Shows
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyAbi Carter-Simpson - Episode 18 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyAbi Carter-Simpson is a stand up comedian and musician. She is a regular on the comedy circuit, was the support act for Simon Brodkin in 2019 and has reached great heights in prestigious comedy competitions, she studied musical theatre at the Guilford School of Acting and has appeared on BBC, ITV2 and in the movie Blinded By The Light. In this episode we talk about Abi's experience in musical theatre, being in the semifinals of a comedy competition in her 3rd gig, her comeback to comedy after lockdown and we share our drama school stories.2021-06-0157 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyTierna McNally - Episode 17 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyTierna McNally is an Irish actor currently finishing her final year in the Arden School of Theatre. Prior to her training she appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Beautiful Game’ in London’s The Other Palace. In this episode we discuss Tierna's journey from a shy young girl to a professional actor, performing musicals with Fusion Theatre, being a cast member in ALW's The Beautiful Game in London and life as a drama school student in a global pandemic.2021-05-251h 02
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyZoe Watkins - Episode 16 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyZoe Watkins is an Actor, Writer and Director. She has directed pieces in the National Theatre in London and has been seen in Channel 4’s Lee and Dean and FX’s Louie starring Louis CK. She is also directing a new one-man play Unanswered Prayers by Chris McIlvenny. In this episode we discuss my new play, our favourite Broadway and West End musicals, Zoe's big move to New York City, her experience working with Louis CK and teaching theatre to children.2021-05-181h 04
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyJohn Acres - Episode 15 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyJohn Acres is a Radio Presenter and Sports commentator. He hosts the breakfast show on BBC Radio Stoke and he commentates on football for Final Score, Radio 5 Live and Match of the Day. In this episode John's start in radio as a volunteer in community radio, what goes into the production of a breakfast radio show, football commentary and life without fans in both sport and theatre.2021-05-1149 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyJenny Aurthur - Episode 15 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyJenny Aurthur is a writer and a yoga instructor born is Los Angeles. She has worked for CAA as an assistant agent and as a story Editor for Demi Moore’s production company. She is now a Yoga teacher in New York City. In this episode we talk about Jenny's unusual upbringing, clubbing experience at age 13, favourite movies, writing and suicide.2021-05-041h 20
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyDebra Hill - Episode 13 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyDebra Hill is an Actor from West Belfast. She trained in both Queens University in Belfast and The Acting Studio in New York City. She has performed in TV, Film and Theatre and was in the Terra Nova production of the Belfast Tempest in T13 Warehouse in front of 10,000 people. In this episode we discuss Debra's performance in 'Oliver!' in High School, our holidays as kids, performing Shakespeare at the RSC and training at the Acting Studio in New York City.2021-04-2755 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyMarty Maguire - Episode 12 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyMarty Maguire is an Actor from Belfast. He has performed in New York, Los Angeles, Edinburgh, London and the list goes on. He has acted in such projects such as, Pulling Moves, The Chronicles of Long Kesh, A Night in November and Mixed Marriage. In this episode we discuss Marty's stage debut in Grease as Danny Zuko at a young age, moving to Los Angeles, performing A Night in November all over the world and his advice to young actors on going far in the industry.2021-04-201h 03
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyAiden Brooks - Episode 11 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyAiden Brooks is an Actor, Comedian and Teacher. He has had shows in Brighton and Edinburgh Fringe festivals as part of a double act. He now teaches comedy in the Arden School of Theatre. In this episode we talk about Aiden's early days of working as a Butcher's apprentice, his desire to perform, starting his comedy career with the other half of his double act and what he teaches in the Arden School of Theatre.2021-04-1354 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyCaroline Curran - Episode 10 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyCaroline Curran is an actor and writer. Best known for her performances in Soft Border Patrol, Holy Holy Bus, her self-penned Christmas shows every year in Theatre at the Mill and her ground breaking turn as Maggie Muff in the 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue series. In this episode we discuss Caroline's first performance in a gold sequins dress for the nuns, her stage management experience willing her on to be an actor and her journey into the world of writing.2021-04-0658 