Barney's Backstage Podcast

Barney’s Backstage Podcast
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  • Performing Arts

Welcome to Barney's Backstage Podcast! Hosted by Barney Dudley, a 16-year-old autistic ADHDer with a huge passion for theatre, TV, film, panto, drag, and all things performance. Each week, Barney goes behind the curtain to chat with actors, singers, dancers, creatives, producers, directors, and industry professionals about their journeys, backstage stories, career highs, challenges, and everything in between. Whether you're a theatre fan, aspiring performer, creative dancer, or simply love hearing inspiring stories from the entertainment world, there's something here for everyone. Expect exclusive interviews, plenty of laughs, honest conversations, career advice, and a unique perspective from a neurodivergent young host determined to learn from the people who inspire him. So come backstage with us... one episode at a time.

Episodes

  1. Oct 28

    Bunny Galore: Drag Queen, Panto Legend and BGT Star

    Join Barney aka 'Diva Delirious' for a fabulous backstage chat with drag queen, performer, presenter, horror host and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Bunny Galore! From the world of drag to more than 30 years of pantomime, television acting and hosting horror films, Bunny has built an incredible career across the entertainment industry and Barney is finding out how she did it. Whether you love drag, musical theatre, pantomime, horror films, television or discovering the people behind the entertainment industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! *Chapters:* 00:00 Bunny Galore Introduction 00:54 Meet Bunny Galore 01:16 Where Bunny Galore came from 02:31 Discovering drag in amateur dramatics 04:22 Creating Bunny and the name 04:56 Bunny as a suit of armour 06:29 Finding a place in the drag scene 07:54 What makes a good drag queen? 09:09 Thirty years of panto 13:10 Widow Twanky in Aladdin 14:59 Why panto works for everyone 16:05 Horror hosting and Movie Nightmares 18:58 What actually scares a horror host 21:04 Britain's Got Talent with Dame Nation 24:01 Flying in for the live semi-finals 25:55 The custard pie and Simon Cowell 27:50 Looking back on BGT 29:46 Would she do it all again? 31:56 Acting on Midsomer Murders 34:14 TV acting vs live theatre 35:43 Podcasting: Bunny and the Beast 38:06 What makes a good interview 39:08 Advice for aspiring presenters 40:10 Loosely Baked 42:55 Always ahead of the curve 43:59 Quickfire questions 49:37 Advice for nervous performers 51:09 What's next 51:43 Why performing is addictive 52:39 Barney Outro *Connect with Bunny Galore:* https://instagram.com/therealbunnygalore https://bunnygalore.com/ *Watch Bunny Galore’s Movie Nightmares:* https://miamifoxstreaming.com/parent-content/673c913303f244f9d8b001ac *Watch Dame Nation on BGT:* https://youtu.be/fV1nIjtQLKU?si=n79bFFkVz4JhBeLq *Book Your Tickets To See Bunny In Pantomime 2026, Aladdin in Malvern:* https://malvern-theatres.co.uk/event/aladdin-pantomime/ *Grab Your Bunny Galore Merch:* https://www.bunnygalore.com/merch *Connect with the Host Barney:* https://instagram.com/barneyduds #BarneysBackstagePod #BunnyGalore #DragQueen #BGT #BritainsGotTalent #Horror #HorrorHost #Pantomime

