79 episodes

A series of interviews led by Carlos Tseng with some of the most prominent figures in the world of theatre, arts & entertainment. The series offers an up close insight into the lives and work of our esteemed guests, often leading to surprising, poignant and humorous answers. Find out more by listening along!

Up Close with Carlos Tseng Carlos Tseng

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 10 Ratings

A series of interviews led by Carlos Tseng with some of the most prominent figures in the world of theatre, arts & entertainment. The series offers an up close insight into the lives and work of our esteemed guests, often leading to surprising, poignant and humorous answers. Find out more by listening along!

    Anna Francolini: 30 Years in Show Business

    Anna Francolini: 30 Years in Show Business

    Since her debut in Godspell on tour in 1994, Anna Francolini has cemented herself as one of the most respected actresses on the UK stage. In a remarkable career now spanning 3 decades, she has since earned a TMA Award for Best Actress for playing the title role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and worked on landmark productions of both plays and musicals. Some of her most notable credits include working on acclaimed productions of Stephen Sondheim's musicals such as Sam Mendes' Company, Michael Grandage's Merrily We Rolle Along, both at the Donmar Warehouse as well as Jamie Lloyd's Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory. She is now currently starring as Olivia in William Shakespeare's classic comedy Twelfth Night (Or What You Will), working opposite the likes of Julie Legrand and Richard Cant, under the direction of RSC Associate Artist Owen Horsley.

    In our interview, Anna Francolini talks candidly about the struggles of working in the theatre industry and tells us how grateful she is to be able to still find meaty roles 30 years since her debut. She tells us about her admiration for Shakespeare having previously worked on The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream to great acclaim although remains humble about her knowledge about approaching his work. We also hear her share her excitement at getting to play in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre for the first time and getting to share in the magic of outdoor theatre. Over her career, Anna has also gained considerable credits on screen too working on House of the Dragon, Vera and Roadkill just to name a few. Still, she remains committed to theatre and live audiences and we hope to see her continue to share her incredible theatrical talents for 30 more years.

    Twelfth Night runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 8th June with tickets available NOW!

    • 25 min
    Ofra Daniel: A Song of Songs

    Ofra Daniel: A Song of Songs

    After Love Sick won rave reviews during its run in San Francisco, the show is premiering in London under a new title: A Song of Songs. In this brand new interview, the show's creator Ofra Daniel talks to us about the experience of bringing this story to the Park Theatre. The show sees her character undergo an extraordinary journey of discovering sexual and personal desires after realising she has a secret admirer. The show will play in the Park200 theatre which Ofra describes as an incredible space because of the intimacy it offers to audiences so they feel immersed within this world too.

    In this new interview with Ofra Daniel, we hear her reflect on her Middle Eastern roots and her interest in telling stories about relationships. She passionately tells us about her admiration for her fellow musicians and actors who are each able to bring a unique flare to this piece which blends Middle Eastern beat and flamenco rhythms. At a time when the world feels particularly divided, a magic seems to have been uncovered in the rehearsal space as people from all backgrounds are able to come together to create a show that truly celebrates diversity.

    A Song of Songs runs at Park Theatre from 9 May - 15 June.

    • 25 min
    Martin James Bartlett: The Future of Classical Music

    Martin James Bartlett: The Future of Classical Music

    2024 marks 10 years since Martin James Bartlett won BBC Young Musician of the Year and since then, he has garnered various accolades including the  inaugural Prix Serdang and the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Rosebowl. He most recently released his 3rd album, La Danse inspired by French music and regularly continues to perform around the world in solo recitals as well as a guest for various major orchestras. At home, Martin has also continued to share his love of food and cooking with his followers on social media and he tells us about his passion for culinary arts in our interview. With classical music also still under siege by critics for being "elitist", we hear him dismiss these remarks pointing out how many popstars charge high ticket prices for concerts whilst encouraging those new to the medium to be open to the art form.

    In this brand new interview, Martin James Bartlett opens by reflecting over the last 10 years as a professional musician as he enters a transition phase from being a young artist to a more mature one. Many critics would point out that part of his charm has always been his maturity as both a performer and a gentleman, and it has been wonderful to see him grow into this role through his musical prowess. As he continues to showcase his ability to play a wide range of repertoire, we also get to hear him share advice for younger emerging performers, borrowing advice from heroes such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. As classical music also continues to evolve too, we feel certain that Martin James Bartlett will be part of the future of classical music.

