113 episodes

Step into the captivating world of live performance with the Theatre Audience Podcast! Hosted by the dynamic duo, Natalie and Darren, this ongoing series promises to whisk you away into the heart of the theatre scene.
Every week, we bring you thrilling insights into the latest shows, buzz-worthy theatre news, and exclusive interviews with industry insiders. It's your backstage pass to the drama, the laughter, and the sheer magic of the stage.
Join us on this exhilarating theatrical journey where the curtains never close on excitement. Tune in, stay ahead of the curve, and let your love for theatre shine bright! Don't miss out—subscribe now for a front-row seat to the most spellbinding episodes.

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

Theatre Audience Podcast Natalie Maher & Darren Murphy

    • Arts

Step into the captivating world of live performance with the Theatre Audience Podcast! Hosted by the dynamic duo, Natalie and Darren, this ongoing series promises to whisk you away into the heart of the theatre scene.
Every week, we bring you thrilling insights into the latest shows, buzz-worthy theatre news, and exclusive interviews with industry insiders. It's your backstage pass to the drama, the laughter, and the sheer magic of the stage.
Join us on this exhilarating theatrical journey where the curtains never close on excitement. Tune in, stay ahead of the curve, and let your love for theatre shine bright! Don't miss out—subscribe now for a front-row seat to the most spellbinding episodes.

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

    From Teenage Turmoil to True Crime Thrills

    From Teenage Turmoil to True Crime Thrills

    In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of theatre with a stellar lineup of shows. We kick off with Babies, a heart-wrenching comedy by Jack Godfrey & Martha Geelan. Next, we explore the critically acclaimed Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, a deliciously bonkers musical that combines true crime with comedic brilliance. We also provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Next to Normal, featuring insights from creator Tom Kitt, director Michael Longhurst, and the entire cast. Finally, Darren has a fascinating Zoom interview with Kris Nelson, Artistic Director of the LIFT Festival. 
    Babies
    The brand new British musical where Year 11 students grapple with the challenges of caring for plastic simulator dolls and the true meaning of responsibility. With a blistering pop-rock score, this joy-filled, heart-wrenching comedy by Jack Godfrey & Martha Geelan is about growing out of growing up.
    Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!
    A "deliciously bonkers musical" praised for its irresistible charm and comedic brilliance. Produced by multi-Olivier Award-winners and featuring the dynamic duo Bronté Barbé and Rebekah Hinds, this show promises a thrilling whodunnit adventure for fans of true crime and musical comedy.
    Next to Normal Media Event
    We take you behind the scenes of Next to Normal with an intimate conversation featuring one of the show's creators, Tom Kitt, director Michael Longhurst, and the entire cast. Get a sneak peek into the making of this poignant and powerful production.
    Darren has an insightful Zoom interview with Kris Nelson, the Artistic Director of the LIFT Festival, offering a glimpse into the festival's exciting line-up and innovative performances.

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

    • 48 min
    Strategic Love and Houdini's Escapes

    Strategic Love and Houdini's Escapes

    In this episode, we bring you an exciting mix of theatre magic and modern romance. We delve into the critically acclaimed Strategic Love Play, returning for 2024 after its hit run at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho. Then, prepare to be amazed by Houdini’s Greatest Escape, a hilarious and thrilling production from New Old Friends. To top it off, Darren chats with Lydia Piechowiak about her role as Bess Houdini and her fascinating career in burlesque.
    Strategic Love Play
    First up, we revisit the hit Edinburgh Fringe and Soho sell-out show Strategic Love Play, now back for 2024. Imagine two people who've swiped right and are meeting for the first time. It's awkward, uncomfortable, and yet something keeps them glued to their seats. With acid wit and razor-sharp observations, Miriam Battye’s new play dissects the absurdity of modern romance in a way that's both hilarious and deeply relatable.
    Houdini’s Greatest Escape
    Next, get ready for a laugh-out-loud adventure with Houdini’s Greatest Escape. Experience death-defying escapes, jaw-dropping magic, and some of the funniest and quirkiest characters you'll encounter on stage this year. Presented in New Old Friends’ award-winning style of physical comedy and sparkling wit, this 39 Steps-esque thriller promises a whirlwind of chaos and entertainment.
    Interview with Lydia Piechowiak
    Plus, Darren sits down with Lydia Piechowiak, who plays Bess Houdini, to discuss her captivating performance in Houdini and her intriguing career as a burlesque performer.

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

    • 29 min
    Beach Romp, Candlelight Nineties, Moonlit Mysteries, and Parental Rock

    Beach Romp, Candlelight Nineties, Moonlit Mysteries, and Parental Rock

    In this episode, we feature an exciting lineup of theatrical experiences, including Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! – a hilarious and thrilling musical directed by Mark Bell where Grease meets Squid Game on a sunny beach, Nineties by Candlelight – a nostalgic evening in London's Actors' Church with the Icon Strings Quartet performing iconic 90s hits by candlelight, Punchdrunk's Viola’s Room – an immersive, audio-driven journey narrated by Helena Bonham Carter that reimagines a classic gothic mystery, and No Love Songs – a powerful story of new parenthood blending music and storytelling, inspired by Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde's real-life experiences. Plus, we have an exclusive interview with the creators of No Love Songs, Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde. 
    Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!
    Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) directs this world premiere musical by Brandon Lambert and Martin Landry. Imagine a hot, sunny day at the beach where everyone is gearing up for the legendary Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! Grease meets Squid Game in a hilarious, slapstick horror competition for the crown of King or Queen of the Beach. Set to energetic parodies of iconic retro hits, this is a romp you won’t want to miss!
    Nineties by Candlelight
    Experience the nostalgic charm of the 1990s in London’s historic Actors’ Church in Covent Garden. This enchanting evening features the Icon Strings Quartet performing iconic songs of the 90s, all illuminated by candlelight. With six distinct seating options, you’re in for a memorable, musically magical night.
    Punchdrunk - Viola’s Room
    Enter a moonlit fever dream with an audio-driven journey narrated by Helena Bonham Carter. Written by Booker Prize-shortlisted Daisy Johnson, this immersive sensory adventure takes audiences barefoot through a labyrinthine installation, revealing a story of innocence lost and obsession unleashed. Dare to follow the light in this intimate gothic mystery.
    No Love Songs
    After a sell-out premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and a triumphant run at Dundee Rep, No Love Songs roars into London. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Kyle Falconer (from The View) and Laura Wilde, this powerful story follows two new parents navigating the challenges of parenthood. With songs reimagined live on stage from Kyle’s second solo album, this heartfelt journey blends music and storytelling, capturing the ups and downs of new life together.
    Exclusive Interview
    We close the episode with an exclusive interview with the creators of No Love Songs, Kyle Falconer and Laura Wilde, who share insights into their powerful, music-driven story.

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

    • 40 min
    Riveting Revivals and Pulsating New Visions

    Riveting Revivals and Pulsating New Visions

    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.

    • 58 min
    Futuristic Thrills and Poetic Journeys

    Futuristic Thrills and Poetic Journeys

    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.

    • 50 min
    People, Places, and Things: A Revival of Excellence

    People, Places, and Things: A Revival of Excellence

    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.

    • 42 min

Top Podcasts In Arts

MALAM SERAM
KC Champion
Readings from the Pavilion End
Bill Ricquier
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
The Podcast
Lepak One Korner
Cabinet of Curiosities
A. G. Parker
Close Reads Podcast
Goldberry Studios

You Might Also Like

The WhatsOnStage Podcast
Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood
Newscast
BBC News
The Rest Is Politics
Goalhanger Podcasts
Leading
Goalhanger Podcasts