eleven

The Tony-winner and our favourite funny soprano on why “Mother is Marmee” in Jo - The Little Women Musical and its thrilling new album recording, the upcoming 20th anniversary of The Wedding Singer and her legendary star-turn as Louise in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone.

We also dive into making dreams a reality when leading in My Fair Lady, her exquisite run at the Edinburgh Fringe with Nobody Cares (including upcoming US dates!) and the one piece of advice the late Stephen Sondheim shared, that stays with her even today.

Plus, why living in a world that is looking constant external validation isn’t good for any of us, how cast albums help keep the legacy of her work alive often decades after the final curtain has fallen – and why all might seem one great laugh for the world's best Melania Trump impersonator, but it comes with a side dose of uncomfortable reality, too.

Funny sopranos, assemble!

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

laurabenanti.com

jothemusical.com

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To celebrate her final scheduled show as Alternate Eva and remarkable performance as The Mistress in Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed production of Evita at the London Palladium, its breakout star reflects on a milestone chapter in her career.

We dive into performing the iconic Another Suitcase in Another Hall nightly, the significance of her now-signature stage bob (and why she’s letting YOU the audience name it), and her unexpected journey from ensemble member to leading star.

We also explore the impact of Jamie Lloyd’s visionary direction for The Mistress, along with the evolving role of social media in shaping the stage experience for 2025 — for both performer and audience alike.

She also opens up about battling imposter syndrome when stepping into her first confirmed performance as Eva in place of “titan” Rachel Zegler, and how she found strength in the love of Rachel, her cast mates and the audiences who showed up in their thousands. And when her Don’t Cry for Me Argentina performance soared past 2M views in one viral clip, how what began as a daunting challenge became a career-defining moment.

Plus, we dive into social media to read through your comments as the love comes pouring in. From Insta moments to viral TikTok's, the internet has spoken: Bella Brown > everything. Supremacy unlocked.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

evitathemusical.com

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She’s the exquisite stage actor and vocalist on the creative joy of originating Andy in the Elton John-penned stage adaption of The Devil Wears Prada, her continuing obsession with Anne Hathaway and why iconic lines, serving camp and understanding the power of laughter helped carve out her take on Andy.

We also explore the thrilling creative journey of developing a script and navigating changes during previews, her £3,000 fashion looks in the show and the unexpected challenges of the fashion world and how commentary from audiences about her appearance and size has been a fight she didn’t quite expect. 

Plus we dive into the genius of Jerry Mitchell, having Sir Elton John as a colleague and collaborator, and why she is not afraid to slay!
Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

devilwearspradamusical.com

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The 2x Olivier nominee on her history-making performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway - a role she reprises direct from the West End opposite Billy Porter - the joyful challenge of mastering the British accent and why she is fully standing in her power.

We also talk about overcoming both the doubt and the haters to keep standing tall, originating in Waitress alongside Sara Bareilles and the late Gavin Creel – and why she hopes her roles in Oklahoma! and Guys & Dolls has helped usher in a more inclusive space for everybody to be seen and heard.

Plus, how almost ten years in London all started with what should have been a brief few weeks standing in as Effie White in Dreamgirls and why her new album Marisha Wallace: Live In London is a celebration of the journey so far - and why you should never give up!

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

slinky.to/MarishaLiveinLondon

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The music writer and vocal slayer on leading the London stage adaptation of Burlesque at the Savoy Theatre as Ali Rose, the thrill of singing signature songs like Tough Lover, Express and Bound to You live each performance (alongside many incredible new songs written exclusively for the musical!) and how there’s no faking it when you’re serving for the gods in a role like this.
We also dive into beginning her writing journey with the show at 19, performing Ali live on stage in front of the OG movie star and her vocal idol Christina Aguilera and why she’s here to honour with great love what came before.

Plus, we take a little lesson in the history of Burlesque, working with exciting artists like her co-star and director Todrick Hall and why she's proud to sing LOUD!

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

burlesqueonstage.com

Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elevenpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The London star on joining the cast of Tina – The Tina Turner musical as Rhonda Graam, music titan and best friend to the late Tina Turner.

We also dive into spreading kindness as part of the UK touring company of Come From Away, understanding the daily pressures of navigating singing hit songs like Don’t Rain On My Parade when starring as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, and how facing audiences when you’re not the listed above the title star can be as nerve wracking as it sounds. 

Plus, why she shares the power of being present in even the craziest of career highs.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

tinathemusical.com

Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elevenpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Titanique’s newest diva on playing one of the greatest vocalists of all time as Celine Deion in the smash-hit comedy musical in London, the emotional joy of her time in the Paris production and why water fountains become a spooky-scary thing for her. 

Plus, we highlight the importance of good sound when My Heart Will Go On is on your daily venture, the liberation of just throwing limbs about and she reflects on her journey from free newspaper vendor to West End leading lady.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

titaniquemusical.com

Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elevenpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The phenomenal leading man of Jamie Lloyd’s Evita on his “once in a lifetime journey” playing Che, honouring the legends who have played the role before him and the pride he felt having his family seated on second row for his official West End opening night at the London Palladium.

Plus, he reflects on his journey with Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and how it led him to London, learning from his former New York co-stars including Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, and why his “superstar” leading lady Rachel Zegler is “a pillar of hope for a lot of Latinos”.

And, how he sees all your memes about his iconic curtain call moment in the paint and his underwear - and loves it! 

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

evitathemusical.com

Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elevenpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Jamie Lloyd’s exquisite new leading man on the honour of “pushing the boundaries” as Juan Perón in this fresh telling of Evita at the world-famous London Palladium, learning from the genius of Jamie’s direction – something he says is “a dream come true” – and its relevance to a 2025 audience.

We also dive into blending onstage live performance with camera work to make the perfect musical experience, his love of the “perfect narrator” in Diego Andres Rodriguez and how he’s fighting the online love and exposure of a certain viral balcony moment to keep distance for his character on stage – however challenging it’s been! 

Plus, why Rachel Zegler’s performance as Eva Perón is “one of the finest castings of all time” – and why he is “so in awe of the force of nature” that she is. And why he won’t hear a bad word said about his teeny weeny black tie. 

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

evitathemusical.com

Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via ⁠⁠⁠⁠elevenpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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The stage giant on returning to the Old Vic stage with Girl From The North Country, the life-changing impact of making his Broadway debut at such a young age and being a student to directors like Conor McPherson and Stephen Daldry.

Plus, we revisit his legendary performance on Hey, Mr. Producer! with Ellen Greene, joyful memories of his late friend and Kiss Me, Kate co-star Marin Mazzie and how Company changed his life, forever.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

oldvictheatre.com

Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Follow eleven on social media via @elevenpodcast and via ⁠⁠⁠⁠elevenpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices