Shows
In the 'House Seats'Ep99: Live from the BATD UK Stage and Ballet Scholarships.Send us a textThis episode comes live from the recent UK stage and ballet scholarships organised by the British Association of Teachers of Dancing where Craig was one of the judges. Here you can listen to some interviews with competitors and parents on what this event means to them and their hopes and aspirations for their future in the performing arts profession.The British Association of Teachers of Dancing was the first professional dance teacher’s association to be established in the year 1892. From this early beginning we have now grown to co...
2024-10-1316 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 97: Bright Star Festival in Farnham, SurreySend us a textCraig was the adjudicator of this year's Bright Star Festival and he took some time out to chat with Lydsey, the organiser, along with some of the participants and teachers to understand what makes this festival different from others and what the dancers perceptions are of festivals.This is billed as a "supportive, friendly and encouraging" festival that has had wonderful feedback from all who take part, so have a listen.
2024-05-1924 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 96: Jonathan Andrew Hume, professional British screen and stage performerSend us a textJonathan Andrew Hume is a professional British screen and stage performer who is highly skilled in both acting and singing and is well-known for his work on Pride, Amazing Grace and 10,000 BC. On stage, he is famous for playing Simba in The Lion King musical, Kevin J, Ali and various other roles in Come from Away and is currently playing the part of Sargeant Paine in the musical adaptation of The Third Man directed by Trevor Nunn at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London.His other theatre projects include Jesus Christ...
2023-09-0354 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 95: Sam Underwood, leading TV, stage and film actor.Send us a textSam Underwood was born in Woking, Surrey and attended the Winston Churchill School. He trained at the Karen Clarke Theatre Group (now Summerscales Performing Arts). He was taught by vocal coach Phil Wisdom and attended Songtime Theatre Arts. He moved to the United States in 2006 where he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.After graduating he went on to appear as Marchbanks in George Bernard Shaw's Candida at the Irish Repertory Theatre, New York. In April 2010, he was asked to play the part of...
2023-08-2739 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 94: Pia Fay Waller, Head of wardrobeSend us a textPia studied costume design at the Wimbledon College of Art and Design, which is part of the University of the Arts London, where she learnt a wide variety of skills including millinery, wiggery, pattern cutting and much more. She also gained a range of technical skills in machine sewing.Since graduating she has worked her way up from a costumer at Chessington World of Adventures to working as assistant wardrobe mistress on a wide variety of productions as Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, Feydra, Small Island and Ocean at the End...
2023-08-2034 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 93. Derek Griffiths, legendary presenter, actor and musical composer.Send us a textDerek rose to fame as a presenter of the legendary BBC children's show Play School in the 1970s. He was raised in London, the actor and musician and went on to perform in both theatre, film, TV and radio.His West End credits include: Sing a Rude Song, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Black Mikado, The Travelling Music Show, The Secret Life of Cartoons, Run for your Wife, Dry Rot, Aladdin, Snow White, Babes in the Wood, Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, Noises Off, Twelth Night, Chitty Chitty Bang...
2023-08-1332 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 92: Ria Jones, West End leading lady and international musical theatre star.Send us a textRia was born and raised in Swansea and was brought up surrounded by the rich heritage of Welsh music. Her mother was an Opera Singer and her father a successful cabaret entertainer, so it was inevitable at an early age that Ria Jones was destined for stardom. At 19 she became the youngest actress ever to play the role of Eva Peron in 'Evita', followed shortly by her West End debut in the musical 'Chess' in which she played both Svetlana and Florence. She went on to perform famed roles such as G...
2022-11-1352 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 91: Luke Holman, Assistant Musical Director.Send us a textLuke is a musical director, pianist and conductor based in London and has just completed the summer season at the Chichester Festival Theatre as the assistant musical director for the hugely successful, five star reviewed musical, Crazy For You.He was assistant musical director of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical UK Tour and previously was music assistant to Alex Lacamoire, Ben Cohn, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul for the premiere production of Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre. He is a proud alumnus of the esteemed musical d...
2022-09-1843 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 90: Behind the scenes at Chichester Festival TheatreSend us a textWhen Chichester Festival Theatre opened in 1962, it was Britain’s first modern thrust stage theatre. The brainchild of a local optician, Leslie Evershed-Martin, it was effectively ‘crowdfunded’ by local individuals and businesses: a theatre built by the community for the community, an ethos which still stands today. Between 1962-65, under its first artistic director Laurence Olivier, CFT provided the nucleus for the newly established National Theatre company.This year, 2022, CFT celebrates its 60th anniversary and over the past six decades, myriad productions originated at Chichester have transferred to the West End or tou...
2022-09-1154 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 89: Graham Michael, Company Stage Manager and photographerSend us a textSince graduating from Guildhall, Graham has worked on a wide range of shows both in the UK and on tour overseas. He recently worked on Jesus Christ Superstar at Regents Park Open Air Theatre in 2021 and has just completed his position as company stage manager for Crazy for You at Chichester Festival Theatre this summer 2022.Graham is also an accomplished photographer turning his hand at photographing performances and people in the theatre both for publicity purposes and also for fun. His photography website is www.grahammichael.co.uk
2022-09-0444 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 88: Matthew Malthouse, Westend performerSend us a textMatthew was brought up in the west coast of Scotland and trained at the Dance School of Scotland before starting his professional trading at Arts Ed in London.He left after one year as he was offered a part in a musical in Germany and from there his career took off.Matthew's theatre credits include: Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street (Chichester Festival); Chicago (Cambridge); The Car Man (London/UK tour); Edward Scissorhands (London/UK/US/Japan/Korea); Jack and the Beanstalk (Barbican); Mary Poppins (Prince Edward); Anything Goes (Th...
2022-08-2851 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 87: Kate Parr, actor, personal trainer and general workaholicSend us a textThis recording was done at Chichester Festival Theatre where Kate is currently playing the role of Patsy and is also understudy for Carly Anderson who plays Polly, the lead female character, in Crazy For You. This brand new production, which celebrates the work’s 30th anniversary, is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman.After growing up in Stoke on Trent, Kate went on to train at Arts Ed, Kate before launching her professional performing career. She played Stephanie in ‘Saturday Night Fever’ for Bill Kenwright, and performed in ‘Follies’ at The National The...
2022-08-2138 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 86: Deborah Laws, dancepreneur and owner of the Dance Business LabSend us a textAfter running a dance school for 27 years and a franchise theatre school for 12. Deborah made a break and invested in a business coach, studied marketing, retention, business strategies in relation to the dance world, customer services, finances, planning, social media, team nurturing, leadership, systems, processes, the list goes on. She read over 30 business books, went on business retreats, attended summits, webinars you name it.Soon she was implementing her newly learned skills and it started to pay off. She experienced wonderful growth in her businesses and turned her schools around. That...
