Shows
The Making Theatre PodcastVictoria Brennan - Lighting ProgrammerFor this episode, we return to the world of stage lighting, and a discussion with one of the UK’s leading lighting programmers, Vic Brennan.
The role of lighting programmer varies considerably depending on the style of the work being made, but there is no-one more crucial to the process of bringing the lighting designer’s vision to life, whether it be a fast-paced music theatre number or a subtle, shifting scheme for a play.
Vic joins Bruno and James to consider the nature and significance of this collaboration, what makes for a good programmer, and to reveal there is a whole lo...2024-03-1243 min
The Making Theatre PodcastLaura Cubitt - Puppetry DirectorThis time we are talking to Laura Cubitt about her experience as puppeteer and puppetry director. Laura was part of the team that brought the iconic Warhorse, Joey, to life and this is a fascinating insight into a world that is, by it's very nature, secretive if not entirely hidden away. We learn that puppetry has a parallel with lighting; often no-one notices you if you're doing your job well. We hear about the mysterious pleasure to be found in the 'suffering state' and how despite the sweat and cramps, it can be the most thrilling version of performing, with...2023-10-0649 min
The Making Theatre PodcastNick Hytner - Building the BridgeThis time we talk to Nick Hytner about forming the London Theatre Company and creating it's first home - the Bridge Theatre at One, Tower Bridge.
If like us you ever paused to wonder how someone goes about starting a theatre, this episode provides a fascinating insight into the process.
From the hunt for the venue, and the hair-raising rollercoaster of finding investors and securing funding, to the relationship with the architect and the design of the stage, auditorium, foyer and backstage space, we chart the journey of the Bridge from small, scrappy start-up to...2023-09-221h 01
The Making Theatre PodcastLucy Carter - Lighting for DanceThis time we talk to Lucy Carter about her extensive career designing lighting for contemporary dance, her analysis of her working practice and her extraordinary collaboration with choreographer Wayne McGregor, which spans three decades.2023-08-2356 min
The Making Theatre PodcastPaul Handley - Sustainable Theatre MakingThe National Theatre is committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2030, the greatest creative challenge it has ever undertaken. This time we are talking to Paul Handley, Production and Technical Director at the NT about his search for a more sustainable model of theatre making. We hear about the many and varied ways that staff are trying to limit their environmental impact while still delivering world class theatre. We discuss why it is so important to reflect our values not only in the work we make onstage, but in the way we make it. We also reflect upon the need t...2023-03-051h 05
The Making Theatre PodcastAngie Bual - Theatre Without Walls.This time, we leave behind the warm, dry confines of the conventional theatre space and head outside for an inspiring conversation with Angie Bual, creative director of Trigger, a company based in the south west of England, who create and produce bold live and digital events, often on a large-scale and often outdoors.
With obsessions that range from dragons to upholstery via horticulture and kite-flying, Angie is a brave and compassionate artist, who can talk millions of pounds of funding into existence and makes ambitious theatre without walls. We hear about her remarkable journey from a bespoke...2022-11-2654 min
The Making Theatre PodcastSarah Nixon and Mark Chatterton - Making PantomimeThis time we talk to Sarah and Mark about their extensive experience writing and directing pantomime. Their own particular brand of raucous rock-n-roll panto has been seen for 19 consecutive years at the Liverpool Everyman, during which time, along side their multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, they have built a loyal and lively audience.
We hear about their unique approach to developing the script, the true intent of the Flowerpot Men, managing the hazards of magic hair, and getting into a panto frame of mind on a beach in mid August.
