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In a decades spanning career, Lia Williams has established herself as one of the most prominent actresses working today. At the start of her career, Lia was already working with the likes of David Hare, Alan Ayckbourn and Harold Pinter, with whom she would go on to share a long working relationship and friendship. On screen, some of her many highlights have included playing Wallis Simpson in The Crown and more recently Paula Vennels in Mr Bates vs The Post Office. In recent years, we've also seen her prove herself to be a terrific director, finding herself at the helm on various short films and later also directing highly acclaimed productions of Ashes to Ashes and Doubt: A Parable. Some of Lia's upcoming projects include a new TV adaptation of The Day of the Jackal and also reprising her role in the highly acclaimed BBC drama: The Capture.
In this exclusive interview to mark 100 episodes of our podcast series, Lia Williams sits down to look back over her illustrious career. We hear her talk about her early career, finding her way through challenging roles like Kyra in Skylight, acting opposite Michael Gambon as well as playing Carol in Oleanna opposite David Suchet. We also get to hear her talk about her experiences of alternating roles with Juliet Stevenson and Kristin Scott-Thomas on the highly acclaimed productions of Mary Stuart and Old Times. Over the course of our conversation, Lia tells us about how the acting profession has changed during her career and talks us through her transition into becoming a well-respected director as well. In this very candid conversation, Lia reflects on the various roles that she's played and takes some time to also discuss her relationship with son and fellow actor: Joshua James, with whom she starred with in The Vortex last year. It's a fascinating insight into one of our greatest leading ladies and we look forward to seeing how her career continues to evolve in the future.Support the show
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Following the publication of his debut novel: Speaker, Cai Cherry has continued to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in wider society. More recently, Cai also qualified as a New York Attorney in Public Law and continues to carve out an impressive career at global Law firm DLA Piper in London. This year, Cai was also shortlisted as a Top 12 Diversity Hero by the British LGBT Awards for his continued advocacy for the LGBTQI+ community and the Disabled community too. Alongside these achievements, he has also been assisting in writing a book on Freedom of Speech with Lord Neuberger and Amal Clooney. His book Speaker was written to be a "manifesto of his misery" but has become a source for inspiration for readers, who found solace in his sincere authenticity and sense of humour.
In this exclusive new interview, Cai Cherry opens up about his struggles and insecurities as well as what drives him to continue to champion his peers and call out bad behaviour. He details experiences he's faced since coming out as queer and being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, telling us about the microaggressions and inappropriate conduct he's observed over the years. It's a fascinating conversation as he also talks to us about the hundreds of pro-bono hours he's done for Rainbow Migration, a charity supporting LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in the UK. Moreover, profits from his book will go towards the charity with Cai reflecting on how he quickly identified himself with the individuals that Rainbow Migration try to support. It's a fascinating conversation with one of the biggest movers and shakers in the City, and we look forward to seeing where Cai ends up in the coming years.
Speaker is available to buy in physical and digital editions NOW!Support the show
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After finishing a 5 star rated run in the Swan Theatre at Stratford-Upon-Avon, Dee Ahluwalia is returning to the role of Karim in The Buddha of Suburbia, now about to play the Barbican in London. The show is an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Hanif Kureishi, a story of a South London boy growing up with and English mother and Pakistani father discovering himself as he comes to adulthood. The Buddha of Suburbia marks only Dee's second play after a steady career on screen in shows such as A Gentleman of Moscow and Sex Education for Netflix.
In this new interview, Dee Ahluwalia opens up about how he connected with Karim, and his excitement around bringing this show to London. We hear him discuss what it was like working with Emma Rice and the Royal Shakespeare Company team, finding innovative ways of bringing Hanif's story to the stage. We also hear Dee look back at his first play: Our Generation which similarly won 5 star raves from critics and audiences alike for giving voice to a generation that struggled through Brexit and the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's a fascinating conversation that we have and we look forward to seeing what else Dee has lined up for the future, whether it be on stage or on screen.
The Buddha of Suburbia runs at the Barbican Theatre from 22nd October - 16 November with tickets on sale now!Support the show
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After recently winning an Olivier for his chilling performance as Putin in 'Patriots', Will Keen is returning to the RSC in Stratford-Upon-Avon for the first time since 'Prince of Homburg' in 2002. In Tim Carroll's exciting new production of 'Othello', Will Keen will star as Iago opposite John Douglas Thompson, Juliet Rylance and Anastasia Hille. Having worked with Tim on a various productions over the years, Will is also reuniting with Anastasia Hille following their acclaimed performances as the eponymous characters in 'Macbeth' at the Barbican. In recent years, Will has established himself as one of the most distinguished actors in the theatre industry, regularly performing on some of the most prestigious stages including the Almeida Theatre, National Theatre and the Royal Court Theatre.