2022-03-2719 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 85: Live from Move It, the world's biggest dance event.Send us a textThis weeks podcast was recorded live at this year's Move It which is the world's biggest dance event where Craig was promoting Starquest Performers College, and takes place at London's Excel.Craig interviews Move It Event Creative Director, Tia Hassen and Lucy Newton of Cogo Travel.MOVE IT is the World’s biggest and best dance event, celebrating all forms of dance and the performing arts across three amazing days. No matter what level you are, MOVE IT has something for every dancer, teacher, spectator and professional, at...
2022-03-2014 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 84: Thanet Dance FestivalSend us a textCraig is at it again! Adjudicating at this year's Thanet Dance Festival which is based in Birchington in Kent.
2022-03-1314 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 83: Chesham FestivalSend us a textWe are back with season five and kicking off is Craig's interview with parents, teachers and performers at Chesham Festival in Bucks, UK which was held on 24–26 February 2022.A chance for students to compete again and for parents and teachers to get together and share experiences.
2022-03-0625 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 82: Tim English, professional performer, director and vocational tutor.Send us a textTim English trained at Arts Ed and graduated with honours. He was recently resident director for Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre London and The Lion King UK/International Tour. His theatre credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, Harry in Mamma Mia!, Monsieur Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities and Ralph Rackstraw in HMS Pinafore. Tim helped set up the Chris Hornby bursary fund at ArtsEd where he and Chris both trained. Chris had received a bursary to train at ArtsEd, a small grant that...
2021-12-0546 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 81: It's behind you. A big panto shout out for 2021.Send us a textThis week we give a big shout out to all the pantos that are going ahead this year around the UK. After a year without we thought a much needed reminder to support your local pantomimes would be the right thing to do. They are the life blood for keeping theatres and venues alive and without them theatre land would be a much sadder and poorer place. So get your tickets booked for you and your family and friends and get ready to shout, boo, hiss, cheer, laugh and cla...
2021-11-2809 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 80: Jack O'Neill aka Ava Cardo, drag entertainer, singer and panto star.Send us a textA loveable live singing drag queen from the Midlands who brings glamour, comedy and a contagious energy to her performances. Singing camp classics, musical parodies and all the songs you forgot you loved, It’s Ava Cardo!After graduating drama school training at East 15 Acting School, Ava immediately started her drag career performing to 100s of holiday makers a week across the Canary Islands as part of the Musical Hall Tavern show throughout 2016. Since moving back to the UK, Ava has made her mark on the drag scene starting out and ex...
2021-11-2134 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 79: Kerry Ellis, West End and Broadway leading lady, recording artist and global musical theatre star.Send us a textKerry Jane Ellis is an English actress and singer who is best known for her work in musical theatre and subsequent crossover into music. Born and raised in Suffolk, Ellis began performing at an early age before training at Laine Theatre Arts from the age of 16.Ellis made her first professional stage appearance in 1998 and went on to make her West End debut in the 2001 revival of My Fair Lady as an understudy for the role of Eliza Doolittle. In 2002, she landed the role of Meat in the original...
2021-11-1447 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 78: Andrée Bernard, TV, film & theatre actress & experienced voiceover artistSend us a textAndrée’s best known from TV series Only Fools & Horses, Hollyoaks, Holby City, Poirot & Doctor Who. She has starred in many West End theatre shows including Hair & Kiss Me Kate. Andrée has worked extensively with writer/director Steven Berkoff over the past few years on new plays The Actor’s Lament and 6 Characters in Search Of A Director. For an in-depth account of all of Andrée’s work from film & TV roles, to viewing clips, listening to her voiceover work and more, visit her website at andreebernard.com.
2021-11-0749 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 77: Live from Maidenhead Dance FestivalSend us a textThis weeks podcast comes 'live' from the Maidenhead Dance Festival in the UK. We get to hear teachers, parents and students views on performing and training as well as coping during lockdown. Also, the aspirations of the future performers.
2021-10-3117 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 76: Pasha Kovalev, BBC strictly, professional choreographer and latin and ballroom dancerSend us a textPavel "Pasha" Kovalev, born 19 January 1980 is a Russian professional Latin and ballroom dancer.He started dancing at the age of eight and in 2001 moved to the United States with his professional dance partner Anya Garnis. In 2007, the couple competed on the third season of the American version of So You Think You Can Dance and they have since participated in the eight subsequent seasons as either choreographers or 'All-Star' partners to the contestants.In 2011, Kovalev moved to the United Kingdom to take part i...
2021-10-2452 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 75: Emma Kate Nelson, actress, singer and dancerSend us a textEmma Kate is a British performer. Actress, singer and dancer she performs mainly on stage in theater and opera but also in cinema.Recently Emma Kate was spotted on stage at The Monte Carlo Opera House in Kurt Weill's Street Scene. At the Grand Palais and at the Théâtre du Châtelet for her portrayal of Lina Lamont in Singing In The Rain, or in the role of Anytime Annie in 42nd Street. She also played the role of La Fée Des Lilas in French in Peau d'âne at th...
2021-10-1753 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 74: Javier De Frutos, director, choreographer and designerSend us a textJavier De Frutos, Spanish Director, Choreographer and designer (born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1963) was named by the Evening Standard as one of 2016 most influential people in the UK. He is one of only three artists in the history of the Olivier Awards to have received nominations in all of the dance categories. His awards include the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography for Cabaret, The Evening Standard Award for The Most Incredible Thing in collaboration with Pet Shop Boys, Critics’ Circle Awards for Milagros with Royal New Zealand Ballet and Elsa Canasta with Ra...
2021-10-101h 12In the 'House Seats'Ep 73: Robbie McMillan, West End and International dancer.Send us a textRobbie trained in Brisbane, Australia and made his debut in the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance for television. From there he performed with the Paris Opera Ballet as part of their Australian tour. He was part of the Expressions Dance Company in Brisbane before performing on a number of cruise ships including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.After moving to the UK, he went on to perform in shows such as the international tour of Cats playing Mistoffelees, the UK, Ireland a...
2021-10-0341 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 72: Kevin Wilson of Kevin Wilson Public RelationsSend us a textKevin Wilson Public Relations is a small boutique West End PR agency that punches BIG!Kevin Wilson has a journalist’s instinct for a great story and how to sell it in a rapidly changing media landscape. An award-winning publicist (West End Publicist of the Year – Fringe Report Awards) he moved into PR 26 years ago after 18 years as a print journalist working in London and Hollywood. He launched Kevin Wilson Public Relations in 1995 and since then he has worked constantly in the West End, representing some of the biggest and most succ...
