Playing 15 Characters in One Show: Samuel Barnett on Mary Whitehouse, Career Challenges, and Finding Joy in Acting

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Queerly's Stage and Screen Podcast

Queerly

105 episodes

1 day ago

Introducing Queerly's Stage & Screen Podcast hosted by Harvey Morton! Join Harvey as he sits down with LGBTQ+ stars of stage and screen for the latest interviews and insights. Whether you're planning a night out at the theatre or a trip to the cinema, this podcast is your backstage pass to the world of LGBTQ+ entertainment. Brought to you by Queerly Radio, a dedicated LGBTQ+ radio station and digital media brand, our mission is to create a welcoming space for everyone in the community.

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Playing 15 Characters in One Show: Samuel Barnett on Mary Whitehouse, Career Challenges, and Finding Joy in Acting

Queerly's Stage and Screen Podcast

28 minutes 56 seconds

1 month ago

Playing 15 Characters in One Show: Samuel Barnett on Mary Whitehouse, Career Challenges, and Finding Joy in Acting

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”.