  2. Oct 16

    Isabella Bliss: Becoming Marilyn Monroe, Burlesque and the Secret to Confidence

    In this episode, Isabella Bliss shares her inspiring journey from childhood influences to becoming a celebrated burlesque performer and Marilyn Monroe tribute artist. Isabella offers practical advice for performers and aspiring artists on building confidence, handling rejection, and celebrating individuality. *Chapters:* 00:00 Barney's Introduction 00:57 Isabella Bliss Introduction 01:29 Starting late in show business and initial aspirations 07:17 What she loves most about burlesque performance 08:24 The creative process of developing acts and ideas 10:55 Memorable stage moments, including stage invasions 12:18 Differences between theatre and cabaret performances 13:48 How she became a Marilyn Monroe tribute artist 17:00 What Marilyn Monroe's legacy means to her 18:16 The impact of Marilyn's misunderstood persona 18:50 Her experience in LA for Marilyn's 100th birthday 19:16 Research and preparation for Marilyn impersonation 19:44 Research and authenticity in portraying Marilyn 21:01 Memorable audience reactions and special moments 22:54 Performing at the West End and advice from Marilyn 23:19 What confidence means to her and empowering others 26:59 Practical tips for performers with anxiety and autism 28:39 The joy of sharing your unique gifts and living fully 30:47 The role of community and storytelling in performance 35:18 The importance of glamour and craftsmanship 38:54 Encouragement for aspiring performers to start and keep going 46:38 Follow Isabella's Journey Online *Connect with Isabella Bliss:* https://instagram.com/miss_isabella_bliss https://isabellabliss.co.uk *Book Marilyn Monroe Lookalike & Tribute Artist UK:* https://www.isabellabliss.co.uk/marilyn-tribute *Behind Burlesque Podcast with Isabella Bliss:* Watch: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNj9TTviN3Vssp7_4k3fIF2F7ywIsui4l Listen: https://pod.link/1849899834 https://instagram.com/behind_burlesque *Connect with the Host Barney:* https://instagram.com/barneyduds #BarneysBackstagePod #BarneyDuds #IsabellaBliss #BehindBurlesque #MarilynMonroe #ConfidenceCoach

  3. Oct 8

    Shakil Hussain: From Eastenders to Major TV Dramas

    Shakil Hussain shares his journey into acting, insights on working in TV and theatre, and how his musical background influences his craft. Discover practical advice for aspiring actors and the importance of authenticity and rhythm in performance. Chapters: 00:00 Barney's Introduction 01:05 The Road to Acting 02:37 Playing Dr. Singh in EastEnders 03:53 EastEnders vs. Emmerdale 05:14 Soaps, Streaming & Film 06:10 Favourite Roles & Characters 07:08 The Reality of a TV Set 08:09 Bloopers & On-Set Mishaps 08:56 A Day on the EastEnders Set 10:20 ADHD, Autism & Acting 13:18 Confidence in a Competitive Industry 15:59 Facing Career Uncertainty 17:47 Pinch-Me Career Moments 19:43 What Makes a Great Actor? 20:51 Lessons From Training 22:18 Starting an Acting Career 24:43 Discovering Music 26:02 Songwriting as Therapy 27:46 Where Acting & Music Meet 29:08 Quick-Fire Round 30:17 What's Next? 31:45 Follow Shak's Journey 33:31 Barney Outro Connect with Shakil Hussain: https://instagram.com/shakilhussain https://bio.site/Shakhussain Listen to Shakil and his band The Long Highway on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LUMuGGnYAOoYjtccNbqqE?si=tsNRklf0RTyRo1XHySDvrg&utm_source=copy-link Connect with the Host Barney: https://instagram.com/barneyduds #BarneysBackstagePod #BarneyDuds #ShakilHussain

  4. Sep 29

    Holly Mallett: Life as a Drummer, Actor, Improviser & Writer

    In this episode, Holly Mallet shares her journey through acting, music, improvisation, and writing, highlighting how neurodivergence and passion shape her creative career. She discusses her experiences with auditions, writing musicals, and embracing her neurodivergent identity as a creative strength. Connect with Holly Mallett: https://instagram.com/schmallett https://www.hollymallett.com Watch Andy and the Band: Rock Star School (Series 1 & 2): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00318r3/andy-and-the-band-rock-star-school https://www.instagram.com/andyandtheoddsocks Connect with the Host Barney: https://instagram.com/barneyduds #BarneysBackstagePod #BarneyDuds #HollyMallett #AndyAndTheOddSocks

  5. Sep 6

    Tom Swift: Behind The Magic of Wicked Productions

    In this episode, Tom Swift shares insights from his 15-year journey in theatre production, including creating successful pantos, building community theatre, and nurturing young talent through the Wicked Academy. Discover how he keeps productions fresh, the importance of casting, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of theatre. Connect with Wicked Productions: https://instagram.com/wkdproductions https://www.captiv8productions.co.uk/ Connect with Wicked Academy: https://instagram.com/wickedacademytw https://www.wickedacademy.co.uk/ Book Your Tickets to Gravesend Panto 'Wizard of Oz' at The Woodville Theatre: https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/christmas-panto-wizard-of-oz/ https://instagram.com/gravesendpanto Book Your Tickets to Tonbridge Panto 'Cinderella' at EM Forster Theatre: https://emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173664016/events/428707732 https://instagram.com/wkdproductions Connect with the Host Barney: https://instagram.com/barneyduds #BarneysBackstagePod #BarneyDuds #WickedProductions #WickedAcademy

  6. Aug 20

    Rai Quartley: From Taylor Swift to Marvel

    In this episode, Rai Quartley shares her journey from performing on stage and in music videos to choreographing and acting, highlighting the importance of storytelling, authenticity, and perseverance in the entertainment industry.

