The Gray Escape with Natalie Gray

Time for Part II of the Ultimate Hardcore Writers series where we talk with Andrew Ellard, the man who helps wrangle the genius creators behind shows like Red Dwarf, The IT Crowd, Miranda and more. Andrew discusses what you really need to know before you write your show, explores just how many rewrites are normal, tells us the ultimate way to test your writing, and answers that burning question: do we need to know latin?

Does the thought of writing for Red Dwarf and The IT Crowd make your heart skip a beat? If so, join Natalie and British writer Andrew Ellard as he breaks down his job helping iconic talents like Graham Linehan, Doug Naylor and Miranda Hart stretch their genius that little bit further. He dissects TV writing in the UK versus the US, airs his beefs with religion, and reveals how his horror screenplay Afterdeath came to be produced.

Paul Davids, producer of the cult movie Roswell, gives details of his encounter with what he believes to have been a UFO, an experience that plunged him into research that soon led him to the alleged crash of an alien craft in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947 and the belief by many that an alien being was inside the mysterious craft. Paul discusses The Disclosure Project, his relationship with Bill Clinton, and the former President's stance on UFOs.

Natalie goes to the home of legendary British entertainer Des O'Connor, whose showbiz career spans over sixty years, to discuss his life thus far including his record breaking number of shows at The London Palladium and nearly twenty-six years hosting his iconic and star studded TV show, Des O'Connor Tonight. Des talks about his worst comedy experience, the infamous Morecambe & Wise taunts, and how his outlook on life keeps him young at heart.

Author and Ayahuasca expert Mark Flaherty takes us through his life-changing experience in Peru with Blue Morpho, the company that works with the shamanic brew. Mark recounts his healing journey, as well as Ayahuasca's impact on everything from depression to cancer. The episode also explores the profound message Natalie received in 2012, Everything is an Illusion, a concept spoken of by authors including Eckhart Tolle and David Icke.

Scottish actress Morag Siller takes us backstage at the Barbican where she stars with Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet, the fastest selling show in London theatre history! We learn what it's like working with a giant star, what happens after shows, and how they learn all those lines! Also, the price of fame, the role of publicity, Natalie's horrific celebrity encounter, and an inspirational tale not to be missed.

Want the inside scoop on a career in magic? Brilliant magician and comedian Dana Daniels takes us from The Magic Castle in Hollywood to stages around the world as we look inside the top hat and learn about everything magical including the man who broke the magician's code, working with birds, and of course the rockstar of magic, David Copperfield, as well as comedy tales involving Gary Shandling, Alex Trebec and more. Open Sesame!

Fabiana Udenio starred in the original Austin Powers movie as the infamous Alotta Fagina opposite Mike Myers. She also rose to fame in the iconic teen movie Summer School and just about every sitcom you can think of. In this episode Fabiana details the difference between working on films versus sitcoms, the auditioning process, being directed by Carl Reiner, what makes a director legendary, all amidst the fun of friendship.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Leszek Burzynski has precious wisdom to share. Beginning with his time working on iconic comedy shows of the BBC, his story has a cast that includes people like Harold Pinter, Michael Palin, Martin Sheen, Mike Leigh and even a guest cameo by Elton John. Leszek details the plight of the independent filmmaker, the moments that make movies work and why directing actors is a nightmare.

David Sobolov is fast becoming one of the top voiceover names in the industry with over 100 credits in films, animation and video games. We get the lowdown on how many pages of script are in video games, acting in Klingon, and just who steps in for JJ Abrams on the set of Star Trek! The Guardians of the Galaxy star discusses his emotional techniques, his studies with Sanford Meisner, and the pitfalls of fame for both child actors and their parents.