The WhatsOnStage Podcast

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The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood

178 episodes

3 days ago

WhatsOnStage managing editor Alex Wood and chief theatre critic Sarah Crompton host a weekly podcast on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to what’s happening on stage (and in film and on television) now, in the past and in future. From musicals, to plays, to immersive shows, to interviews with the biggest stars, there's something for everyone!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Performing Arts

Society & Culture

All content for The WhatsOnStage Podcast is the property of Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

WhatsOnStage managing editor Alex Wood and chief theatre critic Sarah Crompton host a weekly podcast on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to what’s happening on stage (and in film and on television) now, in the past and in future. From musicals, to plays, to immersive shows, to interviews with the biggest stars, there's something for everyone!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...

Performing Arts

Society & Culture

Episodes (20/178)

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

The Hunger Games - and Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren and some hopes for the future of arts in education

What a week Sarah Crompton and Alex Wood have had! Not only did they have a trip to Panem to sample the stage adaptation of The Hunger Games (the results left a lot to chew on), but Sarah's been down to Middle Temple Hall to celebrate a brand new initiative to help make Shakespeare more accessible in schools, courtesy of the Foyle Foundation and the RSC (with a helping hand from Helen Mirren, Adjoa Andoh and Ian McKellen). Meanwhile, Alex has been chatting all things new seasons with Alan Cumming, who just unveiled his brand new programme at Pitlochry Festival Theatre

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3 days ago

37 minutes 4 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: Caissie Levy and Jack Wolfe have a perfect loving family reunion

In this WhatsOnStage Podcast special, two of the stars of the Donmar Warehouse production of Next to Normal – Caissie Levy and Jack Wolfe – reunite as they both take on Broadway at the same time. The pair are currently starring in separate shows – Levy as Mother in the critically lauded revival of Ragtime, Wolfe in the role Orpheus in the much-loved Hadestown.

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1 week ago

34 minutes 7 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

The pick of the best Christmas shows - and a celebration of Richard Burton

Sarah and Alex have been watching Mr Burton, the film about Richard Burton’s early life starring Toby Jones that gets its TV on BBC on the centenary of his birth. And also Wild Genius, a documentary about this fascinating man who changed the course of acting and of celebrity. They’ve also begun to choose the most promising Christmas shows including BFG at Stratford, and Sherlock and the 12 Days of Christmas which reunites Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber

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1 week ago

38 minutes 20 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!

In this bonus episode, editor-in-chief Alex Wood chats to James Hameed and Arti Shah - the two performers who sent social media into meltdown on Saturday night when the musical version of Paddington had its first preview. Alongside the creatives, Shah and Hameed details the long process required to make Paddington work - and how it has been rehearsing for such an eagerly anticipated show.

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2 weeks ago

20 minutes 14 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: West End producer Colin Ingram reflects on 20 years of his company, the star casting debate and how the West End ecosystem is changing

On this bonus episode, we’re joined by one of the most prolific producers in the business – Colin Ingram. He’s the award-winning mind behind Back to the Future: The Musical, Ghost, and Grease The Musical, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of his company, Colin Ingram Limited. In our podcast he weighs in on the star casting debate, the future of the West End, his turbulent time with balloons at Les Misérables anniversary concert and what drives him onwards.

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2 weeks ago

39 minutes 18 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Exclusive interview: John Proctor is the Villain, Tilda Swinton and a huge 70th birthday party – David Byrne on his new Royal Court season

Luke Norris, Tilda Swinton, Gary Oldman, Ryan Calais Cameron, Robert Aramayo, John Proctor is the Villain and so much more – the Royal Court season is celebrating its 70th birthday in style. We hop into artistic director David Byrne's office to get the lowdown on his programming choices – how he's both honouring and winking at the history of this home for new writing. Plus – his experiences watching Andrew Lloyd Webber watching John Proctor is the Villain – and the moment Arthur Miller had beef with the Court...

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2 weeks ago

23 minutes 46 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Chris Pine, Keanu Reeves and the effects of star casting

Sarah and Alex meet up from opposite sides of the Atlantic to discuss the latest hot news in theatre including Chris Pine’s casting in Ivanov at the Bridge Theatre, how Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are landing on Broadway in Jamie Lloyd’s Waiting for Godot and why the new stage production of The Hunger Games found itself in a lose-lose situation with its first preview

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3 weeks ago

38 minutes 27 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin have a very special announcement...

On this special Monday bonus episode, we hopped over to the Garrick Theatre to check in with the stars of The Producers, Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin, who had a very special announcement for the five-star West End production... The duo have been playing the two lead roles in the show since it opened to acclaim at the Menier Chocolate Factory – it now settles in for a stay at the Charing Cross venue.

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4 weeks ago

32 minutes 12 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

The report the theatre world can't ignore: Women's health in the spotlight with special guest Emily Vaughan-Barratt

Following a high-profile launch for the Women's Health in Theatre report at the Harold Pinter Theatre last week, chief critic Sarah Crompton sat down with the report's pioneer, award-winning producer Emily Vaughan-Barratt, at her offices in London. The report's finding were an uncompromising reminder of the constant hurdles placed in front of women in the theatre industry - with issues around fertility, menopause and childcare all brought into sharp focus. The report didn't just cover those on stage - but also those behind the scenes and working across theatreland's offices and front-of-house areas. So what are the next steps? How can the situation be helped? And who are the unsung heroes helping those in need?

