Cassandra is an actress who recently finished her one woman tour of Suzie Miller’s one woman show Prima Facie across New Zealand. 

She trained at Casting House with Jami Rudovsky and Diana Castle at the Imagined Life Studio. 

Her credits include:

• Short Film: Every Little Thing, Dir. John Harris
• Web Series: The Egg Plant and Chloe and The…

For TV:

• Filthy Rich Season 2
• Shortland Street, South Pacific Productions
• Outrageous Fortune
• Tall Poppies (Lead Role)
• The Almighty Johnsons Season 3

For Theatre:

• A regular performer at the Dolphin Theatre, NZ
• The Dolls House
• Women Down Under 
• Crimes of the Heart
• One woman shows, HANNA by Sam Potter, and Prima Facie by Susie Miller

Cassandra toured Prima Facie across New Zealand to critical acclaim, her performance was regarded by critics as “nothing short of captivating”. Bringing the story of Tessa Ensler to people in and outside of Auckland to raise awareness of how the law deals with sexual assault and how it needs to change. 

Cassandra takes me through her journey with both her other one woman show “Hanna” and Prima Facie. How she found Tessa and what the play means to her and the people that came to see it. Furthermore she reveals more reaction from fans of the show, especially those that were helped by this play in more ways than you can imagine. 

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 

Harry is an actor, director, filmmaker and long time friend and collaborator of the late, great Harold Pinter, and it’s a privilege to welcome him back to the show for a third time!

On our next journey into the world of Pinter we now turn our attention to “The Homecoming”. In the play we are invited into the home of Max and his sons Lenny, Joey and Teddy who’s visiting from overseas with his wife Ruth. Fresh from their travels around Europe, Teddy and Ruth return to the family home in North London where we meet his brothers and Uncle Sam. What follows is a power struggle among the men of the play and Ruth who holds the cards in the family’s search for supremacy. 

Harry and I delve into “The Homecoming” citing its historical references and what Pinter wanted to show through his own unique lens of ambiguity, that still beguiles audiences to this day. Myself and Harry break it down, talk more about Pinter and his writing, as well as share more stories about the great man himself. 

For anyone wishing to have a DVD copy of Harry’s superb documentary “Working With Pinter” which features Pinter himself and Henry Woolf, another fellow collaborator and friend of Harold, please contact him on his instagram below or drop me an email and we can get it sent to you. 

Please also know these are for private use only, nothing public. 

Harry’s Instagram: @harry_matt_burton

Thank you as always Harry, here’s to our next conversation!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

The return of Alexa Morden!

Alexa returns to the show to discuss her filmmaking and acting. 

We talk about how she made her films:

• Hers (short)
• Standby (short) that was nominated for a BAFTA

As well as her multiple-nominated performance in “The Colour of Spring”, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Alexa breaks down how you can make a short film on a budget, how collaborating with others and having fellow filmmakers as friends is a huge bonus! She talks about the writing, filming, the long hours, the night shoots, the challenges, but above all else, how worth it the process is. 

In addition we delve more int her journey to where she is now, the highs the lows, the perseverance and how she has discovered that there is more to her bow than acting. Alexa encourages all aspiring performers to not restrict yourself to one thing, you’re a creative of many talents!

Her films are available on Vimeo, Amazon and Apple TV. Check them out they’re brilliant. 

For links to her shorts you can contact her on Instagram and via her website below. It also has more information on her coaching sessions and how she can help you with any actor questions you may have. 

actingwithalexa.com

Always a please Alexa, still more to come from us so watch this space!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheucensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

Felicity attended The Court Theatre Training Company where she gained a BA in Acting. After graduating she founded “Surviving Actors Ltd”, a networking event that saw 2,000 actors a year attended for more information on workshops, reels, headshots and talks about the industry.

As well as this, she also founded “Casting Days Ltd”, which initially was launched as an acting showcase company, but then transitioned into a working relationship with “Star Now”. Supporting UK casting professionals and running affordable workshops for actors.

On top of this she is also the founder and director of “Actors Pro Expo”. A company that is there for actors to sign up for workshops, get showcase opportunities and to connect with other creatives who are in between jobs and looking to connect.

