MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

THE NEW MOVIE-MUSICAL version of John Waters' Hairspray is now out, a few months ahead of hitting the London stage. Nick and Rebecca review the movie, and consider how it will differ when the stage version shows up at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Dipping into our collection of "CDs we recently listened to" for the second time, Tim reveals his choice - William Finn's 1998 musical A New Brain.

TIM AND THOS are joined by cabaret experts Paul L Martin and Sarah-Louise Young of Millionth Muse Productions to dissect the art of cabaret and where it relates to or diverges from musical theatre. We also talk to Fascinating Aida star Adele Anderson about her career.

NICK, MARTIN AND REBECCA discuss the fuzzy musical Avenue Q, and we quiz Martin on the often under-appreciated role of Stage Manager.

IN THIS EPISODE, we countdown the top 25 AFI film musicals, with only two minutes for each musical. Join Nick, Thos and Rebecca for this fun episode - where you get 25 musical discussions for the price of one!

JOIN Nick, Emma and our 10th new presenter, Martin Ball, for this week's show. We discuss everything from Martin's role in the London production of Wicked, to critics and The Drowsy Chaperone. We're also joined by cabaret star Adele Anderson, to discuss her role in the new Landor production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

WE'RE JOINED by guest interviewer Jenifer Toksvig who interviews guests Bonnie Langford and Sandi Toksvig. They discuss all things musical theatre and we also discuss The Drowsy Chaperone, recently opened in London to rave reviews as well as the Flaherty-Ahrens musical My Favorite Year.

IT'S JUDY'S BIRTHDAY. Thos, Tim and Nick delve into The Wizard of Oz - and the career of its star, Judy Garland. Also, Dom and Kate return to discuss their trip to see a new children's musical at the Minack Theatre on England's South West Coast.

MUSICALS FOR CHILDREN - exactly what falls into this category and what doesn't? Nick, Emma and Dom talk about this issue as well as offering a bit of reflective commentary about The Lord of the Rings, now that some time has passed.

GEORGE STILES AND ANTHONY DREWE are Britain's currently most successful musical writing team. Since winning the Vivian Ellis prize in 1985 for Just So, their 'ugly duckling' musical Honk! and their new songs for the West End/Broadway Mary Poppins has brought them international fame. With Tim and Nick, they discuss those early shows, Poppins and their future projects. Also, Emma reviews Fiddler on the Roof, just opened in London.

THE EPIC MUSICAL version of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece is about to open in London after weeks of techs, a rebuild of the Drury Lane Stage and a famous tryout in Toronto. Nick, Tim, Dom and Kate take the handheld recorder out to the theatre and give you their reactions from their seats, along with views from other members of the audience. Also, Tim, Thos and Nick discuss the 1998 Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical Ragtime.