  7. Aug 8

    Dax O'Callaghan: A Lifetime In Theatre, TV & Music

    In this episode, Dax O'Callaghan shares his journey from childhood performer to seasoned artist, highlighting the importance of confidence, authenticity, and resilience in the entertainment industry. Discover insights on navigating fame, the creative process, and staying true to your passion. A quick backstage disclaimer 😄🚆 Because we filmed this episode in a live location, the audio is muffled in parts of the episode due to nearby overhead train lines… but trust us, it’s worth it for the chat with Dax 👀🎙️

  8. Jul 28

    Darren Charles: From Stage to Screen and Beyond

    Join us in this episode as Darren Charles shares his inspiring journey through the performing arts, transforming from a young ballet dancer to a celebrated West End star, and venturing into film and television. Discover his insights into the realities of showbiz, his creative process, and the lessons he's learned along the way. In this episode: Darren's first childhood performance at age five in ballet and early influencesHis experiences performing at Nottingham Hill Carnival and the magic of live showsThe importance of continuous training and the biggest lessons from his theatre journeysHow he prepares to embody iconic characters such as Sammy Davis Jr.The differences between performing in the West End and touring internationallyHis favourite roles, including Sammy Davis Jr. and his project The Screams of Kitty GenoeseThe thrill and unpredictability of live shows and audience interactionsHow he developed his alter ego Saucy Davis Jr. and his love for cabaret performancesComparing stage acting to screen acting, and balancing multiple creative pursuitsPerseverance in the industry, overcoming confidence challenges, and staying inspiredDarren's dream project inspired by Cirque du Soleil's KA and his thoughts on industry acceptance of diverse personalitiesPractical advice for aspiring performers with neurodiversity and his pre-show rituals Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Darren's early childhood performances 02:29 - Performing at Nottingham Hill Carnival and his love for live events 01:56 - Training in dance, art, and musical theatre, and artistic influences 03:24 - Experience at Urdang Academy and enduring the rigorous training 04:20 - Favourite roles and his portrayal of Sammy Davis Jr. 05:19 - Comparing performances in the West End vs touring around the world 06:45 - His most memorable pinch-me moments in the industry 07:15 - Working with Olivier Award winners and his connection to iconic roles 08:55 - Preparing for legendary characters and embodying their spirit 09:55 - Audience moments and interactions during live performances 10:25 - The creation of Saucy Davis Jr. and his cabaret experiences 11:26 - The joys of creating and directing cabaret shows 12:44 - Live stage mishaps and behind-the-scenes surprises 14:12 - Differences between stage and screen acting and advice for neurodiverse performers 15:55 - Overcoming confidence struggles and childhood challenges in performance 16:24 - Reflection on his journey and what younger Darren would think 16:54 - Balancing acting, singing, dancing, and directing, and staying inspired 18:23 - Dream show inspirations like Cirque du Soleil's KA and how Darren envisions blockbuster productions 19:22 - Favourite songs and his musical inspirations 20:04 - His pre-show rituals and the ongoing planning of artistic projects 20:32 - What's next for Darren and how audiences can follow his journey 21:01 - Final thoughts and where to see Darren perform live or online Resources & Links: Darren Charles Official WebsiteCirque du Soleil KAThe Screams of Kitty Genoese Connect with Darren: Darren Charles on Instagram

  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to Barney's Backstage Podcast! Hosted by Barney Dudley, a 16-year-old autistic ADHDer with a huge passion for theatre, TV, film, panto, drag, and all things performance. Each week, Barney goes behind the curtain to chat with actors, singers, dancers, creatives, producers, directors, and industry professionals about their journeys, backstage stories, career highs, challenges, and everything in between. Whether you're a theatre fan, aspiring performer, creative dancer, or simply love hearing inspiring stories from the entertainment world, there's something here for everyone. Expect exclusive interviews, plenty of laughs, honest conversations, career advice, and a unique perspective from a neurodivergent young host determined to learn from the people who inspire him. So come backstage with us... one episode at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Barney’s Backstage Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Barney’s Backstage Podcast
  • Show Website
    Barney's Backstage Podcast