The Mayor of Musical Theatre

If you’re a regular listener, you will have heard countless hours of guests talking about Standing at the Sky’s Edge when asked about their favourite musicals. The show is inspired by Sheffield, the music of Richard Hawley, and beautiful Brutalist architecture. It is an incredibly exciting piece of new musical theatre and it is currently running at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until August 3rd featuring Mya Fox-Scott and Rachael Louise Miller, both of whom are exceptional performing talents. But what musicals have inspired them in their musical theatre careers, and what show would they choose to run forever if they were the Mayor of Musical Theatre? For tickets to Standing at the Sky’s Edge, visit: https://www.skysedgemusical.com Follow Mya on instagram. Follow Rachael on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The beloved hit musical Mamma Mia! is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary in the West End. To mark this occasion, we chat with its book writer Catherine Johnson about her journey to becoming one of the most successful stage writers of our time, her work with ABBA to create Mamma Mia!, and the other musicals she loves the most. For Mamma Mia! tickets, visit: https://mamma-mia.com/london.php Follow Mamma Mia! on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary is an understatement. Frank Wildhorn is a renowned composer of not just some of the most beloved and iconic musical theatre shows to ever hit the stage, but also of chart-topping hits for artists like Kenny Rogers, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Whitney Houston. You will surely know shows like Jeckyl & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Bonnie & Clyde – which is about to go out on a UK tour, and the incredibly successful recent West End concerts for Death Note. Now he has a brand-new adaptation of the manga Your Lie in April, which is about to play three concerts at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on April 8th and 9th. In this episode, we discuss his shows, his approach to composition, and some of the musicals that have inspired him. For Your Lie in April tickets, visit: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/your-lie-in-april/ Follow Frank on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zachary James is a renowned actor, singer, recording artist, and Grammy Award winner who has performed with opera companies around the world, created the role of Lurch in The Addams Family on Broadway, worked with artists as diverse as Philip Glass and Tina Fey, and is now starring as the king of the underworld, Hades himself in the much-anticipated London return of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre. What are the shows that have most influenced him in his career, and which one production would he choose to run forever if he was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? For Hadestown tickets, visit: https://uk.hadestown.com/ Follow Zachary on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Woodward is an absolute superstar of a musical theatre performer who I have been hoping to get on the podcast since the very start. I first encountered her phenomenal talent in the cabaret and burlesque clubs of London, and have been delighted to see her career go from strength to strength ever since. She is currently starring in the titular role in the brilliant new musical adaptation of The Time Traveller's Wife in the West End's Apollo Theatre. In this episode, we discuss her career, the joys of cabaret, social media, and the musicals that mean the most to her. For tickets to The Time Traveller's Wife, visit: https://timetravellerswife.com For more information about Joanna's favourite comedy act Flat & the Curves, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Flatnthecurves/ Follow Joanna on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year, fellow musical theatre enthusiasts! 2024 promises to be a spectacular year for new musical theatre, including the particularly exciting Before After by Stuart Matthew Price and Timothy Knapman at Southwark Playhouse. Starring alongside the ever-wonderful Grace Mouat will be Jacob Fowler, who you will know from Little Mix: The Search, Heathers, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and much much else. In this episode, we discuss Jacob's favourite musicals, including which show Jacob would order run forever if he was The Mayor of Musical Theatre. Listen now and see if you agree! For Before After tickets, visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/before-after/ Follow Jacob on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The future of musical theatre? Very much Desmonda Cathabel. One day it will just be her performing all roles in every show at once. She has the talent, we just need technology to catch up. Desmonda won the 2022 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award and since then has starred as Lorene in the Charing Cross Theatre's From Here To Eternity and as Kim in Miss Saigon at Sheffield Crucible, as well as many other exciting projects. She is currently starring as Jasmine in the UK tour of Disney's Aladdin in Edinburgh, and you can also catch her on ITV as an aspiring Sophie on Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream. For Aladdin tickets, visit: https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk Watch Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream on ITV: https://www.itv.com/watch/mamma-mia-i-have-a-dream-exclusive/10a4518 Follow Desmonda on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's episode 30! As a special treat, here is an extra long interview with Lisa Martland, the editor of Musical Theatre Review. Lisa previously worked at The Stage newspaper amongst other publications and has a wealth of experience in the world of musical theatre. Musical Theatre Review is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary as your premier source for all things onstage, backstage, and worldwide, and this podcast is just one of many exciting projects launched this year to celebrate. With so many shows seen and reviewed, which one show will Lisa choose to run forever if she had the power of The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now to find out! Visit the Musical Theatre Review website: https://musicaltheatrereview.com Follow Musical Theatre Review on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv Andrusier is a recent RAM graduate and the star of Freya Catrin Smith & Jack Williams's Ride, the stupendously brilliant new musical telling the story of round-the-world cyclist Annie Londonderry. Liv is simply spectacular in the show and has nominated for a Stage Debut Award for her performance, but what are the musicals that mean the most to her? Join us in Liv's These Demons rehearsal room and find out! This is a really fun episode and your chance to get to know the future superstar that is Liv Andrusier before she becomes more successful than any actor has ever been. If you would like to join Liv at the Stage Debut Awards ceremony and enjoy a fantastic night including a three course meal, live performances, a DJ and dancing, visit: https://www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards?tab=tickets For These Demons tickets, visit: https://theatre503.com/whats-on/these-demons/ Follow Liv on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this special and super-masculine episode, we are joined by four brilliant men from The Choir of Man. With so many guest mayors, this was a very fun - if slightly chaotic - podcast: Luke Conner Hall plays 'Romantic' Ben Goffe plays 'Handyman' Michael Hamway plays 'Poet' Nic Doodson is the co-creator/producer/director For more info and tickets to The Choir of Man, visit: https://www.choirofmanwestend.com