Life After Jazz Hands

Matthew Jones

Life After Jazz Hands is a podcast that celebrates the many paths our lives can take, and the diverse stories and characters who are - or have been - drawn to the performing arts. My name is Matthew Russell-Jones and 20 years ago I graduated from musical theatre college. Back then, I had ideas about how my life and career would look, what constituted success, and what I wanted from the decades ahead. But I’ve since realised that our lives can take many unexpected twists and turns. And this got me thinking: what were my classmates & others I met along the way professinally? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years or so on. From performers and directors to doctors and barbers, Life After Jazz Hands charts the diverse careers of a single graduating class across two decades. Along the way, it also explores the moments and experiences that shape us: loss, parenthood, relationships, ill health, and opportunities in the most surprising places. Join us as we navigate the highs, the lows, and the unexpected encores in the lives of those who once shared a stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 08/20/2025

    Davinder Singh: From Birmingham to Bikram to California

    Davider Singh founded 'Duwara Consciousness Foundation' with his wife which is a non-profit organisation in California routed in Sikh Values. Please click to learn more and donate - https://www.duwara.org/ Davinder originally hails from Birmingham. He attended the Arts Educational Schools London on a Scholarship, Graduating in 2004 with a degree in Musical Theatre. After working in the entertainment industry Dav transitioned into ethical baby clothing with his shop 'Cuddle Me Green', after the birth of his first father. He then relocated to the midlands to work for the NHS while his children grew. During this time he discovered 'Bikram Yoga' and eventually opened his own studio in Warwick. In a leap of faith and longing for a warmer climate Dav relocated to California where he ran two other 'Bikram Yoga' studios. Longing to help others after reconnecting with his Sikh Faith he eventually founded 'Duwara Consciousness Foundation'. The foundation has a food truck providing free meals to the homeless, fully funded by public donations, and the largest shower trailer program in the region, serving over 15,000 people, including those affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina in 2024. As an independent non-profit, DCF now stewards 120 acres in San Diego, where we are building homes, a regenerative farm, and businesses to empower high-functioning homeless individuals with sustainable opportunities. If this wasn't enough. Dav is also CEO of 3HO international, run DCF, have a cpa/accountancy firm and have a stake in multiple AI based startup companies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m
  2. 08/05/2025

    Special: Parents in Theatre Part 2 Featuring Steph Parry, Zoe Rainey, Tasha Sheridan and Special Guests

    In part 2 of this special episode we continue the conversation with our three previous guests Steph Parry, Zoe Rainey and Tasha Sheridan to discuss their experiences of being a mother while working in theatre, and to keep the conversation moving we hear from other parents in theatre Anna Jane Casey, Jon Robyns, Brendan Cull, Lauren Hall, Nadine Higgin and Lucinda Lawrence. Our Guest Stars tell their stories and pose questions to our guests. Steph Parry has just returned leading the International Tour of 'Mamma Mia!'. She began the tour when her first born son was just eight weeks. She raised her child along with her partner Phil while on tour, and she speaks to us on her experience of this. Zoe Rainey has just finished a fabulous run in the West End of 'Mean Girls' the Musical, which was her first show returning to theatre after having her daughter a few years ago. She speaks to us about this experience of navigating a life with her partner 'Paul Gatehouse' who works as a Sound Designer in Theatre. Tasha Sheridan is currently touring the show 'Defying Gravity - West End Women'. Tasha is a mother of two and her husband 'Adam Fisher' works as a sound designer in the West End. She speaks to us navigating the theatre life, and the changes that happen as a parent as your kids grow older. If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in todays episode please see below for some helpful resources - Actors Children's Trust - Standing by Actors who are Parents in Theatre - https://actorschildren.org/ NHS Postnatal Depression Helpline - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/ Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service) Beat (Eating Disorder Helpline) - 0808 801 0677 Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight) Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  3. 07/29/2025

    Special: Parents in Theatre Part 1 Featuring Steph Parry, Zoe Rainey and Tasha Sheridan

    In this special episode we sat down with three of our previous guests Steph Parry, Zoe Rainey and Tasha Sheridan to discuss their experiences of being a mother while working in theatre. The highs, the lows, the difficulties and what needs to change. Steph Parry has just returned leading the International Tour of 'Mamma Mia!'. She began the tour when her first born son was just eight weeks. She raised her child along with her partner Phil while on tour, and she speaks to us on her experience of this. Zoe Rainey has just finished a fabulous run in the West End of 'Mean Girls' the Musical, which was her first show returning to theatre after having her daughter a few years ago. She speaks to us about this experience of navigating a life with her partner 'Paul Gatehouse' who works as a Sound Designer in Theatre. Tasha Sheridan is currently touring the show 'Defying Gravity - West End Women'. Tasha is a mother of two and her husband 'Adam Fisher' works as a sound designer in the West End. She speaks to us navigating the theatre life, and the changes that happen as a parent as your kids grow older. If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in todays episode please see below for some helpful resources - Actors Children's Trust - Standing by Actors who are Parents in Theatre - https://actorschildren.org/ NHS Postnatal Depression Helpline - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/ Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service) Beat (Eating Disorder Helpline) - 0808 801 0677 Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight) Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m
  4. 07/09/2025

