Rephonic
Artwork for The WhatsOnStage Podcast

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
Hamlet
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Les Misérables
Tony Awards
Shakespeare
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 weeklyEpisodes241Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsSociety & CultureArts

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this bonus episode of the WhatsOnStage Podcast, Alex sits down with Stephen Lambert, one of the masterminds behind the hit TV series The Traitors, as well as writer John Finnemore and director Rob Hastie, who explain how exactly they plan to bring... more

If you're looking for our main episode, we released it two days early as the dust settled on this year's Tony Awards. That said, we had to get a bonus episode in to help with your weekly theatre fix, so below is our interview with the two stars of th... more

What's this? The main episode of the week coming out two days early? As the dust settles on another Tony Awards season, Sarah and Alex have a lot to chew on – topics include Brits thriving on Broadway, the sacrifices mothers have to make to succeed i... more

While Alex has been manning the fort back in London, Sarah has sailed over to the Great White Way for a small Broadway bonanza ahead of this weekend's Tony Awards. She observes the "Miller moment" that seems to be ongoing with productions of Death of... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

MickeyJoTheatre
MickeyJoTheatreMickeyJoTheatre
Front Row
Front RowBBC Radio 4
Call To Stage with Amber Davies
Call To Stage with Amber DaviesAmber Davies/W!ZARD Studios

Recent Guests

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
Lesley Manville
Actor in Oedipus as Yocasta
Production of Oedipus (West End/Broadway)
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 114 ratings
  • 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 Kingdoma month 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
    Germany3 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 Kingdom3 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
  • 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 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.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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

Where can I find podcast stats for The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The WhatsOnStage Podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The WhatsOnStage Podcast and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The WhatsOnStage Podcast get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for The WhatsOnStage Podcast, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for The WhatsOnStage Podcast, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does The WhatsOnStage Podcast have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The WhatsOnStage Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

1. MickeyJoTheatre
2. Front Row
3. Call To Stage with Amber Davies
4. The Rest Is Entertainment
5. This Cultural Life

How many episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast are there?

The WhatsOnStage Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 241 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.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The WhatsOnStage Podcast from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Recent guests on The WhatsOnStage Podcast include:

1. Sam Tutty
2. Christiani Pitts
3. Sara Bareilles
4. Stella Powell-Jones
5. David Doyle
6. Josh Radnor
7. Noah Galvin
8. Mark Rosenblatt

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.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days