2021-09-2654 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 71: Hilary O'Neil, world renowned comedienne, impressionist and musical theatre starSend us a textAcclaimed entertainer Hilary O’Neil has become renowned for her laugh-out-loud comedy and her incredible impressions. Starting out as a dancer with Ken Dodd at the London Palladium, she quickly moved on to join close harmony group “Stutz Bear Cats”, before leaving to pursue a solo career. She has worked all over the world and with such household names as Hale & Pace, Jim Davidson, Brian Conley, Bobby Davro, Joe Longthorne, Richard Digance, Freddie Starr and Joe Pasquale. As well as the Palladium, her West End appearances have included “Acorn Antiques”...
2021-09-191h 01In the 'House Seats'Ep 70: Thank you season 3Send us a textIn this week's podcast, Craig looks back at some of his guests who helped make season 3 and he also looks to the future and highlights some of the great shows that have just opened or are due to open this year. He also highlights Amelie which he saw and loved and he shares his delight of this production with his listeners. Enjoy and we look forward to brining you a whole new set of guests for season 4.
2021-09-1219 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 69: Live from the Ibstock Novice Festival.Send us a textCraig is live from the Ibstock Novice Festival in Leicester this week, talking to a past student from Starquest Performers College, some of the young competitors and also owners of some of the school that have entered.
2021-09-0517 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 68: Charlotte Gooch, West End and International leading lady.Send us a textCharlotte trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts. Theatre credits include; Alex Owens in Flashdance (International Tour) Tina Sparkle in Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre London, The West Yorkshire Playhouse and The Princess of Wales Theatre Toronto) Dale Tremont in Top Hat (Aldwych Theatre London and UK Tour), Penny Johnson in Dirty Dancing (First-ever National Tour, West End revival at The Piccadilly Theatre London and the original German production at The Theater am Postdamer Platz Berlin), Margot in Legally Blonde (Deaugu Opera House, Korea) Bombalurina in CATS (European Tour) Patty Simcox and also u...
2021-08-2941 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 67: Theatre procedure, Craig's point of view on theatres opening up.Send us a textA short personal viewpoint on current procedure from Craig on theatres opening up.
2021-08-2208 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 66: Adam Blanshay, world renowned and award winning producer.Send us a textAdam Blanshay Productions is a London based theatre production company which produces, co-produces and manages a wide range of plays, musicals, comedies, digital content, and live event theatre across the UK, West End, Broadway and Australia. Produced over 60 productions worldwide. Winner of six Tony Awards, eight Olivier Awards, and one Helpmann Award. Adam is a 2023 EMBA Candidate of Saïd Business School, and received The Linbury Scholarship for his studies. Current productions include: Pippin (Charing Cross Theatre), The Theatre Channel (webseries), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Mouli...
2021-08-1548 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 65: Terry Hyde MA MBACP, psychotherapist/counsellorSend us a textTerry started dancing aged 6, won a 5 year scholarship to the RAD aged 10. He attended the Royal Ballet’s Upper School, joining the Royal Ballet at age 18. To expand his character work, he joined London’s Festival Ballet (now ENB) as a soloist, playing roles such as, Dr Coppelius in Coppelia, Sancho Panza in Don Quixote and The Headmistress in Graduation Ball. Terry left the ballet world to explore other artistic genres, and performed in musicals in London’s West End, in Film and on TV.On retiring from performing, Terry set up as a...
2021-08-0847 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 64: Ryan Jenkins, professional dancer, choreographer and director and owner of iD-Company.Send us a textRyan has worked in every area of the entertainment industry, most recently as creative director working with the government to represent the UK for British National Day at the Milan Expo 2015. He has worked with the biggest creatives in the world including; Matthew Bourne, Arlene Philips, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joel Schumacher, Peter Darling, Richard Marcel. He has also shared the stage with stars such as; Kerry Ellis, Idina Menzal, Adam Cooper, Miriam Margolyes, and Adam Garcia.Ryan has worked for Simon Cowell – SYCO entertainment as a talent scout for Britain’s got...
2021-08-0138 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 63: Stars of tomorrowSend us a textWhat are a young persons perspective of dance and performing arts, what are their goals, dreams and aspirations and how is dance adding to their well being and confidence?In this podcast, Craig interviews a few of the young pupils who are training for their end of year presentation at his mum's school, the Jackie Lynn Dance Studios which has been in operation 62 years this year.
2021-07-2513 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 62: Steve Elias, professional performer, choreographer and directorSend us a textSteve is an ex rugby playing welsh tenor, with a BA (Hons) Performance Art Degree specialising in choreography from Middlesex University. Most recently Director of Musical Theatre at Birmingham Ormiston Academy. Performing highlights Mr Braithwaite in the original cast of Billy Elliot, Frank Shultz in Show Boat at the Royal Albert Hall and The Beadle in Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall. As the presenter and choreographer of the BBC 2 award winning documentary Our Dancing Town, he saw four towns in Yorkshire, coming to together, celebrating the power of community throu...
2021-07-1839 minIn the 'House Seats'EP 61: Carole Todd, director and choreographer.Send us a textCarole's work as director/choreographer in the West End, includes: Dancing in the Streets (Cambridge, Savoy and Playhouse); Santa’s Christmas Adventure (Ambassadors); Gyles Brandreth’s Zipp! (Duchess); Girls Night Out (Victoria Palace); Elvis the Musical (Astoria, Prince of Wales and Piccadilly); Return to the Forbidden Planet (Cambridge); Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey (Lyric); Lily Savage in Snow White (Victoria Palace); Tribute to the Blues Brothers (Whitehall); Jack to a King (Ambassadors); The Pocket Dream (Albery); James and the Giant Peach (Sadler’s Wells); The Rivals (Boulevard); Wild Oats (National); La Cenerentola (Royal Opera House); v...
2021-07-1157 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 60: Kevin Bishop, editor, television producer and ex BBC guru.Send us a textKevin Bishop is a best known as a director and producer for the BBC Entertainment, working on shows staring for Victoria Wood (1989), and French and Saunders (1987)He started out as an associate producer for Candid Camera from 1974 before moving to director for shows such as 'Wogan', 'The Kenny Everett Television Show', 'the Paul Daniels Magic Show', 'French and Saunder's. In the late 80s he produced and directed the 'Les Dennis Laughter Show' and 'Michael Barrymore's Saturday Night Out'. In the 1990s onwards, he produced and directed many Royal Variety Pe...
2021-07-0434 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 59: Daniel Boys, West End lead, TV and recording artist.Send us a textDaniel won a Cameron Mackintosh scholarship to study at the Guildford School of Acting, where he graduated with a BA (Honours) in 2001. He was selected to perform in the first UK tour of Jonathan Larson's Rent, which meant leaving college early. He understudied the characters of Mark (played by Adam Rickitt) and Angel, eventually taking over the role of Mark, performing on alternate nights at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London's West End. In 2002, he played Morino in the UK tour of Sunset Boulevard, which starred Faith Brown. Boys also appeared as...
