Stage Left, Mic On

Join host Jack Allen as he chats with Marlia Rae, a rising musical artist whose journey is rooted in emotion, live performance, and pure creativity. In this episode, Marlia reflects on the first moment music truly connected with her, and how that spark led her to performing on festival stages and sharing her sound with live audiences.

🎵 The first feeling of music and discovering her artistic voice

🎤 Performing at festivals and connecting with crowds

💬 The best compliment she’s ever received from a fan

✨ How audience feedback shapes confidence and creativity

🎶 An amazing improvised song, created in the moment

This episode is an honest and uplifting look at what it means to feel music deeply — from the early emotional pull to the joy of performing live. Perfect for music lovers, aspiring artists, singer-songwriters, and anyone curious about the creative process behind live performance.

🎧 Ideal for fans of independent music, live festivals, songwriting, improvisation, and artist journeys.

Join host Jack Allen as he sits down with Isabelle Ouattara, a multi-hyphenate creative working across dance, theatre, and photography. In this episode, Isabelle shares her journey through the performing arts — from stepping into the West End at just nine years old to building her own photography business alongside professional dance training.

📸 How Isabelle built her photography business and found her creative style

💃 Her dance training and life as a young performer

🎭 What it was really like performing in the West End at age nine

🌱 Balancing multiple creative careers in the arts

🎙️ A brilliant improvised story titled “The Cabbage” — funny, unexpected, and pure imagination

This episode is a celebration of creativity, versatility, and trusting your artistic instincts. Whether you’re a theatre kid, young performer, creative entrepreneur, or someone curious about life behind the scenes of the West End, Isabelle’s story is inspiring, honest, and refreshingly fun.

Join host Jack Allen for a deep-dive into the world of West End Wilma, one of the UK’s most influential theatre blogs. In this episode, Jack sits down with the voice behind the platform to unpack how West End Wilma grew from a passion project into a must-read hub for London theatre fans.

🎭 How the West End Wilma blog started and evolved

📝 The most memorable and best theatre interviews over the years

🌟 Behind-the-scenes stories from the West End and UK theatre scene

💡 What makes a great theatre interview — from performers to creatives

🎶 A tough musical theatre quiz to put theatre knowledge to the test

From theatre journalism and blogging to honest conversations about chasing creative dreams, this episode is packed with insight for theatre kids, aspiring writers, performers, and West End fans alike. Expect laughs, industry stories, and a celebration of everything that makes musical theatre special.

🎧 Perfect for fans of West End theatre, theatre blogs, musical theatre interviews, and London theatre culture.

Join host Jack Allen as he sits down with Rachael Reynolds, founder of the Rachael Reynolds School of Dance and co‑owner of a thriving talent agency. In this inspiring conversation, Rachael shares:

• 🌟 Her journey from starting dance at age four to running her own school
• 🎭 The magic of summer showcases and her love for Rent and musical theatre
• 🏆 How her students earned a Golden Buzzer at the National Entertainment Awards and performed at the O2
• 💼 Why she launched a talent agency with Lauren, landing clients in the West End, Amazon, TK Maxx, Barclays, and McDonald’s
• 💡 Advice for young performers on staying true to the love of the arts

Whether you’re a theatre kid, aspiring dancer, or simply love behind‑the‑scenes stories from the performing arts world, this episode offers motivation, practical wisdom, and a celebration of creativity.

Start stepping into the world of Stage Left Mic On, a new and exciting podcast. This is just a teaser for whats to come.

Stage Left Mic On: Season 1 Part 1 is made of 4 episodes, with professional guests. Episodes will be released bi-weekly (every other week) and will start on the 6th of February.