The WhatsOnStage Podcast

By Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood

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 what’... more

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FAQs about The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

How many episodes does The WhatsOnStage Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 129 episodes available.

The WhatsOnStage Podcast episodes:

January 10, 2024 (ATASTTC) The appeal of Father Brown
In this special episode, to mark the return of the television series Father Brown in which Nancy has featured since 2012, she and Sarah talk about the appeal of period detective shows including Father Brown and Poirot and why they are both comforting and reflective of real social change. Plus, Nancy explains what it's been like to be part of such a long-running series, how she views the character of Lady Felicia and how it feels to return to her TV family
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27min
January 02, 2024 (ATASTTC) Looking ahead in 2024
From radical musicals to fascinating revivals, from new plays to ongoing shows. As 2024 begins, Nancy and Sarah make their choices of the best theatre to see in the coming year - and discuss the way in which technology is beginning to transform experiences for audiences.

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32min
December 23, 2023 (ATASTTC) Six top feel-good films to watch at Christmas
Nancy and Sarah each recommend three movies for Christmas viewing - and discuss what makes the perfect film to watch from the sofa. Their choices also include Paddington 2, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Die Hard with honourable mentions for The Great Escape and other festive favourites. There are some brilliant stories from behind the scenes but what is it that makes these movies into seasonal classics. Why do we watch them again and again? This episode was filmed on Zoom and will also be available on YouTube.
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50min
December 19, 2023 (ATASTTC) Love , music and the cold war. Plus the appointment of Indhu Rubasingham to the National Theatre
Nancy and Sarah hail the appointment of Indhu Rubasingham as artistic director of the National Theatre. And talk about Rock N Roll, which Nancy is performing at Hampstead Theatre, and Cold War, which Sarah has just seen at the Almeida, and why love, music and the cold war are a potent mix. Plus some surprising heckling and how Nancy coped.

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27min
December 07, 2023 (ATASTTC) Technical Rehearsals and the power of women on stage
As Nancy gets ready for the press night of Rock n Roll at Hampstead she explains what really happens at a technical rehearsal - while Sarah reports back on a week of theatre viewing that included Macbeth, The House of Bernarda Alba and Annie Baker's Infinite Life. Plus: how women are taking over the National Theatre and our excitement about being a podcast pick in Radio Times.
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33min
November 28, 2023 (ATASTTC) What makes a Christmas show feel good?
Swept on a wave of sugary excitement, Nancy and Sarah talk about Christmas shows - for many people their one theatre treat of the year. What qualities do they need to ensure that the outing goes with a swing? And why does it help critics to be allowed to take a guest?
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32min
November 15, 2023 (ATASTTC) What makes a classic?
As Nancy begins rehearsals for a new production of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'N' Roll, she and Sarah discuss the whole idea of revivals, why some plays seem more popular than others, what directors bring to the table and how much expectation plays a part in enjoyment. Plus why she nearly ended up rehearsing from an airport.

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37min
October 31, 2023 (ATASTTC) Hurrah for the National Theatre!
As the Royal National Theatre celebrates its 60th anniversary Nancy and Sarah look back at productions they have loved, productions they wish they had seen - and talk about the building's importance in our cultural life
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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47min
October 20, 2023 (ATASTTC) Noel Coward and Private Lives - ft Patricia Hodge
To mark 50 years since Noel Coward's death, the great Patricia Hodge, currently starring in Private Lives at the Ambassador's Theatre in in London, joins Nancy and Sarah to discuss Coward's writing and his influence - with special reference to Oliver Soden's magnificent new biography Masquerade, and a new documentary Mad About the Boy. She shares her insights into performing Coward and explains why Harold Pinter revered him.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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33min
October 09, 2023 (ATASTTC) Good news on star ratings - and thoughts on Andrew Scott's Vanya
Nancy and Sarah are celebrating because WhatsOnStage, where Sarah is theatre critic, is going to move the stars to the bottom of the page, to encourage people to read reviews as well as look at ratings. It's a decision that recognises that you can't sum up a play simply by giving it a mark out of five. Plus: we look at two revivals that definitely can't be summed up in that way - a thoughtful new production of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion at the Old Vic and Andrew Scott's revelatory one-man Vanya.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
32min

FAQs about The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

How many episodes does The WhatsOnStage Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 129 episodes available.

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