2021-06-2758 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 58: Kim Criswell, professional West End, Broadway and international leading lady.Send us a textKim's career has taken her from Broadway to the West End to the international concert stage, resulting in a most unusual career path unmatched by any other singer. She continues to specialize in musical theatre, bringing the classic American songbook to leading music venues across the world, both in symphony settings and recital. She has sung at La Scala in Milan, La Fenice in Venice, the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the Accademia Nazionale Santa Cecilia in Rome, the Théâtre du Châtelet and the Opéra Comique in Paris, Concertgebauw in Ams...
2021-06-2050 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 57: Helen Keane, hair and make-up supervisorSend us a textHelen's started her career with a work placement at the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester and since then she has gone on to work full-time in the professions.She has had a long working relationship with Cameron Mackintosh supervising the hair and make up for My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera in the UK and internationally, including productions in the USA, Korea and Spain.She has also been part of Mary Poppins for over 10 years with productions in the UK, Vienna, Stuttgart and now Japan. Worked...
2021-06-1333 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 56: John Barr, West End star and vocational teacherSend us a text John made his West End Debut at the age of 12 in Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver’ at the Albery Theatre. His theatre credits include: Bull Connor in King The Musical (Hackney Empire, 2018), Lionel Bart in The Story of Bart (Tour 2018 & Mirth, Maud & Marvel -2017 & The Hippodrome 2014), Barry Bronze in Rehab - A New Musical (The Union Theatre – 2017), Uncle Ernie in The Who’s Tommy (Greenwich Theatre), Principal Singer in Rhythm of Life (The St. James Theatre, Studio), Fogg in Sweeney Todd (EN...
2021-06-0642 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 55: Sally Ann Triplett, professional West End and Broadway leading lady and pop star.Send us a textSally Ann Triplett is a British singer and actress and is one of only four singers to have sung for the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, first in 1980 as the lead female vocals of the six-piece band Prima Donna and then two years later as part of a double act Bardo.Her first West End appearance was in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Subsequent West End productions include Margie and Young Phylis in Follies at the Shaftesbury, Chess at...
2021-05-3049 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 54: Claire Sweeney, actress, singer, dancer and TV presenterSend us a textClaire trained at the Elliot Clarke Stage School in Liverpool and the Italia Conti Stage School in London. Her extensive acting work on television includes playing regular character Lindsay Corkhill in Brookside, the fiery Katrina in the award-winning drama Clocking Off, Lindsey Kendal in the popular BBC series Holby City, Roz in BBC1's hit drama Merseybeat, and Amanda in comedy drama Candy Cabs.Claire's West End roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, playing opposite Patrick Swayze. Claire played the title role in Educating...
2021-05-2330 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 53: Helen Hobson, West End leading lady, television and screen actress.Send us a textHelen Hobson boasts an impressive career in both Musical Theatre and TV. Following her debut in Chess in the West End she then joined the cast of Les Miserables. From there her leading lady roles include, Donna in Mamma Mia!, Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Clara in Stephen Sondheim’s award winning Passion, Cathy opposite Sir Cliff Richard’s Heathcliff, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Rose Vibert in Aspects of Love, Grizabella in Cats and Mrs Walker in Tommy. She has just finished playing the role of Diane in Come From Away at the P...
2021-05-1658 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 52: Happy birthday to 'In the house seats'Send us a textYay, we are one year old and this is our 52nd recording. We started this podcast with an initial taster intro on 6 May 2020 and our first episode, with Alan Burkitt, was on 10 May 2020. We are so excited that live performance will soon be happening again as we have all missed so dearly, so today we are taking some time to wish ourselves a very happy birthday and to welcome back to the stage all the performances that are about to reopen again this summer. So all you nee...
2021-05-0913 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 51: Joanne Ward, musical theatre leading lady and principal of the Royal Academy of DanceSend us a textJoanne's background in professional & performance ballet, musical theatre and television provides her with unique expertise and credentials in the performing arts.Born in Paignton, Devon where she attended the Pamela De Waal School of Dancing. From an early age she was performing professionally in pantomimes alongside the Carry On team and Freddie Davis. She trained at the Arts Educational School in London, going on to perform principal roles with the Dublin City Ballet Company in Ireland, namely Pas De Quatre, Les Slyphides and The Nutcracker, working with Lou Conte, Paula Hinton...
2021-05-0246 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 50: Gary Wilmot, leading actor and musical theatre star.Send us a textGary’s first West End role was that of Bill Snibson in the award winning Musical ‘Me And My Girl’ in 1989 (Adelphi Theatre). A successful No.1 theatre tour of a new comedy, ‘Teething Troubles’ followed, both productions to critical acclaim. With direction by Simon Callow, Gary’s next role was that of Joe in the award winning ‘Carmen Jones’ (Old Vic). Gary then starred in the first sell out national tour of ‘Me And My Girl’ which earned him a best actor nomination.He then went on to star in the world premier o...
2021-04-2551 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 49: Leon Craig, West End performer and pantomime star.Send us a textLeon studied at Guildford School of Acting.Leon's theatre credits include: Sandra Bollock - Everybodys talking about Jamie (Apollo Theatre) West End, Babkak/Cover Genie - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre) West End, Audrey II (Voice of the plant) - Little Shop Of Horrors (Salisbury Playhouse & Mercury Theatre Colchester), Queen Of Hearts - Alice In Wonderland (UK tour), King Herod - Jesus Christ Superstar (Arena Tour UK & Australia), Rodney - My Big Gay Italian Wedding - (Greenwich Theatre), Melvin...
2021-04-1859 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep48: Steven Houghton, television, film and star of stage musicalsSend us a textSteven's television and film credits include: Jeff Cullen (Regular) in Coronation Street & Just Rosie (ITV), Ken Beasley (Regular) in Bernard’s Watch (Carlton), Gregg Blake (Regular) in London’s Burning (LWT), Ed Russell (Regular) in Bugs (Carnival / BBC), Captain Barker in The New adventures of Robin Hood (Warner Bros), Drew in Doctors (BBC), Scott Bridges in Holby City (BBC), Ex (Moonstone), Alive and Kicking (Film Four), Futures (Flick Films), Prisoners of Honour (Franco London Films).Theatre credits include Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (UK Tour), an Olivier nomination for his port...
