For our first Musicals Meets Podcast, Editor Sarah Kirkup meets the actor and performer Joel Harper-Jackson. Starring as Harry in the revival of Standing at the Sky's Edge at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from 9 February, Harper-Jackson – previously known for Musical Theatre roles such as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots on tour and Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre – hit the headlines in 2022 in Mike Bartlett's play Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre. Having covered both lead roles, he took over from Taron Egerton as M opposite Jonathan Bailey after Egerton left the production for personal reasons. He talks to Musicals about striving for a varied career, why understudies are underrated, and how the role of Harry is a dream come true.

The musical excerpts from Standing at the Sky's Edge featured in this podcast are taken from the Original Live Cast Recording of Standing at the Sky's Edge with songs by Richard Hawley, arranged and orchestrated by Tom Deering, with musicians including Tom Deering and Ehsaan Shivarani, published by BMG and Universal. It was recorded live at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, over three nights in December 2022, and released on 13 February 2023 on Pink Moon Records. Tracks are as follows:

'Standing At The Sky's Edge' – performed by Maimuna Memon, Bobbie Little and Samuel Jordan

'For Your Lover Give Some Time' – performed by Robert Lonsdale

'Tonight The Streets Are Ours' – performed by Baker Mukasa, Deborah Tracey and Faith Omole

The opening and closing musical excerpts featured in this podcast are from the Overture to Gypsy (film version), taken from Jule Styne's 'Overtures Vol 2', courtesy of JAY Records.