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The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood
Theatre
Shakespeare
One Day
Romantic Comedy
Dear Octopus
Theatre Arts
Bronte Sisters
Food
Creative Arts
Netflix
Kenneth Tynan
Faith Healer
Education Funding Cuts
Machinal
Love's Labour's Lost
Journalism
Theatre Industry
Human Connection
Art Criticism
Coventry

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 weeklyEpisodes197Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsSociety & CultureArts

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Artwork for The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Latest Episodes

It may not be Halloween, but there definitely seems to be a spooky season on UK stages – with Paranormal Activity making things go bump in the night, A Ghost in Your Ear sending chills down the spine and 2:22 A Ghost Story back on the open road (all ... more

Editor-in-chief Alex Wood is heading back to the 1980s – well, a very specific, very sharp, and very bloody version of them. We’re talking about the highly anticipated revival of American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre. Based on the cult-classic novel... more

As Hamnet starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal opens in cinemas, Sarah and Alex consider the depictions of Shakespeare on screen from Shakespeare in Love to Upstart Crow and what they say about our attitudes to the Bard

Hosted on Acast. See acas... more

She's an Olivier Award-nominated actress that has wowed in shows like Machinal, Romeo and Julie and King John. He's a BIFA-winning screen star known for appearances in I, Swear, The Rings of Power and Game of Thrones, now making his professional stag... more

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Recent Guests

Robert Aramayo
Prominent actor known for his role in 'I, Swear' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'.
Episode: Bonus episode: Robert Aramayo and Rosie Sheehy on building a marriage at the Royal Court
Rosie Sheehy
Olivier Award nominated performer acclaimed for her role in 'Machinal'.
Episode: Bonus episode: Robert Aramayo and Rosie Sheehy on building a marriage at the Royal Court
Jamie Rose Monk
Playing Bevan in the tour of Operation Mincemeat.
Episode: Bonus episode exclusive: Meet agents from the Operation Mincemeat tour!
Alan Cumming
Artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and acclaimed actor
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Episode: Alan Cumming on his Pitlochry season, being a voluntary artistic director and experiences on the all-male Company
James Hameed
Performer who voices Paddington off stage and remote puppeteers.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Arti Shah
Performer who plays Paddington on stage.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Luke Shepard
Director of Paddington the Musical.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Jessica Swale
Writer responsible for creating the script for Paddington.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Tara Zafar
Designer who created the Paddington character for the stage.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!

Hosts

Sarah Crompton
Co-host, Chief Theatre Critic at WhatsOnStage, bringing extensive knowledge about theatre criticism and industry insights.
Alex Wood
Co-host, Managing Editor at WhatsOnStage, responsible for engaging discussions about current theatrical events and productions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 108 ratings
  • 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 Kingdom6 months ago
  • Great podcast but weird editing!

    I really enjoy this podcast (special mention for the brilliant James Graham interview a few months ago). However, the edits for commercial breaks usually arrive halfway through a sentence. It is bizarre! If anything, I am more inclined to forward through the ads than let them play.

    Advertisers please note!!

    Even plays do not break for interval mid-sentence!! I would have rated 5 stars but for this annoyance..

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Coolerthanapopsicle
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Pinkwashing, whilst supporting hate

    Have now unsubscribed from your podcast - after your absolute Pinkwashing this Pride Month, You can't use a Progress Pride flag as your avatar, whilst promoting the work of a billionaire who has set up a fund to strip away the legal rights of LGBTQ+ people. You, Alex and Sarah, are complicit in the hate, hurt and murder of LGBTQ+ people - and are profiting from that too. #Shameonyou

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Lazarusheart
    United Kingdom7 months ago
  • Love

    Love this new WOS podcast, just wish there were more episodes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chasisgreat
    United Kingdom9 months ago
  • Learn something new every episode!

    I’ve been listening since the beginning of summer and I look forward to the new episode every week - I thought I knew a lot about theatre but I learn something new each week and find the insights into the theatre industry so fascinating, alongside all the different takes, opinions and knowledge about regional and west end shows both that I’ve heard of and found about through the podcast. In particular, the coverage about the Edinburgh fringe proved so helpful before I made my first trip in Augus... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    strictly ella !!
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

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

The hosts are recognized for their passionate delivery and ability to break down complex theatrical themes for broader audiences.
There are mixed feelings about the balance between personal anecdotes and formal critiques within episodes.
Listeners appreciate the rich insights and expert discussions relevant to the theatre community.
Some reviews highlight a desire for improved editing and clarity in production quality.
Feedback indicates that the content sparks curiosity and motivates listeners to explore more about theatre.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why are we so obsessed with Shakespeare?
Q: Why do you think we fixate quite often on the death of Hamnet as one of the key points of Shakespeare's life?
It stems from Shakespearean scholar Stephen Greenblatt's theories, linking Hamlet to the grief surrounding Hamnet, popularized by Wheeler's bestseller that humanizes Shakespeare.
Bonus episode: Producer Kenny Wax on Top Hat dancing back into London, the meteoric rise of Six and the merry success of Mischief
Q: Is London always the plan for Top Hat having a festive season?
Originally, London wasn't on the cards for Top Hat, but they found a suitable venue and saw it as a fitting place for the show.
Bonus episode: Producer Kenny Wax on Top Hat dancing back into London, the meteoric rise of Six and the merry success of Mischief
Q: Can you talk a little bit about that relationship with Chichester?
Wax explains that they have worked with Chichester on multiple occasions and emphasizes the importance of co-productions with regional theaters.
Paul Hilton on finding his own Scrooge, saving the Oldham Coliseum and why it’s good to cry at the theatre
Q: How have you guys been rehearsing for that charity plea at the end of the piece?
Rehearsing it is tricky without an audience, but they are practicing the mechanics to create a chaotic yet safe environment.
Bonus episode: How to adapt a classic musical into a film
Q: What was the hardest thing from the original stage property for you?
The hardest aspect was including the song 'dressing her up' due to its complex integration.

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?

A weekly exploration of the theatrical world, featuring insightful discussions that cover a wide array of topics, including the latest news in theatre, in-depth reviews of both contemporary and classic productions, and interviews with prominent figures in the performing arts. The conversation often reflects on the emotional and cultural significance of various shows, with a strong emphasis on community and the transformative power of theatre. This podcast is known for its engaging blend of professional criticism and personal anecdotes, making complex theatrical concepts accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, its strong focus on the arts, combined with the hosts' expertise, offers listeners a unique perspective on the evolving landsc... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

1. The Rest Is Entertainment
2. Front Row
3. This Cultural Life
4. The Traidar: A Traitors Podcast
5. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

How many episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast are there?

The WhatsOnStage Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 197 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. Robert Aramayo
2. Rosie Sheehy
3. Jamie Rose Monk
4. Alan Cumming
5. James Hameed
6. Arti Shah
7. Luke Shepard
8. Jessica Swale

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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