2021-04-1140 min2021-04-0406 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 46: Lee Proud, multi award winning choreographer and director.Send us a textFrom training as a 13 year old at Italia Conti school, Lee has had an illustrious career performing in theatre before becoming the successful multi award winning choreographer and director that he is now.Lee has directed: Once on this Island (Southwark Playhouse); Eurovision (Iceland); Legally Blonde (Monaco) Lee has choreographed: Ghost (Stuttgard, Germany); Fiddler on the Roof (Det nyt Teatre, Denmark);City of Angels (Royal Academy of Music); Once on this Island (Southwark Playhouse); Eurovision, (Iceland), Matilda (Reykjavik); The Rocky Horror Show (Reykjavik City Centre...
2021-03-2856 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 45: Alex Bourne, West End lead and Olivier nominee.Send us a textAlex made his West End debut in the RSC/Opera North production of Showboat at The London Palladium in 1991. Shortly after this he joined the London production of Buddy at The Victoria Palace Theatre. In 1992 Alex joined the American touring company of Buddy and performed at The White House in the presence of President & Mrs George Bush.On his return Alex took over the role of Buddy Holly (his idol!) in the London production for two years. He went on to Only The Lonely at The Whitehall theatre, London and then...
2021-03-2147 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 44: Jai McDowall, BGT winner, West End performer and recording artist.Send us a textJai won the fifth season of Britain’s Got Talent, capturing the hearts of a nation with his powerhouse vocals, natural charm, and versatile song interpretations. His debut album Believe was released with Syco Music in 2011 and the popularity of the track, ‘To Where You Are,’ led to McDowall being invited by its original singer, Josh Groban, to jointly perform the song at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.After touring the UK, Jai performed to critical acclaim at the 2011 Royal Variety Performance. He has since performed on the live finale of China’s...
2021-03-1440 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 43: Nikki Woollaston, professional choreographer, director and mass movement specialist.Send us a textAfter training at the London Studio Centre and then a successful performing career, Nikki went on to direct and choreograph for productions including: Hairspray (Pimlico Opera); Barrie Humphries Weimar Cabaret (Barbican); Sweet Charity (Pimlico Opera); Anton and Erin (2015 thru 2020 tours); Les Miserables (Pimlico Opera); Porgy and Bess (Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen); Ballroom to Broadway Tour (Anton Du Beke – 2014 Tour); The King’s Speech (Wyndhams Theatre & UK tour); Backbeat (Duke of Yorks/Toronto/Los Angeles ); Rigoletto (Opera Holland Park); La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, Tosca and Dialogue Du Carmelites (Grange Park Opera); Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theat...
2021-03-071h 02In the 'House Seats'Ep 42: John Rigby, conductor, musical supervisor and musicologist.Send us a textDr John Rigby studied orchestral conducting at the University of Huddersfield and the Royal Northern College of Music. He gained his PhD from King’s College London having researched the cultural resonances of Franz Lehár’s ‘Berlin’ operettas during the Weimar Republic. He also holds an honorary Doctor of Arts from Edge Hill University in recognition of his work in musical theatre and conducting.As a musical supervisor his credits include: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Palladium); SCHOOL OF ROCK (London, US Tour, Australia, Korea); THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (25...
2021-02-2838 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 41: Nikki Belsher, professional performer, West End director and resident choreographer.Send us a textNikki Belsher was trained at the Jeannine Greville Dancing Academy.At 11 she made her West End debut in the musical Annie at the Victoria Palace. By the time she was 15 she had followed this with two further seasons in Annie, a season with Kids International at the Dominion and the leading role of Morgana in Tin Pan Ali at the Edinburgh Fringe.She left school at 16 to join the cast of 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where she understudied both female leads - Peggy Sawyer and...
2021-02-2156 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 40: Gareth Valentine, composer, conductor and musical director.Send us a textGareth is a Welsh composer, arranger, conductor and musical director. He has worked extensively in London's West End on musical productions and also conducted orchestras worldwide including the BBC Concert Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Pasdeloup orchestra, RPO Concert Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, ENB Sinfonia, Orchestre de chambre de Paris and many others. After graduating from the Royal College of Music, London, he studied with Sir Peter Pears at Aldeburgh. As Musical Supervisor his theatre credits include: Kiss Me Kate, Chichester Festival Theatre; Crazy For You, Open Air T...
2021-02-1442 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 39: Laurretta Summerscales, professional classical ballerina.Send us a textAt 18 Laurretta joined English National Ballet under the Directorship of Wayne Eagling. After 6 months she had the opportunity to dance the Principal role of Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis in Mary Skeaping's Giselle at the London Coliseum. Following the success of this role Laurretta got to perform the Pas de Trois in Suite En Blanc along side Vadim Muntagirov and also participate in the new creation of the ballet Firebird, choreographed by George Williamson, dancing the roles of the Firebird and the Purist Lady.In 2013 under the new directorship of Tamara Ro...
2021-02-0758 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 38: Matthew Cole, Olivier award nominated choreographer and director.Send us a textMatthew Cole is an OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED Choreographer and is the founder of LONDON THEATRE RUNWAY. A musical theatre training and connectivity programme for industry professionals. www.londontheatrerunway.comHis forthcoming productions include: FOOTLOOSE UK Tour - 2021, IDENTICAL (based upon The Parent Trap) Directed by Trevor Nunn, Music by George Stiles and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe - 2021, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF UK TOUR - 2021, BERLIN BERLIN German and International Tour - 2021 and MEMPHIS UK and International Tour...
2021-01-3147 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 37: Katy Lipson, theatre producer and founder of Aria Entertainment.Send us a textAria Entertainment was founded in 2012 by Katy Lipson. In 2017, Katy was awarded the Best Producer award by the Off-West End Awards and is a recipient of the Stage One Bursary and Start Up Award. She made “The Stage 100” in 2018, 2019 and 2020 for her work at Hope Mill Theatre and in 2021 for her work as a solo producer.Katy produced the UK Premiere Tour of The Addams Family and the 50th Anniversary production of HAIR at the London Vaults, which she originally co-produced with Hope Mill Theatre in 2016, where she was the Producing Arti...
2021-01-2439 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep 36: Michael England, conductor, composer, musical directorSend us a textMichael England was born in Colchester and went on to study at Huddersfield University. Since then he has embarked on a highly successful career as conductor, composer and musical director.In London’s West End, Michael has been Musical Director for Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Spamalot, The Producers, Jerry Springer – The Opera (also BBC TV) and Doctor Dolittle. On tour he has been Musical Director for The Sound of Music, Evita, Les Misérables, Aspects of Love and Grease. He has also been Assistant MD on Cats, Miss S...
2021-01-1739 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep35: Sarah Ingram, leading lady, actress and directorSend us a textSarah Ingram is a London-based actress whose musical theatre credits include Miss Jane in Floyd Collins (Wilton's Music Hall), Paulette in Legally Blonde (South Korea for The Curve) Grand High Witch in The Witches (The Curve and Tour) Medium / Aunt in See What I Wanna See (Jermyn Street Theatre), Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Twickenham Theatre), Stella in Follies (Opera de Toulon), Josie in Taboo (Brixton Club House), Mrs Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank (York Theatre Royal and Tour), Miss Hannigan in Annie (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Road Show...
