Son of actor David Troughton and Grandson of the second Doctor Who Patrick Troughton. 

Sam studied Drama at the University of Hull and after graduating he began his career with the RSC which brought three nominations for an Ian Charleston Award to his door. The award honours outstanding performances for young actors in classic plays. 

Since then he’s been part of some the most celebrated shows for both stage and screen including:

Theatre:

• Beginning, written by David Eldridge, National Theatre
• King Lear, Edmund, dir. Sam Mendes, National Theatre
• Juniper Blood, Donmar Warehouse
• Streetcar Named Desire, Liverpool Playhouse
• Multiple shows with the RSC - Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, Winter’s Tale and many more. 

Film:

• Vera Drake, dir. Mike Leigh
• Alien vs Predator
• Mank, Netflix
• Napoleon with Joaquin Phoenix

TV:

• Black Doves, Netflix
• The Hollow Crown
• Robin Hood
• A Very Royal Scandal, starring Michael Sheen and Ruth Wilson 
• Chernobyl, HBO, created and written by Craig Mazin, directed by Johan Renck

Sam and I discuss his early work at the RSC, coming from a family of established actors and his roles in two huge shows A Very Royal Scandal and most notably Chernobyl. A superb, superb drama about the disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear power plant in Pripyat on 26th April 1986 and how the Soviet Union did everything in its power to cover up the facts. Sam talks about finding his character Aleksandr Akimov, the cost of the Soviet’s lies, and how catastrophic things like this one are possible in real life and not just in the movies. 

Thank you Sam!

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Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Track Name. Early Morning 

Georgia is a creative ageing specialist, academic, pro-ageing advocate and Applied Theatre expert. 

Her work is focussed on the elderly population, care homes and ageing positively. Using her creative powers to spread the word of issues within the older community and how the problems they are facing can be eradicated.

Georgia’s practice started in 2014 when she founded a resident-led theatre company while being an Activities Co-ordinator for one of the UK’s leading care home providers. Since then she has worked with other homes, hospitals, shelters and digital platforms creating spaces for creativity, critical reflection and building communities. 

Earning recognition at some of the most prestigious institutions such as the Tate Modern, Alexandra Palace, BBC, BFI and The Stage. 

She holds a BA(Hons) in Performing Arts and Music from the University of Chichester and an MA in Applied Theatre from Central School of Speech and Drama. In 2023 she completed her PhD from the University of Portsmouth with her thesis “Applied Theatre in Later Life: Facilitation, Participation and Shame Resilience”. Exploring how theatre can support emotional well-being and the collective voices in the elderly community. 

On top of all this she is the programme leader and lecturer for the BA(Hons) Applied and Contemporary Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting. Last year she was awarded the Early Career Teacher of the Year Award from Surrey University’s Arts, Business and Social Sciences Department. 

Stay tuned for her upcoming debut book “Ageing on Stage: Creative Ageing and Theatre” which confronts ageing, tacking ageist shaming and stimulating shame resilience. 

We discuss her earliest inspirations to get involved with Applied Theatre and her love of working with the elderly population. In addition, how she conducts her practice and how theatre can change the world, especially within the older population fighting ageism, LGBTQ discrimination and loneliness. 

For more information about her work visit her website:

Georgiabowers.co.uk

Thank you Georgia!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

Maddie’s journey started the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, to both the National Youth Music Theatre in 2016 to the Guildford School of Acting from 2019-2022. 

To date her credits include:

• Brass - National Youth Music Theatre
• Into the Woods - GSA 
• The Baker’s Wife - GSA
• Tripping the Velvet
• The Witches of Eastwick Concert for Jack Maple Productions, directed by Maria Friedman 
• Brassed Off with the Gala Durham Company
• Jack and the Beanstalk - Leeds City Varieties
• Speedo Mick - The Musical - Liverpool Royal Court
• Currently starring in Aladdin: The Rock ’n’ Roll Pants at Leeds City Varieties, playing Muddles the Monkey

Maddie and I discuss her early inspirations to become an actor and musician as well as her early training. From stepping away from Guildhall after one year, to her time at the National Youth Music Theatre to training under lockdown restrictions in Guildford during the pandemic. 

We discuss how she navigated performing in covid, stepping away from a course you don’t feel is right for you, to coming out of lockdown and performing in theatres to full audiences again. In addition her time in “The Baker’s Wife” (which I saw), the challenges and rewards of training to be an actor-musician, to her admiration of Stephen Sondheim. 

Thank you Maddie, here’s to another episode soon!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The long awaited return of Simon Furness!