In our new interview, Will Keen sits down with us to share his excitement around getting to play one of Shakespeare's most demanding roles. We talk about the timelessness of Shakespeare's work and why we need to keep his work at the heart of the curriculum. As he continues preparing to play Iago, we hear him discuss his process of familiarising himself with a character and immersing himself into the world of the play. He shares his praise for his fellow actors as well as his hopes for what this new production will provide audiences. Later on in our conversation, we also talk about his experience working with his daughter, Dafne Keen and how it's been watching her flourish into one of the industry's fastest rising stars. It's a fascinating conversation overall and we look forward to seeing Will Keen's Iago in the RSC's new production of the show.
'Othello' runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon from 11 October - 23rd November.Support the show
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10 years after the first performance of CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation, the show is returning for its 10th anniversary tour. Earlier this year, the show played a sold out performance at Wilton's Music Hall and the show is about to play second performance in the historical venue. Ahead of this second date, Lee Apsey took some time out to talk to us about the show's evolution going from playing the Old Red Lion Pub to the Edinburgh Fringe and now Wilton's. We look back over the last 10 years and discuss what makes improv still a great art form.
In this new interview with Lee Apsey, we hear the writer director actor producer talk about his love for performance and engaging with audiences across stage and screen. In recent years, he's also explored the world of musical theatre with Your Flaws the Musical. Perhaps surprisingly, he tells us how he is naturally a very structured person and improv was a way to loosen up his writing and working style. Of course, his talents have since led him to play a number of seasons in Edinburgh and CSI continues to garner 5 star reviews to this day.
CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation runs at Wilton's Music Hall on 28th September with tickets on sale now. More details available on Lee Apsey's webiste.Support the show
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After a short break from the National Theatre, Zubin Varla is returning to the South Bank for Tanika Gupta's new play: A Tupperware of Ashes. This will mark Zubin's first show back at the Dorfman Theatre since The Enchantment and we hear Zubin talk about his love for the National Theatre having performed on all 3 stages during his illustrious career. Last year, he was at the Olivier for Odyssey with Public Acts and prior to this he's also appeared in productions of The Life of Galileo, Attempts On Her Life and Dara. Over the course of recent years, he's continued to take on a multitude of roles ranging from Monk in Dave Malloy's Ghost Quartet, Thersites in Troilus and Cressida and won an Olivier for his performance as Jerry Falwell in Tammy Faye.
In a rare interview, Zubin Varla opens up about his love for rich, complex writing and the pleasures of getting to evolve as an actor. As he continues rehearsals for A Tupperware of Ashes, he tells us about his love for collaboration with fellow actors and creatives when developing a new play. Indeed, in recent years, he's continued to explore both contemporary and classic texts from A Little Life to The Two Character Play to Fun Home. It's an extraordinary career which has taken him from the RSC to the Royal Court, Hampstead and now back to the National Theatre.
A Tupperware of Ashes runs at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre from 25 September - 16 November.Support the show
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After over 50 years working as an actress, Maureen Beattie is about to make her Hampstead Theatre debut in The Lightest Element, a brand new play by Stella Feehily. At the centre of the play is Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, one of 20th Century Science's most significant figures. Despite her great discoveries, she's remained a fairly elusive figure and this play sets out to give her the recognition that many of her male counterparts have since received. The show will be directed by Alice Hamilton, who Maureen describes fondly of as being the best type of director who listens to everyone in the room. We also hear her talk about her excitement around getting to perform in Hampstead Theatre, having been a regular theatregoer there since it's early beginnings.
In this new interview, Maureen Beattie talks about this exciting new play, shining a light on a truly fascinating figure who has remained out of the social consciousness. As former President of Equity, she also talks to us about the changes that have taken place over the course of her career, providing more opportunities for women and the introduction of safe spaces in rehearsal rooms. Last year, Maureen also returned to the RSC to play Celia in a cast of veteran actors production of As You Like It, opposite the likes of Geraldine James and Malcolm Sinclair. A veteran actress herself, her career has taken her from the RSC to the National Theatre to the Old Vic and the Royal Court.
