The Mayor of Musical Theatre

Laura Benanti

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 19:25:24 GMT

We’ve been on a bit of a break recently, but we had to come back for the incredible Laura Benanti. You’ll know Laura from… well, from being a Broadway legend and massive star of stage and screen, of course you’ll know Laura Benanti!

Laura is in the country with her new one-woman comedy show, Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares. It took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and now she’s going to do two performances in London on September 2nd at Underbelly Boulevard. Do not miss it!

The Mayor of Musical Theatre Podcast is produced in association with musicaltheatrereview.com, your premier source for news reviews and interviews on all things onstage backstage and worldwide.

For tickets to Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares (Underbelly Boulevard, London, 2/9/25), visit: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/laura-benanti-nobody-cares/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Stephen Schwartz - Wicked Special Episode

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:01 GMT

Happy Wicked Movie Day! Let us be glad! Let us be grateful!

Bit of a special episode, this one. To celebrate the release of one of the most exciting and hotly-anticipated stage-to-screen adaptations of all time, here is a never-before-heard interview that I conducted with Wicked’s composer, Stephen Schwartz back in 2021, when we were coming out of Covid and Stephen Schwartz’s first ever musical, Pippin was about to open in Charing Cross Theatre.

Some quotes from this interview appeared in a Musical Theatre Review article about Pippin, but we had a wide-ranging chat beyond that about writing, musical influences, other composers he enjoys, and – significantly – a LOT of chat about Wicked and the Wicked movie, which was still a year and a half away from commencing filming.

Apologies for the worse-than-usual audio quality, my nervousness as a novice interviewer, and for the shameless plugging of my own show, Sisyphus: A Rock 'n' Roll Musical at the start there. Plenty of fascinating chat from Stephen Schwartz beyond that though. I hope you enjoy!

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ianbowkett.bsky.social

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MMD & MTN Special: Kate McKeown and James Hadley

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:00:33 GMT

This week, I’m talking to Kate McKeown and James Hadley, two of the wonderful team behind Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network, which are brilliant organisations dedicated to new UK musical theatre writing. They are organisations I have come across in the past thanks to their many great initiatives to support aspiring composers such as myself, and this was a very fun chat about all the work they do, and the musicals that have meant the most to them.

For more info and events for Mercury Musical Developments, visit: https://www.mercurymusicals.com

For more info and events for Musical Theatre Network visit: https://www.musicaltheatrenetwork.com

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Jeevan Braich

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:00:41 GMT

Jeevan Braich is a steam train of talent, a very exciting young actor who is currently lighting up the stage as Rusty in Starlight Express. His performance has earned him a nomination for a Stage Debut Award at this year’s ceremony which takes place on Sunday 29th of September and is hosted by former podcast guest Divina de Campo!

For tickets to The Stage Debut Awards 2024, visit: https://www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards

For tickets to Starlight Express starring Jeevan as Rusty, visit: http://www.starlightexpresslondon.com/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Darren Clark

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 23:00:49 GMT

This week, my guest is the wonderful Darren Clark, composer of The Wicker Husband and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – my most recent pick for Musical theatre Review’s show of the year. He’s also the founder of New UK Musicals – an online repository for sheet music and backing tracks from new shows, as well as the casting website Actor Musician UK.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which Darren wrote with Jethro Compton, is transferring to the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre from October, so do check out the link below and make sure you get tickets. As I say a hundred times throughout this episode, it is the most remarkable piece of theatre and you do not want to miss its West End debut.

In this episode, we discuss his shows, his approach to composition, and some of the musicals that have inspired him.

For The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tickets, visit: https://benjaminbuttonmusical.com/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Jak Malone

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:00:44 GMT

This week, our guest is the sensational Jak Malone, who recently won an Oliver Award for his role in the best reviewed musical in West End History, Operation Mincemeat. We're talking to Jak today because this coming Sunday - the 9th of June - Jak will be one of the special guest judges of the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition at the Sondheim Theatre!

SSSSPOTY is always special. Previous podcast guests Courtney Bowman, Alex Young, and Desmonda Cathabel all got their start at this competiton, as well as superstars like Taron Egerton and Cynthia Erivo. This is you chance to see not just the stars of tomorrow, but also new some new writing – possibly the next Operation Mincemeat – and some classic Stephen Sondheim songs, performed by the best young talent in the country on a beautiful West End stage, all for an absolute bargain price. The ticket link is below and I can’t encourage you enough to book now before it sells out! I’ll see you there on Sunday.

