NYMT Open House

NYMT
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Open House is the official podcast from the National Youth Music Theatre, celebrating over 50 years of extraordinary musical theatre for young people. Across the series, we open the door to honest conversations with NYMT alumni, industry professionals, creative teams and friends of the organisation, exploring careers, creativity and the realities of life on and off stage. From first steps in youth theatre to the West End and beyond, Open House is packed with insight, inspiration and stories from across the musical theatre world.

Episodes

  1. Open House Ep. 4: Social Media and Musical Theatre with Lois Chapman and John Richmond

    4 DAYS AGO

    Open House Ep. 4: Social Media and Musical Theatre with Lois Chapman and John Richmond

    What happens when musical theatre meets social media, and suddenly your self-tapes, songs and creative ideas are being watched by thousands of people online? In Episode 4 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David is joined by NYMT alumni Lois Chapman and John Richmond to explore the world of social media and musical theatre. From building an online audience and creating content as a performer to balancing training, creativity and public visibility, Lois and John share their experiences of growing platforms while finding their place in the industry. They reflect on the opportunities social media can create, the pressures that come with it, and how it can be used to inspire, connect and open doors for young performers. They also look back on their time with NYMT, how youth theatre shaped their confidence and creativity, and why having the right support around you can make such a difference both online and off. A must-listen for aspiring performers, NYMT members, theatre lovers and anyone interested in how social media is changing the musical theatre world. In this episode:What social media can offer young performers and creativesHow Lois built a large online platform through performance-based contentWhy John created The Drama School PodcastThe challenges of balancing training, performing and content creationHow social media can make theatre feel more accessibleThe pressures, negativity and mental health side of posting onlineAdvice on sharing rehearsal, class and behind-the-scenes contentHow NYMT helped shape their confidence and creative journeys Guests: Lois Chapman – NYMT alumna, performer and content creator John Richmond – NYMT alumnus, drama school student and creator of The Drama School Podcast Host:David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Follow / find out more:NYMT: nymt.org.ukInstagram: @NYMTukTikTok: @nymtukLois: @loismiaaJohn: @itsjohnrichmondThe Drama School Podcast: @dramaschoolpodcastDavid: @david.z.ukUrdang Drama School: urdang.citystgeorges.ac.uk/

    42 min
  2. From NYMT to Britain's Got Talent: Magic, Musical Comedy & Making Your Own Lane with Rafferty Coope and Anna Hale

    2 MAY

    From NYMT to Britain's Got Talent: Magic, Musical Comedy & Making Your Own Lane with Rafferty Coope and Anna Hale

    What do you get when a golden buzzer magician and a sell-out musical comedian walk into a podcast? This week's Open House. In Episode 3 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Toby are joined by two exceptional NYMT alumni who have carved out truly unique paths in the performing arts. Rafferty Coope recently received KSI's Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent 2026 for his jaw-dropping fusion of magic and live music — and he's just been invited to perform in Las Vegas this August. Anna Hale is a musical comedian and songwriter whose debut solo show Control Freak sold out, and who has co-written material for RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World. Together, they talk about breaking out of the box, combining unexpected skill sets, and why following your curiosity might just be the most important thing a young performer can do. In this episode: Rafferty's behind-the-scenes story of the BGT Golden Buzzer moment How Anna found her voice as a musical comedian and songwriter Why performers are often pressured to "pick a lane" — and why you shouldn't The art of keeping an audience on their toes with music and comedy Collaborating with Kate Butch and writing for RuPaul's Drag Race What it really takes to produce your own solo show How NYMT helped both guests build the confidence and professionalism to reach these moments A Vegas exclusive — heard here firstGuests:Rafferty Coope – NYMT alumnus, magician, musician and BGT 2026 Golden Buzzer act Anna Hale – NYMT alumna, musical comedian, songwriter and creator of Control Freak Hosts:David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Toby – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more:NYMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk Rafferty: @raffertycoopeAnna: @allhaleanna