The Lightest Element runs at Hampstead Theatre until 12 October.Support the show
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After a few years away from the Olivier stage, Jordan Metcalfe is back at the National Theatre preparing to play one of the biggest roles of his career to date. In Lyndsey Turner's new production of Coriolanus, Jordan will be playing Brutus opposite David Oyelowo's Caius Martius. A well-versed Shakespeare thespian himself, this will be his second Shakespearean role this year after playing the playful Boyet in Love's Labour's Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Previous roles have also included Romeo in Romeo and Juliet as well as the Clown in The Winter's Tale.
In a brand new interview, Jordan Metcalfe discusses the pressures of playing a role like Brutus and tells us what it's like stepping out onto the Olivier stage. Having started out as a child actor, he also tells us about his journey as an actor, heading to drama school and then graduating to roles at the RSC and the National Theatre. He tells us about how he's watched the industry evolve over the years, becoming more inclusive to those from less advantageous backgrounds as well as to those from other ethnic backgrounds too. We hear him talk about his love for other actors and the joy of getting to play a diverse set of characters from Roy Faulkland in Jack Absolute Flies Again to Brutus in Coriolanus. It's a fascinating conversation and should encourage everyone to go and see his performance when the show opens.
Coriolanus runs at the National Theatre from 11th September - 9 November and tickets on sale NOW.Support the show
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After previously playing Lazar Wolf in Bartlett Sher's acclaimed 2015 Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, Adam Dannheisser has returned to the world of Anatevka in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's production to great acclaim, whilst also making his London theatre debut as Tevye. As a seasoned performer on Broadway, he tells us how Tevye was always a dream role and that Fiddler on the Roof has remained a favourite show of his over the years. Having previously also worked in New York's Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, he also tells us about the joy of getting to put on a show outdoors where you're one with nature with the audience. He praises the direction that Jordan Fein also takes with his reimagining of the classic show, finding new clarity in a show that everybody knows and loves. Indeed, the show has won over critics and audiences for it's stunning presentation of a story of family, tradition and persecution at a time where these themes couldn't feel more relevant.
In this brand new interview, Adam Dannheisser tells us about the joy and challenge of playing Tevye, and how he feels really connected to this part today. During the course of our conversation, he also tells us about his love for London and the wonderful change it is from working in the United States. We hear him fondly recall memories of being from a Jewish family and how he is channelling his grandfathers in his portrayal of Tevye. He also has a lot of praise for his fellow cast members, remarking upon their incredible talent as a company whilst also noting their generosity of spirit as a cast. The community feel translates impeccably in this production as audiences watch this uplifting and heartbreaking story unfold in the beautiful Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
Fiddler on the Roof runs until 27th September with tickets available NOW.Support the show
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After an 18 year break from the RSC, Ian Hughes has returned to the role of Sir Hugh Evans in Blanche McIntyre's critically acclaimed production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. The production forms part of Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey's opening season as joint Artistic Directors of the RSC, where there seems to be a renewed buzz about the company and the work that is being produced in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Ian's last outing at the RSC was as Sir Hugh Evans in Merry Wives: The Musical, but he has since continued to tread the boards and made various appearances on screen in an array household titles. The Merry Wives of Windsor gives audiences an opportunity to see Ian back somewhere he love though and it was fantastic getting to hear him talk about his history with this beloved institution.
In this exclusive interview, Ian Hughes looks back on his career, starting out his career without training at an elusive drama school and then becoming the first ever winner of the Ian Charleson Award. His first outing to the RSC came about in the early 1990s where he has since taken on roles in King Lear, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and more working alongside RSC greats such as Gregory Doran and Adrian Noble. It's an extraordinary career that has also taken him to commercial musicals like The Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Les Miserables. Never one to be pigeonholed, Ian has also had a career on screen taking part in shows such as Masters of the Sky, Doctor Who and Gavin and Stacy. In our interview, he shares how he's managed to carve out such a varied career working with so many luminaries in the industry but remains humble about the opportunities he's received too.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is currently running at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon until 7th September with tickets available now!Support the show
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For many people, Thomas Coombes will be best known for playing Officer Daniel in the hit Netflix series: Baby Reindeer but Thomas Coombes has had a truly remarkable career prior to the show. During his career, he has tacked Shakespeare at the Globe, playing Gratiano/Prince of Arragon in The Merchant of Venice and has also played Oswald in King Lear at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre. On screen Thomas has also taken on roles in Eastenders as well as Star Wars spin-off The Acolyte. Now, he is returning to the stage for the first time since lockdown began in the West End transfer of the Death of England plays, playing Michael, a role that was originated by Rafe Spall at the National Theatre. This also marks the first time he's performed in a one-person show and he talks to us about the challenges of playing in the round in Clint Dyer and Roy Williams' fast-paced thriller on Modern Britain.
