It’s early August, and the Wise Children Training Programme team is wrapping up the final week of three week-long training residencies at The Lucky Chance in Frome. Over the lunch break on the very last day, Emma grabs her fluffy mic and sits down with Ian Ross, John Leader, Helen Comerford, Katy (Mary) Owen, Riddell Elridge and Laura Keefe to reflect on what these vibrant weeks have meant — for the company, the trainees, and the future of theatre-making (and teaching the practice of Emma and Wise Children). Behind-the-scenes insights, big laughs, and a glimpse into how Wise Children is reimagining training for the next generation of artists.

It's Monday evening and it's a rare day off at Wise Children.  Emma has been busy with her fluffy mic recording the company as they get ready for a preview of North by Northwest.  She also talks about getting notes in the street whilst she was out on a run...  You can find out more about North by Northwest and all of Emma's work by visiting www.wisechildren.co.uk. Remember to hit like and subscribe. Thanks all. x  

NXNW Episode 2  In this episode we dive into the magic, mayhem, and magnificent theatricality of North by Northwest—Emma’s latest production. How do you take a classic Hitchcock film, famous for its high-octane chases, iconic suspense, and cinematic flair, and transform it into a breathtaking piece of live theatre? Joining Emma for this episode is the inimitable Katy Owen—a longtime Wise Children collaborator and a master of mischief on stage. Together, they unpack the creative process behind adapting this cinematic masterpiece, the joys and challenges of bringing its larger-than-life moments to the stage, and what audiences can expect from this thrilling new production.  Katy is joined by a large cinnamon bun - you'll have to listen... Also, Emma talks to sound designer and composer Simon Baker as the York Minster bells ring out on a Sunday morning.  Remember to like and subscribe!  

We're back with a new season of podcasts all about Emma's new production - North By Northwest.  We are mid-rehearsal with a room full of revolving doors, suitcases, and suits.  Join us as Emma talks about the show, the epic plot and how she might bring some of those iconic scenes to the stage. 

It’s busy here at Wise HQ—so much is happening, as always. We managed to steal a surprise day off to catch our breath and bring you all up to speed. In this episode, we’ll chat about the latest goings on, including news about Little Match Girl at The Lucky Chance. Plus, we’re gearing up for North by Northwest, coming your way this spring. Not to mention Wuthering Heights heading out on its international tour.  So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s catch up. 🎙️ Please hit like and subscribe - it really does help.    Photo credit - Richard Grassie  

To celebrate our 2nd year of The Little Match Girl at our home, The Lucky Chance, we teamed up with our local community radio station Frome FM to create a special one-off programme.0. This one's a little different to our regular podcasts as it assumes that you know nothing about Wise Children or even theatre!  So it's a very good place to start.  Hosted by Emma Rice with Simon Baker and features music from Wuthering Heights, Blue Beard, and Romantics Anonymous. 

Buddha of Suburbia at the RSC Stratford is now up and running and truly delighting audiences. We recorded this just before the first-ever dress rehearsal - so as Emma Rice talks to the creative team about the process you can hear hoovers, resets, and a fight call.  It's all going on in this crazy half hour.  You'll hear all about the process of bringing Hanif Kureishi's iconic novel to the stage from Rachana Jadhav - Set Designer Vicki Mortimer - Costume Designer Helen Johnson - Associate Costume Designer Jai Morjaria - Lighting Designer Etta Murfit - Choreographer & Intimacy Co-ordinator Surenne Somchit - Deputy Stage Manager Simon Baker - Sound Designer Steve Tanner - Production Photographer We've also some music from Niraj Chag Remember to hit like and subscribe to stay up to date with everything Wise Children and Emma Rice.         

On the eve of the final rehearsal room for Buddha Of Suburbia Emma takes the company on a trip to see our other production - Blue Beard.  This one was recorded entirely on the coach journey from Stratford Upon Avon to Birmingham.  The ultimate school trip!  

We're back in rehearsals with Emma's new production - The Buddha of Suburbia - adapted from (and with) the book by Hanif Kureishi.  This time we're at the RSC in Stratford Upon Avon.   In this episode, Emma talks about the acting company and the process of cutting work early.  We've also got some sneak peeks at the music by Niraj Chag.  

