In our first episode of 2026, Darren and Natalie dive into one of the most innovative and nerve-shredding productions currently on the London stage - A Ghost in Your Ear at Hampstead Theatre.

Written and directed by Jamie Armitage (An Interrogation, SIX) and created in collaboration with acclaimed sound designers Ben and Max Ringham, this two-hander places the audience inside a haunting using binaural 3D sound technology. Wearing headphones, spectators are immersed in a chilling ghost story that unfolds both inside a recording studio and deep within the imagination. Darren reviews how the production uses sound, performance and atmosphere to deliver genuine jump-scares, skin-crawling tension and an emotional story about family, grief and buried secrets - all while pushing the boundaries of what theatre can do.

Natalie also brings us a backstage chat with Jonathan Livingstone, who plays Sid, the studio technician opposite George Blagden’s increasingly unravelling actor. Jonathan talks about performing in a show where every line triggers a sound cue, how comedy becomes a lifeline inside horror, and what it’s like to scare an audience who are wearing headphones and completely locked into the world of the play.

From comparisons to The Woman in Black to the current wave of theatrical horror sweeping the West End, this episode explores why A Ghost in Your Ear is fast becoming one of the most talked-about and fear-inducing shows in London - and why it proves that sometimes the scariest place of all is your own imagination. 

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In the final episode of Season 5, Darren and Natalie look back on an extraordinary year in theatre, sharing the productions that moved them, thrilled them, and stayed with them long after the curtain fell. From bold new writing and immersive experiences to reimagined classics and unforgettable performances, this episode is a love letter to the shows that defined 2025.

They revisit standout moments from Retrograde, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet, Grease Immersive Movie Musical, KENREX, This Bitter Earth, Daniel’s Husband, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Till The Stars Come Down, Evita, and The Midnight Bell -celebrating the artists, stories, and risks that made this theatrical year unforgettable.

A fitting farewell to 2025 - and the perfect curtain call to Season 5. 🎭

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In this special stand-alone episode, Darren sits down with Damon Gould, currently starring as Noel in the cult musical Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse.

Ride the Cyclone is a darkly comic, offbeat musical that has built a devoted global following. After six teenagers die in a freak roller-coaster accident, they find themselves in limbo, offered one final chance at life. Strange, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving, the show explores identity, longing, fantasy, and the versions of ourselves we wish the world could see.

In this conversation, Damon talks about stepping into one of the show’s most iconic and complex roles, balancing comedy with vulnerability, audience reactions, and what draws him to bold, unconventional theatre. He also reflects on his career so far - from Cabaret in the West End to Newsies - and what continues to excite him about performing live.

A thoughtful, funny, and insightful chat with one of theatre’s most exciting performers, diving deep into a truly singular musical.

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This episode celebrates two completely different - but equally exhilarating - nights at the theatre. From sweeping, cinematic dance storytelling to full-throttle historical chaos, we explore why live performance continues to thrill, surprise, and transport. One is a five-star festive classic - The Red Shoes -  that dazzles the senses; the other - Oh Mary! - is a riotously funny West End sensation that gleefully tears up the rulebook.

The Red Shoes - New Adventures / Matthew Bourne

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale and the legendary 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, The Red Shoes is a five-star triumph and the perfect Christmas theatre treat. Matthew Bourne’s visually sumptuous, emotionally sweeping production explores obsession, ambition, and the intoxicating cost of artistic perfection. We delve into the fascinating history behind the story, the revolutionary impact of the original film, and the legacy of Bourne and his company New Adventures — whose bold, narrative-driven approach has transformed dance theatre and brought new audiences flocking to ballet for decades.

Oh Mary! - West End

From festive spectacle to feral farce, Oh Mary! is riotously funny, gloriously unhinged, and gleefully inaccurate. A cult New York hit turned Tony-winning Broadway smash, this West End transfer delivers relentless laughs under Sam Pinkleton’s razor-sharp direction, with Cole Escola’s anarchic writing skewering power, ego, and historical mythmaking. We discuss the play’s journey to the West End, its awards success, and why this fearless, five-star comedy has become one of the most talked-about nights out in town — all completely spoiler-free.

