MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

Episode 295: A Road Less Travelled (Part One)

12 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Thos chats to David about the many shows he's seen in the West End and on the Great White Way recently including some marvellously unusual productions...

Episode 294: Smash with Marc Shaiman

05 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Hutson talks to Marc Shaiman about the new hit TV Show SMASH - now playing here in the UK on Sky Atlantic.  Marc is the show's composer, co-lyri...

MusicalTalk Mini 12: Ragtime Review

30 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Hutson and Mike Dixon review Ragtime - now playing at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park.

Episode 293: London Road and the Road to London

29 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Thos and Keith discuss the new verbatim musical, London Road, and the relationship between craft, authenticity and intimate connection.  Then it's ou...

Episode 292: Dennis Kelly Talks Matilda

22 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick, Sandra and Jen (a new voice) sit down with Olivier Award Winning playwright Dennis Kelly to discuss his hit - Matilda, the musical - for which h...

Episode 291: Sweeney in the Allegro Rain

15 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Join Thos Ribbits, Nick Hutson and Jonathan Cohen as they share their thoughts on three very different musicals: Singin' in the Rain, Allegro and Swee...

Episode 282: Way Out West With Sextette

13 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Tim and Thos have a good guffaw and a lot of fun with one of the strangest musical films ever made, Mae West's swan song, Sextette!  See Alice Cooper...

Episode 290: Roll on the Drood

09 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Join David Kingsmill as he explores two musical mysteries separated by two centuries; hear from the cast and creatives of Roll on the Day and the Myst...

Episode 289: Ramin Karimloo Interview

01 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Sandra talk to Ramin Karimloo - the star of such iconic musicals as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies.  Here he discu...

MusicalTalk Mini 11: A Tale of Two Cities - The Musical

19 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick, with his friend Robert, review A Tale of Two Cities, which is a new musical playing at the Charring Cross Theatre in London

Episode 288: The Olivier Awards 2012: Red Carpet and Commentary

19 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

2012 is a big year for London - and this year marked the 36th Laurence Olivier Awards from London's Royal Opera House.  In this episode, we speak to ...

Episode 287: Titanic Antics

17 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

As the World marks the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912, Thos explores how the event has been portrayed in musicals and then take...

Episode 286: Legally, Rock of Ages and Oliviers!

10 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Sandra chats with Nick about her thoughts as regard to Rock of Ages and her first (and last) Legally Blonde (because it's closed) - and Nick and Sandr...

Episode 285: The Nineteen-Hateys musicals of London.

03 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

The nineteen eighties was a great decade in the West End; with hits such as Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Les Miserab...

Episode 284: Attend the Tale of Someone Else's Story: Meredith Braun Interview and Sweeney Todd reviewed.

27 Mar 2012

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features an interview with Meredith Braun - whose new album "Someone Else's Story" is now available.  Meredith originated the role of Li...

Episode 283: The Newsies' Leap of Faith: Alan Menken Interview

20 Mar 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick chats to Alan Menken about his two new shows about to open on Broadway - Newsies and Leap of Faith; hear about the shows' histories and developme...

Episode 281: The Musicals of OZ

06 Mar 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Australia is quickly becoming a major player in the world of musical theatre - which mega musicals including Priscilla and Dirty Dancing, it is a majo...

0280: Peter Polycarpou At Large

29 Feb 2012

Contributed by Lukas

David Kingsmill catches up with the very talented Peter Polycarpou to discuss his impressive career in Les Miserables, Evita, Imagine This and so many...

MusicalTalk Mini 10: Floyd Collins at The Southwark Playhouse

29 Feb 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Nick shares his thoughts on the musical of Floyd Collins playing in the very appropriate Vaults at the Southwark Playhouse.

0279: A Royal Variety Episode

21 Feb 2012

Contributed by Lukas

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of The Royal Variety Performance, do Nick sits down with conductor Mike Dixon (now a permanent presenter) to discuss ...

0278: Ghosts, Muppets and Children of Eden - All After The Turn!

