Shows
It Pays the BillsAnchors Down, Curtains Up with Holly GibsonWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Holly Gibson, a singer, dancer, and choreographer. Holly and I chatted all about her life at sea, her life on land, and everything in between.A bit about Holly:Holly has worked as a dance teacher and choreographer for over 15 years. She has taught for multiple dance schools and franchises in both specialized dance and musical theatre, winning multiple awards for her choreography. She has coached students for All England Dance Competitions and finalists for ITDA Miss Dance of Great Britain.As an...2025-05-1325 min
It Pays the BillsA Modern Major Solicitor with Zoe MorrisWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Zoe Morris, a director, writer, and lawyer. She and I actually met years ago during a day job, so it was great to sit down with her and chat about her writing process, her winding career, and her next projects.A bit about Zoe:Zoe trained as a theatre director graduating from her Masters at Mountview in 2018. She has an interest in shows that deal with mental health, science and has a passion for equal representation.Since graduating she has changed her fo...2025-04-0823 min
It Pays the BillsScribbles to Spotlights with Niall HemingwayWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Niall Hemingway, a London-based actor and writer. We chatted about their journey as an actor, writer, and teacher, and the difference between writing for print and for stage!A bit about Niall:Niall Hemingway is an actor and writer based in London. They graduated from the Courtyard Theatre Training Company with a BA in Acting. Their debut novel The Son Of Circe Vol. 1 is available now.The Son of Circe, Vol. 1 | Instagram | The Son of Circe Instagram This is a...2025-03-2525 min
It Pays the BillsFinding a Direction with Dillon BrownWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Dillon Brown, a newly-graduated director and writer. We chatted about the state of film, Dillon’s university project, which was screened at the BFI, and more!A bit about Dillon:Dillon Brown is a Horror writer / director by day but a waiter at a French restaurant by night. Dillon recently graduated a film production course at London Metropolitan University. His Film 'Divine Hunger' was shown at the BFI and his other works have been shown at various film festivals. Dillon is also a men's ment...2025-03-1121 min
It Pays the BillsFrom Punch to Punchlines with Gabrielle MacPhersonWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Gabrielle MacPherson, whose love of performing and comedy finally led her to stand-up after a drunken bet with a friend. We chatted about comedy, the importance of youth arts, and all of Gabrielle’s previous day jobs.A bit about Gabrielle:Gabrielle is a proud working class, northerner who started stand up comedy a couple of years ago. Since then she has been a finalist in the Leicester Square New Comedian and the Get Up Stand Up Stand Up Club competitions. This summer she will...2025-02-2529 min
It Pays the BillsScared Silly with George HiderWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is George Hider, who’s day job and creative pursuits merge brilliantly in his work at the London Dungeon. We chatted about staying creative, George’s cheesemongering experiences, and more.A bit about George:George never set out to become a “Scream Queen” - it just sort of happened. As a multi-hyphenate actor-writer-comedian-content creator, he is no stranger to finding different ways to express his creativity. He has worked on a variety of projects that all seem to have at least some horror-ific undertones to them, incl...2025-02-1129 min
It Pays the BillsThe Rebrand Era with Bethany WhiteleyWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Bethany, an actor, singer, and small business owner. We chatted about how Bethany’s goals have changed through the years, why she enjoys teaching so much, and how she’s shaping the next generation through inclusive performing arts. A bit about Bethany:After graduating from Bird College, Bethany has gone on to work as a vocalist internationally, appearing in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, 2 Become 1, and in leading roles in various pantomimes. Bethany has also performed as the lead vocalist at London Cabaret Club for th...2025-01-2833 min
It Pays the BillsKeeping Busy with Arieta VisokaWelcome back to It Pays the Bills, and welcome to our first episode of 2025! Today’s guest is Arieta Visoka, an actor, poet, and barista. We chatted about Arieta’s past and present day jobs, her approach to comedy, and how she develops her characters.A bit about Arieta:Arieta is a British Albanian Actor from Kosova who graduated from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2019. Her credits include Eastern Angles Theatre Company, The Northern Stage, rehearsed readings at the National & The Mercury. This is a public episode. If you would like to disc...2025-01-1425 min
It Pays the BillsWalks in the Park with Hannah JohnsonWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Hannah Johnson, a comedy actor, improviser, and dog walker. We chatted about following two interests at once, how to build up comedy chops, and the joy of looking after dogs daily.A bit about Hannah:Hannah graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 2020. Recently: Gang Bang at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024. Studied Comedy Improv with Hoopla and Clowning with Mischief Theatre. Previously toured with This Is My Theatre for Spring and Summer 2023. Currently in an advert for Grub Club on Sky TV.Instagram...2024-11-1929 min