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Today on the podcast, Darren is joined by trailblazing drag artist, actor and cabaret star Victoria Scone - a performer who made herstory on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and went on to wow audiences internationally on Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs the World. From redefining drag on screen to commanding stages across the UK, Victoria’s career is a joyful collision of theatre, comedy, music and fearless self-expression.

Currently, Victoria is bringing full dame energy to the festive season as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk at the King’s Head Theatre, and in this chat she dives into the glorious tradition of panto, the art of playing a dame, audience chaos, and why drag and panto are such perfect bedfellows.

The conversation also spans Victoria’s wider stage career. Along the way, Victoria talks cabaret, comedy, music, and creating new work - including sold-out solo shows Jam Packed.

It’s a funny, generous and insightful conversation about performance, visibility, tradition, and carving out a career on your own terms - with plenty of laughs, warmth, and a little festive mischief along the way.

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This week Darren and Natalie explore three strikingly different productions - each asking big questions about love, belief, bravery and connection - from intimate relationship drama to festive comedy and razor-sharp contemporary writing. Daniel’s Husband, Gawain and the Green Knight and Most Favoured with backstage chat with actor Alexander Arnold.

Daniel’s Husband – Marylebone Theatre

Daniel and Mitchell appear to have it all: successful careers, a beautifully curated home, devoted friends, and a deep love for one another. But when an unexpected crisis threatens their future, their relationship is pushed to its limits. Tender, intelligent and quietly devastating, Daniel’s Husband is an unflinching exploration of love, morality and where our strongest convictions truly live - in our hearts, or in our minds.

Gawain and the Green Knight – Park Theatre

From the comedy writers behind The Nag’s Head and Sniff, this riotous reinvention of the classic legend swaps medieval castles for corporate Camelot. Meet Gawain: an office everyman hoping for a promotion and the courage to ask out his crush - until a mysterious green figure crashes the Christmas party and launches him into a quest of temptation, danger and destiny. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, multi-rolling madness, festive chaos and heroic silliness in equal measure.

Most Favoured – Soho Theatre

From award-winning playwright David Ireland (The Fifth Step, Cyprus Avenue), this sharp, funny and unexpectedly profound two-hander stars Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold. After a one-night stand in a Travelodge, Mary and Mike reveal the truths they’ve been hiding - leading to a bold exploration of faith, loneliness and vulnerability, with a twist you won’t see coming. Directed by Max Elton, Most Favoured proves that a short play can still pack a huge emotional punch.

Backstage Interview

Darren goes backstage with Alexander Arnold, currently appearing in Most Favoured, to talk about tackling David Ireland’s writing, holding a tight two-hander, navigating that unexpected twist, and why risk, faith and short plays can still leave a lasting impact.

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It’s the most theatrical time of the year, and Theatre Audience Podcast is celebrating the festive season with a Christmas Show Special packed full of pantomime, parody and seasonal spectacle. Darren and Natalie discuss their views on; Beauty and the Beast at Churchill Theatre, Ebony Scrooge at Sadler’s Wells East, The Fit Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk - both at King’s Head Theatre and Cinderella at the Rose Theatre. 

Beauty and the Beast – Churchill Theatre

This lavish festive spectacular brings fairy-tale magic to Bromley, starring national treasure Su Pollard alongside Samantha Womack. With dazzling sets, big laughs and all the traditional panto ingredients audiences love, Beauty and the Beast delivers festive fun for the whole family, led by two powerhouse performers who know exactly how to work a crowd.

Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells East

A bold, brilliant reimagining of Dickens’ classic, Ebony Scrooge fuses spoken word, music and movement to tell a fresh, culturally resonant version of A Christmas Carol. Set to a vibrant soundtrack and staged with Sadler’s Wells flair, this production offers a soulful, contemporary take on redemption, generosity and community.

The Fit Prince – King’s Head Theatre

Fresh from its Fringe success, this adults-only festive hit delivers outrageous laughs, filthy innuendo and fearless audience interaction. Created by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, The Fit Prince gleefully dismantles fairy-tale tropes with camp abandon, proving once again that King’s Head Theatre is the home of festive mischief.

Cinderella – Rose Theatre, Kingston

A sparkling, family-friendly panto packed with heart, humour and high production values. Cinderella at the Rose Theatre delivers classic storytelling with modern wit, bringing magic, romance and plenty of laughs to audiences of all ages in this beautifully staged festive favourite.

