Theatre Audience Podcast Natalie Maher & Darren Murphy

In this exciting episode, we review an array of captivating productions that promise to enthral theatre enthusiasts with their compelling narratives and stellar performances. Get ready for in-depth insights and exclusive backstage interviews!
Between Riverside and Crazy
Stephen Adly Guirgis’ fast-moving Rabelaisian tragicomedy, Between Riverside and Crazy, has won multiple awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Known for his other plays such as Jesus Hopped the A-Train, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and The Motherf**ker with the Hat, Guirgis’ latest work continues to captivate audiences.
Michael Longhurst returns to Hampstead Theatre following his triumphant productions of Caroline or Change, Gloria, and The Blackest Black. His other notable productions include Next to Normal, The Band’s Visit, and Constellations (all at Donmar).
Starring Danny Sapani as Walter ‘Pops’ Washington, this production features a stellar cast including Ayesha Antoine, Tiffany Gray, Martins Imhangbe, Daniel Lapaine, Sebastian Orozco, and Judith Roddy. Sapani’s recent theatre work includes acclaimed performances in King Lear at the Almeida Theatre and Medea at the National Theatre, alongside prominent screen roles in Killing Eve, Penny Dreadful, and Halo.
Underdog: The Other Other Brontë
Charlotte Brontë has a confession about how one sister became an idol, and the other became known as the third sister. No, not that one. The other, other one… Anne. The Other, Other One is not a story about well-behaved women; it’s a story about the power of words, sisters and sisterhood, love and jealousy, support and competition.
Directed by Northern Stage Artistic Director Natalie Ibu (The White Card), Sarah Gordon’s (The Edit) new play is an irreverent retelling of the life and legend of the Brontë sisters, exploring the sibling power dynamics that shaped their uneven rise to fame.
Romeo and Juliet
Tom Holland takes on the role of Romeo, and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers is Juliet in Jamie Lloyd’s new vision of Shakespeare’s immortal tale. This stripped bare interpretation of Romeo and Juliet brings to life the timeless story of wordsmiths, rhymers, lovers, and fighters with a modern twist that promises to challenge contemporary audiences.
Exclusive Interview: Strategic Love Play
Natalie goes backstage at Soho Theatre to meet Archie Backhouse and Letty Thomas, the stars of Strategic Love Play. Get an inside look at this intriguing production and hear firsthand from the actors about their experiences and the unique elements that make this play a must-see.

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

In this episode, we delve into the exciting theatrical world with a lineup that promises to entertain, provoke thought, and push the boundaries of storytelling. Join us as we explore the powerful performances and groundbreaking productions currently gracing the stage.
Lady Dealer
Dive into the ‘pummelling, poetic and profound’ (The Stage) world of Lady Dealer. This ★★★★ play stars the talented Alexa Davies (Dead Pixels, Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again) and is directed by Evening Standard Future Theatre Award winner Emily Aboud (SPLINTERED). Experience a story that promises to captivate with its intense narrative and powerful performances.
Minority Report
Prepare for a thrilling adaptation of Philip K Dick’s iconic story, Minority Report. This production challenges our beliefs about justice and freewill in a real-time chase through a futuristic London. Directed by the award-winning Max Webster, the show reunites him with the producers of the globally successful stage version of Life of Pi. This incredible theatrical experience at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, and Birmingham Rep uses innovative technology to create a world where science fiction meets reality.
Exclusive Interview: Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Natalie speaks exclusively with Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift from Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). Hear firsthand about their experiences and the magic behind this delightful new musical rom-com that's been winning over audiences and critics alike.

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

Join us as we delve into the powerful revival of People, Places & Things, now back in London's West End at the Trafalgar Theatre. In this episode, we chat with the brilliant writer Duncan Macmillan and the exceptional actress Denise Gough, bringing you insights from behind the scenes of this intoxicating play. Don't miss our exploration of this unforgettable production!
People, Places & Things
Step into the world of People, Places & Things, Duncan Macmillan's (Lungs, 1984) riveting hit play, now revived and captivating audiences at the Trafalgar Theatre until 10 August. Directed by Jeremy Herrin (Best of Enemies, Wolf Hall, This House) and designed by Tony Award-winner Bunny Christie, this production is a ‘must-see all over again’ (WhatsOnStage).
Denise Gough reprises her Olivier Award-winning role as Emma, a struggling actress whose life is spiralling out of control. Her performance is described as ‘blisteringly funny, brilliantly physical, and achingly human’ (Financial Times), confirming her as ‘one of the greatest of her generation’ (Independent).
Emma was having the time of her life, but now she’s in rehab. Her first step is to admit that she has a problem. But the problem isn’t with Emma; it’s with everything else. She needs to tell the truth, but she’s smart enough to know that there’s no such thing. When intoxication feels like the only way to survive the modern world, how can she ever sober up?
Join us as Darren sits down with the visionary writer Duncan Macmillan and the phenomenal Denise Gough to discuss the nuances of this revival. They share their thoughts on the play’s themes, the creative process, and what it means to bring this story back to the stage.
Don’t miss this ‘unforgettable night’ (The Times) in the West End and our in-depth conversations about the making of this extraordinary revival. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at People, Places & Things and why it remains an essential piece of contemporary theatre.