For tickets to The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition, visit: https://www.sondheimtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/sssspoty-2024

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Standing at the Sky's Edge Special - Mya Fox-Scott and Rachael Louise Miller

Mon, 06 May 2024 23:00:52 GMT

If you’re a regular listener, you will have heard countless hours of guests talking about Standing at the Sky’s Edge when asked about their favourite musicals. The show is inspired by Sheffield, the music of Richard Hawley, and beautiful Brutalist architecture. It is an incredibly exciting piece of new musical theatre and it is currently running at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until August 3rd featuring Mya Fox-Scott and Rachael Louise Miller, both of whom are exceptional performing talents. But what musicals have inspired them in their musical theatre careers, and what show would they choose to run forever if they were the Mayor of Musical Theatre?

For tickets to Standing at the Sky’s Edge, visit: https://www.skysedgemusical.com

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Mamma Mia! Special - Book Writer Catherine Johnson

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 23:00:58 GMT

The beloved hit musical Mamma Mia! is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary in the West End. To mark this occasion, we chat with its book writer Catherine Johnson about her journey to becoming one of the most successful stage writers of our time, her work with ABBA to create Mamma Mia!, and the other musicals she loves the most.

For Mamma Mia! tickets, visit: https://mamma-mia.com/london.php

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Frank Wildhorn

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:00:27 GMT

Legendary is an understatement. Frank Wildhorn is a renowned composer of not just some of the most beloved and iconic musical theatre shows to ever hit the stage, but also of chart-topping hits for artists like Kenny Rogers, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Whitney Houston. You will surely know shows like Jeckyl & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Bonnie & Clyde – which is about to go out on a UK tour, and the incredibly successful recent West End concerts for Death Note. Now he has a brand-new adaptation of the manga Your Lie in April, which is about to play three concerts at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on April 8th and 9th. In this episode, we discuss his shows, his approach to composition, and some of the musicals that have inspired him.

For Your Lie in April tickets, visit: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/your-lie-in-april/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Zachary James

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:12 GMT

Zachary James is a renowned actor, singer, recording artist, and Grammy Award winner who has performed with opera companies around the world, created the role of Lurch in The Addams Family on Broadway, worked with artists as diverse as Philip Glass and Tina Fey, and is now starring as the king of the underworld, Hades himself in the much-anticipated London return of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre. What are the shows that have most influenced him in his career, and which one production would he choose to run forever if he was The Mayor of Musical Theatre?

For Hadestown tickets, visit: https://uk.hadestown.com/

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Joanna Woodward

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:07 GMT

Joanna Woodward is an absolute superstar of a musical theatre performer who I have been hoping to get on the podcast since the very start. I first encountered her phenomenal talent in the cabaret and burlesque clubs of London, and have been delighted to see her career go from strength to strength ever since. She is currently starring in the titular role in the brilliant new musical adaptation of The Time Traveller's Wife in the West End's Apollo Theatre. In this episode, we discuss her career, the joys of cabaret, social media, and the musicals that mean the most to her.

For tickets to The Time Traveller's Wife, visit: https://timetravellerswife.com

For more information about Joanna's favourite comedy act Flat & the Curves, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Flatnthecurves/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Jacob Fowler

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:14 GMT

Happy New Year, fellow musical theatre enthusiasts! 2024 promises to be a spectacular year for new musical theatre, including the particularly exciting Before After by Stuart Matthew Price and Timothy Knapman at Southwark Playhouse. Starring alongside the ever-wonderful Grace Mouat will be Jacob Fowler, who you will know from Little Mix: The Search, Heathers, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and much much else. In this episode, we discuss Jacob's favourite musicals, including which show Jacob would order run forever if he was The Mayor of Musical Theatre. Listen now and see if you agree!

For Before After tickets, visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/before-after/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Desmonda Cathabel

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:36 GMT

The future of musical theatre? Very much Desmonda Cathabel. One day it will just be her performing all roles in every show at once. She has the talent, we just need technology to catch up.

Desmonda won the 2022 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award and since then has starred as Lorene in the Charing Cross Theatre's From Here To Eternity and as Kim in Miss Saigon at Sheffield Crucible, as well as many other exciting projects. She is currently starring as Jasmine in the UK tour of Disney's Aladdin in Edinburgh, and you can also catch her on ITV as an aspiring Sophie on Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream.