Jack and the Beanstalk – King’s Head Theatre

Islington’s favourite naughty panto returns, starring Victoria Scone as a sensational Dame. Expect filthy jokes, fabulous guest appearances and full-throttle camp chaos in this adults-only version that has become a festive institution in its own right.

Join Darren and Natalie as they celebrate the joy, variety and sheer brilliance of Christmas theatre - from family pantos to boundary-pushing festive reinventions - proving there’s truly something for everyone this season.

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This week Darren and Natalie explore three thrilling productions shaking up London’s stages -  from the dark corners of digital desire with Porn Play, to an eternal whodunnit – The Mousetrap and a macabre new comedy with a supernatural twist – The Grim.

Porn Play

A sell-out world premiere that’s as provocative as it is powerful. Ambika Mod (One Day, This Is Going to Hurt) stars as Ani, a rising academic whose secret addiction to violent pornography threatens to unravel her entire world. Directed by Josie Rourke (Donmar Warehouse, Bush Theatre) and written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner (This Might Not Be It), this funny, unsettling and fearless new play dives deep into shame, desire and the digital age of intimacy. Featuring Will Close, Lizzy Connolly and Asif Khan, with design by Yimei Zhao and movement by Wayne McGregor.

The Mousetrap

A cultural institution that needs no introduction. Agatha Christie’s legendary The Mousetrap has kept audiences guessing for over 73 years - making it the world’s longest-running play. When seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a countryside guesthouse after a shocking London murder, suspicion turns to panic as they realise the killer might be among them. With twists, secrets and surprises at every turn, this iconic whodunnit remains as gripping as ever. Millions have seen it - have you?

The Grim

Following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Old Red Lion Theatre, Edmund Morris’s (You’re Dead, Mate) spine-tingling dark comedy The Grim lands at Southwark Playhouse. It’s 1964, and undertaker Shaun (played by Morris) is just trying to get through another day with his hapless assistant Robert (Louis Davison). But when the body of notorious gangster Jackie Gallagher (Harry Carter) refuses to stay dead, chaos - and comedy - ensue. A fast-paced, supernatural farce that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.

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This week Darren and Natalie explore two masterful productions that examine ambition, morality, and the price of desire - from the glittering privilege of 1980s Britain to the guilt and grief of post-war America.

The Line of Beauty

Step into Thatcher’s Britain through the eyes of Nick Guest, a young man seduced by a world of wealth, politics and sensuality. Moving into the lavish Notting Hill home of his university friend Toby, Nick finds himself drawn into the lives of Toby’s ambitious father, Tory MP Gerald, his graceful wife Rachel, and their troubled daughter Cat. From decadent dinner parties to clandestine encounters, Nick’s pursuit of beauty leads to revelations about class, power, and the cost of belonging.

Adapted by Olivier Award nominee Jack Holden (Cruise, Kenrex) from Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prize-winning novel and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage, The Line of Beauty is a visually stunning, emotionally charged portrait of privilege and longing in a society on the brink of transformation.

All My Sons

Across the Atlantic, Arthur Miller’s devastating classic receives a dazzling revival from visionary director Ivo van Hove. Starring an extraordinary ensemble - Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Paapa Essiedu, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Hayley Squires.

Set in post-war America, self-made businessman Joe Keller’s success hides a dark secret. As his family unravels under the weight of wartime profiteering and personal loss, All My Sons delivers two gripping hours of moral reckoning, exposing the fragile façade of the American Dream.

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This week Darren and Natalie dive into two powerhouse productions lighting up the West End - the electrifying MJ The Musical and Mary Page Marlowe, starring screen legends Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough.

MJ The Musical

The smash-hit Broadway production moonwalks into the West End! With a book by Lynn Nottageand direction/choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, this spectacular show takes audiences behind the scenes of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring over 25 of his biggest hits - including Beat It, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal - the show explores the creative mind and personal struggles of one of the world’s most iconic performers. Dynamic, dazzling and driven by astonishing choreography, it’s a musical event that captures both the genius and the vulnerability behind the legend.

Mary Page Marlowe

From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts comes this deeply human and haunting portrait of an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. Starring Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking) and Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie, Birdman), this stunning revival unfolds in a series of nonlinear vignettes that piece together Mary’s complex journey through love, loss, motherhood and self-discovery. Directed with precision and compassion, the production reveals the beauty and pain of a life seen in fragments - and how every choice, large or small, leaves its mark.