They also talk frankly about the pre...2022-10-2146 min
The Making Theatre PodcastJames Farncombe - Lighting for OperaFor this episode, Bruno adjusts pan and tilt to catch James squarely in the spotlight and focus on his career, and in particular his experience lighting opera. We discuss the idiosyncrasies of working in this medium, and how it differs from lighting theatre. We talk about how we respond to music with light, the rewards of getting to know a piece of music intimately, and how having a band in the room always seems to improve things. We also explore the nature of the 'rep' system and the challenges of making work in some of the biggest repertory opera hou...2022-09-051h 13
The Making Theatre PodcastMichael Dennis - Company Stage Manager and TouringThis time we are talking to Michael Dennis about his career as company stage manager, and his extensive experience of touring theatre at all scales. We hear about the daily minutiae of managing an acting company, the challenges of making sure everyone feels listened to, and how the CSM is never really fully off duty. We discuss touring theatre in the UK, and the rich and invaluable experience it represents. We also undo years of therapy by reminiscing about theatrical digs...2022-08-231h 04
The Making Theatre PodcastKate Pakenham - ProducerThis time we are talking to Kate Pakenham, an independent producer with a passion for theatre, and a drive to make work with a strong social purpose. We learn how each show can be compared to a mini start-up, and how producing, even when you can line some things up, is always a leap of faith. We discover that a trip to Pret can be surprisingly lucrative, but also that where and who the money comes from can be just as important as the money itself. We hear about when to be in the room, when not to be...2022-07-2900 min
The Making Theatre PodcastLauren Stroud - SwingWe kick off season two by inviting you to the secret world of the west end swing. We discover what happens when a member of an ensemble or a principle cast is off sick, and uncover the remarkable feat of behind-the-scenes organisation that takes place to ensure the show still goes on. We learn about tracks, split tracks, cut shows, a curious condition called ‘swing eye’, the difference between swings and understudies and why 4pm is zero hour. Above all, we learn just how motivated and downright talented you have to be to cut it as a west end swin...2022-07-161h 02
The Making Theatre PodcastParish NoticesBruno and James take a moment to have a cuppa and say thank you to the Making Theatre Podcast listeners.2021-09-0905 min
The Making Theatre PodcastBernie Davis - TV Lighting DirectorThis time we talk to Bernie Davis, the veteran television lighting director, about a subject increasingly apposite to our own work; adapting stage lighting for television and online broadcast. Bernie is responsible for numerous NT Live and Royal Opera House broadcasts, alongside his work on countless television productions (including a fair number of Royal Weddings), and we discuss the difference between the camera and the eye, how we should now be considering the audience at home alongside the punters in the stalls, and how advances in technology have provided us with a multitude of ways to get it all wrong...2021-08-251h 01
The Making Theatre PodcastPrasanna Puwanarajah - Actor, Director, WriterPrasanna Puwanarajah is an actor, director and writer, working across theatre, film and television. He also happens to be a fully trained medical doctor..who is also writing a graphic novel. We thought someone with so many different hats might be well placed to offer a unique perspective on the experience of making theatre, and he doesn’t disappoint.
From the solitary life of the writer, to the first flag in the ground at the beginning of rehearsals, through to the joys of tech, this time viewed from both sides of the footlights, we embrace the unknowable...an...2021-06-121h 14
The Making Theatre PodcastLee Batty - Technical Director, The Really Useful GroupIn this episode we talk to the technical director of the Really Useful Group, Lee Batty.
We hear how a supportive family and some key advice from a trusted teacher played a pivotal role in setting Lee on his path. From childhood in a Yorkshire mining community, and an inspirational sixth form college, to life as a touring ASM charting a steep learning curve, who now turns left on the plane, with responsibility for an eye watering number of large scale musical productions all over the world.
