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The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood
Theatre
West End
Broadway
Operation Mincemeat
Musical Theatre
Evita
Wicked
Olivier Awards
National Theatre
Stephen Sondheim
Theater
Paddington the Musical
Shakespeare
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Hamlet
Les Misérables
Tony Awards
British Theatre
Much Ado About Nothing
Edinburgh Festival Fringe

WhatsOnStage managing editor Alex Wood and chief theatre critic Sarah Crompton host a weekly podcast on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to what’s happening on stage (and in film and on television) now, in the past and in future. From musicals, to plays, to immersive shows, to interviews with the biggest stars, there's something for everyone! ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes259Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsArtsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Latest Episodes

Surprise! Alex has made the trip to Disneyland to mark the West End launch of The Greatest Showman, coming to Theatre Royal Drury Lane next spring. He sits down with Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks to discuss the gargantuan new musical's London ru... more

We head to the Edinburgh Fringe to talk to Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson, normally known as comedy duo Britney, who are performing in a brand new play, Jitters. The duo, reflecting on a decade at the Fringe, detail what it's like breaking new grou... more

It's a bumper reviews special! In what might be the biggest theatre opening of the year, the world of Game of Thrones comes to the stage in a gigantic production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. But does it live up to the hype? Alex and Sarah discus... more

In a busy week Sarah and Alex talk about Ariana Grande’s decision to step back from her projected stage appearance opposite Jonathan Bailey in Sondhem’s Sunday in the Park with George. And as Alex sets off for Edinburgh, they discuss his top picks fo... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Ellen Robertson
Playwright and performer in Jitters, half of the Britney duo
Episode: 193. Bonus episode: Why comedy actors can do anything with Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson
Charly Clive
Performer in Jitters, half of the Britney duo
Episode: 193. Bonus episode: Why comedy actors can do anything with Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson
Elizabeth Ayodele
Actress playing Elia Martell
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat
Tanisha Spring
Actress playing Ashara Dayne
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat
Luke Brady
Actor portraying Brandon Stark
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat
Michael Abubakar
Actor portraying Ned Stark
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat
Harmony Rose-Bremner
Actress portraying Lyanna Stark
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat
Noah Ritter
Actor portraying Rhaegar Targaryen
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat
Callum Woodhouse
Actor portraying Robert Baratheon
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 190. Bonus episode: The cast of Game of Thrones: The Mad King join the WhatsOnStage Podcast for an exclusive chat

Hosts

Alex Wood
Host of The WhatsOnStage Podcast; frequently discusses theatre news, interviews, and industry trends.
Sarah Crompton
Chief theatre critic and co-host; contributes critical perspective and industry context.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 120 ratings
  • Keep up the great work!

    Thank you for a brilliant stagey podcast. I’m loving the series on Best Plays of the 21st Century. I saw Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem at the time, but from very high up in the upper circle (at the Apollo?). I don’t think I appreciated it fully from up there so I’m going to try to find a copy of the text and read it. So thank you for inspiring me to do that. I’ve loved listening to your top picks of plays of the last years since 2000, and enjoyed hearing about the ones I saw and the (many!) I miss... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Theatrebeast
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Good

    Good podcast, but not enjoying this series on best plays of 21st century - it’s sadly boring. This podcast is at its best when it focuses on current theatre news - Sarah is amazing!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chasisgreat
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • The best British theatre podcast

    Each episode offers a rich discussion between two journalists who clearly love and are extremely knowledgeable about theatre. A must listen for all theatre fans

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lukey Likes Games
    Germany5 months ago
  • Great Podcast

    I have always enjoyed this podcast. Really interesting topics and discussions around the world of arts and theatre. Keep up the great work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    G4amer6
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • Needs to be better

    Alex and Sarah spend most of their time talking about the art of criticism, the industry of being a critic and their jobs, rather than actually reviewing what’s on stage. More straightforward theatre reviews please, fewer internal discussions. It’s too self indulgent.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Gooner N7
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the knowledgeable, insider perspective and guest diversity, with some noting pacing and editing nuances.
Two credible theatre voices create a high-signal discussion for industry peers.
Fans value the depth and breadth of theatre coverage, from West End to regional stages.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#223
United States/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#9
United Kingdom/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#80
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#5
Italy/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#84
Germany/Arts/Performing Arts
Apple Podcasts
#116
Italy/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

188. Bonus episode: Shaking up the West End with Phelim McDermott
Q: Hi Phelim, lovely to chat. I guess the first question has to be, how does it feel coming to the West End with this show?
Phelim explains that Tao of Glass began pre-pandemic and is a deeply personal project involving his long relationship with Philip Glass. He discusses the balance of intimate storytelling with large-scale production, the space's acoustics, and the sense that this show sits at the intersection of Improbable's devised theatre and Glass's operatic roots. He reflects on how the piece has evolved to suit a bigger stage while retaining its core intimate essence.
186. Bonus episode: Tim Sheader on new Donmar season announcement + Hadestown stars on their film
Q: Why is this season so varied in tone and form?
Sheader explains that variety is intentional to reflect different audience appetites, from the ambitious new writing to a single yearly comedy to engage a broad spectrum of theatre-goers.
180. Bonus episode: It's A Midsummer Night's Hot Mess as we bring the heat in a two-parter
Q: What drew you to direct the Midsummer production in an open-air setting?
The interviewees describe the park environment as a magical but challenging space that informs the design, music, and audience connection, making the play feel both timeless and newly alive.
172. Bonus episode: New musicals special with Redcliffe team, Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts
Q: What was the most recent number composed for the show and why was it placed when it was in Act Two?
The opening of Act Two, Rough and Widing, was chosen to give the lead characters time to settle before escalating the drama, allowing audiences to live with them longer before things go wrong.
172. Bonus episode: New musicals special with Redcliffe team, Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts
Q: What was the first sort of text you received that you sent out?
The first texts Vary by person, but the general theme was conveying the reality of the Tony nomination moment and sharing personal excitement with family and agents.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The WhatsOnStage Podcast

What is The WhatsOnStage Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series offers a steady stream of theatre-focused conversation, mixing current industry news, critical perspectives, and insider interviews. Conversations frequently center on London's theatre scene, including venue programming, touring, funding, awards, and the evolving relationship between critics and creators. A standout trait is the duo's ability to blend sharp analysis with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, bringing in a wide range of guests from actors and directors to producers and artistic directors. The format often weaves in timely industry topics, from new writing and revivals to policy and economics in live performance, making it a valuable listen for practitioners and theatre fans who want depth, context, and practical takeaways... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

1. MickeyJoTheatre
2. The Rest Is Entertainment
3. Front Row
4. Insiders: The TV Podcast
5. Call To Stage with Amber Davies

How many episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast are there?

The WhatsOnStage Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 259 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Recent guests on The WhatsOnStage Podcast include:

1. Ellen Robertson
2. Charly Clive
3. Elizabeth Ayodele
4. Tanisha Spring
5. Luke Brady
6. Michael Abubakar
7. Harmony Rose-Bremner
8. Noah Ritter

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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