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Artist bioAndrew Robley is a British musical-theatre performer and singer from Carlisle who began his career as a cathedral chorister, later winning a BBC “Search for a Star” competition and going on to play leading-man roles in shows like Grease (Danny Zuko) and classic musicals including Carousel and Oklahoma!. He’s now a regular performer at London’s Brick Lane Music Hall, where he’s become best known for his work as a pantomime dame—an unexpectedly demanding, fast-paced role he grew into after years as a principal boy/leading man.
For more on Andrew Robley visit:
👉https://www.instagram.com/andrew.robley
Episode summaryIn this Christmas special of Variety, host Adam Sternberg chats with Andrew about his unusual route into panto: from choirboy beginnings and a brief detour as a chef, to musical theatre leading roles, and finally being thrust into dame duties at the last minute when another performer was injured. Andrew breaks down what makes pantomime unique—ad-libbing, timing, audience interaction, and relentless quick-changes—plus the character work, voice choices, slapstick, and how panto traditions are evolving (and enduring). The episode also features a playful spoken “duet” of Sonny Boy and wraps with details of Andrew’s upcoming run at Brick Lane Music Hall in Jack and His Giant Stalk (over-16s), followed by a family version later.
Don’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.
🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess.
Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.
By Adam SternbergTo stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:
TikTok
YouTube
If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email [email protected]
Artist bioAndrew Robley is a British musical-theatre performer and singer from Carlisle who began his career as a cathedral chorister, later winning a BBC “Search for a Star” competition and going on to play leading-man roles in shows like Grease (Danny Zuko) and classic musicals including Carousel and Oklahoma!. He’s now a regular performer at London’s Brick Lane Music Hall, where he’s become best known for his work as a pantomime dame—an unexpectedly demanding, fast-paced role he grew into after years as a principal boy/leading man.
For more on Andrew Robley visit:
👉https://www.instagram.com/andrew.robley
Episode summaryIn this Christmas special of Variety, host Adam Sternberg chats with Andrew about his unusual route into panto: from choirboy beginnings and a brief detour as a chef, to musical theatre leading roles, and finally being thrust into dame duties at the last minute when another performer was injured. Andrew breaks down what makes pantomime unique—ad-libbing, timing, audience interaction, and relentless quick-changes—plus the character work, voice choices, slapstick, and how panto traditions are evolving (and enduring). The episode also features a playful spoken “duet” of Sonny Boy and wraps with details of Andrew’s upcoming run at Brick Lane Music Hall in Jack and His Giant Stalk (over-16s), followed by a family version later.
Don’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.
🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess.
Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.