Follow The Choir of Man on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divina De Campo has – through their incredible talent – become one of the country’s most beloved drag artists, and a truly revelatory musical theatre performer. They have seen television stardom on RuPaul’s UK Drag Race, and begun to take over the world of musical theatre with their starring roles in the award-winning Leeds Playhouse production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the Chicago UK tour, and now SpongeBob Squarepants. On October 1st they will host The Stage Debut Awards, the only dedicated awards recognising breakthrough theatre talent. But what are the musicals that mean the most to Divina, and which one would they order run forever if they were The Mayor of Musical Theatre? For SpongeBob Squarepants tickets, visit: https://www.spongebobstage.com If you would like to join Divina at the Stage Debut Awards ceremony and enjoy a fantastic night including a three course meal, live performances, a DJ and dancing, visit: https://www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards?tab=tickets Follow Divina on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Pop Idol to West End stardom via Moulin Rouge, Thriller Live, and The Great British Bake Off Musical, Zoe Birkett is a phenomenally talented performer who has shaken the rafters of many a prestigious auditorium with her incredible vocals. As she sets out on a UK tour of The Bodyguard, Zoe discusses the musicals that mean the most to her, and what one show she would order run forever if she had the power of The Mayor of Musical Theatre. For The Bodyguard tickets, visit: https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com Follow Zoe on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kyle Ramar Freeman is currently starring in the superb A Strange Loop at Barbican Centre. Previously, he has played this lead role of Usher on Broadway, as well as touring the US in Once On This Island and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat. In this episode, we chat in Kyle's dressing room about the shows that mean the most to him, and what one show he would order run forever if he had the power of The Mayor of Musical Theatre. For tickets to A Strange Loop, visit: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/a-strange-loop Follow Kyle on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benjamin Scheuer is a songwriter and performer. He is the recipient of the Kleban Prize for Lyrics. His new solo musical, A MOUNTAIN FOR ELODIE, premieres at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, directed by Olivier Award-winner Polly Findlay. On this episode, Scheuer discusses guitars, songwriting, his Sky Masterson aspirations, and the musicals that mean the most to him. For tickets to A MOUNTAIN FOR ELODIE, visit: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mountain-for-elodie Follow Benjamin on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billy Nevers is one of the most exciting young musical theatre talents we have. Over the last few years, he has performed in such diverse shows as Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar and &Juliet. Despite clearly never being one to repeat himself before, he can now be seen dancing and singing the house down in Groundhog Day at London's Old Vic. This brilliant new musical has discussed a lot on the podcast already as everybody loves it, but this Old Vic run must end August 19th so make sure you book your tickets and you don't miss out! In this episode of the podcast, Billy discusses his career, the challenges and joys of performing in Groundhog Day, and which musicals he loves the most. For tickets to Groundhog Day visit: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/groundhog-day Follow Billy on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a resume that covers pretty much every show ever mentioned on this podcast, from Les Mis to Phantom to Wicked to South Pacific, Gina Beck is an absolutely perfect guest to talk us through her favourite shows of all time. In particular, we discuss her summer 2023 gig starring in The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre, a role she surely was made for! What one show would Gina order run forever if she were The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Find out right here. For tickets to The Sound of Music, visit: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/the-sound-of-music Follow Gina on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikolai Foster is the artistic director of Leicester's Curve Theatre - one of the very best venues in the country in my estimation - and the creative force behind recent incredible productions of Billy Elliott the Musical, Grease, and A Chorus Line. Recently, he has directed The Wizard of Oz which is playing at the London Palladium now with an all-star cast, including previous podcast guests Georgina Onourah and Christina Bianco. In this episode, we talk about his approach to directing and the musicals that have inspired him. For tickets to The Wizard of Oz, visit: https://wizardofozmusical.com Follow Nikolai on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a Guys & Dolls special! If you haven't yet, make sure you get yourselves down to London's Bridge Theatre where you can experience the stunning immersive production of this beloved musical. Every single member of that cast is incredible, and Cedric Neal and Celinde Schoenmaker - both theatre icons in their own right - are no exception. In this episode, we talk about all the behind-the-scenes secrets from Guys & Dolls, plus the musicals that mean the most to these two wonderful performers. For tickets to Guys & Dolls, visit: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/guys-and-dolls/ Follow Cedric Neal on twitter and instagram. Follow Celinde Schoenmaker on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You will know Alice Fearn from her now-legendary runs in huge shows like Wicked and Come From Away, but now you have a chance to see her in a brand new British musical called Then, Now & Next in the intimate Southwark Playhouse! In this episode, we discuss her work on that show, the rumours of her having a role in the Wicked movie, and, of course, the musicals that mean the most to her. Which show would Alice order to run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now to find out! For Then, Now & Next tickets, visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/then-now-next/ Follow Alice on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VERY exciting episode right here: Lena Hall is a shining star of the big and small screens, as well as a Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar. You may have seen her in Snowpiercer, Becks, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, or even Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Her performances are never less than breathtaking and her voice is truly one of a kind. Make sure to look up some clips of her singing on YouTube and be prepared for your socks to be blown all the way off your quivering feet. In this episode we talk about some of Lena's favourite musical theatre, including the upcoming In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse, which features the songs of Roy Orbison and is directed by &Juliet's Luke Sheppard. What show would Lena choose to run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now to find out! For In Dreams tickets, visit: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/in-dreams/ Follow Lena on twitter and instagram. Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer) Follow the podcast: Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod Instagram: @MusicalMayorPod TikTok: @MusicalMayorPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.