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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
Hamlet
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
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 weeklyEpisodes246Founded4 years ago
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Performing ArtsSociety & CultureArts

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Latest Episodes

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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Recent Guests

Greg Doran
Former RSC artistic director
Royal Shakespeare Company
Episode: 178. Bonus episode: RSC's former artistic director Gregory Doran on Venus and Adonis + new book Walking Shadow
Sam Tutty
Lead actor in Redcliffe, Tony-nominated performer
Redcliffe cast
Episode: 172. Bonus episode: New musicals special with Redcliffe team, Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts
Christiani Pitts
Lead actress in Redcliffe, Tony-nominated performer
Redcliffe cast
Episode: 172. Bonus episode: New musicals special with Redcliffe team, Sam Tutty and Christiani Pitts
Sara Bareilles
Composer and lyricist for Waitress; developing The Interestings as a stage musical
Self-employed/Waitress creative team
Episode: 170. Bonus episode: Sara Bareilles on ten years of Waitress and new musical The Interestings
Stella Powell-Jones
Artistic Director of German Street/Theatre (Jermyn Street Theatre)
German Street Theatre / Jermyn Street Theatre
Episode: 168. Bonus episode: How a 70-seat West End studio theatre goes from strength to strength
David Doyle
Co-Artistic Director and Executive Producer
German Street Theatre / Jermyn Street Theatre
Episode: 168. Bonus episode: How a 70-seat West End studio theatre goes from strength to strength
Josh Radnor
Actor known for How I Met Your Mother and theatre work
Theatre (Hit Machine)
Episode: 166. Bonus episode: US stars Noah Galvin and Josh Radnor are bringing new writing to London
Noah Galvin
Actor known for Dear Evan Hansen and theatre work
Theatre (Hit Machine)
Episode: 166. Bonus episode: US stars Noah Galvin and Josh Radnor are bringing new writing to London
Mark Rosenblatt
Writer of Giant, prominent theatre figure involved in Oedipus production
Royal Court / Oedipus production
Episode: 164. Bonus episode: Lesley Manville, Sonia Friedman and Mark Rosenblatt respond to their Tony nominations

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 118 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 Kingdom24 days 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 Kingdom2 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
    Germany4 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 Kingdom4 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.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
166. Bonus episode: US stars Noah Galvin and Josh Radnor are bringing new writing to London
Q: But can you tell us first how you think London audiences are different than New York audiences?
The guests discuss a culture of experimentation in London with a subsidized new writing scene, a willingness to take risks, and a different pacing and accessibility that makes premieres feel freshly alive, while New York has a tradition of longer development and eventual transfer, leading to distinctive audience experiences.
162. Bonus episode: The man shaking up the West End with experimental work
Q: Can you just sort of talk about where this started for you?
Omar explains that translating the 19th-century Kleinist novella into English during the George Floyd protests sparked a meaningful echo with current calls for justice, which motivated the adaptation and aligned the project with a strong, timely storytelling approach.
156. Bonus episode: Calam Lynch and Noah Ritter discuss the Fifth Beatle in Please Please Me
Q: Calam, how's it all going?
Calam and Noah describe a productive rehearsal period with strong, collaborative energy and a growing sense of the production's momentum.

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. Front Row
3. The Rest Is Entertainment
4. This Cultural Life
5. Remember Me? With Maisie Adam & Scott Bryan

How many episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast are there?

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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What guests have appeared on The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

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

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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