In this episode of Arts & Toast with Kirsty Corbett, Neill Martin-Hoare, Head of Events at the National Memorial Arboretum, shares how creative experiences using light and sound bring people together to honour those who have served while celebrating moments of national reflection.

Neill explains how the Arboretum uses immersive experiences combining light, sound and storytelling to create meaningful events that connect visitors of all ages. These carefully designed experiences allow families and communities to both celebrate seasonal moments and remember the service and sacrifice of those who have served their countries.

From event design to audience experience, this conversation reveals how the arts can transform remembrance into something powerful, reflective and shared across generations.

If you’re interested in arts in public spaces, cultural events, remembrance, or immersive experiences, this episode offers a fascinating look at how creativity can shape meaningful national moments.

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🔗 National Memorial Arboretum

In this episode of Arts & Toast, Barra Collins from LAS Theatre discusses adapting the popular children’s book "The Littlest Yak", by Lu Fraser, for theatre. Actress Emily Attridge-Cox, who plays Gertie, joins the conversation about bringing this joyful family show to life on stage.

The story has delighted young readers and families, and now it has been reimagined as a vibrant theatrical production.

Joining the conversation is actor Emily Attridge-Cox who plays the character Gertie. Together they discuss the creative process behind adapting a much love children's book into a live performance from storytelling to puppetry - they're all about creating a magical experience for their audiences.

Designed for families with children aged 3 and over, the show celebrates imagination, resilience and the joy of theatre for young audiences.

If you love family theatre, children’s books brought to life on stage, or the creative process behind adapting stories for performance, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at children’s theatre in the UK.

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In this episode Vanya Polunin joins Kirsty to talk about the global phenomenon Slava's Snow Show, created by his dad - legendary clown Slava Polunin. From family life behind the scenes to the magic that has kept audiences captivated for more than three decades, Vanya shares the story behind one of theatre’s most beloved productions.

How does a theatre show capture audiences around the world for more than three decades?

In this episode of Arts & Toast, Vanya Polunin speaks about growing up with his dad - internationally renowned clown and theatre creator Slava Polunin, the visionary behind the iconic Slava's Snow Show.

Winner of the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award, the production has toured globally for over 30 years, delighting audiences of all ages with its unique blend of visual theatre, humour and imagination. In this conversation, Vanya shares stories from behind the scenes, reflects on the legacy of the show and explores why its message about play, wonder and creativity continues to resonate across cultures.

If you love theatre, performance or clowning - or the stories behind world-famous productions - this episode offers a fascinating insight into the enduring magic of one of theatre’s most celebrated shows.

Note: This interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in October 2025.

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🔗 Slava's Snow Show

In this episode, Phil Hargreaves joins Arts & Toast to discuss the impact of Derby Feste, and why events like this are crucial for keeping the arts vibrant in cities like Derby and across the UK.

What does it take to deliver a major arts festival—and why do cities fight to keep them?

In this episode of Arts & Toast, Phil Hargreaves speaks with Kirsty about the cultural importance of Derby Feste, one of the East Midlands' most celebrated Arts festivals.

From programming and scheduling to securing funding and community support, Phil shares the behind-the-scenes realities of producing a large-scale arts event. He also explains why festivals play a vital role in sustaining creativity, tourism and community engagement in cities like Derby, contributing to the local economy.

The conversation highlights the commitment of Derby City Council in ensuring Derby Feste returned for another year, in 2025, demonstrating how local partnerships help keep the arts alive and accessible for everyone.

If you’re interested in arts festivals, cultural leadership, arts funding or the future of UK arts sector, this episode offers a fascinating insight into how events like Derby Feste come to life.

Note: This interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in September 2025.

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Lydia Leaf aka the Nearly Blind Artist was diagnosed with a rare skin disease that took over her eyesight in her late 40s. Lydia, a trained teacher, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire is now working with local projects such as Make/Shift, alongside the national initiative Access to Work, to continue her career as a Professional Artist and community workshop leader. Her story, and infectious personality, is guaranteed to inspire you.

Please note that this interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in January 2026.

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🔗 Lydia Leaf's website

Actor Kristian Cunningham joins Arts & Toast to discuss his passion for making performing arts training more accessible in the East Midlands and away from London. Kristian goes on to talk through his experience playing Jamie in the hit musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie at Derby Theatre.

What does it take to build a career in the performing arts outside London?

In this episode of Arts & Toast, actor Kristian Cunningham speaks with Kirsty about his journey into theatre, his deep love of the Arts. Kristian talks about why BTEC's are as important as A Level's and why expanding performing arts opportunities beyond London is so important for the next generation of performers, here, in the East Midlands.

Kristian also shares his experience playing the lead role of Jamie in the acclaimed musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie, a production that has inspired audiences across the UK with its story of identity, confidence and following your dreams.

From training and career pathways to the realities of working in theatre today, this episode offers valuable insight for anyone considering a future in acting, musical theatre, or the performing arts industry.

If you're looking for career inspiration, theatre insights, and advice for aspiring performers, this is an episode you’ll want on your listen again list.

*This interview originally aired on Erewash Sound in October 2025. Please note that the show has now closed.

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Internationally acclaimed UK artist Kate MccGwire joins us to discuss her extraordinary sculptures made entirely from feathers. Recorded during her exhibition at Lakeside Arts, this inspiring conversation explores her creative journey, career change from interior design, and the dedication behind 25 years of groundbreaking artwork.

What does it take to change careers and become an internationally recognised artist?

In this inspiring episode, we speak with British sculptor Kate MccGwire, known worldwide for her striking sculptures created entirely from ethically sourced feathers. Recorded during her major exhibition at Lakeside Arts (Nottingham, East Midlands), the conversation reflects on 25 years of her artistic practice and the deeply personal journey behind her work. Before becoming a full-time artist, Kate worked as an interior designer – a path that ultimately led her back to her true passion: creating powerful sculptural forms inspired by nature. In this episode she shares how she made the leap into the Arts and the challenges of building a creative career.

If you’re thinking about a career change into the arts, studying fine art or sculpture or simply love discovering the stories behind contemporary artists, this episode is a must-listen.

Note: This interview originally aired in September 2025 on Erewash Sound. The exhibition discussed has since closed.

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🔗 Kate MccGwire