We discuss the pros and cons of going...2021-05-0551 min
The Making Theatre PodcastBen Ormerod - Lighting DesignerWe return to our comfort zone of lighting and have an insightful discussion with Ben Ormerod, who gives us the best explanation we have ever heard about what a lighting designer does. Ben has thought deeply about his art and developed it over many years of practice and we enjoy a conversation covering everything from his approach to design to how to how Ben’s career began. We learn to avoid clown vomit, to be careful around sleeping giants and discover that footlights are like fried onions and garlic.2021-04-211h 12
The Making Theatre PodcastClare Vidal-Hall and Amy Markatis - AgentsIn Episode 19, we talk to our agents Clare Vidal-Hall and Amy Markatis of Clare Vidal-Hall Management. We discuss their routes into the industry, negotiating with producers and why representation is necessary, not just to secure the best deals and unpick the legalese, but to provide emotional and moral support when all hell is breaking loose onstage. We also learn that a stint as a followspot operator, a stage manager, a secretary and the occasional glass of bubbly at the Ritz makes for a good agent, and that if you want the best job in the world, you'd best have a h...2021-04-021h 07
The Making Theatre PodcastLizzie Frankl - Props SupervisorIn Episode 18 we discuss all things props with Lizzie Frankl, props supervisor and director of Propworks, who clearly loves her job and the people she works with. We learn that research, organisation and creativity is key, the feel of a prop can be as important as its look, and that it is vital to have a fascination for detail. It can take quite a team to get a prop from a rehearsal note to the stage, and the most likely place to find them (and their mobile workshop) is in the bar.2021-02-231h 04
The Making Theatre PodcastSarah Bowern - Costume SupervisorIn episode 17, we talk to award winning costume supervisor and deputy head of wardrobe at English National Opera, Sarah Bowern. We quickly find out there is a whole lot more to the wardrobe department than just pins and needles, including a host of diplomacy skills, an unusual use for the pavement outside stage door, and an unexpected parallel with Sigourney Weaver. We unearth some of the dark secrets of the quick change, discover that the ENO has more 'livestock' than the average farm, and learn that having a mild breakdown isn’t always a bad thing. 2021-02-1158 min
The Making Theatre PodcastTamsin Greig - ActorIn Episode 16, Tamsin Greig joins us for a fascinating conversation about making theatre from the actor’s perspective. We talk about dogs, candles, trampolining, lip balm, her love of a dressing room and how every production needs an “introducer.” We discuss better communication across the footlights and the thrill of looking into the abyss. We hear about emotional and mental focus, seeking authenticity, and the danger of joking about nipple tassels in a rehearsal.2021-01-291h 10
The Making Theatre PodcastBruno Poet - Lighting DesignerFor this episode, due to popular demand, James points the spotlight squarely at Bruno, as we shift the focus onto his career and his experience lighting Tina - The Musical. We talk about the development of the show along side Bruno’s own journey to becoming a successful LD. We discuss the army of highly skilled theatre practitioners that work along side us, why having a decent desk and comfortable chair is all we really want, and attempt to answer an enduring conundrum once and for all; pudding or cheese?2021-01-131h 11
The Making Theatre PodcastIgor - Production ManagerIn Episode 14 we talk to Igor, a freelance production manager with numerous impressive credits to his name, a penchant for musicals and a surprising line in horse impersonations. We learn about the parallels between managing a production and parenting, that trying to juggle too many eggs is a bad idea and that the most hazardous moments onstage are not when you might expect.2020-12-171h 26
The Making Theatre PodcastJo Hornsby & Anna Cole - The National Theatre Planning OfficeIn this episode, we talk to Jo Hornsby and Anna Cole of the National Theatre Planning Office. We talk about their respective paths through the theatre industry and reflect upon the abiding questions of work/life balance, diversity and the challenges of running a theatre in the COVID era. We discover how shows are planned months and even years in advance, how creative teams are assembled and why Saturday morning rehearsals might be a thing of the past. And it transpires that, although managing a site as large and demanding as the National involves a great many spinning plates, the...2020-11-241h 05
