
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
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 246 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Performing ArtsSociety & CultureArts | |||

Actress Nancy Carroll returns to the podcast while Alex Wood takes a break. She and Sarah talk about their theatre outings to The Guilty at the Donmar Warehouse and Springwood with Robert Lindsay at Hampstead and the MAMA (Many Actors Make Art) exhib... more
Welcome to this bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast! In a double bill, we head first to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre to hear from three of the cast members of A Midsummer Night's Dream – Jenny Rainsford, Terique Jarrett and Mary Malone. The t... more
We've hit the 2010s! Sarah and Alex continue their odyssey through the top plays of the century, which in this episode has two central themes: plays about climate catastrophe and the gargantuan success of the Royal Court under Dominic Cooke. At the s... more
Gregory Doran stops by on this bonus episode to discuss his production of Shakespeare's Venus and Adonis, performed by puppetry and narrated by Simon Russell Beale. As part of the chat, Doran also dives into the prompts behind his new book Walking Sh... more
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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
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!
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
I have always enjoyed this podcast. Really interesting topics and discussions around the world of arts and theatre. Keep up the great work!
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.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #204 | |
Apple Podcasts | #44 | |
Apple Podcasts | #116 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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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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The WhatsOnStage Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 246 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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Recent guests on The WhatsOnStage Podcast include:
1. Greg Doran
2. Sam Tutty
3. Christiani Pitts
4. Sara Bareilles
5. Stella Powell-Jones
6. David Doyle
7. Josh Radnor
8. Noah Galvin
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