Arts & Toast

Kirsty Corbett
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What really goes on behind the scenes of theatre, museums and live performance in the East Midlands? An East Midlands Arts Podcast with Kirsty Corbett. Join Kirsty for relaxed chats with theatre-makers, museum curators, musicians and artists shaping culture across the East Midlands. From theatre and dance to exhibitions and live music, each episode celebrates the people and ideas bringing the region’s arts and culture community to life. Put the kettle on and take a front-row seat to the East Midlands arts scene. If you like a theatre podcast, creative podcast, entertainment podcast or just a general artsy podcast then you have come to the right place.

  1. Oct 20

    Jeff Flaster: How an audiobook based musical was built from 4 notes, a painting and Beethoven.

    What happens when a musical is made for headphones? In this episode of Arts and Toast, host Kirsty Corbett talks with composer and creator Jeff Flaster about transforming inspiration from an O. Henry story, a Hudson River School painting, and Beethoven into Following Jimmy Valentine - an audio musical built around the power of sound. Jeff explains how four notes became the foundation for 18 songs, how his background in mathematics and software engineering shaped his approach to composition and why he thinks of sound as his canvas. The conversation explores reinvention, musical storytelling and the experience of creating a recording with performers including Hadley Fraser, Kerry Ellis & David Hunter. Jeff reflects on how technology makes it possible to experience a musical in headphones, online, or in the car, while the human need for stories remains timeless.For audiobook lovers, theatre fans and anyone curious about arts and creativity in the East Midlands and beyond, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how music can make a story feel vivid even when there’s no stage in front of you. The audiobook is available to download, now, and can be found by searching "Following Jimmy Valentine" on your preferred provider.

    Jeff Flaster: How an audiobook based musical was built from 4 notes, a painting and Beethoven.

  2. Oct 19

    Shalisha James-Davis brings Shakespeare to Nottinghamshire school ahead of her RSC run in Stratford

    In an interview with Kirsty Corbett of Arts & Toast, Shalisha James-Davis discusses her role as Portia & Octavius Casar in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Julius Caesar, starring alongside RSC Associate Artist Dame Harriet Walter, known for Law & Order and Star Wars, and Jackie Clune, whose credits include EastEnders and numerous musical theatre productions. The production is touring schools and prisons across the UK as part of its First Encounters programme, ahead of the run scheduled at the RSC in Stratford in November 2026. Shalisha reflects on the significance of returning to her Nottingham roots to help bring professional Shakespeare to young people in a Nottinghamshire school, demonstrating how theatre can reach audiences beyond traditional performance spaces. The conversation explores Shalisha’s journey into acting, embracing her accent and identity, and the importance of representation on stage. She also discusses the transformative potential of theatre in educational settings and prisons, and how Shakespeare’s exploration of power, manipulation and history continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. 🎭 First Encounters: Julius Caesar 🗓️ 5 November – 28 November 2026 📍 The Other Place, Stratford (RSC) (Suitable for ages 11+) 🎟️ www.rsc.org.uk/first-encounters-julius-caesar-2026

    Shalisha James-Davis brings Shakespeare to Nottinghamshire school ahead of her RSC run in Stratford

  3. Oct 17

    Larry Dean on Comedy, Love, Touring and bringing Hellbent to Nottingham Playhouse.

    Looking for comedy, theatre and live entertainment in Nottingham and the East Midlands? In this episode of Arts & Toast, Kirsty Corbett sits down with award-winning Scottish comedian Larry Dean to talk stand-up comedy, live performance, touring life, creativity, music and his latest tour, Hellbent. Together, they explore the highs and lows of being a stand-up comedian, the nerves and pressures of performing live and the challenge of stepping onto a stage alone with nothing but a microphone, a story and an audience to win over. Larry shares why entertaining people matters more than seeking the spotlight, and why authenticity, vulnerability and connecting with an audience are at the heart of great comedy. Why can talking about love sometimes feel more embarrassing than tackling life's heavier subjects? And how can comedy help us make sense of our most personal experiences? Larry reflects on the role of awards and recognition in the performing arts, the realities of self-doubt, and the emotional rollercoaster of life on tour. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy, live theatre, comedy tours, performing arts, cultural events or discovering exciting performers, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look behind the scenes of a comedian's life. 🎭 See Larry Dean live in Nottingham! Larry Dean brings his Hellbent tour to Nottingham Playhouse on 24 October. If you love live comedy, theatre nights, stand-up shows and discovering the best live entertainment in Nottingham and the East Midlands, this is one to look out for. 🎟️ Tickets are available from the Nottingham Playhouse website. Photo credit: Matt Crockett