For Aladdin tickets, visit: https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk

Watch Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream on ITV: https://www.itv.com/watch/mamma-mia-i-have-a-dream-exclusive/10a4518

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Lisa Martland - Editor of Musical Theatre Review

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:00:24 GMT

It's episode 30! As a special treat, here is an extra long interview with Lisa Martland, the editor of Musical Theatre Review. Lisa previously worked at The Stage newspaper amongst other publications and has a wealth of experience in the world of musical theatre. Musical Theatre Review is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary as your premier source for all things onstage, backstage, and worldwide, and this podcast is just one of many exciting projects launched this year to celebrate. With so many shows seen and reviewed, which one show will Lisa choose to run forever if she had the power of The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now to find out!

Visit the Musical Theatre Review website: https://musicaltheatrereview.com

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Liv Andrusier

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 23:00:51 GMT

Liv Andrusier is a recent RAM graduate and the star of Freya Catrin Smith & Jack Williams's Ride, the stupendously brilliant new musical telling the story of round-the-world cyclist Annie Londonderry. Liv is simply spectacular in the show and has nominated for a Stage Debut Award for her performance, but what are the musicals that mean the most to her? Join us in Liv's These Demons rehearsal room and find out! This is a really fun episode and your chance to get to know the future superstar that is Liv Andrusier before she becomes more successful than any actor has ever been.

If you would like to join Liv at the Stage Debut Awards ceremony and enjoy a fantastic night including a three course meal, live performances, a DJ and dancing, visit: https://www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards?tab=tickets

For These Demons tickets, visit: https://theatre503.com/whats-on/these-demons/

Follow Liv on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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The Choir of Man Special

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 23:00:32 GMT

On this special and super-masculine episode, we are joined by four brilliant men from The Choir of Man. With so many guest mayors, this was a very fun - if slightly chaotic - podcast:

Luke Conner Hall plays 'Romantic'

Ben Goffe plays 'Handyman'

Michael Hamway plays 'Poet'

Nic Doodson is the co-creator/producer/director

For more info and tickets to The Choir of Man, visit: https://www.choirofmanwestend.com

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Divina De Campo

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:00:41 GMT

Divina De Campo has – through their incredible talent – become one of the country’s most beloved drag artists, and a truly revelatory musical theatre performer. They have seen television stardom on RuPaul’s UK Drag Race, and begun to take over the world of musical theatre with their starring roles in the award-winning Leeds Playhouse production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the Chicago UK tour, and now SpongeBob Squarepants. On October 1st they will host The Stage Debut Awards, the only dedicated awards recognising breakthrough theatre talent. But what are the musicals that mean the most to Divina, and which one would they order run forever if they were The Mayor of Musical Theatre?

For SpongeBob Squarepants tickets, visit: https://www.spongebobstage.com

If you would like to join Divina at the Stage Debut Awards ceremony and enjoy a fantastic night including a three course meal, live performances, a DJ and dancing, visit: https://www.thestage.co.uk/awards/the-stage-debut-awards?tab=tickets

Follow Divina on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Zoe Birkett

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 23:00:43 GMT

From Pop Idol to West End stardom via Moulin Rouge, Thriller Live, and The Great British Bake Off Musical, Zoe Birkett is a phenomenally talented performer who has shaken the rafters of many a prestigious auditorium with her incredible vocals. As she sets out on a UK tour of The Bodyguard, Zoe discusses the musicals that mean the most to her, and what one show she would order run forever if she had the power of The Mayor of Musical Theatre.

For The Bodyguard tickets, visit: https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Kyle Ramar Freeman

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 23:00:35 GMT

Kyle Ramar Freeman is currently starring in the superb A Strange Loop at Barbican Centre. Previously, he has played this lead role of Usher on Broadway, as well as touring the US in Once On This Island and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat. In this episode, we chat in Kyle's dressing room about the shows that mean the most to him, and what one show he would order run forever if he had the power of The Mayor of Musical Theatre.

For tickets to A Strange Loop, visit: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/a-strange-loop

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Benjamin Scheuer

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 23:00:11 GMT

Benjamin Scheuer is a songwriter and performer. He is the recipient of the Kleban Prize for Lyrics. His new solo musical, A MOUNTAIN FOR ELODIE, premieres at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, directed by Olivier Award-winner Polly Findlay.

On this episode, Scheuer discusses guitars, songwriting, his Sky Masterson aspirations, and the musicals that mean the most to him.

For tickets to A MOUNTAIN FOR ELODIE, visit: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mountain-for-elodie

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Billy Nevers

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 23:00:59 GMT

Billy Nevers is one of the most exciting young musical theatre talents we have. Over the last few years, he has performed in such diverse shows as Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar and &Juliet. Despite clearly never being one to repeat himself before, he can now be seen dancing and singing the house down in Groundhog Day at London's Old Vic. This brilliant new musical has discussed a lot on the podcast already as everybody loves it, but this Old Vic run must end August 19th so make sure you book your tickets and you don't miss out!