14 Feb 2012

Contributed by Lukas

In this packed episode of MusicalTalk, Nick revisits Ghost and, along with Catherine, shares a different view on the musical; Sandra (our resident Swe...

0277: 21st Century Ops

07 Feb 2012

Contributed by Lukas

When is an opera not an opera? When it’s music theatre! Eh? Find out more by joining Thos as he chats to the wonderful Kit Hesketh-Harvey about his ...

0276: 2012 - Now and Then (Part Two)

31 Jan 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Tim and Thos invite you join them on a further 150 years exploration of the anniversaries of 2012 in musical theatre, investigating the scores, shows ...

0275: 2012 - Now and Then (Part One)

25 Jan 2012

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to pull on your time travelling trousers and join Tim and Thos as they explore the anniversaries of 2012 in musical theatre, investigating t...

0274: 2011 West End Review (Part Two)

17 Jan 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Thos and Nick sit down to discuss and share their thoughts on the various productions they saw during 2011! Hear about London Road, Matilda, Pippin, R...

0273: 2011 West End Review (Part One)

11 Jan 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Thos and Nick sit down to discuss and share their thoughts on the various productions they saw during 2011! Hear about Shrek, Betty Blue Eyes, Ghost, ...

0272: These Things Happen

03 Jan 2012

Contributed by Lukas

What better way to start the new year than with a new musical by a new British writer? Utterly un-new MusicalTalk presenter, Thos, talks to Jonathan P...

0271: Leslie Bricusse Interview

25 Dec 2011

Contributed by Lukas

As a special Christmas day treat (and change to the MusicalTalk schedule) we delight you to a lovely interview with Leslie Bricusse - as he discusses ...

0270: Gilbert: The Later Years

24 Dec 2011

Contributed by Lukas

What better way to round off this year marking the 100th anniversary of the death of one of musical theatre's fathers, the unique WS Gilbert, than wit...

0269: Gilbert: The Early Years

20 Dec 2011

Contributed by Lukas

It's Christmas again and Thos explores the link between Yuletide, Dickens and Gilbert and discovers four Gilbert and Sullivan versions of a musicalise...

0268: The 2011 UK Tour Review

13 Dec 2011

Contributed by Lukas

As 2011 draws to an end, Nick and Lisa discuss the shows that have made their merry way around the UK including Grease, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, Jeky...

0267: A Guy, A Doll and A Musical Director

06 Dec 2011

Contributed by Lukas

As Guys and Dolls returns to London at Above the Gatehouse in Highgate, Thos chats to two of the principles about this classic musical - and then disc...

0266: Matilda: We're Crazy For You!

29 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, Nick and Jonathan discuss Crazy For You - currently wowing audiences at the Novello Theatre, after a sell out summer season at...

0265: Everybody Wants To Do A Musical - No Experience Necessary

23 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Join Thos as he starts an occasional series which looks at how you – yes you! – can end up being in a musical. Today, he chats to Tom Scambler abo...

MusicalTalk Mini 9: Ex - The Musical Review

18 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Keating and Sandra discuss Ex - a new musical playing at the Soho Theatre in London.

0264: Into The Wood: David Wood Interview

15 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

David Wood is the finest and most respected writer of musicals and plays for children in the UK. He discusses, with Nick, his career and views on fami...

0263: Ruddigore Agogo

08 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

As five (count ‘em) separate productions of Ruddigore come to London and the home counties in November, Thos recalls the simply brilliant and hugely...

0262: Bertie Carvel's Backbeat

01 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick chats to Bertie Carvel, currently starring as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda and also talks, with Jonathan Cohen, about Backbeat - a new musical play...

0261: Black Slap and Variety

25 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Join Thos for a marvellous conversation with Paul Haley about his amazing play, Black Slap, an authentic exploration of the politics surrounding the B...

0260: Projection Design: Jon Driscoll Interview

18 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick sits down with noted projected "lumen"airy - Jon Driscoll! He's responsible for the projections and digital animations in Ghost, Our House, Love ...