It Pays the BillsSchool of Rock with Hannah-Theresa EngenWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Hannah-Theresa Engen, who leads a double life in musical theatre and the heavy metal music industry. We had a great chat about everything from Hannah-Theresa’s arts background and her time playing the trumpet to her least favorite job and how she stays creative in busy London.A bit about Hannah-Theresa:Hannah-Theresa Engen is a musical theatre artist/creative from Norway based in London. When she’s not performing she enjoys hanging around the mosh pit (never in the mosh pit) and she always enjoys...2024-11-0534 min
It Pays the BillsSketchy Behavior with Steph DarceyWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Steph Darcey, a London-based actor, singer, and writer, who took inspiration from her job turning the dials for autocue and turned it into a hilarious political comedy about AMEXA: The Robot Politician.A bit about Steph:Steph Darcey is an actor, writer, singer, improviser & comedian. Steph recently performed her debut comedy show ‘Prototype’ (a 60 min political comedy about AMEXA: The Robot Politician) at The Old Red Lion Theatre and The Museum of Comedy, as part of The Camden Fringe, for which she received multiple 4.5-star...2024-10-2237 min
It Pays the BillsMore Than Just One Thing with Helen Cunningham and Nikoletta SoumelidisWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guests are Helen Cunningham and Nikoletta Soumelidis, our first-ever joint interviewees! We chatted about how they created their production company, 28&2 Productions, how they started theatre, and how they’re staying afloat. A bit about Helen & Nikoletta:Helen Cunningham attended The Oxford School of Drama. An actor and singer who now regularly writes and directs with an affinity for dark comedy. Over the last years, she has been an integral part of NewsRevue, the longest running comedy show in the world. She has been part of the cast...2024-10-0837 min
It Pays the BillsArts or Bust with Josefin TønnessenWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Josefin Tønnessen, who has the distinction of being the first non-actor interviewed on the podcast. We chatted about her love of dancing, her foray into writing for musical theatre, and her latest venture, a new musical theatre programme for all ages.A bit about Josefin:Josefin is a Norwegian actor/writer/teacher based in Oslo. After years of being kicked around between Norway and London by either Covid or Brexit and chasing auditions for other people’s productions, she has finally discovered her passi...2024-09-2434 min
It Pays the BillsConfessions of a Write-aholic with Iris GoldsztajnWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Iris Goldsztajn, who has the distinction of being the first non-actor interviewed on the podcast. We chatted about Iris’ writing career, the rom com she’s been writing, and her future plans and creative goals. A bit about Iris:Iris Goldsztajn is a journalist and author based in London. Her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, Bustle, InStyle and many more, and she currently serves as the morning editor for Marie Claire US. Iris was born in France to a Fren...2024-09-1027 min
It Pays the BillsGood Eggs with Aimee OliviaWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Aimee Olivia, a globe-trotting actor from Aotearoa/New Zealand, who currently works at the Frog & Bucket Comedy Club in Manchester. In today’s episode, we catch up on comedy vs. acting, her film production company, and jumping on once-in-a-lifetime chances.A bit about Aimee:Aimee Olivia is a Kiwi actress, writer & co-founder of Good Egg Film Productions. She based in Manchester, she trained at Mountview & her past credits include Maggie in Home For Christmas (Amanda Holden music video), Hume in Queen Margaret, Elvira in Blit...2024-08-2730 min
It Pays the BillsWorking 9 to 5 with Marnie YuleWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Marnie Yule, an outstanding singer and actor who is pretty constantly making everyone around them laugh. We got to chat with them about their current day job - the not-so-dreaded 9-to-5 - plus some colorful previous jobs to boot!A bit about Marnie:Marnie is a singer, actor and strong mover based in London. After training at Mountview they have performed in the holy trinity of acting roles: A pantomime, a cruise ship and a commercial for Durex. When they are not binge-watching improv co...2024-08-1334 min
It Pays the BillsMake 'Em Laugh with Millie ThorneWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Millie Thorne, a comedy actor and writer who is about to bring her debut show, Sketchy, to the Edinburgh Fringe! We got to chat with Millie about her creative goals and day jobs past and present, and got to hear a bit more about what she’s planning for the future as well.A bit about Millie:Millie is a Writer/Performer based in Manchester. After the success of her four star play QUENCH (VAULT Festival 2023), Millie has even more absurd ideas up her sleeve...2024-07-3031 min
