked for a children’s reading hour -evolved into a powerful commentary on censorship and reactionary politics. Through the character of German drag clown Goody Prostate, the show spirals from comedy into poignant reflections on growing up neurodivergent and queer, finding sanctuary in imagination, and the persistent attacks on drag performers worldwide. KINDER blends drag, theatre, and storytelling to examine what happens when we start repeating our own histories and forget where our stories come from.

Catch ‘KINDER’ at Underbelly Cowgate (Big Belly) from July 31st to August 24th, 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th), at 18:40. Tickets available from £8.50 (previews) to £14 at www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk. Follow @goodyprostate on Instagram.

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Harvey’s Brunch Club, every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.

In this Edinburgh Fringe special, Harvey Morton speaks with Beth Paterson about ‘NIUSIA’, a powerful one-woman show exploring memory, matriarchy, and Jewish identity. Beth shares how she transformed her complex relationship with her Holocaust-survivor grandmother into a theatrical journey that weaves together cabaret, testimony, and spoken word. The conversation delves into what it means to inherit cultural legacy while growing up disconnected from one’s heritage, the balance between honoring difficult family members and acknowledging their flaws, and how humor can illuminate even the darkest stories. 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, NIUSIA asks profound questions about remembrance and whose responsibility it is to carry forward these histories.

Catch ‘NIUSIA’ at Summerhall (Former Women’s Locker Room) from July 31st to August 25th, 2025 (not 11th, 18th), at 13:20. Tickets available for £17 (£14.50) at www.summerhallarts.co.uk.

Follow @bethpatersonaus on Instagram.

For more from Queerly Radio, visit thisisqueerly.com and don’t forget to tune into Harvey’s Brunch Club, every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am on Queerly Radio. Tune in at queerly.radio or just ask your smart speaker to “play Queerly Radio”.