I’ve been meaning to have Simon back on the show since he was my second only guest back in 2021!

This time we take a dive back into Vanya and Chekhov’s other celebrated work “The Seagull”. Both plays were given huge London revivals in recent times and we take a look at how their interpretations of the text are similar and different to how Simon believes Chekhov would have liked to be seen done. 

We also ask questions such as, with Chekhov putting his characters in such tragic circumstances, is he making a mockery of unfortunate lives or is it social commentary? In other words, is he mocking people who are sad or is he plainly showing this is the way of life for some people? As well as finding the humour in these dire straits, is it to make fun of their situations of unrequited love and desperate need to feel loved or it is a way to heal them? Make light of a bad situation in order to help them out of their depression and cure them?

All this and much more in our discussion!

Including Simon’s cameo in Netflix’s “Wednesday” and what he would do with a West End budget if he was given the reigns to a Chekhov masterpiece. 

Thank you so much Simon, a pleasure to have you back!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Track Name. Early Morning 

Olivia trained at Drama Studio, after graduating from UEA (University of East Anglia) and has been a part of some incredible work since graduation. 

Her credits include, for Film:

• Where the Hands Touch
• A Beautiful Cruise - which won three awards at the Paris International Film Festical 2022
• Leonora in the Morning Light
  

TV:

• Doctor Who
• Midsomer Murders
• The Woman in White
• Roadkill
• Queens of Mystery

Theatre:

• Romeo and Juliet - Leicester Square Theatre
• The Dark at the Top of the Stairs - Belgrade Theatre
• Young Chekhov Trilogy at the Chichester Festival, directed by Jonathan Kent - Platonov, Ivanov and The Seagull
• The Circle - Orange Tree Theatre and UK Tour
• And three appearances at the National Theatre - 50th Anniversary, King Lear playing Cordelia directed by Sam Mendes and Othello playing Desdemona directed by Nicholas Hytner, alongside Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear. 

Olivia and I discuss her time in Othello at the National. We delve into how the character is seen by some critics as a victim of impossible standards, to her naivety and how out of touch she is to human nature. For example her dialogue with Emilia when she cannot comprehend the fact that sometimes women cheat on their husbands if they aren’t satisfied with their current relationship in Act 4 Scene 3. 

We also look at her role in King Lear, how she found the disrupted relationship between Lear and Cordelia to looking after herself through emotionally demanding plays eight times a week. 

Thank you Olivia! 

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 47 countries in 2025. In the same year streams grew by 29%, listeners increased by 24%, brand new listeners were up by 999%, received more shares than 85% of other shows in the performing arts category and followers were up 58%.

The podcast is a top 10 show for more than 200 people, top 5 for over 140, number 1 for more than 50 and has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2025. 

The return of Sarah Spring!

Sarah returns to the show to dissect more Shakespeare, this time we look at the most famous speech in the world, “To be, or not to be” and the brilliant dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing. 

We look at what makes “To be, or not to be” so famous as well as so beautiful. In Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet, the young Danish prince tormented by the suspicious death of his father and his mother’s quick remarriage to his uncle Claudius, contemplates whether to face his “sea of troubles” or remove himself from the face of the planet. Hamlet asks is it worth facing this awful situation in his family or should he take his own life and be free of the burden?

Begging the question, is it worth facing our demons or do we risk flying to an “undiscovered country” that we can’t return from and know nothing about in the hope it will relieve us from our torments? 

Special mention to Benedict Cumberbatch and his interpretation at the Barbican in 2015 which we look at in a lot of detail!

Done so many different ways with actors of both genders and a multitude of life experiences, this soliloquy speaks to every human being before us, right now and for those to come. Hence why it is so famous!

Sarah and I take a deep dive into the speech and find what it means to us individually and the many ways it can be interpreted. As well as the emotional connection she has to Much Ado about Nothing and why it means so much to her. 

Check out her socials for more information and how to get in touch!

Pleasure as always Sarah thank you!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

Thank you all for your support!

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Sam’s journey started at the Hackett-Kyne Academy of Irish Dancing, inspired by a VHS copy of My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison that ignited his passion for the arts!

He graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 2012 with a BA in Musical Theatre and his parts there included:

• Mr Sherlock in “Billy”
• Aegisthus in “Oresteia”
• Egeon in “Comedy of Errors”
• Captain Cook/Dr Chambers in “Robert and Elizabeth”

In the business his credits include:

• Ibsen’s Lady Finger
• Songs from the Shower - Guildford Fringe 
• Singing in the Rain
• Wind in the Willows
• Grease - Scandanavian Tour
• Spamalot - English Theatre Frankfurt
• School of Rock - Tours of the UK and Korea
• Wish List - in partnership with the “Make a Wish” Foundation
• Phantom of the Opera, Monsieur André/Ensemble, West End 

Sam is also a skilled performance coach offering lessons in acting and voice work which he runs with Lucinda Allen, as well as the “PowerHour” Zoom sessions that he co-hosts with Mildred Yuan on Patreon.