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyBrendan Quinn - Episode 9 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyBrendan Quinn is an actor from West Belfast. He has studied at the prestigious Gaiety School of Acting and has since appeared on both Stage and Screen. In this episode we discuss Brendan's early introduction to acting the Rainbow Factory, moving to Dublin for drama school, transitioning back into the Belfast acting scene and the adrenaline rush that comes with live Theatre.2021-03-3039 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyPaddy McDonnell - Episode 8 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyPaddy McDonnell is a stand-up Comedian from West Belfast. He has performed in venues all over the world and later this year he will be performing his sold out show ‘On the Tools’ in the Ulster Hall. In this episode we talk about how Paddy got into Stand-up Comedy, performing a show in Irish for a Loyalist audience, giving a Black Taxi Tour for Janice Dickinson and fooling Jack Whitehall into thinking Paddy was the biggest Comedian in Ireland with nothing but West Belfast Confidence.2021-03-2350 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyDiona Doherty - Episode 7 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyDiona Doherty is an Actor and Comedian. She is best known for her appearances in Derry Girls, Give my Head Peace and Soft Border Patrol. She also has a comedy podcast on BBC Sounds, ‘What happens in Ulster’. In this episode we discuss Diona's flawless Shakira impression, being 9 months pregnant, the Belfast comedy scene and filming 'Give my Head Peace' during a Global Pandemic.2021-03-1645 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyConor Grimes - Episode 6 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyConor Grimes is an Actor, Writer and Comedian. He is one half of the comedy duo Grimes and McKee, producing such works as The history of the Troubles according to my Da. He has also had an illustrious TV and Theatre career in his own right. In this episode we discuss Conor's childhood in Tyrone, his love for Gaelic Games, the lonely nature of a one-man play and when Grimes met McKee.2021-03-0943 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyGerard Jordan - Episode 5 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyGerard Jordan is a TV, Film and Theatre actor. He is best known for his roles in Pulling Moves, Game of Thrones and Brassic.
In this episode we discuss Gerard's accidental journey into the world of acting, performing in the Royal Court in London at the age of 17, working with Joe Gilgun and his two-man Christmas sketch show 'Em 2 Balloons' with Ciaran Nolan.2021-03-0242 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyCiaran McCourt - Episode 4 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyCiaran McCourt is an Irish Actor who has appeared on both stage and screen. He has recently started a new Podcast, Brawl Boxing. In this episode we discuss how Ciaran first became interested in acting, our horrible flat in Manchester, our Spotlight Prize experience and Ciaran's podcast Brawl Boxing.2021-02-281h 09
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyRaymond Walsh - Episode 3 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyRaymond Walsh is a west end actor and singer. He has played Grantaire and Thenardier in Les Misérables on the west end and performed in the All Star concert with Alfie Boe and Micheal Ball. Raymond is also co-creator and director of Irish vocal group The Shamrock Tenors. In this episode we discuss Raymond's discovery of musical theatre, performing at the Emirates for the Arsenal team, being cast in Les Misérables and his hopes for the future regarding his Irish traditional vocal group Shamrock Tenors.2021-02-2342 min
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyGeraldine Hughes - Episode 2 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyGeradline Hughes is an Irish film, television and stage actress originally from West Belfast. Starring in films such as Gran Torino and Duplex. She is best known for her portrayal of “Little Marie” in 2006’s Rocky Balboa. In this episode we discuss Geraldine's tough upbringing in a war torn Belfast, getting a role in a Hollywood movie at the age of thirteen, her process in writing her story in a one-woman show and becoming a Broadway star after leaving LA.2021-02-1650 min
My Way Of ThinkingChris Mcilvenny talks TYSON FURY, GOT, Titanic, ACTING and having the right Work-Ethic!On this Podcast episode i speak to Chris Mcilvenny from over the Irish Sea in Belfast. We talk about how he fell into the role of becoming an actor and where its led him so far, which includes being an extra on the famous Game of Thrones set. Even though Chris is still at the beginning of his journey he already has some great stories and insights to talk about. We also cover his travels and how the recent pandemic affected him while he was stuck in Italy. I really enjoyed talking to Chris who even though he is...2021-02-111h 08
Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyRupert Hill - Episode 1 - Playing Pretend with Chris McIlvennyRupert Hill is a fim, TV and Theatre Actor and Director. He is known for his roles in several soap operas, with his most famous being Coronation Street. He has both starred in and directed the stage version of the Full Monty.