In the episode we discuss how Felicity has dedicated her time to helping actors with this platform to encourage them to keep the acting bug alive and have the opportunity to get in front of some of the best casting directors and agents in the business.

Her dedication to working actors is incredible and I encourage all of you to get involved with her and Actors Pro Expo.

We also discuss her time at drama school and her appearance on the BBC hit show “The Apprentice”. She talks about how it’s filmed and reveals some behind the scenes secrets for any fan of the show who’d like to hear!

For more information about the company and workshops please visit the website below:

Actors Pro Expo website: actorsproexpo.com

Instagram:  @ActorsProExpo 

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

Alexa is an actress, filmmaker, producer and podcaster, host of her own show “The 98%” available wherever you get your podcasts. 

Alexa graduated from the Manchester School of Theatre and worked extensively winning 25 Best Actress Awards from film festivals worldwide for her performance in “The Colour of Spring” available on Amazon Prime. 

As well as this her other screen work includes:

• Lost in Time
• The War Below
• Hers (short)
• Standby (short) that was nominated for a BAFTA
• Stuffy (short)
• October Horse (short)
• The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawn alongside Adrian Scarborough (Pete from Gavin and Stacey)
• Fresh Meat
• Skins

For stage:

• Play in a Day - Manchester Royal Exchange
• Vinegar Tom 
• Bronte

On top of this she also has her own podcast “The 98%” a show dedicated to actors who make up the 98% of performers auditioning, in between jobs or going through dry spells supporting them when they’re not working. 

Her show not only talks to people across the business about what they do, it also exposes and shines a light on things in this industry that need to change. With things like inappropriate behaviour towards actors in meetings, self-tape scams, bullying by agents, creatives struggling with mental health, and how there’s more to life than your career. More important things come first, like living, being happy and comfortable in your own skin! 

If there is anyone who has experienced the things Alexa and I talk about, know that you are not alone and we encourage you to speak out about your experiences so we can kick the bastards out and make this industry a safer and happier place to be.  

Please like, download and subscribe! 

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

Lucy trained at LAMDA following a degree from the University of Cambridge.

Alongside acting she also has her own theatre company "Go People", a company that specialises in intimate drama.

Previous productions include:

- Almost

- Maine

- And a 7 actor cast of A Midsummer Nights Dream

More information can be found at: www.wearegopeople.com

As well as the creator and host of her own podcast "Hear Me Out", available wherever you get your podcasts, where she talks to actors and creatives about some of their work and their favourite speeches from plays.

As an actress, Lucy has worked across stage and screen, her credits include:

For Stage:- Almost, Maine and Daisy Pulls It Off - Park Theatre

- The Provoked Wife - also with "Go People"

- Midsummer Nights Dream - Southwark Playhouse, directed by her brother and creator of "Staged" Simon Evans

- The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Brecht - Donmar Warehouse

- Bell, Book and Candle with theatre company "Theatre in the Clouds"

- The Day in the Death of Joe Egg - Trafalgar Studios

For TV:

- Murder Maps - Netflix

- Staged Series 1-3 as "Lucy" with David Tennant, Michael Sheen, written and directed by Simon Evans. A love letter to the acting industry through the pandemic.

Lucy talks about the rewards and challenges of producing theatre, getting a show up and running and how making shows in an intimate space makes the best theatre.

Including the process of filming and making "Staged", and she performs her favourite speech like she asks her guests on her own podcast. Lucy reads "Gallop apace, you fiery footed steeds" from Romeo and Juliet (Act 3 Scene 2).

Please like, download and subscribe!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

JBR is in charge of JBR Creative Management, a London-based boutique agency working with creatives across the business from all backgrounds.

JBR is not only an agent, they have dabbled with being an actor, drag queen, producer, pub landlord, writer, designer, comedy booker, marketing manager and editor for several magazines.

They also hold degrees in :

- TV and Film from Bristol

- PGCE from London Met

- MA in Performance from Mountview

They also have a book out "Getting, Keeping and Working with your Acting Agent". A book talking about the best way you and your agent work together to build a great career and working relationship. Available on Amazon now.