0259: Idina Menzel Interview

05 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Hutson sits down with Broadway legend Idina Menzel to discuss her career, her singing camp and Glee!

0258: Rock of Ages: Nothin' But a Good Time?

04 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

We tuned our Air-Guitars, warmed up our lighter waving muscles and headbanged down to the Shaftesbury Theatre to interview Justin Lee Collins, and sha...

MusicalTalk Mini 8: George Stiles on Soho Cinders

03 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

George Stiles beguiles us with tunes, stories and facts of the concert production of Soho Cinders that will play The Queen's Theatre on Sunday 9th Oc...

0257: The Best of 2011... so far!

27 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Dom share their thoughts on their personal favourite musical theatrical experiences of 2011, and also put forward what show they believe will...

0256: Stripping Burlesque Apart

20 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Catherine discuss the art of Burlesque. Is it simply walking on stage and taking off your clothes? We don't think so!.

MusicalTalk Mini 7: You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (feat. Anthony Drewe and Leanne Jones)

14 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

We chat to the stars of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, currently in rehearsals at The Tabard Theatre in West London and hear from director Anthony ...

0255: Edinburgh Fringe Festivities (Part Five)

13 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

The dust has settled, the streets are quieter and all the bunting has all gone – but the 2011 Fringe still leaves a warm glow for all of those who w...

MusicalTalk Mini 6: A Clockwork Orange (Theatre Royal, Stratford East)

11 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Join and Andrew Keating and our friend Sandra as they discuss their thoughts on the Theatre Royal Stratford East's production of A Clockwork Orange. ...

0254: Edinburgh Fringe Festivities (Part Four)

06 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

The Edinburgh Fringe is over but the memories linger on! Join Thos and David as they interview singers, directors, musical directors, musicians, compo...

0253: Edinburgh Fringe Festivities (Part Three)

30 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

The dust may have settled at the Edinburgh Fringe for 2011 but MusicalTalk still has some tales to tell; Join Thos as he investigates variety, varianc...

MusicalTalk Mini 5: Love Never Dies' Final Night

28 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew K and his friend Jason were at the final night of Love Never Dies - the sequel to the Phantom of the Opera at the Adelphi Theatre. Hear their ...

MusicalTalk Mini 4: South Pacific Review

26 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew report from The Barbican Theatre where they saw The Lincoln Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Award Winning musical S...

MusicalTalk Mini 4: South Pacific Review

26 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew report from The Barbican Theatre where they saw The Lincoln Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Award Winning musical So...

0252: Edinburgh Fringe Festivities (Part Two)

24 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Join MusicalTalk at the Edinburgh Fringe and hear all about some amazing, varied and, frankly excellent, musicals – not to mention some others!  Fr...

0251: Edinburgh Fringe Festivities (Part One)

16 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Hoorah! The world’s biggest arts festival is here again – and so is MusicalTalk. Get all the low down, the high up, and the middling bits too as T...

MusicalTalk Mini 3: London Road Review

12 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a review of The National Theatre's wonderful production of London Road.

0250: The Dress Circle Benefit Gala

09 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

MusicalTalk was delighted to be asked to cover the benefit gala for Dress Circle - The World's Greatest Showbiz Shop! Hear from Stuart Matthew Price, ...

0249: The Charles Bloom Interview (Part Two)

02 Aug 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Catch up on this bumper bouncing episode as Thos continues his in depth interview with noted American composer, lyricist and bookwriter, Charles Bloom...

0248: The Charles Bloom Interview (Part One)

26 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Thos met noted American composer, lyricist and bookwriter, Charles Bloom on a recent visit to London for a magical, highly informative and revealing c...

0247: A Ghost with a Crush: Ghost The Musical and Bobby Crush Interview

20 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick shares his thoughts on the new musical of Ghost - playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London, and he and Andrew have an entertaining chat with t...

MusicalTalk Mini 2: The Most Popular Original Musical (According to Twitter!)