We recorded this on Sunday afternoon after a week of final previews, a press night and a load out. The show is now in several trailers heading to Home Manchester.  In today's episode, Emma reveals that she had a speech planned... and we get to hear it.   (This is the full edit. We managed to cut a whole section of material in the edit).       

It's the final week in the rehearsal room for Blue Beard!   Our own rehearsal space - TLC - is a little flooded at the moment, so we started the week by moving down the road to The Silk Mill. Despite the challenges, the show is on course for technical rehearsals at Bath Theatre Royal next week. This week, Emma (Rice) talks with the music team of Stu Barker, Ian Ross and Stephanie Hockley about making the show - with some exclusive audio clips from rehearsals and our new recording, Three Little Rings.   WARNING - Contains some explicit language

This week Emma (Rice) talks through the first few weeks of rehearsal for her new production - Blue Beard.  She talks about the plot (it's not about Pirates!). She also talks about the rehearsal process and why making this show is so important to her.  The countdown to preview one is on. WARNING - Contains some explicit language 

It's New Year's Eve and our first chance to sit down and record a new podcast!  It's been quite the month and, to be honest, year. Join Emma (Rice) on this extended podcast edition as she reviews (and reminds Simon) what happened this year. This edition features all the highs and lows of Wise Children’s tour of Wuthering Heights, not to mention The Little Matchgirl at The Lucky Chance. It includes many backstage interviews with the Little Match Girl company and some clips of the final show - rough and ready as always. 

Recorded late in the evening on Emma's sofa (much to Simons's surprise) they talk about the final week of rehearsal before Tech and Dress Rehearsals start.  There's an interview with Ian Ross and a sneak preview of a new Christmas song Ian and Emma have written - recorded mid-rehearsal at TLC.   

It's Sunday at the end of week one of rehearsals for the Little Matchgirl at The Lucky Chance. Emma (Rice) has taken her fluffy mic to catch up with actors and also talks to Simon Baker about the goings on at TLC.    

  🎭 The Wise Children Podcast 🎙️ Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes episode! The Little Matchgirl: A Morning with Artistic Director Emma Rice It's the morning before rehearsals kick-off for the enchanting production of 'The Little Matchgirl' at Wise Children's new home - The Lucky Chance. Artistic Director Emma Rice sits down on this cold Sunday morning with Technical Director Simon Baker to share her insights, inspirations, and excitement about this magical project.  🌟 Get ready to immerse yourself in the creative world of Wise Children as Emma Rice discusses the unique energy surrounding this production and the significance of The Lucky Chance as their new theatrical haven. 🎧 Tune in to this special episode to hear firsthand about the anticipation, the creative process, and the magic that goes into bringing 'The Little Matchgirl' to life on stage. Grab your coffee, find a cosy spot, and join us for an insightful journey!  

🎙️ Welcome to The Wise Children Podcast. We're back podcasting after a year-long hiatus - and what a year its been. We've a lot top catch you up on. First up is The Lucky Chance - our new home in Frome, Somerset. We're also talking about The Little Matchgirl will will play at The Lucky Chance over Christmas this year - if we can make the toilets/bar/box office work. Then, Emma talks about her new production for next year - Blue Beard.  It's a lot to take in.    

We're back and with exciting news.  After years of searching, we've finally found our own creative space - the old Portway Methodist Church in Frome, Somerset, renamed The Lucky Chance. In this episode, Emma (Rice) talks to the team (Simon Baker, Poppy Keeling & Jay Jones) about the plans, hopes and dreams for this new adventure.   

In this extraordinary episode, our intrepid artistic director, Emma Rice heads north armed with her fluffy mic, notebook and jumper in order to find her Cathy, her Heathcliff and her Moors as she starts work on Wuthering Heights.  Battling the wind and rain Emma gets to grips with the Brontë's, the brutality and the tragedy of this most epic tale.  This is one of the most intimate and bravest podcasts we've ever released. A true insight into the writing process.  Just Emma, alone on the Moors.    

In this special one-off episode, Emma talks about the making of Bagdad Cafe at London's Old Vic.