In a remarkable new interview, Thomas Coombes reflects over the last few years which has seen him take on roles in Baby Reindeer, Slow Horses and The Acolyte. Now as he continues his run as Michael, he sits down with us to talk about the importance of representation of working class people and their stories. Early on in his career, he won an Offie for his performance as Paul in 'Barbarians', a revival of Barry Keefe's play about youth unemployment and the consequences of that. As Michael now, Thomas Coombes is once again exploring how society influences a man's beliefs and how one's ideology can manifest itself into violence and prejudice. The plays very much reinforce some of the harsher realities of Modern Britain and the divisions that exist, but Thomas also tells us about the humour the show carries and how he hopes that audiences will be able to have a laugh as well as a think about the state of the nation today.
Death of England: Michael is currently running at @SohoPlace and will run in rep with Death of England: Delroy and Death of England: Closing Time this Summer.Support the show
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For Musical Theatre fans, Sally Ann Triplett is the definition of a West End leading lady having taken on principal roles in Chicago, Mamma Mia! and Billy Elliot. She is now currently playing Fraulein Schneider in the multi-award winning production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in the Playhouse Theatre. Since the show opened in 2021, various stars have tread the boards at the newly renovated theatre including Jessie Buckley, Cara Delevigne, Fra Fee and Aimee Lou Wood. In the current cast, Sally Ann is starring opposite Rhea Norwood and Layton Williams who star as Sally Bowles and the Emcee respectively.
In this brand new interview, Sally Ann Triplett discusses why this production of Cabaret has ended up being such a hit with audiences. Having previously played Sally Bowles herself and also played Fraulein Schneider in the Lido 2 Paris' production earlier, she opens up about her love for the show as well as for Kander and Ebb. In our interview, Sally Ann also opens up about how the industry has changed over the years, noting the increasing presence of phones and connections slowly disappearing in companies. We also talk about the shortage of roles for women and why she's been able to work so consistently over the course of her career, having recently originated the role of Gran in Dave Molloy's The Witches, marking a triumphant return to the National Theatre following her spellbinding run as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes; as well as leading a production of Billy Elliot at Leicester Curve as well. It's a fascinating discussion as Sally Ann reveals her insights into what it's really like to be one of the West End's finest leading ladies.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club is currently running until 31st May 2025 with tickets on sale now!Support the show
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After earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Cassie in Leicester Curve's production of A Chorus Line, Carly Mercedes Dyer is about to return to the iconic role two and a half years later. This time, the production will also head on a UK tour visiting various cities around the country including a run at Sadler's Wells in London. Since her Oliver nominated performance in Anything Goes, Carly has become one of the most sought after performers on the UK Theatre stage. Last year, she took on the role of Lynette Fromme in Assassins at Chichester and most recently also led the UK tour of The Drifters Girl.
In this brand new interview, Carly Mercedes Dyer talks to us about her experience returning to Leicester and to the role of Cassie. We hear her talk about her experience working in the ensemble of shows like Dreamgirls and Chicago before going on to play principal roles like Anita in West Side Story and Cassie in A Chorus Line. We also talk about her collaboration process with the rest of the cast and she speaks openly for her admiration for Nikolai Foster and Ellen Kane, acknowledging their generosity in the room when reimagining such beloved classics. As she begins to prepare to head back out on the road, she also tells us about the importance of looking after yourself especially when doing such a physically demanding show. It's a lovely conversation, listening to Carly look back over various milestones in her career and we look forward to seeing A Chorus Line too.Support the show
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Over the last year. Joaquin Pedro Valdes has proved himself to be one of the most sought after West End performers. Last year, he starred in the sold out concerts of Death Note, made his Menier Chocolate Factory debut in the highly acclaimed revival of Pacific Overtures and is now about to return to the Menier for an eagerly anticipated revival of The Baker's Wife. Originally hailing from the Philippines, Joaquin takes time to talk to us about his move to London to make his career here after already establishing a successful career in his home country before joining the international tours of The Lion King and The King & I. Since arriving in London, he also starred in the premiere productions of Killing the Cat and Then, Now & Next and we can expect more exciting projects from Joaquin going forwards.