    Claire Fishenden: From Romford to Pinewood to Clarity

    Claire Fishenden now known as Claire Cable is a Performer, Business Woman, and Children's Author - https://www.instagram.com/claire_cable She has recently become a children's author of 'The Seven Legged Spider' which is available to Pre-Order Now - The Seven-Legged Spider (Pre-Order Special) with some of the proceeds going to 'Alfie's A Team', which raises money to help families with a child with a disability in Southend and Essex. Hailing from Romford in Essex, she gained a place at the Arts Educational Schools, Chiswick. Upon graduating in 2004 she booked a role in the West End Cast of 'Mamma Mia!' where she understudied the leading role of Sophie. She then went on to appear in UK Tour and West End Production of ‘The Sound of Music’, understudying and then playing the role of 'Liese'l & understudying the role of 'Maria'. She appeared in both the motion picture of ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’. As well as in screen roles on screen in ‘The Bill’, ‘Jonathan Creek’ and ‘Locked Up Abroad’.  In 2012, she started a business with 'Arbonne', which has taken her all over the world as a speaker and performer. She still keeps her toe dipped in the performing world with your entertainment company ‘West End Voices’.  Claire was recently been diagnosed with ADHD, something she is keen to discuss with the world to help others understand and encourage others to get diagnosed. If you have been affected by any topics discussed in todays episode please see below for some helpful resources - Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service) ADHD UK - https://adhduk.co.uk/ 988 Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ Beat (Eating Disorder Helpline) - 0808 801 0677 Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight) Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  5. 07/01/2025

    Rachael Archer: A True Testament of Strength and Bravery

    Rachael Archer is an Actress, Dancer, Singer, Choreographer and Teacher who is currently appearing in Cameron Mackintosh's West End Production of 'Oliver!'. Prior to this they appeared as 'Bea' in 'Something Rotten' at the English Theatre, Frankfurt. Hailing from Tunbridge, Kent. Rachael went on to attend the Academy of Contemporary Music for a year in 2002 before being offered a place at the Arts Educational Schools, Chiswick. They Graduated with a Degree in Musical Theatre in 2006. Upon leaving college they went to appear in 'Angels & Kings' at Arundel Festival,'City Of Angels' English Theatre, Frankfurt. They made their West End Debut in 'Imagine This' at the New London Theatre. Following this they went onto to appear in the UK Tour of 'Aspects of Love', 'Gigi' and 'Hello Dolly' at Regents Park Theatre, 'Sweet Charity' at the Menier Chocolate Factory and the Haymarket Theatre, London, the Motion Picture of 'Les Miserables', 'The Tempest' Theatre Royal, Bath, 'Barnum' at the Chichester Theatre and 'Betty Blue Eyes' at the Novello Theatre. If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in todays episode please see below for some helpful resources -  If you have been affected by any of the conversations discussed in todays episode please see below for some helpful resources - If you have been affected by any of the conversations discussed in todays episode please see below for some helpful resources - One in Four - Supporting Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Trauma - https://oneinfour.org.uk/ The Survivors Trust - Rape & Sexual Abuse Services UK - https://thesurvivorstrust.org/ Women's Aid - Domestic Abuse Help - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ Crisis - https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/emotional-abuse/ Road Peace - National Charity for Road Crash Victims - https://www.roadpeace.org/ Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service) 988 Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ Beat (Eating Disorder Helpline) - 0808 801 0677 Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight) Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Life After Jazz Hands is a podcast that celebrates the many paths our lives can take, and the diverse stories and characters who are - or have been - drawn to the performing arts. My name is Matthew Russell-Jones and 20 years ago I graduated from musical theatre college. Back then, I had ideas about how my life and career would look, what constituted success, and what I wanted from the decades ahead. But I’ve since realised that our lives can take many unexpected twists and turns. And this got me thinking: what were my classmates & others I met along the way professinally? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years or so on. From performers and directors to doctors and barbers, Life After Jazz Hands charts the diverse careers of a single graduating class across two decades. Along the way, it also explores the moments and experiences that shape us: loss, parenthood, relationships, ill health, and opportunities in the most surprising places. Join us as we navigate the highs, the lows, and the unexpected encores in the lives of those who once shared a stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.