The Uncensored Critic Podcast

Samuel Small has already achieved so much in the business already having started so young.

His early credits include working Michael Bublé and Idina Menzel's music video "Baby It's Cold Outside" and with the RSC on "Matilda" in the West End directed by Matthew Warchus. All happening around the time he was a student at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School.

Since then he has made appearances as:

- "Rob", regular role in So Awkward - BBC Bafta-Winning Series

- "Game of Thrones"

- Jack in "The Nest" - BBC, with Martin Compston (Line of Duty) and Sophie Rundle (Gentleman Jack and Peaky Blinders)

- "Nathaniel Martello" - "The Strays" - Netflix

- "Jake" - "Bonus Track", showcased at the London Film Festival, due for summer release this year

- Lead Part in short film "Screening Room" that we both worked on, directed by Abdullah Khan

Sam talks about starting out in the business at such a young age following, as previously mentioned, his time at Sylvia Young's school.

We discuss the rigorous schedule that he and his fellow performers faced in Matilda, performing up to five shows a week on some occasions, and how he landed a role in So Awkward.

As well as, where his journey has led him now, performing in lead roles as listed above and what other roles in the arts he'd like to move into in the future.

Keep an eye out for his short films and other feature projects coming to short film festivals and cinemas near you! More information can be found on his Instagram below:

@samuel.small

Great chat about starting in the business as a child performer, how to find the best chauffeur and the need-to-knows for any parents that have children going into the industry.

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 

In this episode I welcome along one of my heroes Yaël Farber! 

Yaël is multi-award winning director and playwright whose work has received international acclaim. Her productions have toured all over the globe being praised for their visceral qualities. 

She has two Olivier Award nominations both for Best Revival of a Play:

But has over 29 awards to her name including:

She has tackled some of the best plays in the world including:

Look out for her book “Playing with Fire”, about her experience of directing in theatres across the world, set for release next year. 

In my view Yaël is one of the best directors in the world and it was an honour to talk about her revival of The Crucible. A production that still sticks with me 10 years after it was done at the Old Vic.

We discuss the play, her process and how she wants her actors to viscerally engage with themselves and feel all the emotions kept in the body to produce top, top performances.

Such an honour, thank you Yaël, here’s to our next episode!

Miriam trained at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts) and has worked extensively in theatre as well as for screen. 

For theatre she has appeared at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and The Globe in Much Ado About Nothing, and many credits at the Torch Theatre in Milton Haven, Wales. 

Including:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest One Man, Two Guvnors Sleeping Beauty  The Woman, in the Woman in Black. As well as appearances at the National Theatre, Liverpool Everyman, Warwick Arts Centre and the Royal Court Liverpool amongst many more. 

For screen she appeared in the short film “The Date” with Claire Cartwright (who has also been on the show), which received many nominations across the short film circuit. The film is still available on YouTube please check it out, both Claire and Miriam give lovely performances in a story about two women finding love in the modern world of dating apps and web presences. 

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/hKdxA8cOYtc?si=tQrWwNLteNJ2__bM

She joined me fresh from her run as Lady Ephesus in Pericles both in Stratford at the RSC and at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in the USA. 

We discuss Pericles, The Date, her time at LIPA and extensively about her role as the Woman in The Woman in Black. She played the terrifying apparition that made audiences jump every night in Susan Hill’s brilliant yet nerve-jangling story. As well as some other ghost stories from theatre’s up and down the country. 

If any of you have any ghost stories please send them over to me and Miriam and I would love to share out in another episode! 

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 

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: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

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: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

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:

• Doctors
• Holby City
• Call The Midwife
• Haven for Amazon Prime
• Bodies at the Southwark Playhouse
• Cinderella at the Norwich Theatre Royal
• The Silver Cord at the Finborough Theatre, for which she received an Offie Nomination. 
• Amongst many more…

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: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

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 “Unapologetic” 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 live your best life away from self sabotage and shame. 

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

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 

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 

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 

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: @ollietheuncensoredcritic

For enquiries and requests: [email protected]

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

Track Name. Early Morning 

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

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