The WhatsOnStage Podcast

By Sarah Crompton & Alex WoodTV & Film Society & Culture Arts Performing Arts

The WhatsOnStage Podcast episodes

March 21, 2025 51. Special guest James Graham on Gareth Southgate, male role models and why his next play is about the collapse of the global economy
In the week that Dear England, his play about the English football team, reopens at the National Theatre, playwright James Graham has announced that his next play, at the Edinburgh International Festival, will star Succession’s Brian Cox and be about the financial crash of 2008. In this revealing conversation he talks to Sarah about his admiration for Southgate, the tragedy behind his play Punch, his horror of social media and why theatre is a vital tool for building empathy and countering toxic masculinity.
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38 min
March 14, 2025 50. What’s hot on Broadway?
In a special US based episode Sarah talks to David Gordon editor in chief of TheaterMania about the shows opening this spring. From Denzel Washington to Succession stars Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook, to George Clooney there is some major star power lighting up the stage. Plus new musicals like Boop. And the Brits are coming with Operation Mincemeat.
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41 min
March 11, 2025 49. Bonus episode: the cast of Operation Mincemeat on their Broadway debuts
As the award-winning British musical opens in New York, Theatermania’s David Gordon catches up with writers and performers David Cumming, Zoe Roberts,Natasha Hodgson, Claire-Marie Hall and Jak Malone. They share their excitement about enthusiastic audiences, martinis at Sardi’s with legendary stars and the pleasure of returning to the show after a break. But will the show with its silly British humour land in the US? They don’t know but the omens are good.
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21 min
March 07, 2025 48. Why are there never enough loos in theatres and do shows close in previews?
In our second question and answer episode Alex and Sarah discuss pressing topics. Why’s it called a green room? What does an ahistorical setting add to a show? And why don’t box offices sell single seats?
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49 min
March 05, 2025 47. We need to talk about the Oliviers nominations
From Oscars to Oliviers! In a special mid-week episode, Sarah and Alex respond to the Olivier Awards nominations, which were led this year by the record-matching Fiddler on the Roof at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. But were there any snubs, shocks or surprises? And who might end up winning on the night next month?
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40 min
February 28, 2025 46. Are stars ruining - or saving - the theatre?
Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Rami Malek and Brie Larson are the latest movie stars to fill the West End stage. But does their presence help or hinder? This week Sarah and Alex mull over a question that’s been dominating the theatre news. And talk about Rupert Goold’s exciting new Hamlet with Luke Thallon and Nancy Carroll as Gertrude. And, as a bonus, offer their Olivier predictions with special reference to Adrien Brody.
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46 min
February 25, 2025 45. Bonus episode: Interviews with Jonathan Bailey, Hayley Atwell, Tom Hiddleston, Mason Alexander Park and Jamie Lloyd in a Shakespeare bonanza!
With two major Shakespeare productions opening in two days in London, WhatsOnStage's intrepid deputy editor Tom Millward went to visit Jonathan Bailey at the Bridge Theatre to discuss all things Richard II, before sailing up the river for a spell at Theatre Royal Drury Lane; where Tom Hiddleston, Hayley Atwell, Mason Alexander Park and more are tackling much-loved comedy Much Ado About Nothing. We also got some intriguing tidbits from Jamie Lloyd about what might be on the horizon...

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18 min
February 21, 2025 44. Why is everyone obsessed with awards?
Awards season is in full swing – so Sarah and Alex rope in TheaterMania's editor-in-chief David Gordon for a gallivant around the world of Oscar-nominated films. From Wicked's witches to Conclave's cardinals, through to Emilia Perez's imploding Oscar campaign and Anora's meteoric rise to fame, the WhatsOnStage Podcast has dipped its toe into the film scene... Can Wallace and Gromit triumph? Is Adrien Brody's win a foregone conclusion? Closer to home, the trio discuss the WhatsOnStage Awards, with David cramming in seven shows while flying over to London.
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41 min
February 14, 2025 43. How to solve a problem like Ophelia
Sarah talks to Nancy Carroll and Nia Towle about working on Rupert Goold’s new production of Hamlet which opens at the RSC this week with Luke Thallon playing the prince. They discuss what it’s like to take on Shakespeare’s women, how you shape a classic play in the context of feminism and #MeToo, nudity on stage and quite a lot more.
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30 min
February 12, 2025 42. Bonus episode: Imelda Staunton, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more talk WhatsOnStage Awards wins
In this special bonus episode, we bring you a selection of highlights from the press room at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, where Imelda Staunton discussed working with her daughter for the first time, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Michael Harrison's brand new musical The Illusionists, and Starlight Express star Jeevan Braich's experiences making his professional debut in the multi-award-winning production. Plus Layton Williams has an unexpected reunion!
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12 min

About The WhatsOnStage Podcast

From the publisher's feed

WhatsOnStage managing editor Alex Wood and chief theatre critic Sarah Crompton host a weekly podcast on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to…