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

From glamorous musicals to thought-provoking dramas, we have it all covered. Get ready to disco with Priscilla The Party!, laugh and swoon with Two Strangers, and dive into the futuristic world of Minority Report. Plus, don't miss our exclusive backstage chat with the stars of Minority Report, Tanvi Virmani and Jodie McNee.
Priscilla The Party!
Step into the glittering world of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, where three friends embark on a journey of love and friendship aboard a vibrant bus filled with over 500 dazzling costumes and dancefloor favorites.
Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
Experience the delightful romantic comedy set in New York City, as Dougal, a naïve Brit, and Robin, a native New Yorker, navigate love and family in the bustling cityscape, with featuring Dujonna Gift and Sam Tutty in the leading roles.
Grease 2 Reunion in Concert
West End stars Aaron Sidwell and Ashleigh Gray reunite in this thrilling sequel, joined by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Kitty Scott-Claus and theatrical legend Debbie Kurup for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Exclusive Interview with Minority Report Cast
Join Darren backstage as he chats with Tanvi Virmani and Jodie McNee, two talented cast members of Minority Report, currently playing at the Lyric Hammersmith.

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

Welcome to our latest episode of Stage Tales! Today, we're diving into a world of captivating performances, heart-wrenching stories, and magical melodies. Join us as we explore the world premiere of Remembrance Monday, a poignant one-act play starring Nick Hayes and Matthew Stathers. Then, prepare to be enchanted by the 50th-anniversary concert production of PIPPIN at the iconic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, featuring an all-star cast and unforgettable score. And of course, we can't forget the revolutionary tale of Hamilton, a musical phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Plus, stick around for an exclusive chat with writer and actress Marie Hamilton about her new show Polly (Heartbreak Opera) at the Pleasance Theatre. 
Remembrance Monday
Experience the world premiere of this twisting tale of love and loss, starring Nick
Hayes and Matthew Stathers, presented by M. Green Productions and written by Michael Batten. Directed by Alan Souza, this limited six-week engagement promises to be a heart-wrenching experience at Seven Dials Playhouse.
PIPPIN
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, featuring an all-star cast including Alex Newell, Jac Yarrow, Patricia Hodge, Lucie Jones, Cedric Neal, and Zizi Strallen. With a soul-stirring score by Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is a journey of self-discovery set to unforgettable music.
Hamilton
Immerse yourself in the revolutionary story of Alexander Hamilton, told through hip-hop, jazz, and Broadway music. Winner of multiple Tony Awards and hailed as a cultural phenomenon, Hamilton continues to make history on stage with its dynamic storytelling and ground-breaking approach.
Exclusive Interview with Marie Hamilton
Join Darren as he chats with writer and actress Marie Hamilton about her latest show Polly (Heartbreak Opera) at the Pleasance Theatre. Discover the inspiration behind this heartfelt production and get a glimpse into the creative process behind the scenes.

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

In this episode, we'll explore friendships, true crime dramas, and mysterious intrigues. Join us as we uncover the heart-warming journey of Calendar Girls, the pulse-pounding tale of Machinal, and the captivating mystery of Harry Clarke. Plus, don't miss our exclusive backstage chat with Amy Lennox and Benjamin Walker as they share insights from Opening Night. Let's embark on this theatrical adventure!
Calendar Girls
Based on a true story and the hit 2003 film, Calendar Girls by Tim Firth follows Annie and her best friend Chris as they raise funds for the local hospital by creating a calendar featuring themselves and their friends from the Women’s Institute—in tastefully nude poses. This heart-warming and hilarious play celebrates friendship, community, and the power of ordinary people to make a difference.
Machinal
Helen Jones seemingly had a happy marriage until she murdered her husband. Based on the true crime story of Ruth Snyder in 1928, Machinal by Sophie Treadwell is a pulse-pounding journey of someone pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of life, expectation, and convention. Rosie Sheehy's outstanding performance in this Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath production is not to be missed.
Harry Clarke
The play follows Philip Brugglestein, a man with a secret identity as the seductive Londoner Harry. Billy Crudup delivers a captivating performance in this tale of a man's thrilling double life, directed by Leigh Silverman. With comparisons to The Talented Mr. Ripley and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this mysterious intrigue keeps audiences guessing.
Exclusive Backstage Chat
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Amy Lennox and Benjamin Walker as they share behind-the-scenes stories and insights into their careers, giving us a glimpse into the excitement of opening night.

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