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1 month ago

38 minutes 22 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: How to adapt a classic musical into a film

In this episode, we head to the US where editor David Gordon sits down with director Bill Condon to discuss his new movie version of Kiss of the Spider Woman. Together they explore his approach to adapting the acclaimed story for the stage, the themes of identity and survival, and the creative process behind bringing such an iconic work to life. It’s an insightful look at storytelling, collaboration and the enduring legacy of Kiss of the Spider Woman. David also chats to break-out star Tonatiuh about his role in the new flick.

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1 month ago

16 minutes 39 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

What is the secret to Les Misérables' success?

To be or not to be - that is the question... Or is it "Do You Hear The People Sing?" As Les Misérables celebrates 40 years in the West End, Sarah and Alex reflect on the runaway success of the iconic musical that has enchanted audiences for decades. What does it say about the critics that they got it so wrong? Meanwhile, the National Theatre has opened a new production of Hamlet - laden with Easter eggs and references - and a standout performance that wowed Sarah!

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1 month ago

40 minutes 48 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

How one venue is bringing Hope to regional theatres

We’re heading to Manchester to celebrate a remarkable milestone. It’s been ten years since the Hope Mill Theatre first opened its doors, transforming a former textile mill into one of the country’s most respected independent producing houses.

With just over 145 seats, it’s an intimate space that’s punched well above its weight — staging acclaimed revivals and brand-new work alike, and helping to launch careers both on and off stage. Its productions have included the award-winning Spring Awakening, Rent, Mame, and, later this month, the team are bringing Young Frankenstein to the Hope Mill stage. And looking ahead to 2026, they’re taking on their biggest project yet with High School Musical at The Lowry.

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1 month ago

28 minutes 10 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

The magic of rain on stage, the greatness of Brendan Gleeson and the start of the National Theatre’s new regime

Sarah and Alex catch up on the latest in a hectic season of theatre and talk about why The Weir by Conor McPherson really is one of the great plays of the past 50 years. And - actors getting wet is always irresistible, but does it just make you think about drainage?

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1 month ago

33 minutes 24 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: Rachel Zegler, Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher join us for a red carpet special!

In a little midweek episode, we bring you red carpet interviews from London and New York. On Sunday, Rachel Zegler picked up the Best West End Debut Performer award at The Stage Debut Awards in London for her performance leading Evita in the West End, while over in New York, the stars of the forthcoming production of Chess came together to discuss making all the right moves in the upcoming revival of the much-loved show.

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1 month ago

22 minutes 12 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Why Jane Austen finds herself at home in modern Essex

As Jane Austen celebrates her 250th birthday, Ava Pickett has adapted Emma for the stage. She’s taken a radical approach. She talks to Sarah about why Austen is still the best portrayer of complex women, how hard it is to write comedy, the freedom of writing period drama and why the craft of women writers still isn’t recognised.

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1 month ago

42 minutes 2 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: Rob Madge and Sophie Drake bring a classic into the 21st century

How do you bring a play into the present day? That’s the question facing playwright Rob Madge and director Sophie Drake, as they bring Brandon Thomas' 19th century gender-hopping farce into the present day. The show opens at the rustic, beautiful Watermill Theatre, and marks a first collaboration for the award-winning duo.

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1 month ago

24 minutes 30 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Exclusive: Indhu Rubasingham and Nima Taleghani on why they’ve put the god of theatre on stage at the National Theatre

Nima Taleghani is best known as Mr Farouk in Netflix’s Heartstopper. Now his first play - an adaptation of Euripides’ Bacchae - has become the first debut play in the Olivier theatre. And it opens his director Indhu Rubasingham’s first season as artistic director of the National Theatre. They talk to Sarah about making classics contemporary, rhyming verse and why theatre - like life - is best when it’s a little bit cheeky and a little bit risky

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1 month ago

30 minutes 26 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Children will listen: Kate Fleetwood talks playing the Witch in Into the Woods

In a WhatsOnStage Podcast first, we exclusively reveal that Kate Fleetwood will be playing the Witch in Jordan Fein’s upcoming Into the Woods revival, playing at the Bridge Theatre from early December. We want to hear about how it feels for the performer to appear in their first EVER Sondheim production, and what might be in store for audiences when they head over to the Bridge this winter…

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2 months ago

30 minutes 11 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

The best autumn theatre part two

Sarah and Alex make their top picks for shows towards the end of the year from plays such as End, The Line of Beauty and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo to the great raft of musicals coming our way. Plus, how will Paddington tackle the bear question?

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2 months ago

32 minutes 38 seconds

The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Bonus episode: Podcast chaos with Lucie Jones, David Hunter and the writers of 13 Going On 30

Another mid-week bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast sees Alex talking to the team behind the world premiere production of 13 Going On 30 The Musical, which opens this September in Manchester. Cathy Yuspa and Josh Goldsmith, who penned the original Hollywood classic, are back at the helm of the new stage production, which reunites Lucie Jones and David Hunter.

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2 months ago

32 minutes 34 seconds