MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

This week, Nick and Hannah lift the silver cloches on a brand-new way to enjoy The Phantom of the Opera — in edible form! They take their seats at the Sofitel London St James's Rose Room to sample the official Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea.

Join them as they nibble their way through pastries inspired by characters, sandwiches worthy of the Paris Opera House and enough cakes to make even Carlotta hit the high notes.

They'll discuss why more shows aren't doing themed teas and food and what possible creations could be done!

Nick and Hannah sit down for a lively discussion spanning three landmark moments in musical theatre history. They celebrate the outrageous brilliance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on its 50th anniversary, reflect on a decade of Hamilton and share their delight at finally seeing Disney's Frozen captured in a dazzling Pro Shot on Disney+.

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With all the fun of EdFringe now in full swing, what better way to celebrate the world's biggest arts festival than with another delicious slice of conversation between Thos and Zach Burns, the multitalented perfomer, writer, actor, musician and Fringe veteran! In this fantastic episode, they discuss the eponymously named Fringe! The Musical, the nature of formal musical theatre training, and Zach's latest project, a brand new musical about the birth of the National Health Service called "For All Time". All this and an exclusive recording of the title song, you'd be potty to miss it. All together now: "Tuesday?!"

It's EdFringe 2025 time - and in this week's hilarious episode, Thos sits down with the multitalented and very funny Zach Burns to talk about some of his EdFringe experiences including his roles as actor and musical director for (hardy) perennial Fringe favourite, Potty the Plant! There's also insightful discussion on the differences between formal and informal musical training and all types of music from Anglican choral music to jazz! With hands to match!

In this illuminating episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson sits down with esteemed theatre scholar Professor Robert Gordon to delve into his fascinating new book, The Theatre of Kander and Ebb. Together, they explore the groundbreaking legacy of one of Broadway's most enduring and influential songwriting duos — the brilliant composer John Kander and the incisive lyricist Fred Ebb.

From Cabaret to Chicago, Kander and Ebb's daring approach to storytelling, their seamless blend of entertainment and social commentary, and their indelible contribution to the art of musical theatre are all put under the spotlight. Professor Gordon offers unique insights into their artistic process, thematic preoccupations, and the political and cultural contexts that shaped their iconic works.

Also in this episode, Nick and Robert share thoughts on the West End's current production of Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discussing its place in Disney's stage canon and how it compares to its animated origins.

With the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe fast approaching, join Thos as he talks to the talented composer and performer, Richard Lewis, about his two hit shows, More Songs for a (Brave) New World and Liberace In His Own Words which are coming back to the Fringe this year after great success in 2024. They also talk about Richard's role as musical director for other shows, and discuss the time Richard wrote a cabaret for Sir Ian McKellen, a man who needs no introduction - but got one anyway!

As the hit musical, Pop Off Michelangelo, follows its impressive London run with a return to the Edfringe in August 2025, Thos carries on his latest conversation with composer, writer and modern renaissance man, the hugely talented Dylan Marcaurele. In this fascinating episode, they discuss the unexpected phenomenon of cultural differences in orchestraton - what exactly makes an orchstration British rather than American and vice versa? And there's more on Dylan's plans for future musicals, all of which are linked with a golden thread of exploring moral conundrums.

Join Thos as he sits down again with Dylan Marcaurele, the talented writer and composter of hit musical, Pop Off Michelangelo! In this illuminating chat, they explore how this wonderful show has changed and developed as it moved from the EdFringe to London and discuss how you give an American show a very British sensibility! Like the lyrics of the opening number say, this is a show which is very in demand!

Join Thos as he continues his in-depth conversation about the evergreen cult musical favourite, Potty the Plant which opens at the Wiltons Music Hall in East London this week. With songs from the show and insights into this darkly hilarious musical, as well as more on its sister show, Fringe! the Musical, this is an episode that'll grow on you!

Hoorah! Potty The Plant, which was MusicalTalk's Pick of the Fringe at Edinburgh in 2023, is coming to the legendary Wilton's Music Hall in London in June! So join Thos as he talks to the people behind this cult comedy musical, Baden Jack Burns, Sarah Burns and Aeddan Sussex, as they discuss how the show has developed in the last few years, as well as their touching but satirical swipe at all things EdFringe in their second show, Fringe! The Musical. With songs from both shows, a grudging but sincere appreciation of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and insights on the perils of roller skates, you won't want to miss this happy chat!