    Larry Dean on Comedy, Love, Touring and bringing Hellbent to Nottingham Playhouse.

  4. Oct 15

    We Will Rock You at Derby Theatre | Behind the Scenes with Hilary & Gary of KTCo Studios

    🎸 Get ready to rock with Arts & Toast! This week, Kirsty Corbett goes behind the scenes of We Will Rock You, the iconic Queen musical produced by KTCo Studios, coming to Derby Theatre from 27–31 October. Join us as we chat with Hilary, who plays the fabulous Killer Queen, and Gary, who takes on the role of Buddy. They share their experiences of performing in this high-energy musical, from bringing Queen’s legendary songs to life to exploring the characters, costumes, emotions, and teamwork that make this production so special. Discover what audiences can expect from this spectacular stage show, hear about the fun and friendships behind the scenes, and find out why We Will Rock You is much more than a jukebox musical! 🎭 See the show: We Will Rock You at Derby Theatre, 27–31 October. For more information and tickets, see the Derby Theatre website. ☕ About Arts & Toast Arts & Toast celebrates the people, productions, and creative communities that make the arts thrive across Derbyshire and the East Midlands. From theatre and live performance to the stories behind local creative talent, we bring you conversations that inspire, entertain, and connect audiences with the arts on their doorstep.

    We Will Rock You at Derby Theatre | Behind the Scenes with Hilary & Gary of KTCo Studios

  5. Oct 11

    Kerry Ellis on her career, music, Rock Anthems & her upcoming concert at Repton's 400 Hall Theatre.

    Join Kirsty Corbett & Kerry Ellis for an inspiring conversation with West End star Kerry Ellis as she reflects on her incredible musical theatre career, from her early days as an understudy in My Fair Lady to leading roles in iconic productions including Wicked and We Will Rock You. Ahead of her concert at Repton’s 400 Hall Theatre in Derbyshire, Kerry shares the stories behind her journey, her lifelong love of rock music, the importance of staying grounded and the unforgettable moments that have defined her time on stage. Discover how she balances musical theatre with rock anthems, why performing for local audiences means so much to her and what it feels like to bring a show to life through the power of live music. Whether you’re a fan of West End musicals, musical theatre, Queen or powerhouse live vocals, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the life and career of one of Britain’s most celebrated musical theatre performers. 🎟️ Tickets are available for Kerry's show which will be at Repton's 400 Hall Theatre in South Derbyshire on 28 May 2027. Click here to get yours!

    Kerry Ellis on her career, music, Rock Anthems & her upcoming concert at Repton's 400 Hall Theatre.

  6. Oct 8

    Multi-award winning actor, Debs Newbold, to bring Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen to Beeston.

    Kirsty Corbett talks to storyteller Debs Newbold about the extraordinary life of Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Mhaol), a 16th Century Irish clan chief, political rebel and legendary pirate queen. Debs has spent eight years bringing Gráinne’s story to life through performance, and her current tour is already selling out venues across the UK. The pair discuss the woman behind the legend, why her story has been overlooked for so long and how storytelling can bring history vividly to life. For Debs, though, telling Granuaile’s story is about much more than revisiting history. It is about challenging assumptions, celebrating a remarkable woman and encouraging audiences to become curious about the stories that history has sometimes overlooked. Dauntless: Debs Newbold at Beeston Tales 🗓️ Wednesday 21 October at 7.30pm 📍 Lady of the Assumption Church Hall, Beeston 🎟️ https://www.tickettailor.com/events/beestontales/2279408

    Multi-award winning actor, Debs Newbold, to bring Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen to Beeston.