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This week Darren and Natalie explore three very different but equally profound productions - The Unbelievers at the Royal Court, The Choir of Man in the West End, and The Wanderers at the Marylebone Theatre.

The Unbelievers

The Unbelievers - the highly anticipated new play from acclaimed writer Nick Payne (Constellations, We Live in Time) - now playing at the Royal Court Theatre.

When a teenager vanishes, time fractures. His mother refuses to give up hope. The Unbelievers is a haunting exploration of grief, motherhood, and the fragile ways we piece our lives back together after loss. Payne’s poetic writing meets the visionary direction of Marianne Elliott (Angels in America, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), with evocative design by Bunny Christie (Company, People, Places & Things).

At its heart is a spellbinding performance by Nicola Walker (Unforgotten, The Split), whose portrayal of a mother clinging to faith in the face of despair is both heart-wrenching and deeply human.

The Choir of Man 

Then it’s over to the West End’s Arts Theatre, where The Choir of Man continues to pack out houses with its heartwarming, beer-pouring, joy-filled celebration of community. Featuring hits from Queen, Adele, Paul Simon, Avicii, and more, this Olivier Award-nominated musical brings nine extraordinary singer-musicians together in the most welcoming pub in the world. With direction by Nic Doodson, choreography by Freddie Huddleston, and musical supervision by Jack Blume, The Choir of Man is a 90-minute rush of pure feel-good energy - a reminder that the best nights out are often the ones shared with strangers who feel like friends.

The Wanderers 

At once intimate and expansive, The Wanderers intertwines the lives of two very different Brooklyn couples. Esther and Schmuli are newly married Orthodox Jews, bound by tradition and faith yet yearning for freedom and fulfilment. Meanwhile, Sophie and Abe - both secular writers - are trapped in a modern marriage fraying under the weight of ambition, expectation, and betrayal.

When Abe, a prizewinning novelist, begins a charged correspondence with Hollywood star Julia Cheever, it sparks an emotional reckoning that threatens to unravel everything he’s built. Across both stories, Ziegler explores how love, faith, and identity shape us — and whether any of us can truly escape the stories we inherit.

The Wanderers is an elegant, searching drama about the complexity of human connection, the limits of freedom, and the quiet ache of unmet desire.

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This week Darren and Natalie dive into three wildly different yet equally compelling productions currently electrifying London’s stages - Crocodile Fever at the Arcola Theatre, Punch in the West End, and The Assembled Parties at Hampstead Theatre.

Crocodile Fever  

First up, it’s mayhem in 1970s Northern Ireland in Meghan Tyler’s Crocodile Fever at the Arcola Theatre, directed by Mehmet Ergen. This surreal, blood-soaked black comedy tells the story of two estranged sisters - Rachael Rooney as fiery, gun-wielding Fianna, and Meghan Tyler herself as the repressed, devout Alannah - who reunite in their family home after years apart. As old wounds resurface, their violent, hilarious confrontation spirals into absurd chaos, fuelled by revenge, generational trauma and an unstoppable undercurrent of sisterhood. With standout design by Merve Yörük and lighting by Richard Williamson, this production brims with wild energy, gutsy performances and buckets of stage blood. It’s Irish gothic carnage at its best.

Punch 

Next up, Punch, James Graham’s extraordinary new play based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, a young man whose single act of violence changed multiple lives forever. Directed by Adam Penford, Punch charts Jacob’s journey from reckless teenager to a man forced to face the ripple effects of his actions - and the unexpected compassion of his victim’s parents. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble including Alec Boaden (Masters of the Air), Julie Hesmondhalgh(Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Tony Hirst (Boiling Point), Shalisha James-Davis (I May Destroy You), Emma Pallant (Queenie), and David Shields (Black Mirror), this is a play “every single person should see” (WhatsOnStage). Deeply human and profoundly moving, Punch reminds us that forgiveness is not an absence of pain… it’s a choice born of courage and hope.

