Behind the Velvet Curtain

Tracey Blake
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Peeking behind the scenes of the region's top arts festivals, Behind the Velvet Curtain is your backstage pass to the hottest tickets in town. Hosted by the charming Tracey Blake, Behind The Velvet Curtain chauffeurs listeners on a rolicking romp of intimate artist interviews, cheeky teasers, and exclusive giveaways. Reimagine Festival is back this October and set to transformTaranaki into a creative playground! From underground carparks and craft breweries to theatres and vehicles, the arts will pop up in the most surprising places. Packed with an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, and immersive experiences, Reimagine is playful, unexpected and brimming with exciting performers. Made in collobaration with TAFT and Access Radio Taranaki.

Episodes

  1. 10/13/2025

    BTVC Episode 7: Back of the Bus and Josie

    Behind the Velvet Curtain we meet Sacha from Back of the Bus who is here as part of TAFT’s Reimagine Festival. Tracey also shares her previous interview with Festival Director, Josie Hunter-Annand about this years amazing line up!

  2. 10/06/2025

    BTVC Episode 6: Lil Chuck and Werewolf

    Love a great immersive theatre experience and ever wondered what it'd be like to live in a makeshift community where you have to make it through the night? Head along behind the Velvet Curtain as we talk to Ralph from Werewolf! This is one performance that is great for those over 12 and you can hear all about what we can expect. Tracey also catches up with Li'l Chuck - the one man skiffle machine! Inspired by 1930's-50's street music, we'll hear all about this great blend of jazz, blues, harmonica, guitar and kick drum and how you can even get involved! It's all happening Behind the Velvet Curtain this week!

  3. 09/29/2025

    BTVC Episode 5: Little Gay In / El Jaguar

    One show that's sure to delight all is Little Gay In with the most gorgeous of people Jason Parker. This is one show that is going to delight everyone and Tracey catches up with Jason to hear all about the background of the show and what you can expect. We also speak to El Jaguar himself who is bringing his Book (Fight) Club to the festival. Yes, it's a book club and a fight club! And it is hosted by former WWF wrestler El Jaguar, a Latino luchador who has books battling it out - just like Highlander - but with books!

  4. 09/22/2025

    BTVC Episode 4: Anthonie Tonnon & Sola Rosa

    This episode feature Anthonie Tonnon who is performing at the 4th Wall Theatre with his show Cinematographer. This show sounds amazing and one that will feature some amazing vocals. Tracey also chats with Sola Rosa's Andrew Spraggon who performs at the Mayfair this year and will bring some of those well known tracks back as well as some new ones!

  5. 09/15/2025

    BTVC Episode 3: Josie Hunter Annand / Cirque Bon Bon

    Reimagine Festival Director Josie Hunter Annand joins Tracey to chat about this years line up and what festival goers can expect to see and hear. Tracey also chats with Ash Jacks McCready from Cirque Bon Bon about her extensive career and here's all about the amazing acts that will feature as part of the show.

  6. 09/08/2025

    BTVC Episode 2: Kristyl Neho & Jodie Rimmer

    Get the inside scoop before the curtain even rises! Ahead of this year’s REIMAGINE Festival, Tracey sits down with the brilliant Kristyl Neho from Tangihanga and the fabulous Jodie Rimmer from Nicola Cheeseman is Back! Expect juicy behind-the-scenes stories, creative secrets, and a sneak peek at the magic they’re bringing to the stage.

  7. 09/01/2025

    BTVC Episode 1: Tom Knowles & Rhys Mathewson

    Welcome back to Behind The Velvet Curtain! This week Tracey dives into the REIMAGINE Festival and chats with performer Tom Knowles and comedian Rhys Mathewson. Taranaki Arts Festival Trust's REIMAGINE is back this October and it's the hottest ticket in town! Tune in for a backstage pass to this amazing festival.

  8. 06/09/2025

    Episode 5: Pop Stars & Drag Queens

    Join Tracey for Episode 5 of Behind the Velvet Curtain. This week she catches up with the charming cabaret maestro Michael Griffiths from In Vogue: Songs by Madonna, and the delightful drag diva Slay West from The Tīwhas. Behind the Velvet Curtain is made in collaboration with TAFT and Access Radio Taranaki.

  9. 06/02/2025

    Episode 4: Rutene Spooner

    Join Tracey for another episode of Behind the Velvet Curtain. This week she catches up with full time storyteller and part time mischief maker, the hugely talented Rutene Spooner. Rutene is bringing two shows to Taranaki this month for the Right Royal Cabaret Festival - Pīpī Paopao and Be Like Billy?! Behind the Velvet Curtain is made in collaboration with TAFT and Access Radio Taranaki.

  10. 05/27/2025

    Episode 3: Burlesque and Blues

    Join Tracey for another episode of unapologetically fabulous conversations with equally fabulous festival artists! This week she catches up with the dazzling Verity Johnson from Club Burlesque, and the delightful Prinnie Stevens from Lady Sings the Blues. Both of these talented artists are set to wow Taranaki this June during the Right Royal Cabaret Festival. Behind the Velvet Curtain is made in collaboration with TAFT and Access Radio Taranaki.

  11. 05/19/2025

    Episode 2: The Madeleines & Cameron McHugh

    Tracey catches up with The Madeleines, NZ's answer to sweet harmonies and glitz and glamour, as this trio gets ready to wow audiences this June for the Right Royal Cabaret Festival. She also chats with Cameron McHugh who will be tinkling the ivories as part of the show "What the Quiz is this?" and also entertaining audiences at the late-night piano bar as part of the festival.

  12. 05/13/2025

    Episode 1: What the Quiz is This?! & Taranaki Comedy Gala

    Welcome to Behind the Velvet Curtain - a celebration of the Right Royal Cabaret, and your backstage pass to the glitz, glamour, and the glorious fun of this flirty festival. In our first episode, our host Tracey Blake speaks with Nomi Cohen for 'What the Quiz is This?!', and Wilson Dixon for ' Taranaki Comedy Gala'.

  • 12 Episodes

About

Peeking behind the scenes of the region's top arts festivals, Behind the Velvet Curtain is your backstage pass to the hottest tickets in town. Hosted by the charming Tracey Blake, Behind The Velvet Curtain chauffeurs listeners on a rolicking romp of intimate artist interviews, cheeky teasers, and exclusive giveaways. Reimagine Festival is back this October and set to transformTaranaki into a creative playground! From underground carparks and craft breweries to theatres and vehicles, the arts will pop up in the most surprising places. Packed with an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy, and immersive experiences, Reimagine is playful, unexpected and brimming with exciting performers. Made in collobaration with TAFT and Access Radio Taranaki.

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