The long awaited return of Simon Furness!
I’ve been meaning to have Simon back on the show since he was my second only guest back in 2021!
This time we take a dive back into Vanya and Chekhov’s other celebrated work “The Seagull”. Both plays were given huge London revivals in recent times and we take a look at how their interpretations of the text are similar and different to how Simon believes Chekhov would have liked to be seen done.
We also ask questions such as, with Chekhov putting his characters in such tragic circumstances, is he making a mockery of unfortunate lives or is it social commentary? In other words, is he mocking people who are sad or is he plainly showing this is the way of life for some people? As well as finding the humour in these dire straits, is it to make fun of their situations of unrequited love and desperate need to feel loved or it is a way to heal them? Make light of a bad situation in order to help them out of their depression and cure them?
All this and much more in our discussion!
Including Simon’s cameo in Netflix’s “Wednesday” and what he would do with a West End budget if he was given the reigns to a Chekhov masterpiece.
Thank you so much Simon, a pleasure to have you back!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
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Olivia trained at Drama Studio, after graduating from UEA (University of East Anglia) and has been a part of some incredible work since graduation.
Her credits include, for Film:
TV:
Theatre:
Olivia and I discuss her time in Othello at the National. We delve into how the character is seen by some critics as a victim of impossible standards, to her naivety and how out of touch she is to human nature. For example her dialogue with Emilia when she cannot comprehend the fact that sometimes women cheat on their husbands if they aren’t satisfied with their current relationship in Act 4 Scene 3.
We also look at her role in King Lear, how she found the disrupted relationship between Lear and Cordelia to looking after herself through emotionally demanding plays eight times a week.
Thank you Olivia!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 47 countries in 2025. In the same year streams grew by 29%, listeners increased by 24%, brand new listeners were up by 999%, received more shares than 85% of other shows in the performing arts category and followers were up 58%.
The podcast is a top 10 show for more than 200 people, top 5 for over 140, number 1 for more than 50 and has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2025.
The return of Sarah Spring!
Sarah returns to the show to dissect more Shakespeare, this time we look at the most famous speech in the world, “To be, or not to be” and the brilliant dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing.
We look at what makes “To be, or not to be” so famous as well as so beautiful. In Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet, the young Danish prince tormented by the suspicious death of his father and his mother’s quick remarriage to his uncle Claudius, contemplates whether to face his “sea of troubles” or remove himself from the face of the planet. Hamlet asks is it worth facing this awful situation in his family or should he take his own life and be free of the burden?
Begging the question, is it worth facing our demons or do we risk flying to an “undiscovered country” that we can’t return from and know nothing about in the hope it will relieve us from our torments?
Special mention to Benedict Cumberbatch and his interpretation at the Barbican in 2015 which we look at in a lot of detail!
Done so many different ways with actors of both genders and a multitude of life experiences, this soliloquy speaks to every human being before us, right now and for those to come. Hence why it is so famous!
Sarah and I take a deep dive into the speech and find what it means to us individually and the many ways it can be interpreted. As well as the emotional connection she has to Much Ado about Nothing and why it means so much to her.
Check out her socials for more information and how to get in touch!
Pleasure as always Sarah thank you!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Sam’s journey started at the Hackett-Kyne Academy of Irish Dancing, inspired by a VHS copy of Riverdance that ignited his passion for the arts!
He graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 2012 with a BA in Musical Theatre and his parts there included:
In the business his credits include:
Sam is also a skilled performance coach offering lessons in acting and voice work which he runs with Lucinda Allen, as well as the “PowerHour” Zoom sessions that he co-hosts with Mildred Yuan on Patreon.
To get in touch and know more check out his website and instagram, link is below.
Website: samuelhaughton.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/next-power-hour-143947446
Sam and I discuss his early years as a dancer then becoming an actor, his time in Phantom and how shows such as this have a global impact on their audiences. In addition, from his discussions with upcoming actors, how to keep the faith during dry spells and how to keep going!
Thanks Sam, really enjoyed it!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Laura trained at the Guildford School of Acting and Tring Park Performing Arts (partnered with Arts Educational Schools, London).
She has performed in many capacities (instrumentalist, actor and musician) across the world, from West End shows, actor-musician Shakespeare to playing on the world’s stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, 2022.