To get in touch and know more check out his website and instagram, link is below. 

Website: samuelhaughton.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/next-power-hour-143947446

Sam and I discuss his early years as a dancer then becoming an actor, his time in Phantom and how shows such as this have a global impact on their audiences. In addition, from his discussions with upcoming actors, how to keep the faith during dry spells and how to keep going!

Thanks Sam, really enjoyed it!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

Thank you all for your support!

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Laura trained at the Guildford School of Acting and Tring Park Performing Arts (partnered with Arts Educational Schools, London). 

She has performed in many capacities (instrumentalist, actor and musician) across the world, from West End shows, actor-musician Shakespeare to playing on the world’s stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, 2022. 

She plays a multitude of instruments including saxophone, piano, flute, clarinet and guitar. Being also a skilled  loop system user (like the one Ed Sheeran uses), she can create any song in the catalogue from the drum beat, the bass line to the main guitar riff in no time at all! Check out her website and instagram for performances, one being a looped version of Seven Nation Army. 

On top of this she is a teacher and director having led workshops at GSA, LAMDA and Tring Park, helping people from all backgrounds nurture their talent and boost their confidence. 

Lastly, she offers private tuition for acting and saxophone playing, from practice sessions to advice on drama school preparation, she’s got you covered! Her website is below for you to get in touch as well as her instagram. 

Website: lauraag.info

Instagram: @Laura.ag_

Laura and I discuss her passion for music, learning the saxophone, acting and her time training at GSA both before and during the lockdown years. As well as her time in Othello at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury where for one show she had to perform Desdemona at a moment’s notice! 

Furthermore, her demanding schedule in Qatar for the recent World Cup and serenading the public with her sax on stage, in the London underground after dark and by the famous piano in St Pancras station. Watch one of those performances below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlGV0LMs10&list=RDhTlGV0LMs10&start_radio=1

Obrigado Laura! Até à próxima 🎼

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

Thank you all for your support!

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Siobhan has training in voice work from a number of sources and organisations such as:

• Gravy for the Brain
• The Showreel
• City Academy

She works as a voice artist across many different mediums, from commercials, video games, audiobooks, column commentary and with weekly updates on her instagram series “Thoughts while Running”. 

Some of her collaborations have been with some of the most well-known companies around the Globe including:

• The Economist
• Sainsbury’s
• Toyota 
• Netflix - where she did the audio commentary for “Steven” starring Cillian Murphy, directed by Tim Mielants
• Network Rail
• Indeed

Other credits include voicing:

• BBC’s Einstein and The Bomb Documentary
• Spotify Streaming Ads
• Shakespeare Sonnets Audiobook
• Emergency Services Operator - an adaptation of the poem “Night Before Christmas”
• Newcast - The Economist - Daily Briefing

We discuss her career in voice, how we moderate the use of AI, looking after your voice during long recording sessions, approaching commercial voiceovers and you get to know your voice and unique sound. 

For more information visit her website:

siobhandowd.com

Thank you Siobhan!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

Thank you all for your support!

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Jayne trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has gone on to appear in some of the biggest shows to date. 

For Theatre:

• Kiss Me Kate - Lyric Belfast
• Aladdin - Belfast Grand Opera House
• Parade - Donmar Warehouse
• Notes to Future Self - Birmingham Rep
• Dear Arabella - Lyric Belfast, recently finished. 

TV:

• Misfits - E4
• Brave New World - Amblin and Dreamworks
• London Irish - BBC
• The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby - BBC 
• The Inbetweeners - E4 - “Lauren” on the geography field trip S2 E1!

Film:

• The Heiress
• Jane Eyre
• Life Just Is
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter and Timothy Spall with music and lyrics from the late great Stephen Sondheim

Jayne and I discuss her early years in the business, from leaving drama school after her first year when she landed the role of Johanna in Burton’s Sweeney Todd. To still being heckled in the streets with “feisty one you are” from her appearance in The Inbetweeners! 

A great chat for many reasons, one of which being, you don’t have to follow the ‘typical’ route into the industry, via drama school for example, in order to have a successful career. 

Thank you Jayne!

Oliver Gower

Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

Thank you all for your support!

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Track Name. Early Morning 

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.