In this special interview, Joaquin Pedro Valdes tells us about the journey he's made over the last few years and the joy he's found since arriving in London. He acknowledges the renowned talent that's based in the UK and the competition he's found himself facing whilst remaining inspired by his peers. He also pays tribute to his wife and his loved ones for continuing to support him in his career advancements. Now as he approaches the role of Dominique, Joaquin also tells us about his personal approach to tackling characters and why it feels like a masterclass working with this company at the Menier. Indeed, the show will see him starring opposite the likes of West End veterans: Clive Rowe, Josefina Gabrielle and Finty Williams. Composer Stephen Schwartz has also been in rehearsals to talk about the show and Joaquin shares his excitement at getting to continue working with so many great talents. It’s a very candid interview too and we hear Joaquin speak openly with heartfelt candour throughout our conversation.
The Baker’s Wife runs at Menier Chocolate Factory from 6 July - 14 September.Support the show
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Joshua James is one of the most ravishing actors on the UK Theatre scene, taking on principal roles at the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe and the Royal Court Theatre. He is about to make his Arcola Theatre debut in Laura Walden's new play Some Demon, as a nurse working in an institution for people with eating disorders. Laura Waldren's won the prestigious Papatango Prize for her first play which Joshua calls one of the best pieces of new writing that he's read in many years. Following on from the run at the Arcola Theatre, the show will also transfer to the studio at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre where Joshua will also be making his debut there.
In our interview, Joshua James talks to us about the challenges of performing new writing and how to deal with sensitive subject matters such as eating disorders. He goes on to talk about the joy of getting to work on classic texts too having recently performed in landmark revivals of The Glass Menagerie and also The Vortex, where he starred opposite his real-life mother: Lia Williams. It's fascinating to hear him compare the experiences of working on existing texts compared to new work but he also tells us that it's important to approach classics afresh without holding them up with any particular reverence. We hear him share his hopes for the future too as he continues to tackle thought-provoking work both in London and in the regions.
Some Demon runs at Arcola Theatre until 6th July and runs at Bristol Old Vic Theatre from from 9 - 13 July.Support the show
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After starting out in Pop Music in the 1980s-1990s, Frank Wildhorn made a transition to Musical Theatre with his first hit show being Jekyl & Hyde. Now nearly 30 years on, Frank has written over 40 musicals including Bonnie & Clyde, Carmen and Camille Claudel. In more recent years, Frank has also been exploring the manga genre with his show Death Note winning Best Musical in South Korea before a series of sold-out concerts in the West End last year. This year, he's returned with another exciting new show: Your Lie in April, another adaptation of a popular Manga series which sold out 2 concerts at the prestigious Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The show is now due to return for a 12 week run at the Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End, with a cast led by Dean John Wilson and Zheng Xi Yong.
In this brand new interview with Frank Wildhorn, he talks about the development of Your Lie in April and Death Note, and why it feels so exciting to bring these shows to London with majority Asian casts. He tells us about his fondness for Japan and South Korea, and his appreciation for audiences in those regions who have really welcomed and celebrated his work. He credits his son for being a major driver in his involvement with these shows. We also hear him look back over his career, making the move from pop music to musical theatre and how he's managed to not get pigeonholed as an artist with him most recently composing the Danube Symphony that was premiered by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra at the Musikverein. It's a fascinating discussion with one of the most prolific composers working today and it'll be exciting to see what Frank brings next to London as he continues to work on a variety of projects.
Your Lie in April opens at Harold Pinter Theatre on 28th June and runs till 21st September.Support the show
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Last year, Jack Wolfe won huge critical acclaim for his role as Gabe in the Donmar Warehouse's production of Next to Normal earning a WhatsOnStage Award, the Critic's Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Newcomer as well as an Olivier nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. He is about to reprise his award winning role in the West End transfer of the Pulitzer-Prize winning show at the Wyndham's Theatre, starring alongside the same Donmar Warehouse cast who all return this Summer. Earlier this year, Jack also starred alongside the original London cast of Spring Awakening for a special 15th anniversary concert. Here, he also tells us how much both shows meant to him growing up and shares his excitement around getting to take part in these projects.
In this brand new interview, Jack Wolfe looks back over the last few years and reflects on the success he's found with projects like Next to Normal as well as Shadow and Bone and The Magic Flute. He also opens up about his roots, growing up in Yorkshire as well as Wales, providing a glimpse into his warm, down-to-earth personality. Our interview also looks at some of his earlier work - playing Tobias in Sweeney Todd at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast and working on the premiere of The Magician's Nephew at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford. Our interview also shows Jack’s vulnerable side as he also takes time to talk about his mental health and struggles with anxiety. Still, he remains very grateful for the friends he’s made during this journey and shares his hope for more opportunities to work on exciting projects going forward. His enthusiasm is quite infectious too telling us about his favourite musicals growing up and his love for his peers in the industry. It’s a fascinating and heartwarming conversation which we hope you enjoy listening to.