    44 min
  3. Why Youth Theatre Matters with Craig Randle and Matthew Hawksworh

    18 APR

    Why Youth Theatre Matters with Craig Randle and Matthew Hawksworh

    What role does youth theatre play in shaping us, not just as performers, but as people? In Episode 2 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Abbie Palliser Kehoe are joined by Craig Randle from Birmingham Hippodrome and Matthew Hawksworth from Chichester Festival Theatre to explore the impact of regional youth theatre. From school productions and first performances to local youth theatre groups and professional arts venues, Craig and Matthew reflect on their own journeys into theatre and the role youth theatre plays in building confidence, creativity, friendships and life skills. They also discuss accessibility, training, community, and the many different pathways young people can take into the arts, both on stage and behind the scenes. They also share how youth theatre can open doors, support personal growth and help young people find a sense of belonging, whether or not they go on to work professionally in the industry. A must-listen for young performers, parents, youth theatre members, educators and anyone passionate about the importance of creative opportunities for young people. In this episode:How Craig and Matthew first discovered theatre and youth performanceThe difference youth theatre can make in a young person’s lifeHow to find and join a local youth theatreWhy youth theatre is about more than just performingThe life skills, confidence and friendships it can buildHow Birmingham Hippodrome and Chichester Festival Theatre support young peopleWhy accessibility and bursaries matter in youth theatreThe different theatre careers young people can explore beyond performing Guests: Craig Randle – Education Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome Matthew Hawksworth – Head of Children and Young People’s Programme at Chichester Festival Theatre Hosts:David Grant – NYMT Associate ProducerAbbie Palliser Kehoe – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more:NYMT: nymt.org.ukInstagram: @NYMTukTikTok: @nymtUKDavid: @david.z.ukAbbie: @palliserabbie Birmingham Hippodrome: birminghamhippodrome.com Chichester Festival Theatre: cft.org.uk

    39 min
  4. Open House Ep. 1: Swings, Standbys and West End Covers with Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí

    4 APR

    Open House Ep. 1: Swings, Standbys and West End Covers with Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí

    What happens when the show has started, the audience is in, and suddenly you’re told you’re going on in a completely different role? In the first episode of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Hannah Stobart are joined by NYMT alumni Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí to explore the fast-paced world of swings, standbys and West End covers. From Mean Girls and Back to the Future to Cats, Book of Mormon and 42nd Street, Cliona and Brian share what it takes to stay performance-ready, cover multiple tracks, handle last-minute changes, and protect your confidence, voice and mental resilience in the world of musical theatre. They also look back on their time with NYMT, how youth theatre helped prepare them for professional life, and why the people around you can make all the difference in building a career on stage. A must-listen for aspiring performers, NYMT members, theatre lovers and anyone curious about what really happens behind the scenes in the West End. In this episode: What swings and standbys actually do How performers prepare for emergency covers The difference between ensemble tracks, cover roles and principal covers Cliona’s experience covering Katie and Regina in Mean Girls Brian’s experience swinging in Back to the Future, Cats and beyond How NYMT helped shape their careers Advice for young performers entering the industryGuests: Cliona Flynn – NYMT alumna and former standby in Mean Girls Brian Ó Muirí – NYMT alumnus and currently swing in Back to the FutureHosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Hannah Stobart – NYMT Young Company member and co-hostFollow / find out more: NYMT: nymt.org.uk Instagram: @NYMTuk TikTok: @nymtUK David: @david.z.uk Hannah: @hannah_stobart Twain socials: @TwainTwins Brian: @itsbrianmurray Cliona: @clionaflynn01 CADA: cadaperformingarts.ie

    45 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Open House is the official podcast from the National Youth Music Theatre, celebrating over 50 years of extraordinary musical theatre for young people. Across the series, we open the door to honest conversations with NYMT alumni, industry professionals, creative teams and friends of the organisation, exploring careers, creativity and the realities of life on and off stage. From first steps in youth theatre to the West End and beyond, Open House is packed with insight, inspiration and stories from across the musical theatre world.

Information

  • Creator
    NYMT
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © National Youth Music Theatre
  • Show Website
    NYMT Open House