  7. Oct 8

    Theatre, Radical Empathy & Karuna Productions | Underneath the Lintel is coming to Nottingham.

    In this episode of Arts & Toast, Kirsty Corbett talks to Chris Sims, director of Karuna Productions, about the power of theatre to create empathy, compassion and a deeper understanding of one another alongside his production company's debut show at Nottingham Arts Theatre from 20 - 24 October 2026. Chris discusses Karuna Productions’ Nottingham roots, its commitment to radical empathy, and the journey behind its production of Underneath the Lintel written by Glen Berger. It's a thought-provoking and often humorous one-woman play exploring identity, existence, connection and what it means to be human. The conversation also explores the challenges of directing a play that engages with sensitive historical themes linked to judaism, the creative process behind an intimate one-person performance and the need for opportunities for independent theatre companies in Nottingham and the East Midlands. If you’re interested in theatre, local arts, independent theatre, Nottingham’s creative scene and the East Midlands arts community, this episode of Arts & Toast offers an insightful look at the people and ideas shaping regional theatre. 📍 Nottingham Arts Theatre 🗓️ 20 - 24 October 2026, including a Saturday matinee 🎟️ Get tickets here

    Theatre, Radical Empathy & Karuna Productions | Underneath the Lintel is coming to Nottingham.

  8. Oct 7

    New Art Exchange’s VOICE Committee Selects Quilla Constance for Nottingham Exhibition

    In this episode of the Arts & Toast podcast, Kirsty Corbett talks to acclaimed British-Jamaican multidisciplinary artist Quilla Constance (QC) about her creative journey, performance art and her most ambitious exhibition to date, Activating Intersections, at New Art Exchange in Nottingham. Opening on 10 October 2026, Activating Intersections brings together monumental oil paintings, costume, video and live performance. Selected by New Art Exchange’s pioneering VOICE committee, the exhibition explores identity, cultural stereotypes, power, activism and participation, blurring the boundaries between contemporary art, performance and popular culture. In the conversation, QC shares the childhood experience that first sparked her confidence as an artist, the contrast between her naturally shy personality and her bold artistic persona, and the challenges of creating an ambitious new exhibition while responding to the expectations of both audiences and the VOICE committee. The exhibition will extend beyond the gallery, with audiences invited to interact with QC’s wearable costumes and become part of the artwork. The project will culminate in a carnival-inspired public performance through Nottingham city centre on 16 January 2027, giving people the chance to wear QC’s costumes and experience her work in a completely different way. Known for combining anarcho-punk feminism, carnival, humour, activism, performance and painting, Quilla Constance has exhibited widely and recently appeared on Sky Max’s Rob & Romesh Vs (Art), where she led a performance art workshop culminating in a performance at London’s Saatchi Gallery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in contemporary art in Nottingham and the East Midlands, performance art, socially engaged practice and the artists shaping the region's cultural landscape. Exhibition: Quilla Constance: Activating Intersections Venue: New Art Exchange, Nottingham Dates: 10 October 2026 – 16 January 2027 Admission: Free

    New Art Exchange’s VOICE Committee Selects Quilla Constance for Nottingham Exhibition
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About

What really goes on behind the scenes of theatre, museums and live performance in the East Midlands? An East Midlands Arts Podcast with Kirsty Corbett. Join Kirsty for relaxed chats with theatre-makers, museum curators, musicians and artists shaping culture across the East Midlands. From theatre and dance to exhibitions and live music, each episode celebrates the people and ideas bringing the region’s arts and culture community to life. Put the kettle on and take a front-row seat to the East Midlands arts scene. If you like a theatre podcast, creative podcast, entertainment podcast or just a general artsy podcast then you have come to the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirsty Corbett
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kirsty Corbett
  • Show Website
    Arts & Toast