The Assembled Parties

Then, at Hampstead Theatre, Richard Greenberg’s The Assembled Parties returns in a luminous new production directed by Blanche McIntyre, following her recent hits Letters from Max, Apex Predator, and The Invention of Love. This witty, melancholic, and richly layered family drama unfolds over two Christmases - one in 1980, another twenty years later - inside the lavish Upper West Side apartment of former film star Julie Bascov, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman (The Merchant of Venice 1936). Alongside her are Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein, Friends With Kids), making her London theatre debut, and a superb ensemble that brings warmth, humour, and heartbreak to Greenberg’s tender exploration of time, privilege, and the ghosts of memory. 

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This week Darren and Natalie explore three standout productions lighting up London’s stages - Entertaining Mr Sloane at the Young Vic, The Importance of Being Earnest in the West End, and MUSIK at Wilton’s Music Hall.

Entertaining Mr Sloane – Young Vic

Finally, Entertaining Mr Sloane storms into the Young Vic with a thrilling new production of Joe Orton’s scandalous classic. Directed by Nadia Fall, this darkly comic revival stars Tamzin Outhwaite as Kath, Jordan Stephens as the seductive Mr Sloane, and Daniel Cerqueira as Ed. Wickedly funny and deliciously subversive, it’s a sharp, stylish take on desire, manipulation and power games in 1960s Britain.

The Importance of Being Earnest – West End Transfer

Then it’s Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, newly transferred to the Noël Coward Theatre. Directed by Max Webster, this revival features Olly Alexander as Algernon Moncrieff, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis as Rev. Chasuble and Stephen Fry as the formidable Lady Bracknell. With dazzling wit, elegant staging, and a stellar cast, Wilde’s beloved comedy of manners feels as fresh and fabulous as ever.

MUSIK – Wilton’s Music Hall

First up, MUSIK sees the incomparable Frances Barber reprise her role as Billie Trix, the hard-living, truth-spilling icon created by Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys. Set against a backdrop of post-war Berlin and the glittering hedonism of 1980s New York, this sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly moving one-woman show is cabaret storytelling at its most intoxicating.

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This week Darren reviews Clarkston at Trafalgar Theatre - a beautifully observed, quietly powerful story about friendship, longing, and the search for meaning in small-town America.

Clarkston – Trafalgar Theatre

From Tony Award-winning writer Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale), Clarkston follows Jake, played by Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Chris, as the brooding Ruaridh Mollica, two young men working dead-end jobs at a Costco on the edge of town. As their lives intertwine, the play explores identity, loneliness, and what it means to keep going when the world feels like it’s falling apart. With moving performances and pitch-perfect direction, this is one of the most heartfelt productions in the West End right now.

Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical – Shaftesbury Theatre

Meanwhile, Natalie shares her thoughts on Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical, a celebration of music’s power to unite the world. Featuring songs by Queen, U2, Elton John, and David Bowie, it brings the spirit of 1985 roaring back to life - reminding us that compassion, collaboration, and hope can still take centre stage.

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This week we’re celebrating three decades of one of the UK’s most exciting and influential theatre companies - Frantic Assembly. Known around the world for their bold physical storytelling and collaborative spirit, Frantic has transformed how theatre is made, studied, and experienced.

In this special anniversary episode, we dive into:

Ignition – their groundbreaking free talent development programme for young people, recently saved through a major fundraising campaign.

Lost Atoms – the brand-new 30th anniversary production by Anna Jordan, directed by Scott Graham, starring Ignition alumni Joe Layton and Hannah Sinclair Robinson.

BBC Proms collaboration – Frantic joins forces with Aurora Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall for a memorised, dramatised performance of Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony – broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer.

From nurturing underrepresented voices to staging unforgettable, heart-pounding productions, Frantic Assembly has spent 30 years pushing boundaries, opening doors, and inspiring the next generation of theatre-makers.

Tune in to celebrate their legacy, their future, and the stories that continue to move us all.

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This week, Darren goes backstage with Abigail Hood, the acclaimed writer behind Monster, a gripping and thought-provoking drama exploring the ripple effects of crimes committed in childhood, forgiveness, and the cycles of trauma.

Monster – Seven Dials Playhouse

Presented by Veritas Theatre Company and KEPOW! Theatre Company, Monster is a triple OFFIE-nominated and one OFFIE-winning production, directed by Kevin Tomlinson. Set across two decades, the play follows Kayleigh, a troubled teenager growing up in Glasgow, whose intense friendship with Zoe offers an escape from her abusive home. As events spiral tragically out of control - including Kayleigh taking the life of her teacher’s baby daughter—the play probes questions of culpability, rehabilitation, and whether someone raised in violence is destined to repeat it.