2021-01-1048 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep34: Craig's New Year messageSend us a textSome thoughts for the year ahead and wishing everyone hope and joy for 2021.
2021-01-0309 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep33: Craig's Christmas greetingsSend us a textAs we finish 2020 and look forward to a more hopeful 2021, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my guests who gave their time up to be interviewed by me and sharing part of their life experiences within the performing arts world.I also want to thank all my listeners who have given me such wonderful feedback and I hope you will continue to carry on listening to my podcast in the new year. Please do leave me a five star review on iTunes Podcasts, it would mean such...
2020-12-2010 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep32: LaMichael Leonard, professional dancer, choreographer and Paris Lido principal performerSend us a textLaMichael Leonard, Jr. is from Tallahassee, FL, but resides in Paris where he hasbeen the lead dancer and Master of Ceremonies at the world-famous Lido Cabaret since 2014. He began his professional dance career with Martha Graham Dance Company, where he was a soloist, and made his international debut in Athens, Greece soon after earning his BFA from New World School of the Arts in Miami, FL. LaMichael was a long-time company member creating many signature roles with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company fr...
2020-12-1345 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep31: Sasha Regan, theatre producer and director.Send us a textSasha Regan is an English theatre director. In 1998, she founded the Union Theatre, a small fringe venue on the premises of a disused paper warehouse on Union Street in the London borough of Southwark. She has been in charge of the theatre ever since.Her director credits include: Blondel (The Union Theatre); The Last Five Years (St. James Theatre, Assisted Jason Robert Brown); Out There (Union Theatre); Cinderella (Watersmeet, Rickmansworth); H.M.S. PINAFORE (Hackney Empire/UK tour); Pipe Dream (Union Theatre); Pirates Of Penzance (Hackney Empire/Australian tour...
2020-12-0644 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep30: Mike Sterling, British Singer and West End leading actorSend us a textMike Sterling is a much-in-demand performer with over 30 years’ experience encompassing West End theatre, television, radio, classical stage and recording. He has worked alongside many superstars in various television programmes and UK tours, including Dame Shirley Bassey, Barry Manilow, Michael Ball and Engelbert Humperdinck.His West End credits include The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera which he performed over 1,000 times at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. His portrayal of both roles has earned him international acclaim.He has also played...
2020-11-2950 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep29: Tim McArthur, international musical theatre performer, director and pantomime dame.Send us a textTim trained at Mountview before embarking on his successful career within the performing arts world.His directing credits include: Into the Woods, (Cockpit Theatre), Metropolis,Wonderful Town, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods, Days of Hope, She Loves Me, Follies. (Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre); NewsRevue (Edinburgh 2013, Canal Café Theatre, London 2013 and 2016), Sunny Side of The Street, Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered, Classic Moments, Hidden Treasures, Coloured Lights and Jack The Ripper (Jermyn Street Theatre); Sweeney Todd and Chess (University of Cumbria, Carlisle); Rubbed, Goosed, Fanny, Ja...
2020-11-2242 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep28: Nigel West, professional creative and West End director.Send us a textNigel joined the Bristol Old Vic company at the Theatre Royal in 1983 where he stayed for three years working on 29 productions ranging from ‘RICHARD II’ to the musical ‘JUDY’ which he also worked on when it transferred to London’s Strand Theatre in 1986. After a season on the Theatre Of Comedy production of ‘ROOKERY NOOK’ at London's Shaftesbury Theatre he joined the Olivier award winning musical ‘ME AND MY GIRL’ at the Adelphi Theatre and became Associate Director in March 1988 establishing a 10 year association with director Mike Ockrent, going on to direct the first sel...
2020-11-1546 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep27: Summer Strallen, West End lead, film and TV actress.Send us a textSummer has been involved in the West End productions of Cats, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls and The Boy Friend (for which she was nominated for the 2007 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Role in a Musical). During the Christmas season of 2006 she played the title role in the pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat. She starred in The Drowsy Chaperone (for which she was nominated for the 2008 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), alongside Elaine Paige.In 2008, Strallen took over the role of 'Maria' from Connie Fisher...
2020-11-0856 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep26: Keith Jack, West End lead, singer, recording artist and runner-up on the BBC reality talent show 'Any Dream Will Do'.Send us a textKeith Jack is best known for his appearance in the BBC1 Show ‘Any Dream will Do’, coming in second.Shortly after the program Keith joined the UK Tour of Bill Kenwright’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in which he played The Narrator. He then created the lead role of Charlie in the new musical Only the Brave, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, following this he was asked back to take over the lead part of Joseph, which he played for three years. He has also played the role of...
2020-11-0138 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep25: Graham Seed, professional television, film and radio actorSend us a textGraham is best known for his role playing Nigel Pargetter in the BBC radio series The Archers from 1983 until January 2011. After his character's death in 2011, Seed played himself as the villain in a Radio 4 pantomime who plans to bring down Radio 4 by releasing the Pips, but ultimately falls to his death whilst retrieving a banner, paralleling his Archers character. In addition to The Archers, Seed has appeared in the well-known "Is it on the Trolley?" sketch, alongside Victoria Wood (its author) and Duncan Preston in Wood's As Seen on TV series, the TV...
2020-10-2539 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep24: Ben Costello, UK and international conductor, musical director, adjudicator, singing coach and accompanist.Send us a textBen Costello is a freelance conductor, musical director, adjudicator, singing coach and accompanist, working internationally. He is also Artistic Director of Thames Concerts Ltd, Founding Director of Kingston Chamber Singers, Chorus Master for the Leith Hill Musical Festivalcombined choirs concerts, Guest Conductor of the Voices of Hangzhou Youth Choir, a lecturer in musical theatre at the University of Portsmouth, and a musical director and singing coach at Laine Theatre Arts.A specialist in musical theatre, he has...
2020-10-1827 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep23: Alison Pollard, West End performer, choreographer, creative and directorSend us a textAlison is Associate Director on THE BOOK OF MORMON (London and International Tour). In 2021 Alison will direct the UK/International tour of DREAMGIRLS and will be Associate Director on the Broadway transfer of MEAN GIRLS.Director: CHICAGO (International Tour), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (National Tour), SPAMALOT (Melbourne, Australia and Cologne, Germany), ENGLISH HERITAGE AWARDS (Palace Theatre), SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS - THE MUSICAL (UK Tour), ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD(Palace Theatre, Mansfield) and CHICAGO (Marrakech and Turkey).Director and Choreographer: Disney’s BE...
