Louise is an actress, writer, comedian and Mountview graduate who has worked across the West End and many comedy circuits across the country. 

She has worked extensively with Mischief Theatre company who are behind not only Magic Goes Wrong, but, The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan goes Wrong among many other sketches. Some you may have seen on the Royal Variety and Comic Relief over the last few years. 

Louise discusses her love for comedy, how to keep it fresh for each performance and that each night is different. Every audience will react in a separate way, that is completely normal, and you shouldn’t worry if a joke lands differently than it did the previous night. 

Comedy is so subjective and some people will find you funnier than others. Look out for some of our darker jokes later in the episode and how comedy can occur at any moment, even at the times you LEAST expect!

I first saw Louise at the Criterion Theatre for a rehearsed reading one of Sarah Milton’s newest plays “Pa(Rental)”. I encourage all actors both in or out of drama school to attend these events, not only to hear new writing but to network fellow actors in the business. These events are held by the Criterion Theatre throughout the year, keep an eye on their instagram page for more information. 

Full episode available in my bio!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Sarah trained at Mountview on the BA Acting course on a full scholarship graduating in 2012. 

Since graduating she has gone on to become a nominated writer and performer. She is an alumni of several writing workshops from the Lyric Hammersmith, Soho Theatre, High Tide, and the RADA Advances in Script Writing. 

She has four plays to her name, “Tumble Tuck”, “Lucy Light”, “4” and “The Night Tella” all published by Bloomsbury Methuen Drama. All have had a great amount of success, in particular “Lucy Light” that ran at the Theatre N16 and the VAULT Festival to critical acclaim. Her one woman show “4” was presented at the Park Theatre with Bruised Sky Productions in 2022 and in that same year she became an associate artist of Bruised Sky. 

Not only involved in theatre, Lucy also writes for screen with her film adaptation of “Lucy Light” reaching the quarter-finals of the International Shore Scripts Feature Film Competition in 2020. Her feature “Project Baby” was commissioned by Reel One in 2021, it wrapped in 2021 and was released in Europe and Canda in 2023. Her short film “Scoffed” produced by ManChild Films was released in 2022. Catch it on Vimeo now. 

Sarah discusses her writing process and dealing with writer’s block. To creating her plays, learning from some of the best writers in the business and what’s been some key things she’s learnt as a writer. 

All aspiring writers out there this episode is for you!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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Alix is an actress, voice artist and accent coach whose worked with actors, producers and even people who aren’t in the arts at all. From people in different workplaces, executive producers, actors at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Chichester Festival Theatre to name a few. 

Alix trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has been a part of many projects across stage and screen. 

From:

Most notably, she has read for over 10 Audiobooks including ones published by Penguin Publishing. One book being A Position of Spoons, directed by Kate MacDonald. 

Alix discusses her work in audiobooks, her time working for the Factory Theatre company, but mostly about her work in helping actors master accents. From territories from all over the UK and the world she can help you get it right. 

As well as, how her work is not exclusively for performers, she has worked with people who simply want to speak clearer at business functions, networking events or even those who want more confidence at parties. So even if you’re not an actor, Alix is here for you too!

We delve into accents across the UK, Europe and USA, which was a lot of fun and I recommend Alix very highly!

Check out her website for more information about her work, how to get in touch and book a session in if you’re looking to master an accent or just to get more confident in the way you speak. 

alixdunmoreaccentcoaching.com

And her Instagram:

@alixactoraccentcoach

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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In her own words: My purpose is to help you liberate yourself from limiting beliefs and live your fullest potential. 

Annalie is a highly qualified performance coach who’s worked with elite sportsman, leaders in business and members of the armed forces. 

Her work is to relieve you from limiting beliefs that you have on yourself and make you realise just how strong and powerful you are. Despite what any “friend”, colleague, stranger or even family member might say. 

She has an extensive background in the corporate world, working with FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) sitting on many boards and currently the only EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing - Psychotherapy technique treating trauma and PTSD) certified global practitioner. Offering unique approaches to her clients as opposed to traditional therapy. Helping you boost your confidence and unlock your potential that you didn’t know you had. 

Ultimately, helping you love yourself even more, reclaim your power and that you’re stronger than you think. 

Check out her Instagram page for more daily motivational messages:

@annaliehowling

Also, she has her debut book “Shame” coming out in May next year, she tells me it’s about tackling shame head on and how you don’t let it consume or control you in any way. Pre-order your copy on Amazon now:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unapologetic-Unshackle-Shame-Reclaim-Power/dp/1399735993

A deep, powerful conversation about Annalie’s story, writing her book and how you can life your best life away from self sabotage and shame. 

⚠️Trigger warning⚠️: This episode contains references to self-harm and physical abuse. 

Claire is an actor who holds a degree in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh and an MA from the recently closed drama school ALRA in London. 

Claire has worked extensively across Film, TV and stage at places such as, The Bush Theatre, The Park Theatre and Trafalgar Studios to name a few. As well as in the ever-present classic Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. 

For screen she recently wrapped on an adaptation of one of her favourite books, Grief Is The Thing With Feathers alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. More details on that to follow in the new year. 

She also has made appearances in a number of short films, including the very successful picture called The Date starring alongside Miriam O’Brien. A beautiful film about two women finding love in the modern world of dating apps. It received several nominations across short film festivals and circuits, and won a Jury Award in 2019 for Best Director for Emmalie El Fadl. 

Check it out on YouTube here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKdxA8cOYtc

Claire is also the owner and founder of her own company Friends With Shakespeare. A company dedicated to helping people get to grips with Shakespeare’s plays and language. Whilst also teaming up with West End productions to inspire people to perform Shakespeare’s plays alongside some of the best in the business. Recently they’ve collaborated with Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma fresh from their international tour of Macbeth and in 2025 they’re running workshops with the cast of The Bridge Theatre’s production of Richard II starring Jonathan Bailey (Bridgeton). 