Next to Normal runs at Wyndham’s Theatre from 18th June - 21st September.Support the show
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As the new season at Chichester continues to get underway, Jack Riddiford sat down with us to talk about the eagerly anticipated revival of Harold Pinter's The Caretaker. Often regarded as one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century, we talk about how the show has managed to stand the test of time, as well as about what it's like getting to approach the character of Mick. The Caretaker also marks Jack's Chichester debut as well as Artistic Director Justin Audibert's directing debut in Chichester too. In the latest revival of Pinter's seminal play, Jack will also star opposite Ian McDiarmid and Adam Gillen.
In this new interview with Jack Riddiford, we talk about his approach to tackling complex roles like Mick and what makes Harold Pinter still such a towering figure in the theatre industry. In our interview, he also shares his excitement at getting to work in Chichester and his love for intimate theatres like the Minerva Theatre where the show will be playing. Most recently, Jack starred as Mercutio in Rebecca Frecknall's production of Romeo and Juliet at the Almeida Theatre following their collaboration on The Duchess of Malfi, also at the Almeida in 2019 where he played Ferdinand. Jack has also starred in the West End runs of The Inheritance and Jerusalem, working alongside the likes of Vanessa Redgrave and Mark Rylance. Now as he starts his run in The Caretaker, he shares with us what he's learned over the years about being a good company member and the importance of being egoless in a rehearsal room
The Caretaker runs at Minverva Theatre from 8 June - 13 JulySupport the show
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After arriving onto the London theatre scene. Daniel Monks has established himself as one of the most exciting actors around. He is now currently back at the Donmar Warehouse in Benedict Andrews' adaptation of The Cherry Orchard. He was last seen on stage in Jamie Lloyd's acclaimed production of The Seagull where he played the iconic role of Konstantin opposite Emilia Clarke and Indira Varma. Now as Pyotr Trofimov, he is once again demonstrating his prowess as an actor to audiences, and it is likely we'll see more spellbinding performances from him in the future.
In this brand new interview with Daniel Monks, he talks to us about his London theatre career, looking back on highlights like The Normal Heart and The Seagull. He talks fondly of his time coming to London from Perth, Australia and the journey he has made from writing and directing to coming back to acting. In our interview, Daniel also talks candidly about the ongoing struggles disable actors in the industry face, commenting specifically on the recent controversy around Shakespeare's Globe's casting of Michelle Terry in the role of Richard III. Still, he is encouraged by the progress made in London with actors like Lizzie Annis and Francesca Mills also delivering strong impacts on the industry. We also talk about the trailblazing directors he's worked with like Benedict Andrews and Jamie Lloyd who Daniel praises for having such courage to reimagine classic works. He also praises outgoing artistic director Michael Longhurst for his vision and openness to reimagining Richard III as Teenage Dick, bringing his talent to the consciousness of London audiences. It's a fascinating discussion and we look forward to seeing what else he does next in the future.Support the show
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In a decades spanning career, Danny Sapani has become one of the most revered actors of his generation. After recently starring in the titular role of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre, he is currently playing Walter "Pops" Washington in the UK premiere of Between Riverside and Crazy at the Hampstead Theatre. Having previously worked on the Hampstead stage in Anderson's English, Danny tells us about the full circle moment of getting work opposite his drama school: Central School of Speech and Drama. Having gained considerable success on screen in dramas such as Killing Eve, Harlots and The Crown, we also get to hear him talk about his love for theatre and the excitement around getting to work during a particularly exciting time for the industry.
In our interview, Danny Sapani talks to us about the parallels between Lear and Pops, and his love for the intellectual challenge of getting to play unlikeable characters. Between Riverside and Crazy sees him playing a retired policeman struggling to maintain control of his home, estranged from his son and dealing with demons from his past. The Pulitzer Prize winning play was first performed in 2014 in the United States and we hear Danny reflect on how the themes of the play are just as relevant now in a British context as they are in America. We also hear him talk about how the themes in the play speak to him in his current stage of life and share his gratitude to Stephen Adly Guirgis and Michael Longhurst for developing such a relevant piece of drama.
Between Riverside and Crazy runs at Hampstead Theatre until 15 June.Support the show
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