2020-10-1133 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep22: Richard Guy Mawbey, global wig and hair creator for the stars of stage and screen.Send us a textRichard has enjoyed a great career in hair, make-up and wigs. He has worked on Finding Neverland, Evita, La Cage Aux Folles, Frost Nixon, Waitress and Priscilla in New York. London theatre credits include: BIG the MUSICAL, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, Nine to Five, Uncle Vanya, Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall, Pack of Lies, Pinter at the Pinter, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Labour of Love, Spamilton, Lazarus the David Bowie Musical, The Libertine, Mrs Henderson Presents, Elf, The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Season, The...
2020-10-0441 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep21. Neil Reynolds, West End performer and now sports journalists, presenter and consultant.Send us a textNeil has been in the arts since the age of 4 and has been lucky enough to follow the dream he had as a child.Having started dancing locally in Greenford in Middlesex he was lucky enough to be accepted by Arts Educational schools and then the Royal Ballet school.On leaving Royal Neil became a part of the Bluebells from Paris travelling the world and doing what he likes to think of as his apprenticeship for things to come.Neil has performed in such shows as Me...
2020-09-2741 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep20: Andy Coxon, West End lead, professional actor, photographer and now, beauty range mogulSend us a textDerby-born actor Andy Coxon trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Once graduating Andy landed a role in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, marking his professional debut. In the same year he travelled Europe understudying and playing Brad and Riff Raff to packed audiences in the European tour of the classic cult hit The Rocky Horror Show.Later he went on to play one of the students in the Oscar winning movie musical version of Les Miserables alongside Hugh Jackman an...
2020-09-2041 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep19: Nicola Dawn Brook, West End and Canadian leading actress.Send us a textNicola grew up in Manchester, England. She became a professional actor at 14 when she performed in The Little Matchgirl with Roger Daltrey (the Who). She started touring with musical theatre companies at 17, performing in Chess, The Sound of Music and Lloyd Webber’s production of Aspects of Love. Nicola’s big break came at 21 when she was picked to play the role of Lola in the West End production of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. It changed her life. She moved to London and never looked back.She first visited Canada in 1996 when s...
2020-09-1334 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep18: Ionica Adriana, British stage and screen actress and presenter.Send us a textIonica is a British stage and screen Actress. She was born and adopted from Romania at the age of 2 and a half years old. Ionica trained at East 15 Acting School in 2008. Ionica is currently featuring in Documentary, 'The Acting Class', alongside Maxine Peake, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Samuel West & Christopher Eccleston – showing across cinemas now. Ionica has recently wrapped on Feature Film, 'Schadenfreude', produced by Steve Sweeney which is later to be released. Ionica sang at the Closing Ceremony at the Newcastle Film Festival and at 2018’s Festival of Remembrance at York Barbican. Ionic...
2020-09-0637 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep17: Cassidy Janson, Actress, West End leading lady and recording artist.Send us a textCassidy Janson is a British actress, best known for her work in musical theatre.In 2005 Janson appeared in Tick, Tick... Boom! at the Menier Chocolate Factory. She played Susan, alongside Neil Patrick Harris as Jonathan and Tee Jaye Susan as Michael. In 2006 she joined the original West End cast of Wicked as part of the ensemble, later moving to be standby for the role of Elphaba. Following this, she joined the final West End cast of Avenue Q as Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut. In 2011 she originated the role...
2020-08-3045 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep16: Rachel Stanley, West End lead and professional actress and singer.Send us a textRachel Stanley is a British actress and singer. She has had an amazing career in musical theatre playing Mum in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve); lead vocalist in The Song Book of Judy Garland (UK Tour); Betty Haynes in White Christmas (Dominion 2014 and seasons in Edinburgh, Manchester, Plymouth & Southampton); Grace Farell in Annie (New Zealand Tour & UK Tour); Gill in Jackie the Musical (Gardyne Theatre, Dundee); Tess in Crazy for You (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Novello Theatre); Tr...
2020-08-2345 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep15: Kate Graham, West End leading actress and vocational tutorSend us a textKate hails originally from the North East. She qualified with BAHons in History from Durham University before moving to London to pursue her dream of becoming a performer, beginning with a postgraduate course in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. She was awarded the DipRAM for her study year, gained a teaching qualification (LRAM) and has since been made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) for excellence in her field. Kate continues to explore aspects of...
2020-08-1630 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep14: Nick Winston, international director and choreographer.Send us a textNick Winston is an international Director and Choreographer working in Theatre, Opera & Television. Nick's theatre credits includes, as Director & Choreographer: the first UK revival of MAME, starring Tracie Bennett (Hope Mill Theatre – 7 Whatsonstage nominations including Best Musical Revival and Best Choreography); the 30th anniversary production of FAME (West End, UK tour & International tour – Broadway World nomination for Best Choreographer); CHESS starring Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Barks (Tokyo and Osaka); the first original UK revival of CATS (Kilworth House Theatre – Broadway World Award nomination for Best Director); ROCK OF AGES (UK tour and Be...
2020-08-0936 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep13: Tara Overfield Wilkinson, performer, choreographer and West End director.Send us a textAt the time of recording, Tara had finished as director for Falsettos at the Other Palace theatre, which was the winner of the Whatsonstage Best Off West End Musical. She is currently associate director/choreographer for Come from Away in the West End.Tara's director credits include: The Producers (China); Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour); Peter Pan and Cinderella (Poole); Miss Saigon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Who’s Tommy and Sister Act (Isle of Man) and Cats (Channel Islands).Her associate director credits include: Motown (West En...
2020-08-0246 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep12: Bill Deamer, Olivier award winner, West End, stage and television choreographer.Send us a textBill Deamer is one of Britain's leading choreographers whose extensive training is grounded in ballet, jazz and tap. He is the first-choice go-to choreographer for period choreography.He started his career when, employed as lead dancer in a production of Cabaret in the West End (choreographed and directed by his mentor Dame Gillian Lynne OBE), he was offered an opportunity to choreograph his own version of Cabaret at Salisbury Playhouse. From there he has never looked back… He was reunited with Gillian Lynne when he was invited by Sir An...
2020-07-2640 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep11: Norma Atallah, West End, television and feature film sensationSend us a textNorma has had a long and amazing career in theatre, film and TV.In theatre, Norma played Emily Whitman in Follies at the National Theatre directed by Dominic Cooke also Liesl at the print room in Babettes Feast directed by Bill Buckhurst , Abuela Claudia in In the Heights directed by Luke Lheppard.Her West End credits include, Les Miserbles, Nine, Pirates of Penzance, Matador, Daisy Pulls It Off, Cats, Chicago, Evita and Oklahoma directed by Jamie Hammerstein and in repertory, Rocky Horror Show, Fiddler On The Roof and Stepping Ou...