The Making Theatre PodcastLyn Gardner - Journalist, Author and Theatre CriticIn Episode 12 we meet Lyn Gardner. She talks to us about her life as a journalist and critic, and how her career began. We discuss using a notebook, overnight reviews, going to the theatre 5 nights a week for decades, the joy of a production that exceeds your expectations, and how star ratings should only be applied to white goods. We consider the crisis theatre is facing, the plight of freelancers, how funding can make a real difference, and optimism for the future. We learn that it's possible to both applaud and do a quick exit before the crush, and remem...2020-11-031h 16
The Making Theatre PodcastPrema Mehta - Lighting Designer and Founder of Stage SightIn Episode 11 we speak to Prema Mehta, freelance lighting designer and founder of Stage Sight. We discuss the influence of drama teachers, getting the lighting bug, how to survive while lighting for the fringe, the excitement and nervousness of the blank page, stage management, the tech, the joy of lighting design, technology, teams and lighting shows with only candles. Prema also tells us about her vision to create an off stage workforce that is more reflective of our society today, inclusive of ethnicity, class and disability.2020-10-221h 10
The Making Theatre PodcastKate Waters - Fight DirectorIn Episode 10 we talk to Fight Director Kate Waters, also known as Kombat Kate. We discuss her beginnings and how to become a fight director. We learn that it's all about the storytelling and it involves choreography, music, timing, misdirection, managing adrenaline, collaboration and trust. We also talk about Kate's work on the Freelance task Force. We decide that we will be standing behind Kate if it all gets a bit out of hand, and find out whether James could throw a convincing punch. 2020-10-061h 00
The Making Theatre PodcastJeannette Nelson - Voice CoachIn episode 9 we have a very enjoyable conversation with Jeannette, and learn so much. She started in theatre as a soubrette and dancer, touring the worldwide, before moving into voice work. As well as voice and dialect coaching on innumerable West End, Film and Television productions, she has been resident voice coach at Shakespeare's Globe, The RSC and Sydney Theatre, and is now Head of Voice at the National Theatre. She tells us about vocal technique, collecting dialects, how to be heard from the back of the circle and how speaking is a physical activity. We discuss whether you need to be...2020-09-191h 07
The Making Theatre PodcastOla Ince - DirectorEpisode 8 - Acclaimed director and dramaturg Ola Ince joins us for an insightful conversation about life as a director: responsibility, origins, auditions, rehearsals, working with the creative team, taking and giving notes, managing opinions, finding solutions, starting with a smell, the pressure of being in charge, and the power of an actioning book.2020-08-191h 17
The Making Theatre PodcastLuke Halls - Video and Projection DesignerIn Episode 7 we discuss working with moving images across theatre, opera, music, fashion and art, employing a full time team, collaboration, painting with pixels, breakfast - and the power of the ‘don’t do that’ mood board.2020-08-041h 04
The Making Theatre PodcastChris Shutt, Sound DesignerAward winning sound designer Chris Shutt talks to us in detail about his punk origins, his design process, the witchcraft that is underscoring, the subtleties of amplified sound, Tom Waits, Warhorse, and how it would all be much better if we just sat closer together in the tech.2020-07-241h 17
The Making Theatre PodcastTamykha Patterson - Assistant Lighting Designer and Lighting ProgrammerIn this episode we have an inspiring conversation with Tamykha Patterson, whose remarkable passion, drive and tenacity is something of a masterclass in how to go about getting a career in theatre.2020-07-1553 min
The Making Theatre PodcastVicki Mortimer - DesignerIn Episode 4 we talk to renowned set and costume designer Vicki Mortimer, known for her work designing theatre and opera productions worldwide, and recently for helping to organise both the Freelancers Make Theatre work and SceneChange campaigns. We discuss her design process, collaboration, the joy of a beautiful scale model, our fascination with designers studios and how nothing makes sense without costumes. 2020-07-081h 22
The Making Theatre PodcastHetti Curtis and Laura Wilson - Stage ManagersIn episode 3 we speak to extraordinary stage managers Hetti Curtis and Laura Wilson, known for their work on many productions, including Julius Caesar and Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Bridge Theatre. Stage Managers are central and crucial to any show, yet are often invisible to the public. We really enjoyed talking to these unsung heroes of the stage.2020-06-3049 min
The Making Theatre PodcastChloe Lamford - Set DesignerToday we are talking to one of the most influential and sought after designers of her generation, Chloe Lamford
www.chloelamford.com2020-06-241h 09
The Making Theatre PodcastFreelancers Make Theatre WorkBruno and James talk to Adele Thomas, Chino Odimba and Neil Austin about Freelancers Make Theatre Work - a collective voice to advocate for the UK theatre freelance workforce.
www.freelancersmaketheatrework.com2020-06-2456 min