She plays a multitude of instruments including saxophone, piano, flute, clarinet and guitar. Being also a skilled loop system user (like the one Ed Sheeran uses), she can create any song in the catalogue from the drum beat, the bass line to the main guitar riff in no time at all! Check out her website and instagram for performances, one being a looped version of Seven Nation Army.
On top of this she is a teacher and director having led workshops at GSA, LAMDA and Tring Park, helping people from all backgrounds nurture their talent and boost their confidence.
Lastly, she offers private tuition for acting and saxophone playing, from practice sessions to advice on drama school preparation, she’s got you covered! Her website is below for you to get in touch as well as her instagram.
Website: lauraag.info
Instagram: @Laura.ag_
Laura and I discuss her passion for music, learning the saxophone, acting and her time training at GSA both before and during the lockdown years. As well as her time in Othello at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury where for one show she had to perform Desdemona at a moment’s notice!
Furthermore, her demanding schedule in Qatar for the recent World Cup and serenading the public with her sax on stage, in the London underground after dark and by the famous piano in St Pancras station. Watch one of those performances below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlGV0LMs10&list=RDhTlGV0LMs10&start_radio=1
Obrigado Laura! Até à próxima 🎼
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Siobhan has training in voice work from a number of sources and organisations such as:
She works as a voice artist across many different mediums, from commercials, video games, audiobooks, column commentary and with weekly updates on her instagram series “Thoughts while Running”.
Some of her collaborations have been with some of the most well-known companies around the Globe including:
Other credits include voicing:
We discuss her career in voice, how we moderate the use of AI, looking after your voice during long recording sessions, approaching commercial voiceovers and you get to know your voice and unique sound.
For more information visit her website:
siobhandowd.com
Thank you Siobhan!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Jayne trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has gone on to appear in some of the biggest shows to date.
For Theatre:
TV:
Film:
Jayne and I discuss her early years in the business, from leaving drama school after her first year when she landed the role of Johanna in Burton’s Sweeney Todd. To still being heckled in the streets with “feisty one you are” from her appearance in The Inbetweeners!
A great chat for many reasons, one of which being, you don’t have to follow the ‘typical’ route into the industry, via drama school for example, in order to have a successful career.
Thank you Jayne!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Genevieve is a former Team GB artistic swimmer turned actress.
Her work has been seen in short and feature films, music videos, commercials and on TV.
Genevieve talks about her early years working with Team GB, and the dedication, craft and motivation that goes into being an professional athlete. In addition how the years in the water supported her early jobs as an actor. Including Calum Scott’s Biblical music video and Trigonometry for BBC 2.
Including the short film Diary of a Ghost currently available on YouTube, a beautiful yet tricky story about grief and how it manifests itself when her character tries to come to terms with the loss of her boyfriend.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y-_bYL8khc&t=1s
She talks about the process of making short films, looking after herself playing an emotionally demanding part, and how art can speak to all of us when he have experienced grief in one form or another.
Not to mention working on Bridgerton, the long shooting days and the communal vibe the cast and crew shared every day. As well as her poetry writing and how actors can self-manage their contracts to make sure they’re not signing up for anything they weren’t told about or was undisclosed in principle.
Along with one crazy story when her agent told her to board a plane to South Africa from London that same day as they needed a stunt double on set as soon as possible!
All this and much more in the full episode.
Thank you Genevieve!, here’s to next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Georgina trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and has gone on to tackle the musical theatre scene in London’s West End with great effect.
Her credits include, for TV:
Radio:
Recordings:
Theatre/MT:
Georgina and I discuss her time at Central, starring in popular musicals currently playing in London and the rewards and challenges that come with a career in musical theatre. From looking after your voice eight shows a week to watching what you’re eating and making sure you rest, recover and drink plenty of water between shows!
Catch her now in 50 First Dates: The Musical running until next Sunday 16th November!
Thank you Georgie, here’s to next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
⚠️Trigger warning: This episode contains references to self-harm and physical abuse⚠️
Ellie is an entrepreneur, business tycoon and podcaster, host of her own show “On A Mission 2.0”.
Her conversations are a deep dive into someone’s story, a no holds barred experience that gets to know the person at their core and not what just lies on the surface.
From ex-drug dealers turned investigators, survivors of some of the most horrific trafficking, healing from trauma, rebuilding your life, negotiating personal transformation and how you can come back from rock bottom.
A special mention to her episode with Sara Al Madani, former housewife of Dubai turned spiritual healer, offering insights into what happens when you put yourself first.
