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The WhatsOnStage Podcast

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

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 weeklyEpisodes182Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureArtsPerforming Arts

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Latest Episodes

As he approaches press night, we check in with award-winning actor Paul Hilton, who is getting his Scrooge on this Christmas at the Old Vic. He reflects on finding his own way into the iconic miser, and what drew him to Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Ch... more

Alex has been to see Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to bring the Wicked story to its conclusion. And Sarah has been scouring the theatre listings to find alternatives to Christmas jollity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information... more

With Wicked: For Good soaring into cinemas this week, editor-in-chief Alex Wood sat down with the two-part big-screen adaptation's casting directors – Bernie Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield – to discuss how they assembled such a rich and varied en... more

Trailed last week in our main episode, editor-in-chief Alex Wood sits down with Alan Cumming, who has just announced a jam-packed, star-studded first season at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. He may not be taking a salary, but he isn't taking his time ei... more

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Recent Guests

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!
Colin Ingram
Award-winning producer behind major theatre productions
Colin Ingram Limited
Episode: Bonus episode: West End producer Colin Ingram reflects on 20 years of his company, the star casting debate and how the West End ecosystem is changing
Tilda Swinton
Acclaimed actress making her return to the stage
Episode: Exclusive interview: John Proctor is the Villain, Tilda Swinton and a huge 70th birthday party – David Byrne on his new Royal Court season
Gary Oldman
Oscar-winning actor bringing his production of Crap's Last Tape
Episode: Exclusive interview: John Proctor is the Villain, Tilda Swinton and a huge 70th birthday party – David Byrne on his new Royal Court season

Hosts

Alex Wood
Managing editor at WhatsOnStage and host focusing on theatre news and discussions.
Sarah Crompton
Chief theatre critic at WhatsOnStage and co-host, offering insights into theatre critique and production.

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 Kingdom4 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 Kingdom4 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 Kingdom6 months ago
  • Love

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chasisgreat
    United Kingdom7 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.

Listeners appreciate the depth and perspective offered by the hosts on industry trends and personal experiences.
There are occasional criticisms regarding the focus on the hosts' personal experiences over broader reviews of theatre productions.
The podcast provides insightful commentary on theatre, appealing to both seasoned professionals and newcomers.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Bonus episode: How to adapt a classic musical into a film
Q: What does it mean to you to portray a character authentically across the gender spectrum?
It's just fun as an artist to embody many different characters, challenging and rewarding.
Children will listen: Kate Fleetwood talks playing the Witch in Into the Woods
Q: What do you want people to know before they go into this version of Into the Woods?
Kate Fleetwood encourages audiences to come with open minds and get immersed in the rich material, promising surprises and emotional depth.
Children will listen: Kate Fleetwood talks playing the Witch in Into the Woods
Q: What are the sorts of thoughts knowing that you're doing some of the most quintessentially famous Sondheim numbers?
Kate Fleetwood expresses that she feels incredibly lucky to be involved and emphasizes the importance of hard work and collaboration in her preparation.

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?

The hosts engage in lively discussions about the latest trends and productions in theatre, covering a diverse range of topics from musicals to plays and immersive shows. Regular interviews with well-known figures in the industry provide listeners with insider perspectives, making it a valuable resource for theatre enthusiasts seeking insights into current and upcoming productions. The engaging nature of the dialogue, coupled with frank exchanges about both the art and business of theatre, contributes to the podcast's appeal, drawing listeners who appreciate a nuanced understanding of the theatrical landscape.

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How many listeners does The WhatsOnStage Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

1. Call To Stage with Amber Davies
2. The Rest Is Entertainment
3. The Traidar: A Traitors Podcast
4. This Life of Mine with James Corden
5. Full Disclosure with James O'Brien

How many episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast are there?

The WhatsOnStage Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 182 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Recent guests on The WhatsOnStage Podcast include:

1. Alan Cumming
2. James Hameed
3. Arti Shah
4. Luke Shepard
5. Jessica Swale
6. Tara Zafar
7. Colin Ingram
8. Tilda Swinton

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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