16 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew take a popular topic from the MusicalTalk Twitter feed - and discuss what our faithful followers thing might be the most popular origi...

0246: When Harry Met Barry

13 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

MusicalTalk talks to Paul Emelion Daly, about his romantic musical comedy When Harry Met Barry, and delves into revivals, revisions and revisitations....

0245: When You Hear My Voice

05 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Tim introduces the Fourth Annual Tim Williams awards, presented by Bruce Wall, recorded at the Cochrane Theatre on Sun 26 June 2011. A succession of b...

0244: Shrek: A Big, Bright Beautiful…panto?

28 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Mike Dixon check out Shrek playing at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Hear their thoughts, as well as from the stars, and a surprise appearanc...

0243: Lend Me A Tenor

21 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew report direct from the opening night of London's newest nostalgic musical comedy - Lend me a Tenor based on the play by Ken Ludwig, an...

0242: All the web's a stage

14 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

You use the internet. You're using a device right now that is related to the internet - whether it's our fabulous website, iTunes or your iPhone/iPod ...

0241: Ages Ago Agogo

07 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

MusicalTalk completes its miniseries on the life and works of WS Gilbert with this fascinating insight into Ages Ago, his first musical hit. Learn abo...

0240: WS Gilbert’s Ages Ago – The Complete Recording

31 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

MusicalTalk marks the centenary of the death of the father of the modern musical, WS Gilbert, with this exciting, exclusive episode – the complete a...

MusicalTalk Mini 1: Hamlet The Musical Review (24th May 2011 Richmond Theatre)

25 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Yves provide a short disucssion on Hamlet The Musical, playing at the Richmod Theatre.

0239: The Gilbert Centenary: A Crotchety Character?

24 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

MusicalTalk marks the centenary of the death of the father of the modern musical, WS Gilbert, with this fascinating interview with his latest biograph...

0238: Mr Benn

17 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

MusicalTalk marks the fortieth anniversary of television icon Mr Benn by chatting to the creators of the new musical, Mr Benn -the Extraordinary Adven...

0237: A Minute per show

10 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew take a stopwatch, the West End listings and a chair each and review every show playing in the West End… even those they haven't yet ...

0236: Mel Atkey with Norman Campbell

03 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Our friend Mel Atkey sits down with the late Emmy award winning producer and writer Norman Campbell to, once again, provide an insight into the Canadi...

0235: Royal Wedding

27 Apr 2011

Contributed by Lukas

To mark the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, MusicalTalk explores the huge number of musicals about royal weddings where a prince marries...

0234: From Cherbourg to Putnam County (Via Las Vegas)

20 Apr 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine discusses Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Las Vegas: The Musical, whilst Nick and Andrew air their thoughts on The Donmar Warehouse's production ...

0233: "Bardy" Blue Eyes

12 Apr 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine and Nick share their thoughts on a preview of Betty Blue Eyes, and Andrew meets the cast of Funk it up About nothin' - a new hip hop Shakesp...

0232: Hannah Waddingham: The Wickedly Wonderful Witch of the West (End)

05 Apr 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a brilliant interview with Hannah Waddingham as she discusses her role as The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of OZ, as well as her previous ro...

0231: The Wonderful Wizard of OZ?

29 Mar 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of The Wizard of OZ has recently opened at the world famous London Palladium. The semi world famous Andrew Keatin...

0230: Valerie Cutko Interview

22 Mar 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Spring is here – so get one in your step too with this lovely, thoughtful and insightful conversation on the art of cabaret, singing and musical the...

0229: A Turn of the Paige

17 Mar 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew Keating check out Elaine Paige in concert, whilst Andrew Corcoran joins Nick for a discussion about rumous, news and stories around th...

0228: OK Sauce?

08 Mar 2011

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the often barking Thos gets Offenbaching as he reviews Troy Boy, explores the importance of the satirical, and saucy Jacques Offenbac...

0227: Wir Will Rock Sie! (That's German for We Will Rock You!)