Ellie and myself take a journey through the early days of her podcast, interviewing the likes of the late great Ricky Hatton, to rebuilding the show and her life following a tough separation. As well as some of her guest’s stories that show how tremendously strong the human spirit can be even when faced with the direst of consequences. Another mention to her episode with Lorata Lyon.
Like in the arts, we love a great story and her guests and her give us that in bucket loads!
Check out her show via her instagram and website below:
Thank you so much Ellie, here’s to next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
The return of Elliot Cowan!
Elliot returns to the show to talk more about the other roles he’s had in his career.
Today we take a dive into Shakespeare’s Henry V that he played at The Royal Exchange in Manchester in 2007 and Stanley Kowalski at the Donmar Warehouse in 2009 alongside Rachel Weisz’s Blanche and Ruth Wilson’s Stella.
From finding Henry V’s commanding presence which took him on a cycling journey from the UK to Agincourt to finding Stanley’s malicious and savage nature that clothes his vulnerability through Williams’ play.
Check out both his instagrams below to see more of his viral videos about tacking self-tapes and to hear more about his upcoming book “A Day in A Little Life”. A journal filled with experiences from both on and off stage during his time working on the West End run of A Little Life in 2023.
Keep a look out on his socials for updates:
@theactorelliotcowan
@the.resilient.artist
Thank you again Elliot, you’re a master at what you do!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Claire and Verônica are leaders of Fractured Time Productions, a UK-based theatre company that brings together both classic and modern plays through a contemporary lens. From Shakespeare, Chekhov, Tennessee Williams, the Ancient Greeks to their latest show The Dying Wish by Mauro Fazion.
Claire:
Claire is an actor, musician and producer who graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York in 2018. She has worked in the UK, USA and in Madrid at the Teatros de Canal. She is also a trained violinist with experiences with actor-musician productions of Shakespeare and new musicals.
Including experiences as a stage manager, overseeing productions with creatives such as George Heslin and Mark Ravenhill. Moreover, she is skilled in theatre tech with the ability to operate “both sound and projection cues, ensuing seamless transitions during live performances” (quote from Claire’s website).
Also check out her other company in partnership with Fractured Time, follow the account Broadway Broads on Instagram.
Verônica:
Verônica is an award-winning actor, director and personal development coach. She has degrees from Drama Centre, Escola Superior de Arts Célina Helena in Brazil and the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute in Russia where she learned the Stanislavsky system.
As a coach she’s mentored actors, theatre makers and people from other walks of life through a series of workshops across drama schools and other instiuitions since 2013.
She is also trained a reiki master.
Get in touch via her website below to sign up for acting classes and personal development sessions. Being trained in the Alexander technique her methods can help you not only become a better performer, but help you build a more confident and healthier mindset.
Claire, Verônica and myself discuss the founding of Fractured Time as well as the messages behind their recent production of The Dying Wish as part of the Lambeth Fringe. A play taking place in an execution bunker where the employees await their next job. In other words, the next person in line to kill in order to earn their pay checks. The show poses many questions, especially about these “woke” times we live in and how to remind ourselves that our freedom of speech and movement is our God-given right, and no-one can take it away from us!
All this and much more! Thank you both, here’s to next time!
Shoutout to the cast of Dying Wish: Omar Aga, Chris Gallagher, Chris Machari, Iago Cabrero, Romeo Olukton, Cyril Auclair, Andrea Furlotti and Precious Scott.
Claire website: https://www.claire-moniquemartin.com/general-9
Verônica website: https://www.scenestudyveronicasarno.com/
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Kimberley is a former actress turned filmmaker with her own company “KollabKreate”. That she started in 2023 off the back of a full time degree in independent film production, obtaining a first class honours from the University of Lancashire.
During her time studying she was introduced to feminist film theory, which explores the power of story-telling through a gendered lens. Observing authentic female expression on film.
Out of this curiosity she founded her company which makes compelling brand films for businesses and brands. Challenging norms and amplifying voices of entrepreneurs and female-centric businesses through visual storytelling.
In the company’s own words “our social media experts ensure that your videos reach their full potential across various platforms by optimising each piece of content to boost visibility, engagement and conversations. Whether you are looking to enhance brand awareness, launch a new product or engage with your audience on social media. We’re here to help you succeed. Let’s Kollab and Create!”