In this episode we discuss Rupert's desire to be an actor from the age of three, the effect fame had in his personal life and his ambitious dive into the business of owning pubs, restaurants and music venues.2021-02-0949 min
Quarter Life CrisisQuarter Life Crisis: The one where our ex girlfriends roast us! - Ep 20It's heavy. They go in HARD. It's honest. And a little bit filthy. We talk all things exes, comedy, sex toys and religion.2020-11-0200 minQuarter Life CrisisQuarter Life Crisis: : "The bitch choked me out, I blacked out" - Ep 19Luke and Chris talk about dates, one night stands and bird sh*t.2020-10-2900 minQuarter Life CrisisQuarter Life Crisis: Mama, will you buy me a Banana - Ep 18Episode 18 and we're back in Italy. Chatting shit as usual. If you've found your way here, you know what you're in for. If you're a big QLC virgin, it gives us great pleasure to be your first. Sit back, relax and just enjoy.2020-10-2600 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 17Chris and Luke talk about Lockdown, the law of attraction and the Mandela effect.2020-09-1750 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 16 w/ Ciaran McCourt and Kelsea KnoxChris and Luke are reunited finally after 6 months of lockdown. They are joined by guests, Ciaran and Kelsea. They discuss everything from Corona to car crashes and everything in between.2020-09-1652 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 15: QUARANTINE #12Day 12 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke have reached the end of their caravan quarantine. They talk about family, religion, dolphins and goodbyes.2020-03-2328 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 14: QUARANTINE #11 w/ Vampy JordanDay 11 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke are joined by Tik Tok star @vampyjordan. They talk about Government, social media, Johnny Depp and what life is like when the cameras are off.2020-03-2251 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 13: QUARANTINE #10Day 10 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about space, closure of bars and schools, free falling and the apocalypse now.2020-03-2129 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 12: QUARANTINE #9Day 9 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about acting, BBQs, drama school and Manchester.2020-03-2032 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 11: QUARANTINE #8Day 8 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about the outdoors, food, golf and darts.2020-03-1931 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 10: QUARANTINE #7 w/ Ciaran McCourtDay 7 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke are joined by Irish actor Ciaran McCourt, who is in self isolation in Belfast after being forced home from London in light of the severity of the situation there. They talk about mass lockdown incoming, Manchester nights, meteors and what the rest of the year potentially has in store for us.2020-03-1833 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 9: QUARANTINE #6Day 6 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about serendipity, Lockdown, Italian drivers and lemons.2020-03-1731 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 8: QUARANTINE #5Day 5 of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about music, the chippy and the vodka.2020-03-1630 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 7: QUARANTINE #4Day four of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about defrosting freezers, the Moon landing, the internet age and growing up.2020-03-1532 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 6: QUARANTINE #3Day three of Quarantine. Chris and Luke talk about niblings, Peter Kay, Power cut and they answer listener's questions.2020-03-1429 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 5: QUARANTINE #2Day two of Quarantine. Chris and Luke are still sane, just about. They talk about Manchester, Nature, Italy and Graham Norton.2020-03-1228 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 4: QUARANTINE #1So, Chris and Luke are in Quarantine after 2 flights, 2 trains and 3 buses. This is Day One, it can only go down hill from here. They talk about their journey fleeing Italy and the 2 weeks of madness that shall ensue.2020-03-1137 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 3Chris and Luke talk about family, Venice, time travel, diseases and of course Quarter Life Crisis.2020-03-0752 minQuarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 2 w/ Hayley Golightly and Rolo SoyzaChris and Luke are joined by guests Rolo and Hayley to discuss life in Italy, Coronavirus, Religion, Uni life, Work life and of course Quarter Life Crisis.2020-03-0554 min
Quarter Life CrisisQLC - Episode 1The first episode of Quarter Life Crisis. Not as sad as it sounds, we talk life after uni, life in Italy and life on the road.2020-02-0451 min