11 episodes

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' journeys? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years 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.

Life After Jazz Hands Matthew Jones

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

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' journeys? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years 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.

    Lucy Sinclair: From Nottingham to Navigating Neglect to Nourishing Your Soul

    Lucy Sinclair: From Nottingham to Navigating Neglect to Nourishing Your Soul

    Hailing from Nottingham. Lucy graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. Upon leaving college she bagged a role in the iconic TV Show 'Footballers Wives'. Following that she joined the UK Tour of 'Starlight Express'. From here she went on to star as 'Meat' in the West End Cast of 'We Will Rock You', 'Dirty Dancing' in the West End and the UK Tour of '20th Century Boy'. After getting sidetracked in jobs as a Gym Manager and Estate Agent, Lucy realized her love performing was missing and returned to the theatre in the recent London cast of 'Rehab: The Musical'. She opens in the West End Cast of 'Heathers' The Musical on the day of this episodes releases.
    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:
    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.

    • 58 min
    Adam Hills: From Cambridge to Cool & Collective to the Camera Lens

    Adam Hills: From Cambridge to Cool & Collective to the Camera Lens

    Hailing from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire. Adam graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. Upon leaving college he joined the cast of the International tour of 'Mamma Mia'. Following that he joined West End Cast of 'Fame'. It was whIle performing in 'Fame' that a recurring knee injury harboured his ability to continue dance. After appearing in the West End cast of 'Eurobeat'. While working aboard a Cruise Ship for Belinda King Adam picked up a Camera and began experimenting with Photography and Headshots. Once back on land he began to build his business as a headshot photographer, and has gone on to become one of the most established headshot photographers in London, as Adam Hills Photography.
    https://adamhillsphotography.com/
    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:
    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.

    • 54 min
    Zoe Rainey: From Bangor to Bright Lights of the West End to Bringing Motherhood into the Mix

    Zoe Rainey: From Bangor to Bright Lights of the West End to Bringing Motherhood into the Mix

    Hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland. Zoe graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. Upon leaving college she joined the Cast of the UK tour of Jekyll & Hyde. She then went on to appear in West End shows Parade, Hairspray, The Woman in White, Wicked and an American in Paris. She basically barely stopped to breathe. It wasn't until 2020's World Pandemic when Theatre itself was put on hold that Zoe had time to reflect on here life, and look at the things she had put on hold, including Motherhood. We spoke to Zoe just prior to her returning to the West End a for the first time as a working mother in the 10th Anniversary of Concert of 'Made in Dagenham'. Zoe in currently in Rehearsals for the West End Premiere of 'Mean Girls' The Musical.
    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    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.

    • 58 min
    Philip Coyle: From Glasgow to Goals of the West End to Grooming Hair

    Philip Coyle: From Glasgow to Goals of the West End to Grooming Hair

    Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. Philip graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. Upon leaving college he joined the Cast of Murderous Instincts in the West End. Following that he toured the UK in productions of Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamboat, Hello Dolly and Annie. He spent five years performing on Cruise Ships around the world, where on board he had his own Solo Show. After someone suggested to him Barbering due to his look, he gave it a go and turns out he was pretty swell at it. As well as being a Barber, he also trains Barbers in the skill. Philip is also part of the LGBTQ+ Hockey Team London Royals.
    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:
    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.

    • 45 min
    Steph Parry: From Holyhead to Hustling to Hero Status in the West End

    Steph Parry: From Holyhead to Hustling to Hero Status in the West End

    Steph Parry hailing from Holyhead in North Wales, graduated from Arts Ed Class of Musical Theatre in 2004. Upon Graduating from College Steph began her career as Rosalind in an Open Air Production of 'As You like it'. She then went on to appear in West End shows such as 'Billy Elliot' and 'Wicked'. Whilst appearing in '42nd Street' at the Drury Lane Theatre she received a request to see if she could be borrowed for the evening to race across the road to cover the lead role in 'Mamma Mia', which she did to much praise.Steph has also ventured into the world of television appearing in shows such as 'Hidden', 'Hollyoaks' and 'Malpractice' to name a few. Steph discusses with us everything it took her to get to where she has in her career as well as her love for 'Crossfit', and where she is at today.
    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:
    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.

    • 58 min
    Chris Grierson: From Royal Tunbridge Wells to the Royalty of Hollyoaks to the Royalty of Crystal Palace

    Chris Grierson: From Royal Tunbridge Wells to the Royalty of Hollyoaks to the Royalty of Crystal Palace

    Hailing from Royal Tunbridge Wells.Chris graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. After leaving college Chris had a stint in Channel 4's Hollyoaks playing 'Chris'! From there he went and appeared in shows such as 'Blondel', 'Bad Girls, The Musical' and 'Sound of Music' to name a few. It was just when Chris was thinking about change that an opportunity came up to be the 'Face of Crystal Palace TV', and as a lifelong supporter of the Football Club it was almost as if it was meant to be. For nearly 10 years now Chris has been the Presenter and Producer at the Premier League football club Crystal Palace. As well as still keeping his foot in the acting door and working on other projects on the production side of things.
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisgriogrierson/
    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:
    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
    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.

    • 42 min

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