More information here: https://www.kollabkreate.com/
Kim discusses her early years as an actor, to then turning her attention to becoming a filmmaker for both creatives and business minds alike. Furthermore shattering any limiting beliefs that we all carry within us, from knowing that it’s never too late and you’re never behind in life at any stage!
Thank you Kim!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Katie trained at LAMDA and at The BRIT School (graduates include Adele and Amy Winehouse) and has been a part of some incredible things in recent years, including:
Short Films:
TV:
Theatre:
We discuss Katie’s role in Tennessee Williams’ Suddenly Last Summer, where she played “Catharine Holly”, originally played by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1959 film. The play is one of Williams’ least performed, nevertheless packs a big punch. Katie and I discuss the messages behind the text, influence of Williams’ close relationship with his sister on his work and how to tackle a demanding role every night.
As well as her work on the recent production of Othello at the National starring Giles Terera and our mutual love for Shakespeare!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Sarah Spring (or “Dame Sarah” to those close to her!) is an actor, coach and Shakespeare enthusiast.
She shares her knowledge of The Bard across Instagram, TikTok and even on Amazon with a link to her Storefront, full of recommendations of books to help sharpen your knowledge of Shakespeare.
She trained at Interlochen Arts Academy and Fordham University at the Lincoln Center. As an actress she has tackled most of Shakespeare’s cannon, a few of her favourites include:
Her brand new film, now on the short film circuit in the states, “A King’s Curtain”, starring Austin Pendleton, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Charles E.Gerber, just won Best Drama at the LA International Short Film Festival.
There is no stone left unturned in Sarah’s work. From the original pronunciation of possessive noun endings, the difference between you and thou, the meaning of character’s names, trochaic tetrameter, verse vs prose, monologues vs soliloquies and how ultimately, Shakespeare belongs to you!
Her various platforms (links below) are filled with helpful and accessible methods into the more complex and interesting areas of Shakespeare, especially those we didn’t think to look at in the first place.
Check out her socials and reading list for more facts and inspiring content. Also if you’re looking for 1:1 sessions to help prepare for an audition or academic assignment you can book those via the link below. As well as follow her across her various platforms for regular updates, facts and topics.
Helping you to ENJOY Shakespeare and see his work for what it is. Astonishing, vivid, timeless, beyond beautiful, beyond clever, just the best writing you will read and speak.
Thanks so much Sarah! Here’s to next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Sarah’s Links:
FREE GUIDE/Shakespeare's Verse:
stan.store/ShakespeareMadeClear/p/get-my-free-guide-to-unlocking-shakespeares-verse
TikTok:
tiktok.com/@shakespearemadeclear?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Book One-on-One Coaching:
stan.store/ShakespeareMadeClear/p/private-coaching-with-dame-sarah
Instagram:
instagram.com/shakespearemadeclear
Amazon Storefront:
amazon.com/shop/shakespearemadeclear?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfsho
David is an entrepreneur, business icon, charity founder, lover of football and the arts, specifically theatre.
His work is dedicated to helping people in more ways than one. From an early age he has had a keen entrepreneurial flair starting with a wholesale business supplying food imported from West Africa and the West Indies. Inspired by his mother’s shop in Shepherd’s Bush Market during the Windrush years.
To then setting up various charities including “The Twinning Project” which works extensively with people in prisons to help them get back on their feet after their sentence is up. The project partners with football and the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice to help rebuild lives that have had a tough beginning. Trustees include Ian Wright and Dame Sally Coates.
In terms of the arts, David was part of “Stage One”, a bursary that works with commercial theatre producers to help their work get made. In the last five years alone they have supported 80 new producer, awarded £430,000 to emerging producers, £320,000 worth of top ups to previous collaborators and created new partnerships to emerging musical theatre presentations.
Of course he is most famously known for being the former vice-chairman of the greatest football club in the world, The Arsenal. Being the man who hired Arséne Wenger, winning 18 trophies and guiding us to a season completely undefeated.
If that’s not enough, he also received an MBE in recognition of his achievements in 2019.
David and I discuss his love for theatre, football and how both can help people in so many ways. You don’t get anywhere unless “you stick your neck out” and never fear “missing the moon because you’ll hit the stars”.
Thank you David, such an honour!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.
Robyn started acting professionally from the age of 14. She has a BA in Performing and Screen Arts from the Unitec School of Performing Arts in Auckland, New Zealand, graduating in 2009. During her time there she studied under Sanford Meisner graduate Michael Saccente.