More information on those workshops and how to get involved can be found on the website here:

friendswithshakespeare.com

Claire discusses her time on The Date, how she found her love of Shakespeare, furthermore discusses her work with The Theatrical Guild. A charity dedicated to supporting backstage and front of house staff with grants and financial grants. As well as counselling, welfare advice and any other service to those who need it. They run a series of talks, one recently with Claire’s friend James Norton, check out their Instagram to know more:

@thetheatricalguild 

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Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Evangeline (Evie) is an award-winning violinist and entertainer with over 21 years experience in the music business. 

She graduated from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and has built a career not only performing popular songs for weddings and football stadiums but also pieces of classical repertoire. 

Her talents have been heard across Europe and Australia, including performances with the Orchestra Victoria, the National institute of Circus Arts and Cirque Du Soleil. She’s shared the stage with the likes of Damien Leith, Conrad Sewell, Kygo and Tiesto. 

A lot of you will know her from her viral performances at the stadiums of  A-League Melbourne Victory Team and the AFL’s Carlton Football Club. With performances of Freed From Desire and Seven Nation Army which you can see on YouTube right now:

https://youtu.be/ZkL6MvXxo6k?si=2lfHOzYBwT18epPf

On top of this she recently finished a European Tour performing at weddings and other venues. If you missed her this year and wanted to book her for your special day don’t despair! She is going back on the road in 2025, for more information check out her website below as well as her Instagram page. 

www.evangelinevictoriamusic.com.au

Evie discusses how she discovered the violin, how she prepares for weddings and some behind the scenes information about her viral football stadium performances. Great chat for anyone interested in learning the violin, wants to know more about it and how the best way to get your name out in the wedding scene is to crash one!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Eve is currently performing as the alternate Christine Daaé in Phantom of The Opera in London’s West End. 

She is another member of the GSA family, having graduated in 2022 and gone straight into the West End as one of the most celebrated roles in musical theatre. Catch her on Tuesday and Friday nights every week at His Majesty’s Theatre. 

Eve discusses her time at GSA, her early inspirations to become a performer, as well as the rigorous audition process she went through to land a role in Phantom.

Together we break down who Christine is, how Eve found her own interpretation of her, looking after your voice for a demanding role and how to be on call in case you’re needed at a moments notice. 

To see more about what a typical working day for her is, check out her YouTube channel (@EveShanuWilson) for her weekly vlogs about a typical working day for her both pre and post showtime:

https://www.youtube.com/@eveshanuwilson

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Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Alex is a director, writer, intimacy co-ordinator and has her own production company “Encrypt Eternity”. 

She has worked as a director, 1st AD (assistant director), 2nd AD with over 11 years experience. As well as a mindful intimacy consultant, Story Ambassador for the Open World Alliance and Production Assistant for Richard Gold Media. 

She is also the producer of a number of short films including one we worked on together in Guildford called “A Path to Ecstasy” directed by Abdullah Khan, starring Mike Jibson and Louie Serkis (son of Andy). 

To see and hear more of her work check out her Instagram and Patreon below:

@encrypt_eternity

Alex discusses her work in filmmaking, her 4 years working as a runner and how there are some fundamental changes that need to happen when it comes to how some people on set are treated. People such as runners and supporting artists. We talk about how to make a set as relaxed as possible in amongst the chaos and the best ways that actors can enjoy their time at work. 

In addition, Alex talks a lot about mental health and how not only actors can put necessary measures in place so they don’t become drained by others or become too people pleasing. Her work involves establishing healthy boundaries, knowing your worth and protecting your nervous system.

We go into a lot of detail in this episode about how there’s more to life than the typical trajectory that one should “apparently” follow, and how to above all else know your worth. 

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Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

David is one of the most esteemed and celebrated directors in the British theatre scene. His work has been shown across the globe and he's worked with some titans of the business, two being Harold Pinter and Tom Stoppard. 

He has over 10 Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations to his name. As well as an Emmy nomination for "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert" in 2018 for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, movie or dramatic special. 

He's also worked for the Scottish and English National Operas and was assistant to Samuel Beckett. 

He discuss his working relationship with Harold Pinter, directing his play "Moonlight", Pinter's first new play after a while away from writing at the Almeida. Furthermore his time working on the 50th Anniversary production of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" at the Old Vic, fantastic production I was lucky to see with Daniel Radcliffe and Joshua McGuire. 

So many great stories about Harold, Tom and other people he's worked with, if you love knowing about theatre you'll love David and his stories!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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The return of Stephanie Sword-Williams!

@fbeinghumble

@stefaniesw

Miss Fuck Being Humble herself returns to the show to discuss more about her brand, book and what new discoveries she’s found over the past year. 

Since we last spoke Stefanie has taken FBeingHumble to New York, where she opened a “Free Business Advice” stand in Washington Square Park. Open to anyone to wanted to ask any questions about their current or aspirational career path, an open, honest chat with anyone who wanted to ask questions or hear advice about the best way forward. Stef shares her bravery in setting the stall up and the stories from some people who stopped to chat. Check out her videos on this on her instagram page. 

We also delve back into her book looking at some more topics we didn’t cover last time, especially, one of my favourite quotes in the book, “you don’t anger anything”. She explores how being angry is not good for anyone and anything, least of all yourself. Stay driven, stay focussed on yourself and the connections you make. Anyone that doesn’t stick or is bitter, move on, this journey is about you and your happiness. There’s all this and much more.

Thanks Stef, always a pleasure x 

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]