Alexander (Alex) Gage is a musician, writer and performer with a passion for musical theatre. 

He trained in musical theatre at the Guildford School of Acting, and was involved in shows from Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady and appearing at the Olivier Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in 2016. 

He talks about his experience of drama school, how you learn the discipline, proactiveness and diligence to be involved in musical theatre. As well as how to take it step by step and don't be afraid of making mistakes. 

In addition to his recent experience onboard of Norwegian Cruise Lines performing as an Angel in Kinky Boots, he shares his time across the world with a show that's very close to his heart. 

Alex offers great advice for anyone who is considering or about to audition for musical theatre at drama school, and how you can make it work for you!

Alex's Instagram: @alexandertgage

Oliver Gower

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Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Steven is an actor and writer who also trained at the Guildford School of Acting.

He’s been involved in a number of projects across the UK, notably in The White Handkerchief musical based around the events of a Bloody Sunday in Derry, to The School of Good and Evil on Netflix.

As well as writing his own short film Chasing which is available to watch here: https://vimeo.com/393435491

Steven would like to give a shoutout to cinematographer Elisa Matvejeva for her support on this short film.

Elisa's Instagram: @xvdesire

Great talk about life before and after drama school and how you can keep the ball rolling in a tough industry.

Steven’s Instagram: @calsteven

White handkerchief documentary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00158z8/the-white-handkerchief

Oliver Gower

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Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Quick message to say thank you very much for this year! 

Thank you to all of you who listened or watched the podcast it means so much.   

Thanks to you guys The Uncensored Critic Podcast was in the top 25% most globally shared podcasts of 2022 being heard in over 20 countries. In 2022 streams grew by 710%, listeners increased by 404%, and followers were up 379%. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2022. Crazy.

If any of you have any guest or topic requests email me: [email protected]  

Or message me on Instagram:

@ollietheuncensoredcritic

You'll get a shoutout in the episode to help answer those burning questions you have about the arts.

Happy New Year to you all, and see you in 2023 for more of The Uncensored Critic Podcast!  

Please like and subscribe ✅  

Oliver Gower 

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

At such a young age Abdullah Khan has already achieved so much in the film industry.

At the age of 18 he was working on the sets of Star Wars, Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw, and 1917.

As well as, working for Neal Street Productions with Sam Mendes.

In 2021 he founded his own production company Rosebud Films and has made short films such as Find the Light with George Mackay, and Path to Ecstacy with Mike Jibson, Louie Serkis, and myself! 

Great talk about how you can make a great picture.

Follow Rosebud Films on Instagram: @rosebudfilmsuk

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @goweroliver

Twitter: @GowerCritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like and Subscribe!

The Uncensored Critic Podcast was in the top 25% most globally shared podcasts of 2022 being heard in over 20 countries. In 2022 streams grew by 710%, listeners increased by 404%, and followers were up 379%. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2022.

Thank you all for your support!

Andy is an actor, writer, director and comedian.   

As an actor and writer he starred in BAFTA award winning BBC show Short Change and has also won a Fringe First award among many others for his work on the Edinburgh Fringe.   

On top of this he's the author of one of the best audition advice books available The Excellent Audition Guide. Link to buy your copy is below, it's also available as an Ebook.    

https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/andy-johnson  

Andy has helped over 300 aspiring actors to get into top drama schools across the UK and his advice will help you through your audition preparation and get you into the school you want!  

To get in touch with Andy to organise a 1-2-1 session you can contact him via his email address here: [email protected]  

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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David Grindley is a theatre director that has been at the helm of many shows across the UK and the world.

One of his most celebrated shows is R.C. Sherriff's play Journey's End set in the trenches in the final stages of WWI. A truly excellent play that David has directed multiple times.

He's directed it in the West End and on Broadway in 2007, where he won a Tony award for the Best Revival of a play. 

He talks about how he discovered the play, how to play tension, and how actors find their feet in the rehearsal room. 

Thank you David, really enjoyed your masterclass in directing for the theatre!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Kate Godfrey is a voice and dialect coach, as well as Shakespeare mastermind. 

She's been involved in some extraordinary work from working at the RSC, across the West End with Mark Rylance, and recently working on Prima Facie with Jodie Comer at the Harold Pinter Theatre. 

She discusses how you can tackle Shakespeare from looking at how the text is written, and how you can find new life in a well known speech and make it your own.

So happy to have her on the show, thank you Kate for your time really enjoyed this.

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Chris and Tom Godwin are actors with a supreme wealth of experience on stage, screen and television.

They were the first father and son to play the roles of Arthur Kipps and The Actor in the West End in the outstanding play The Woman in Black. 

They both take me through what's it like to scare an audience, working with director Robin Herford, and how rewarding it is to perform such a brilliant text. 

Thank you both for your time and your generosity to share with me your experience of this play and your careers!

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Mark is an actor, writer, dramaturg, and founder of Stratford Productions based in Hertfordshire. 

His first one man show The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, played to sold out audiences both at the Watford and Brighton fringe in 2020 and 2021. 

His second show Drama King based on the life of famous actor-manager William Charles Macready premiered at both fringes as well. 

Mark has appeared in West End shows, national and foreign tours, reparatory theatre, pantomimes, as well as across Tv, Film and Radio. 

His two one man shows are embarking on a tour of the UK, details of which can be found on his website, get your tickets now!

I was lucky to see Mark perform Jekyll and Hyde recently, and its a truly great adaptation and one that is not to be missed!

Great talk for anyone studying the play and for anyone who wants to get to know it better.

Mark's website: https://www.stratfordproductions.co.uk/

Oliver Gower

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Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

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Adam is an actor, singer and public speaker who is currently on the UK tour of Les Miserables. He's worked with the RSC, BBC, and appeared in ad's for Tesco and Google.

Adam offers some great insight into the life on the road, how to organise yourself when on tour with a show, and shares some stories from his experiences up and down the country, as well as in Europe. 

Great conversation with another member of the GSA family about keeping the faith after you leave drama school and how you shouldn't worry about taking the life of an actor too seriously. 

Highly recommend this episode to graduating actors from drama school, as well as this who need a boost if things aren't going the way you want them to.

Follow Adam's Instagram: @adamboardman94

Oliver Gower

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

Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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Thank you all for your support!