Danny Reubens on Dance, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Arts Education & Performing at the Royal Albert Hall

In this episode, we’re joined by dancer and performer Danny Reubens for an insightful conversation about dance, performance, storytelling and life as a professional dancer. Danny talks about his career in the performing arts, his work with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, performing in Car Man, and what it’s really like to tour with one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies.

Danny shares his experiences of performing at the Royal Albert Hall, working as part of major dance productions, and the creative process behind bringing a story to life through movement, choreography, costumes, set design and visual storytelling.

We also explore how dance has evolved over the past 15 years, the way different dance styles are increasingly coming together, and the realities of life on tour as a professional performer.

A key part of the conversation is arts education and access to the performing arts. Danny discusses why opportunities for young people to experience dance, theatre and the creative industries are so important, and how greater access to arts education can help inspire the next generation of performers and creatives.

Danny is currently touring in Matthew Bourne’s Car Man as part of New Adventures, with the production heading to Nottingham Theatre Royal from 23 September to 26 September.

Whether you’re interested in dance, theatre, performing arts, choreography, arts education, musical theatre or the creative industries, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional performance.

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased from Nottingham Theatre Royal & Concert Hall's website here.

Tell Me Where It Hurts – Live at Nottingham Playhouse

Award-winning theatre company Teepee Productions brings Tell Me Where It Hurts to Nottingham Playhouse on 15 October.

Written by actor, writer and producer Tayla Kenyon, Kirsty sat down to find out about this powerful comedy-drama which shines a vital spotlight on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Balancing humour, heart and hard truths Kenyon explores what happens when women’s pain and mental health experiences are too often dismissed.

The story follows Chrissy, a dedicated drama teacher navigating life, work and relationships while living with PMDD, and Annie, a talented student preparing for a life-changing audition. As their lives intersect, they confront the frustrations of feeling unheard while finding connection, understanding and strength in one another.

In this podcast, we explore the story behind Tell Me Where It Hurts, Tayla’s creative journey, and why telling honest stories about women’s health matters.

Supported by Arts Council England and The PMDD Project, and developed with dramaturgical support from the National Theatre’s New Writing Studio, Tell Me Where It Hurts is theatre that entertains, challenges and starts important conversations.

🎭 Nottingham Playhouse
📅 15 October 2026
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now via the Nottingham Playhouse website.

In this interview, we explore the delightful chaos of theatre production, where creativity meets absurdity. Three members of the cast, James Keningdale, Katherine Perkins & Tom Mitchell, share their experiences from rehearsals filled with laughter and unexpected moments, all while preparing for their newest show under the direction of Cal McCrystal.

This interview is a behind-the-scenes look reveals the heart of theatrical comedy, where every rehearsal is an adventure filled with creativity and camaraderie. James, Kat and Tom debate how many characters there actually are, with numbers ranging from 70 (ish) to 130 plus wearing multiple costumes on stage due to the fast paced, multi-character nature of the show. The director, Cal McChrystal, is celebrated for his playful and democratic approach to rehearsals. The cast feels encouraged to push boundaries and explore the limits of comedy, creating a nurturing environment for creativity. The physical demands of their roles are no joke. James shares a glimpse into the demanding routines that involve a mix of magic tricks and slapstick humour. Yet, amidst the sweat and laughter, they find freedom in their roles, trading the intricacies of Shakespeare for a more liberated, cartoonish style of acting.

🎟️ The show runs from 29 September 2026 – 17 October 2026 and tickets are on sale now for the show from the Derby Theatre website.

Join Kirsty as she explores the joy, pranks and spirit of panto season with Buxton Opera House’s panto stars Catherine Pugh & Jamie Davis-Fletcher. The three share their insights on the enchanting world of pantomime, revealing the joy, laughter, and occasional chaos that come with it. The conversation takes a hilarious turn as they share stories of onstage mishaps. From unexpected ad-libs to costume malfunctions,

the unpredictability of live performances brings an element of surprise that keeps everyone on their toes. Catherine recalls a particularly funny moment when she accidentally burped mid-song, leaving her in fits of laughter rather than singing. Both panto stars also confirm when is the “correct time” for your Christmas decorations to go up.

The Derbyshire Peaks pantomime opens on Friday 4 December at Buxton Opera House and runs until 2 January 2027. Tickets start at just £15 and are on sale now via the Buxton Opera House website.

Kara-Ami McCreanor brings first-hand experience of the ABBA phenomenon to Repton’s 400 Hall Theatre on Sunday 27 September, as part of Mark Robert Petty Presents… The West End Sings… The Music of ABBA.

Having joined ABBA Voyage in 2024, Kara-Ami has spent the past two years performing ABBA’s iconic songs to audiences from around the world. She now brings that experience to this special live celebration, performing alongside fellow West End talents Georgia Lennon, Christopher Howell and Lewis Asquith, accompanied by a live band.