    • 32 min
    Hadley Fraser: His Retrospective

    Hadley Fraser: His Retrospective

    In the last weeks of Opening Night, Hadley Fraser kindly sat down with us to talk about his experience with the show and to look back on some of his recent credits too. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Hadley has proven himself to be one of the most versatile actors on the West End stage, taking on principal roles in both musicals and classic plays. Hadley has also worked extensively in regional theatre, championing venues like Chichester Festival Theatre, Sheffield Crucible and Manchester's Royal Exchange. During Josie Rourke's tenure at the Donmar Warehouse, he also worked closely with the Donmar team on a number of shows including Coriolanus, Saint Joan and City of Angels. The Donmar was also where he met his now-wife: Olivier nominee Rosalie Craig with whom they share a daughter. The couple still occasionally work together, most recently on a livestream of Stuart Matthew Price's Before After and we look forward to seeing the pair on stage again soon.

    In this new interview, Hadley Fraser opens up about his experience as a performer and as a creative. He talks to us about his current experience of putting together Opening Night with Ivo Van Hove and discusses the importance of taking risks, even when in a difficult financial climate. He admits he was aware the show would split opinion but remained intrigued by the avant-garde director's vision of the show and shares his admiration for Wessex Grove Productions, Rufus Wainwright and Ivo Van Hove. As he prepares to take his final bows next month, he remains grateful for the time spent with this company as he looks ahead to life after Opening Night.

    Opening Night runs at Gielgud Theatre until 18th May with tickets available NOW.

    • 27 min
    Molly Osborne: Ingénue to Leading Lady

    Molly Osborne: Ingénue to Leading Lady

    Since her debut in Fiddler on the Roof, Molly Osborne has proven herself to be one of the most exciting actresses to hit the London theatre scene. Her latest role sees her playing Rosie in Stephen Unwin's Laughing Boy at Jermyn Street Theatre, based on Sara Ryan's true story of her search for justice after her son Connor died in care. Steven Unwin also directs this new show which will also include Janie Dee, Alfie Friedman and Forbes Mason in the cast. This will also the mark the first time Molly has starred in Jermyn Street Theatre having previously worked extensively at the Menier Chocoalate Factory as well as at Southwark Playhouse. Following the London run, the show will transfer to Theatre Royal, Bath where Molly will also be making her regional theatre debut.

    In this new interview, Molly Osborne talks us through her career to date. Most recently, she starred in a 5 star production of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button alongside Jamie Parker. The production is due to transfer to the Ambassadors Theatre later in the year and we hear Molly reflect on her earlier roles in Fiddler on the Roof and Indecent. In a career that's only spanned 5 years, Molly Osborne has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the theatre industry, taking on strong roles that she describes as inspiring to her, and helping forge a way for emerging talent too.

    Laughing Boy runs at Jermyn Street Theatre on 25 April - 31 May before transferring to Theatre Royal, Bath from 4 - 8 June.

    • 28 min
    Jac Yarrow: A Candid Conversation

    Jac Yarrow: A Candid Conversation

    After bursting onto the West End musical theatre scene in 2019 as the title character in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in Laurence Connor's acclaimed revival at the London Palladium, Jac Yarrow has become one of the West End's fastest rising stars. After recently concluding a Toronto run of Joseph and a critically acclaimed run of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends in the West End, Jac Yarrow is heading to Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to lead the 50th anniversary concerts of Pippin, taking on the title role.  Joining him will be a star-studded cast that includes Tony Award winner Alex Newell as the Leading Player and Olivier Award winner Patricia Hodge as Berthe; with Hodge previously playing Catherine in the original West End production of Pippin. In the upcoming concerts, Catherine will now be played by West End star Lucie Jones, with the cast supported by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and a 50 member choir.

    In this brand new interview with Jac Yarrow, we take a deep dive into his career so far, looking back at highlights like Joseph but also At Last, It's Summer at the Palladium last year and Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella at Cadogan Hall in 2019, also with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. During our interview, Jac also talks candidly about his experience at ArtsEd following recent allegations into bullying and misconduct at the elite drama school. Although he admits he himself didn't experience anything abusive during his time, he acknowledges that other's experience may be different and entirely valid too. As he now approaches a new challenge with Pippin, he reflects on his time so far within the industry and shares his advice for emerging and graduate performers too.

    Pippin - 50th Anniversary Concert run at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 29th and 30th April. Tickets on sale NOW!

    • 35 min

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