The Uncensored Critic Podcast

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. 

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 

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: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

The return of Stephanie Sword-Williams!

Miss F*ck 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: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

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]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

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