02 Mar 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick re-unites with MusicalTalk's co-founder Andy Edwards for a delightful chat - and a real throwback to the original style of MusicalTalk episodes, ...

0226: The Show Within a Show Show

22 Feb 2011

Contributed by Lukas

This week we pull Curtains apart and ask you to imagine Thos discussing Imagine This as MusicalTalk looks at two productions that feature shows within...

0225: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein

15 Feb 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew K sat down with Helena Blackman to discuss her new Rodgers and Hammerstein album with her. Stay tuned to the end of the album to disco...

0224: Troy Boy

08 Feb 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Thos talks to the wonderful Kit Hesketh-Harvey about Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim, Jacques Offenbach and his new hilarious and sensual English versio...

0223: Love Never Dies... Revised

01 Feb 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Thos, Nick, Andrew K and Yves check out the newly revised LOVE NEVER DIES, playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London. Hear in this detailed review what...

0222: Maya the Musical

25 Jan 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Thos investigates the dark arts of producing and the lighter delights of choreography as he chats to Giles Howe and Matthew Gould about the British Pr...

0221: When Miss Nightingale Met Priscilla.

18 Jan 2011

Contributed by Lukas

As Keith explores Blitz-ridden London in the new musical, Miss Nightingale, Ed and Thos change hemispheres to have a good look at Priscilla – the Qu...

0220: A Love Story about Whitty Dicks and Waltzing Matildas.

11 Jan 2011

Contributed by Lukas

We review Matilda, playing at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, Dick Whittington playing at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith and Love Story, playing at ...

0219: MusicalWalk: On The Street Where We Live

04 Jan 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Andrew Corcoran take you on a guided tour of The West End AKA: Theatreland. You are welcome to join us on this walk… just pop your headphon...

0218: Celebrating 100 Years of The London Palladium (The Greatest Theatre In The World!)

28 Dec 2010

Contributed by Lukas

On the 26th December 2010, The London Palladium celebrated its 100th year in operation. Join Thos and Nick- and guest Professor Robert Gordon of Golds...

0217: Evaluate-y at Eighty: Sondheim Thoughts (3/3)

21 Dec 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Thos is joined by Andrew Keating and Sondheim fan, Yves Hoekman, to discuss Passion and the Donmar Warehouse season of London Sondheim concerts - and ...

0216: Weight-y at Eighty: Sondheim Thoughts (2/3)

14 Dec 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Thos presents the second of a three part miniseries celebrating the life of Stephen Sondheim in celebration of his eightieth birthday. This week, Thos...

0215: Great-y at Eighty: Sondheim Thoughts (1/3)

07 Dec 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Thos presents the first of a three part miniseries celebrating the life of Stephen Sondheim in celebration of his eightieth birthday. This week, Thos ...

0214: Just So Betty Blue Eyes can do some Dirty Dancing with Three Musketeers...

30 Nov 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Nick and Mara discuss Dirty Dancing, and we welcome back George Stiles to discuss Just So - playing at the Tabard Theatre - and The Three Musketeers p...

0213: Oh, What A Sir Tim Rice Interview.

23 Nov 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Hutson and Andrew Keating sit down with one of the most important, legendary and influencial British theatrical writers - Sir Tim Rice, to discus...

0212: Susan McFadden is Legally Blonde

16 Nov 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Nick sits Thos down in order to hear his views on Legally Blonde, and Nick also sat down with Legally Blonde Cast Member - Susan McFadden.

0211: War Notes and Legacy Falls

09 Nov 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Two current London shows are explored in this week’s episode as Thos meets the people behind the new soap opera musical, Legacy Falls, and catches u...

0210: WS Gilbert's No Cards - The World Premiere Recording

02 Nov 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this exciting, exclusive episode, MusicalTalk is proud to present the premiere recording of WS Gilbert's No Cards, the first musical by the archite...

0209: No Cards - The Birth of Modern Musical Theatre?

26 Oct 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In the week before MusicalTalk's exclusive world premiere recording of WS Gilbert's very first proper musical, No Cards, Thos talks to noted G and S d...