The concert promises everything audiences love about ABBA — powerful vocals, intricate harmonies, infectious energy and plenty of opportunities to sing along — while the live setting adds the spontaneity and excitement of a one-off performance. Kara-Ami will also offer a unique perspective on why ABBA's music continues to resonate across generations, and the differences between performing within the highly

produced ABBA Voyage experience and sharing these much-loved songs with audiences in a live concert setting.

The West End Sings… The Music of ABBA comes to Repton’s 400 Hall Theatre on Sunday 27 September 2026 at 3pm (doors open at 2pm) offering audiences an unforgettable evening of ABBA classics performed by an exceptional West End cast. Book your tickets now via the Mark Robert Petty presents website.

Alex Bourne talks to Kirsty Corbett of Arts & Toast Podcast about his enduring love of musical theatre, his career across major productions including Chicago, We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia, and the joy of performing live eight shows a week. Now appearing in Annie, Alex reflects on the camaraderie of touring, his long-standing friendship and on-stage chemistry with Claire Sweeney, and the fresh energy brought by a new generation of performers. The conversation also explores Alex's personal approach to life on the road, including his newfound commitment to fitness and wellbeing. Having lost several stones, he speaks candidly about feeling healthier and happier.

The show is due to land at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from 1 – 6 September. Tickets can be bought from the theatre’s website now. www.trch.co.uk

Were you at this weekend's Darley Park weekender? Full of Derby based love, iconic artists such as JLS, Katrina from Katrina & The Waves & Billy Ocean joined the people of Derby for a weekend of live music. Kirsty Corbett of Arts & Toast was able to catch up with two Derby based bands who were supporting this weekend's lineup including "Cassette Roulette" & "Public Eye" to find out how they were finding a weekend on home turf!

Whilst in the middle of the UK Tour of "The Last Laugh" Simon Cartwright discusses his role as Bob Monkhouse with Arts & Toast's Kirsty Corbett. Simon chats about the profound influence Bob Monkhouse had on his journey into comedy, from first seeing him as a child to meeting him professionally and eventually creating a one-person play celebrating his life and work. The interview explores mentorship, the craft of comedy, the enduring appeal of classic comedians and the importance of introducing their work to younger generations.

The show is due to hit Nottingham's Theatre Royal from 1 September and tickets are on sale now via their website but Simon says he first encountered Monkhouse in person in 1989 while auditioning for Bob Says Opportunity Knocks, although his admiration for Monkhouse had begun much earlier. At the age of five, Simon watched him present The Golden Shot and was struck by his distinctive style and personality. The interview then explores how that early admiration developed into a professional relationship and, ultimately, a form of mentorship. Simon recalls Monkhouse as a highly polished performer who was both intelligent and funny and explains how performing impressions of him led to encouragement and advice from the comedian himself.

Show dates in the East Midlands

• Buxton Opera House, 25 – 29 August 2026

• Nottingham Theatre Royal, 1 – 5 September 2026

• Curve Theatre, Leicester, 13 – 17 October 2026

Kirsty Corbett from the Arts & Toast podcast joins David Turner from Derby Uncovered to discuss lif  & events at Derby Market Hall, where independent traders are working together to create events, attract visitors and build a stronger market community. They chat about upcoming events, the importance of supporting independent businesses and the challenges created by changes to footfall and the surrounding retail landscape.

The conversation explores how Derby Market Hall is developing as a hub for independent businesses and community events. David talks about the work Derby Uncovered is doing with traders, alongside the BID levy team and other staff members of Derby City Council to bring people into the market through events including farmers markets, vintage fairs, Artisans Uncovered and the Derby History Festival.

A key theme is collaboration between independent traders. David explains that traders are increasingly working together to create footfall and give visitors more reasons to spend time at the market. The interview highlights the sense of community developing among businesses that might otherwise be competing for attention.

There is also discussion of the challenges facing the market, particularly changes to the surrounding retail environment. David believes the relocation of Primark has had a negative impact on footfall, arguing that making the journey to the market longer can reduce the number of people willing to make the trip.

The interview ends on a positive and practical note, with David encouraging people to visit the market, attend an event and get to know the independent traders behind the businesses.

At the time of the interview, Kirsty highlights a number of events taking place at or around Derby Market Hall:

• Vintage Fair: 15 August & 12 September
• Derby History Festival: 22 & 23 August
• Farmers Market, monthly
• Free mini train rides: 20 – 23 August
• Monthly karoke and open mic nights

These events offer potential opportunities for further coverage, live broadcasts, vox pops or follow-up interviews with traders and visitors.

Kirsty from Arts & Toast chats with Dea Matrona, the Belfast-based female duo making their mark on the music scene as self-producing, authentic and successful artists.

In this honest conversation, they talk about their journey as musicians, the freedom and challenges of self-producing their own music, and why staying true to themselves is so important as artists. They also share some of their favourite gigs and live music memories, as well as exploring the cathartic nature of music and what it means to have music as a creative outlet, both personally and professionally.

From Belfast to the wider music world, Dea Matrona offer an insight into what it takes to build a career on your own terms — with creativity, authenticity and a clear sense of who you are.