From there she continued her studies at The Neighbourhood Playhouse School of Theatre, otherwise known as The Meisner School in New York. She then returned to New Zealand to complete her post-graduate studies in Journalism from the Auckland University of Technology in 2012.
Her acting work, like her studies, have taken her all over the globe. In 2013 she won the Best Female Newcomer at the Sydney Theatre Festival for her one woman show “The South Afreakins” which also enjoyed a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016. Her show was also named as “The Edinburgh Reporters Pick of the Fringe”leading to a further tour of New Zealand.
She moved to London in 2014 where she began working in post-production for television commercials across the UK, Europe and UAE (United Arab Emirates). Then onto teaching at Royal Holloway in the directing faculty, to taking her Meisner workshops to Kingston and Roehampton Universities among many more.
On top of all this she is the commander-in-chief of The London Meisner Company, leading workshops across London on Sanford Meisner’s techniques to help actors give the best performance they can. Robyn is one of the brightest and attentive coaches of the Meisner technique so get in touch below to get yourself involved.
@the_london_meisner_company
Robyn’s passion for Meisner and helping actors is unparalleled and this was one of my favourite episodes to record! Thank you again Robyn, until next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The return of Mildred Yuan!
Mildred returns to the show to discuss the rise of AI, its impact on the performing arts and how now more than ever, we need to embrace our humanity.
Mildred stresses that while AI is amongst us, it is not here to replace you. There are things it can do to help us as she has discovered with her own piece of software “AI Mildred”. Where you can ask it anything from which agent should I sign for? What reputation does this creative team have? To what does this clause in my contract mean?
In “The Stage” recently, she wrote about how it can be an effective tool for things like the above. In this conversation she suggests that humans and AI should use this opportunity to get to know each other better. Not give our power away to it, but understand what it can do for us and where we should draw the line. In these changing times I believe it’s important to have these discussions so we know more about what’s coming and not allow anything to replace us.
On a lighter note, Mildred and I both stress that no matter how advanced AI is prepared to go, it can never take away our authentic human experience. In her own words, “Let AI be the tool, you be the soul”. Let’s take some time to understand it, whilst also knowing it can’t take away the feeling of being human, having lived experiences, feeling genuine emotions and hearing stories that you simply can’t make up!
For access to Mildred’s “Power Hour” sessions on Patreon (£12 a month), her articles in The Stage, “Mildred AI” and how to get in touch, visit her website and Instagram below:
@mildredyuan
Great to have you back Mildred and for shining a light on this topic. Here’s to next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
The return of Cassandra Woodhouse!
Cassandra returns to the show to discuss her second outing of Prima Facie and how actors can look after their nervous system.
Since our last conversation she has taken Suzie Miller’s play around New Zealand for a second time, making new discoveries and deepening her relationship with the character Tessa. A young lawyer fighting her way into the British justice system from a working class upbringing. Until one night something awful happens to her and she is forced to face the cracks in the establishment she fully believed in.
We discuss her new findings of the play, her continuous work with sexual assault charities and some of the latest reactions she’s getting from audiences. In addition to her future with the play, the rewards and benefits of producing a one woman show by yourself and how she implores actors to look after their nervous system.
She discusses how performers should prioritise looking after their nervous systems as sometimes it doesn’t know what is real and what isn’t. It doesn’t know that you’re playing someone else’s story and not your own so when you’re tackling big material like Prima Facie, looking after yourself is paramount.
⚠️Trigger warning: This episode contains references to sexual assault⚠️
For more information regarding her tour and future endeavours you can see that on the New Zealand Theatre Company website and her Instagram below:
@cassandra_woodhouse
Thank you again Cassandra, here’s to next time!
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning
George graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Speech and Drama in 2016 and has many credits to his name across stage and screen.
For screen:
For stage:
We discuss his understudying role in Second Best, the story of Martin Hill who came second to Daniel Radcliffe while auditioning for Harry Potter. The one man show sees Martin contemplating what life could have been if he had landed the role of a lifetime as he enters a new chapter in his own life, becoming a father. Second Best asks, would life be better if I was famous or was missing out the best thing to happen to me?
We discuss George’s time being an understudy, behind the scenes and working alongside Asa on bringing Martin’s story to life. As well as his time on the longest running play in West End history, The Mousetrap.
Oliver Gower
Spotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261
Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcritic
For enquiries and requests: olliegower10@gmail.com
Please Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️
Thank you all for your support!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/
Track Name. Early Morning