MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

NICK INTERVIEWS the co-writer of Avenue Q, Jeff Marx. Jeff and Nick discuss the creation of the musical, what inspires them, the muppets, Scrubs and what it was like to be fired by and then re-employed by Sir Cameron Mackintosh. Along with the interview, you will also hear ex-Q-sive demo recordings from Jeff Marx - including two songs from Jeff (and Robert Lopez's) original muppet musical idea: Kermit - The Prince of Denmark. Dom and Nick also discuss the upcoming episodes in the MusicalTalk schedule. All songs used with permission.

WITH IN THE HEIGHTS playing Broadway to some success, and Into the Hoods also doing good business in the West End, Tim joins guest presenter Will Segal to delve into the past, present and future of the Hip Hop (or rap) musical. This episode: why rap is theatrical, Idlewild, Carmen - A Hip Hopera, 8 Mile and Will's own forthcoming rap opera, Outflow. Tim interviews Flitz and Holly Shanks of the Hip Hop Collective, who recently toured with The Hip Hop Adventures of Peter Peril. Continued in Episode 78.

WE WELCOME NEW PRESENTER JENNY ANTILL to the studio. Nick, however, meets up with Summer Strallen at the Star Dressing Room at the world famous London Palladium to discuss the Sound of Music and Summer's views on musical theatre. Lisa offers us her views on Shout - a musical that is now touring across the United Kingdom, and Nick and Jenny discuss the production of Grease that they both saw recently in London and generally have a general chit chat. A great packed episode!

THOS RIBBITS REVEALS the success and scandals of one of Britain's most overlooked songwriters, whose centenary is today. Join him as he explains the fascinating story of this controversial figure from such exotic places as Blenheim Palace, the British Library and Heidelberg University and learn the shocking story of state sponsored songwriterly suppression...

ANDREW CORCORAN reports from behind the scenes of the touring Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, starting with rehearsals in London and leading up to the exciting Bradford opening. Meanwhile, Tim talks to Neil Marcus about his current series of audiences with legends of musical theatre, plus his history of managing the Jermyn Street Theatre.

THE SECOND PART OF OUR EASTER SPECIAL in which Thos, Jonathan, Tim and Nick get together around Jonathan's piano to hear and pay tribute to the work of musical theatre genius George Gershwin.

THE FIRST PART OF OUR EASTER SPECIAL in which Thos, Jonathan, Tim and Nick get together around Jonathan's piano to hear and pay tribute to the work of musical theatre genius George Gershwin. More George in Episode 73, later this week.

TIM AND JENNIFER met up in a Soho eatery to talk about the career and songs of Tim's favourite musical writer, William Finn, currently featured in the revue Make Me A Song at the New Players' Theatre, Charing Cross. Tim gets to interview the man himself, and we also hear from Paul Sirett, creator, bookwriter and lyricist of the Ska musical The Big Life, which played the West End in 2005.

NICK AND JONATHAN talk one of the most prolific and respected orchestrators working in the business today to discuss his works which include Crazy For You, Wicked, Miss Saigon, Mary Poppins, Ragtime, The Secret Garden, Curtains, Sweet Smell of Success as well as revivals of Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Oliver!, Showboat, Carousel and High Society. We talk with him in his apartment in London where he is presently working on the new musical production of Gone With The Wind.

NICK AND JENNIFER discuss Jennifer's book: "So You Want to Tread the Boards" in detail, discuss the What's On Stage Theatregoers' Awards for 2008 and also talk about musical theatre forum manners.