It Pays the BillsIn the Round with Harvey WestwoodWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Harvey Westwood, a triple threat performer with boundless artistic talent. As Harvey boards his cruise job, we thought it would be a great time to ask him about his creative journey so far.A bit about Harvey:Harvey is an actor from Bristol with a degree in Art and Design. In his Musical Theatre career, he is currently playing ADAM in BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL for Norwegian Cruise Lines. He has previously worked three years as a Swing as well as performing on multiple ships. As...2024-07-1629 min
It Pays the BillsEscaping the Office with Stephen HaywardWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Stephen Hayward. Stephen’s journey has been full of varied work and creative exploits, leaving him with a wealth of experiences to draw from as he continues to build his creative life.A bit about Stephen:Stephen is an actor, writer and director based in South London. Having trained at Mountview, Stephen's credit's include Blitz! (Union Theatre), A Final Act of Friendship (Curve Leicester), Baggage (Bread and Roses theatre), plus several short films and voiceover projects. In the condensed transcript below, I’ve ital...2024-07-0234 min
It Pays the BillsThe Learning Years with Alan WilsonWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Alan Wilson. We chatted about career highs and lows, keeping creative in creative ways, and keeping a positive mental attitude!A bit about Alan:Alan is an actor and podcast host based in North London. Since graduating in 2021 he has been seen in workshops for new musicals, pantomimes and cruise ships. Earlier this year he became a podcast co-host on 2 Stagey Unauthorised Therapists, a podcast all about opinions on advice through the lens of two actors. In between these creative endeavours, he has been wo...2024-06-1828 min
It Pays the BillsThat Girl Rules the World with George LesterWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is George Lester. From folding clothes at Primark publishing a book during the pandemic to his award-winning drag act, That Girl, George has had a wealth of experience in and out of creative industries.A bit about George:George Lester is the author of award nominated YA novel Boy Queen, an actor and drag queen based in London. When he’s not living in a world of words, he’s living his best life in the biggest wig imaginable as drag queen That Girl. In 2023, follow...2024-06-0433 min
It Pays the BillsHigh Steaks with Katy ReynardWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Katy Reynard. We chatted about her 10+ years in the hospitality industry, her love of D&D, and how taking a small step back from theatre led to better auditions!A bit about Katy:Katy is a queer Scottish actor based in London, working full time in hospitality, helps run Catapult Theatre London and somehow finds time to play nerd games with her friends and feed her encyclopaedic knowledge of musical theatre.Katy’s Instagram | Catapult Theatre London | CTL InstagramIn the...2024-05-2130 min
It Pays the BillsThe Riot Episode with Lani CalvertWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Lani Calvert, who speaks about the nature of theatre and communication, and why we should all be rioting.A bit about Lani:Lani Calvert is a London based performer, writer and professional loon. She gets a kick out of using comedy to tackle socio-political issues and will be taking her play 'The Room Upstairs' to the Edinburgh Fringe this year!The Room Upstairs Instagram | The Room Upstairs Tickets | InstagramIn the condensed transcript below, I’ve italicized my questions and comm...2024-05-0730 min
It Pays the BillsEvery Job Under the Sun with Marissa LandyWelcome back to It Pays the Bills! Today’s guest is Marissa Landy, who speaks about her experiences singing on tables, working as an estate agent, driving an ambulance and more, all on top of her creative pursuits.A bit about Marissa:Marissa is a creative who likes to dabble in as many areas of the Arts as possible. Her main roles are acting, writing and directing but has over the last few years built up her composition portfolio and has recently formed a funk-rock band called WOOF. Her main interests in theatre are absurd co...2024-04-2334 min
It Pays the BillsRealistically Delusional with Carys WynnWelcome to the first edition of It Pays the Bills! Our first guest was Carys Wynn, who began her creative career as an actor before finding her love for producing - all while running a tight ship in her day-to-day life as an office manager.A bit about Carys:Carys Wynn is an actor, producer, and stylist based in London. Carys prides herself on her ability to come up with many MANY side hustle ideas - anything to keep her inspired and out of corporate life! This is a public episode. If...2024-04-0925 min
It Pays the BillsFirst day on the jobWelcome to It Pays the BillsIn any given cafe, there’s probably at least one person working on their screenplay. Restaurants are often staffed with actors or singers waiting for their big break; teachers, instructional designers, even civil servants are sometimes creatives trying to survive. Artists are lurking everywhere, hopefully doing these jobs “in the meantime.”So, how do artists survive in this day and age?Join me in the centre of the creative hub in London was we find out just how creatives are surviving in the cost of living crisis, if the...2024-04-0300 min