J talks about their experiences as an agent, working with clients, the current state of the business, and how having the right agent instead of the wrong one is so, so crucial!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

Jeff is a director, writer and dramaturg who has worked across the globe on his own work, Shakespeare and ballet companies. As well as being a long time friend and collaborator of Ivo Van Hove.

His most recent production was an adaptation of Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale at the Dailes Theatre in Latvia. Setting it in the modern era of social media/Silicon Valley with the characters being absorbed into the internet. Jeff discusses his show and how he likes to call the Winter's Tale the bard's "wildest and unpredictable" play.

Other productions include an adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion that played at the Rose Theatre, Kingston. Jeff takes on Austen in a slightly different way that one may expect. Instead of the "traditional" Austen set and costumes Jeff strips it all back with minimal set and modern day dress, allowing the audience to hear the words rather than see the costumes and the horses.

Further work he’s been a part of includes:

• Macbeth at The Globe
• Shooting Hedda Gabler at the Rose Theatre, Kingston
• Uncle Vanya, Minerva Theatre, Chichester
• Antigone at the Barbican, Luxembourg, Amsterdam
• Blurred Lines at the National

With Ivo Van Hove he’s worked on:

• View From The Bridge, Wyndham’s Theatre with Mark Strong
• Hedda Gabler, National Theatre
• The Changeling, Young Vic
• A Little Life, Richmond, Pinter and Savoy

Jeff talks me through his directing process, Shakespeare, adapting it into the modern day and working with actors who may not speak your first language. 

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheucensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe!

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

The return of Rosie Sheehy!

Fresh from her critically acclaimed performance of the Young Woman in Sophie Treadwell's "Machinal" at the Old Vic, Rosie returns to discuss her experience in the play and her unique take of Puck in A Midsummer Nights Dream at the RSC.

Machinal is based on the true story of Ruth Snyder who was executed in the electric chair in 1928 after murdering her husband Albert with her lover Henry Jude Gray. A play talking about the dark side of human ambition, frustration and need for freedom. The Young Woman (Ruth Snyder) seeks to end her relationship with her abusive husband Albert and together they plot and successfully kill him. It's a commentary on how some human beings are pushed to the edge, what we are capable of and the lengths we'll go to to get away from an abuser.

Rosie gave an stupendous performance of this highly demanding role on both an emotionally and physically level. She talks me through the challenges and rewards of the part, as well as the key part of her preparation and the warm down after the show.

On top of this, since our last conversation she also did Puck at the RSC directed by Eleanor Rhode. She brilliantly discusses how she found her own version of the classic character and she made it her own.

Such a pleasure as always Rosie, great to have you back!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

Candida is an MD (musical director), composer and arranger whose worked across the globe on musicals and plays. Her work includes:

As composer:

• The Little Prince at the Taunton Brewhouse
• The Tempest and The Hostage at the Southwark Playhouse
• Buckets at the Orange Tree Theatre

As an MD:

• Woyzech, Old Vic with John Bodega
• King Lear, Duke of York’s Playhouse with Ian McKellen
• To Kill A Mockingbird, Gielgud Theatre with Matthew Modine and Race Spall
• A Strange Loop, West End and Barbican, the show received 11 Tony Nominations
• The Hills of California, Harold Pinter Theatre, directed by Sam Mendes
• The Lehman Trilogy, National Theatre, West End, Broadway and International Tour

Candida talks about her recent involvement in The Lehman Trilogy, both in the UK and Internationally. A show portraying the 163-year journey of the Lehman brothers, from Henry Lehman arriving from Ellis Island all the way to its dissolution during the 2008 financial crisis. 

Candida was the live pianist playing the score that accompanied the brilliant performances of the actors as they took the audience on a pulsating ride through the financial world. 

She discusses how the show evolved from the first day, putting the score together, working with Sam Mendes, Nick Powell and the original cast (Ben Miles, Simon Russell Beale and Adam Godley) on creating one of the most spectacular shows of all time. 

If you get the chance to see this show in the future I implore you to see it!

Thank you Candida! Stay tuned to for part 2!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe!

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

Track Name. Early Morning