This week on MusicalTalk, Nick returns to The Rocky Horror Show for the first time in 25 years and shares his reflections on the cult classic's enduring appeal, high camp, and raucous audience participation. Then, it's off to the London Coliseum, where Nick and Hannah experience The Great Gatsby — but in a rare twist, it's Nick who walks in knowing nothing about the show, while Hannah holds all the insight! Join them for a lively discussion of this ambitious new production, the surprises it held, and how it reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic world for the stage.

In this week's episode, Thos takes a close look at the 1930 Marx Brothers musical comedy film, Animal Crackers, and its place against the backdrop of a number of transitions - the move from stage to screen for the madcap quartet, the loss of popularity of Hollywood film musicals at the end of the 1920s, the move from prosperity to economic slump following the Wall Street Crash, and how the film industry was learning to adapt stage shows for the silver screen after only four years of talkies! And we take an additional look at Margaret Dumont, dubbed by Groucho himself as the "fifth Marx Brother", who began with opera and ended in rock 'n' roll and who worked with Laurel and Hardy, and WC Fields along the way. As Groucho said "Blessed are the crack(er)ed, for they shall let in the light!"

It's a century since Minnie's Boys, better known as the Marx Brothers, appeared on Broadway in their first fully fledged musical, and to mark the occasion, MusicalTalk is taking a close look at their 1930 musical comedy film, Animal Crackers. In this week's episode, Thos investigates what makes the Marx Brothers so remarkable and timeless, and takes a close look at the difference between the stage version of the story from 1928 and the post-Wall Street Crash film made in 1930. There's also a brief comparison with the now forgotten Ritz Brothers who were a different kind of crackers! So it's Hooray for Captain Spalding!

In this insightful episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson catches up with West End star and friend of the show, Emma Williams, for an honest chat about her remarkable 20-year journey in the theatre industry. From her breakout role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to her recent work on the innovative production Scissorhandz at the Southwark Playhouse, Emma reflects on how the landscape of musical theatre has evolved—and how becoming a parent has shifted her perspective both on and off stage. Expect laughter, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia in this illuminating conversation between two industry friends.

Tune in for a blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, industry insight, and a look at what it really means to balance artistry with real life.

In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah dive into the enchanted (and controversial) world of Disney's Snow White remake. With reimagined characters, missing dwarfs, and a whole lot of internet debate, they share their thoughts on whether this new take is a poisoned apple or a fresh perspective.

They also recount their experience at A Whole New World of Alan Menken at the London Palladium, celebrating the legendary composer's timeless contributions to musical theatre and film.

Is Disney rewriting history for better or worse? And just how dazzling was Menken's showcase of musical brilliance? Tune in for a lively discussion filled with insight, humor, and a dash of Disney magic!

At last, a musical about one of the unsung female heroes of musical theatre - Helen D'Oyly Carte! Join Thos as he talkes to Susan Ellerby about her latest modern G&S show, Gilbert and Sullivan's Improbable New Musical....And Helen, about the accomplished, and even trailblazing, Victorian businesswoman, who was one of the four most important people in the Gilbert and Sullivan story, not least for her diplomatic skills in keeping the quarrelsome duo together creatively but also for forging their legacy into the twentieth century and beyond. With songs aplenty, Thos and Sue talk about this delightful new show and its central character - Helen D'Oyly Carte! Unsung, no longer...

Was the recent barnstorming London revival of the 1992 Gershwin Brothers show, Crazy For You, one of the best things to hit the West End in years? Thos certainly thinks so and in this week's episode you can hear him and Josh talking about what made it so delightful. Was it the phenomenal, vital writing of the George Gershwin? Was it the seamless dancing, singing and comic talents of Charlie Stemp? Was it the almost overwhelming sensory overload of music, dance and choreography in harmony? The simple answer is yes, and the more detailed answer is awaiting your eager ears in this swonderful episode! Listening to this converstation is nice work (and yes, you've got it!). You'd be k-ra-zy to miss it.

Following the amazing success of their earlier show, War of the Worlds (On a Budget), Thos sits down again with Becky Owen-Fisher and Tom Fox, the creative minds behind Lamphouse Theatre, to discuss their latest comedy musical show, the five star 2024 Edfringe hit, Frankenstein (On a Budget). Tackling everything from Mont Blanc-Gate to how you compose songs for a devised improvised show, via a yellow leotard, this conversation also explains how to get the lightness you also need the darkness. It's a monster mash-up!

In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick sits down with the hilarious musical comedy duo Flo and Joan to chat about their latest show, One Man Musical. A riotous send-up of the grandiose world of musical theatre, this sharp and witty show takes aim at the tropes, clichés, and bombastic melodies of the genre—through the lens of one of its biggest icons, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Flo and Joan discuss how they crafted a show that both celebrates and playfully dissects the legendary composer's signature style, from over-the-top ballads to showstopping spectacle. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, a deep dive into their love-hate relationship with Lloyd Webber's work, and plenty of laughs along the way.

In this jam-packed episode of MusicalTalk, Hannah finally experiences Les Misérables live on stage—was it everything she dreamed of... or did she dream a dream in vain? Meanwhile, we dive into the world premiere of Scissorhandz, the bold new musical adaptation of Tim Burton's beloved film! And finally we break down all the big winners at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2025!