2020-07-1932 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep10: Stephan Ulberini, opera star, musician, vocal teacher and musical theatre performer.Send us a textStephan is a Welsh Italian Tenor who trained at The Royal Academy of Music London, graduating with a Masters Degree in Opera, under the tutelage of Ryland Davies. Prior to this, he gained his initial degree in Music from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & DanceHis operatic works to date include The Barber of Seville (Glyndebourne), The Magic Flute (Glyndebourne), La Damnation de Faust (Glyndebourne), Cendrillon (Glyndebourne), La Traviata (Glyndebourne), Der Rosenkavalier (Glyndebourne), Madama Butterfly (Glyndebourne), Saul (Glyndebourne), Vanessa (Glyndebourne), Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Glyndebourne), The Cunning Little Vixen (Glyndebourne), T...
2020-07-1236 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep9: Loliya Harrison, Nutritional therapist, personal trainer and pilates teacherSend us a textIn this podcast Loliya talks to Craig about her initial training as an athlete, teaching science in various London secondary schools and then her passion about the importance of good nutrition and regular exercise to support health which led her to retrain as a nutritional therapistShe also trained to become a personal trainer, remedial and soft tissue massage therapist, pilates teacher and an oxygen advantage breathing instructor. With all this knowledge she developed an eating and exercise regime that worked to reset her hormones, manage her weight and e...
2020-07-0532 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep8: Ian Meeson, performer, signer, song writer, teacher, examiner and now board of directors for the IDTASend us a textIan was born in Blackpool and at the age of twelve was lead singer on the re-recording of the Queen song, Who Wants To Live Forever, for Brian May and EMI records.After dance training with television choreographer Phil Winston and travelling weekly from the North to London for singing lessons with the renowned Ian Adam, Ian was contracted as a performer in the West End at the age of seventeen. Performance credits included Mungojerrie in Cats, Flat Top and cover Rusty in Starlight Express, Napthali in Joseph, and s...
2020-06-2833 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep7: Ashley Andrews, West End and Broadway performer and associate choreographer.Send us a textAfter training at Laine Theatre Arts in London, Ashley has gone on to have an amazing career in theatre, TV and film.He has appeared in numerous musicals in the West End including Fame, Billy Elliot, Wicked, Chicago and High School the Musical. He was dance captain in Monty Python Live (Mostly) at the O2 and principal dancer and vocalist in the original cast of Drunk for the McOnie Company.Recently moving to the US, he has now notched up An American in Paris, resident choreographer in the original...
2020-06-2043 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep6: Rhys Antoni Yeomans, previous Billy Elliot and now cast member of the English National Ballet company.Send us a textRhys was born in Manchester and played Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre in the West End at the age of 12. He then went on to train at Centre Pointe in Manchester.In 2017, became the winner of the BBC Young Dancer Competition within the ballet section. That same year he also joined the English National Ballet. In 2019 he was an Emerging Dancer finalist and also the winner odf the people's choice award.His favourite roles to date are The Mad Hatter in Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adve...
2020-06-1322 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep5 Lisa Gorgin, West End leading lady and Los Angeles BAFTA Newcomer.Send us a textBorn in Whitechapel, raised in Essex, Lisa attended drama and ballet classes from an early age. Going onto train at the Italia Conti Academy before graduating and venturing into the big wide world! She has had a varied career from stage, screen, TV, cruise ships, and an abundance of fascinating 'day jobs!' Her musical theatre credits include Miranda in The Return to the Forbidden Planet which is the musical adaptation of The Tempest, Grease, Debbie Does Dallas the musical, The Rat Pack, The Rocky Horror Show, Footloose, Fame and as...
2020-06-0635 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep4. Pip Jordan: Theatre, TV and film associate choreographerSend us a textAfter her training at Laine Theatre Arts, Pip went onto to have a very successful career in musicals such as Mack and Mabel, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Thoroughly Modern Millie before becoming assistant choreographer for Parade at Donmar Warehouse, Shrek UK and Ireland Tour and Beautiful - The Carole King Musical and is currently associate choreographer for the UK production of Frozen at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane. She was also a resident dancer for 6 yrs, Stars in their Eyes for Granada TV, appeared in numerous commercials and has w...
2020-05-2928 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep3. Stephen Mear, HonDArt, CBE: Performer, award-winning choreographer and director.Send us a textHonorary Doctor of Arts and two-time Olivier award winner Stephen Mear has been described by the Telegraph as “the old-style master of the modern chorus line”. Stephen’s prolific career has taken him in all directions from musical theatre on Broadway and the West End to opera at the ENO, Paris and the Met in New York. His varied and sought after talent extends to well known TV programmes such as ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘the Tracey Ullman show’ and ‘the Victoria Wood Show’. He has also choreographed music videos for high profile artis...
2020-05-2222 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep2. Jennifer Haley: Ex theatrical producer and international adjudicator.Send us a textAn informative interview about theatre producing, performing arts training and current trends of adjudication.Jennifer trained in London from the age of five with Tony Morgan, Maude Wells and Letty Littlewood, three inspiring teachers. She competed in many dance festivals in London and the South East and as a teacher entered pupils in local festivals. She has been a Federation and All England Adjudicator for nearly thirty years. She worked for over twenty years in the professional theatre, first as a dancer, then singer, actress, director and latterly as a...
2020-05-1723 minIn the 'House Seats'Ep1. Alan Burkitt: West End lead and choreographer.Send us a textIn this first episode of in the 'House Seats' Craig Bartley interviews West End lead and choreographer, Alan Burkitt.Alan has a huge wealth of professional credits to his name from playing Dick McGann in Street Scene (Cologne Opera), Bill Calhoun/Lucentio in Kiss Me Kate (West End, UK Tour) and has just finished playing Bobby Pepper in the UK tour of Curtains.He was part of the original West End Cast of Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre (understudy Jerry Travers) and subsequently starring as Jerry in the...
2020-05-1025 min
In the 'House Seats'In the 'House Seats' welcome introductionSend us a textAn introduction to our up and coming 30 minute chat show podcast about all aspects of the entertainment industry from onstage performing or backstage in theatre, television and film production.Tune in every Sunday and have a great time with our guests in the 'House Seats'.
2020-05-0601 min
Dance InspireEp 33. Craig Bartley: Career, self employment and his new online dance competitionIn this episode Gillian delves into Craig Bartley's career and new online digital performing arts festival which is on it's second run. Also the opportunity to train professionally at his college fully funded... listen to find out more!This podcast comes to you as I advocate what dance stands for and how much culture we have within the UK. Our talented artists are phenomenal in their creativity and services. My website houses Dance Inspire UK pages that have links and groups that you can be part of.Check out my services to help you succeed!
2020-05-0135 min