Drawing on extensive research into cases like Mary Bell, Jon Venables, and Robert Thompson, Monster interrogates society’s role in supporting vulnerable young people, the limits of forgiveness, and the possibility of redemption. The revived production features a six-strong cast, including two members of the original award-winning ensemble, bringing fresh perspectives to Hood’s searing script.

Backstage Interview with Abigail Hood

Darren sits down with Abigail Hood to discuss the inspiration behind Monster, her research into real-life cases, and the moral complexities that the play explores. Hood shares her reflections on what drives a child to commit acts of extreme violence, how such individuals can navigate life afterward, and the profound questions of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption that underpin her work.

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This week we dive into some of the most compelling productions in London’s theatre scene with The Cide and Not Your Superwoman. We celebrate live music with Ben Forster’s album launch, and Darren sits down with playwright Amy Rosenthal to discuss her new play The Party Girls.

Not Your Superwoman – Bush Theatre

Darren reviews this poignant and witty production that explores mother-daughter relationships, identity, and the experience of Caribbean heritage in contemporary Britain. The show stars Golda Rosheuvel and Letitia Wright in powerful performances that are both heartwarming and raw. Directed by Lynette Linton, Not Your Superwoman balances humour and emotional depth, highlighting the complexities of love, family, and generational conflict.

The Code – Southwark Playhouse

“This entire town is a cesspool, darling. Beautifully lit. Well appointed. But a cesspool nonetheless.” Set in Hollywood, 1950, The Code follows a fading star, a rising one, an agent with an agenda, and a legend who’s seen it all. Tallulah Bankhead stops in for a cocktail at the home of former screen idol turned interior designer Billy Haines, who may or may not be planning to disappear. Enter power agent Henry Willson and his protégé Chad Manford, setting the room alight. In a world where image is everything, can anyone break ‘the code’ without losing it all? Starring Olivier Award-winner Tracie Bennett and John Partridge, with Nick Blakeley and newcomer Solomon Davy, and directed by Tony nominee Christopher Renshaw, this show lays bare the unspoken rules of Hollywood, both then and now.

Ben Forster Album Launch

Natalie attends the launch of Ben Forster’s latest album, celebrating his remarkable journey in musical theatre and recording. Known for his performances in Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera and Rock of Ages, Ben brings a theatrical energy to his music that bridges stage and studio, offering fans an unforgettable live experience.

Interview – Amy Rosenthal, Writer of The Party Girls

Darren sits down with Amy Rosenthal to discuss The Party Girls, her new play exploring the lives of the infamous Mitford sisters. The show is directed by Richard Beecham and features stunning design by Simon Kenny and lighting by Aideen Malone. Amy discusses her inspiration, the ensemble performances, and the process of bringing this complex, witty, and emotionally charged family saga to life on stage.

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Today we’re joined by two women at the helm of one of London’s most historic and exciting theatres. Stratford East, founded back in 1884, has always been a place for global stories told in the heart of East London. It’s the home of Joan Littlewood’s revolutionary spirit and a launchpad for generations of theatre-makers, from Barbara Windsor to Cynthia Erivo.

Now stepping into this legacy are Lisa Spirling, the new Artistic Director and Co-CEO, and Hanna Streeter, the new Executive Director and Co-CEO. Together with Associate Artistic Director Jade Lewis, they’re shaping a bold new future for this 140-year-old theatre.

We’ll talk about their vision, Lisa’s inaugural season - from the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries to Nancy Medina’s Choir Boy and Ava Pickett’s Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy - and why Stratford East remains such a vital part of London’s cultural landscape.

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This we delve into the darkly compelling world of The Pitchfork Disney at King’s Head Theatre. Darren reviews this intense and unforgettable play, exploring its surreal storytelling, psychological tension, and the electric performances that bring the story to life.

Backstage Interview – Ned Costello & Elizabeth Connick

Natalie goes backstage to speak with Ned Costello and Elizabeth Connick, who play the enigmatic twin characters Presley and Haley. They share insights into their preparation, the challenges of inhabiting these complex roles, and the dynamic of performing as a twin pair in this extraordinary production.

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