In this episode of the podcast, Billy discusses his career, the challenges and joys of performing in Groundhog Day, and which musicals he loves the most.

For tickets to Groundhog Day visit: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/event/groundhog-day

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Gina Beck

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 23:00:26 GMT

With a resume that covers pretty much every show ever mentioned on this podcast, from Les Mis to Phantom to Wicked to South Pacific, Gina Beck is an absolutely perfect guest to talk us through her favourite shows of all time. In particular, we discuss her summer 2023 gig starring in The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre, a role she surely was made for! What one show would Gina order run forever if she were The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Find out right here.

For tickets to The Sound of Music, visit: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/the-sound-of-music

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Nikolai Foster

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Nikolai Foster is the artistic director of Leicester's Curve Theatre - one of the very best venues in the country in my estimation - and the creative force behind recent incredible productions of Billy Elliott the Musical, Grease, and A Chorus Line. Recently, he has directed The Wizard of Oz which is playing at the London Palladium now with an all-star cast, including previous podcast guests Georgina Onourah and Christina Bianco. In this episode, we talk about his approach to directing and the musicals that have inspired him.

For tickets to The Wizard of Oz, visit: https://wizardofozmusical.com

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Guys & Dolls Special - Cedric Neal & Celinde Schoenmaker

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:00:49 GMT

It's a Guys & Dolls special! If you haven't yet, make sure you get yourselves down to London's Bridge Theatre where you can experience the stunning immersive production of this beloved musical. Every single member of that cast is incredible, and Cedric Neal and Celinde Schoenmaker - both theatre icons in their own right - are no exception. In this episode, we talk about all the behind-the-scenes secrets from Guys & Dolls, plus the musicals that mean the most to these two wonderful performers.

For tickets to Guys & Dolls, visit: https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/guys-and-dolls/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Alice Fearn

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 23:00:54 GMT

You will know Alice Fearn from her now-legendary runs in huge shows like Wicked and Come From Away, but now you have a chance to see her in a brand new British musical called Then, Now & Next in the intimate Southwark Playhouse! In this episode, we discuss her work on that show, the rumours of her having a role in the Wicked movie, and, of course, the musicals that mean the most to her. Which show would Alice order to run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now to find out!

For Then, Now & Next tickets, visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/then-now-next/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Lena Hall

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 23:00:20 GMT

VERY exciting episode right here: Lena Hall is a shining star of the big and small screens, as well as a Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar. You may have seen her in Snowpiercer, Becks, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, or even Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Her performances are never less than breathtaking and her voice is truly one of a kind. Make sure to look up some clips of her singing on YouTube and be prepared for your socks to be blown all the way off your quivering feet. In this episode we talk about some of Lena's favourite musical theatre, including the upcoming In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse, which features the songs of Roy Orbison and is directed by &Juliet's Luke Sheppard. What show would Lena choose to run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now to find out!

For In Dreams tickets, visit: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/in-dreams/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Katy Lipson

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:00:23 GMT

Katy Lipson is an award-winning producer and founder of Aria Entertainment. From tiny venues to major tours and West End hits, Katy has become one of the most exciting producers of musical theatre in the country. In this episode we discuss what the job of producer really entails, her current projects, and the musicals that mean the most to her.

For Brokeback Mountain tickets visit: https://sohoplace.org/whats-on/brokeback-mountain?gclid=CjwKCAjwyqWkBhBMEiwAp2yUFpG92HaqGlQBn_pCTgOT-xtfPUkCZfNjrbUPFqA2lQA4uGZ0c3vNzxoC1WwQAvD_BwE

For Cruise tickets visit: https://homemcr.org/production/cruise/

For A Mountain For Elodie tickets visit: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mountain-for-elodie

Follow Katy on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Lion King Special - Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 23:00:31 GMT

Fiercely exciting episode this week: it's a Lion King special! Disney's mega-hit musical about the animals of Pride Rock is one of the most spectacular shows in the West End, and has been entertaining audiences around the world for decades. In this episode, we are joined by the new Simba and Nala, Owen Chaponda and Merryl Ansah, who tell us all the backstage secrets of the show, as well as discussing the other musicals that have inspired them in their career. Be Prepared.

For tickets and info about The Lion King, visit: https://www.thelionking.co.uk/london

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Carly Mercedes Dyer

Wed, 31 May 2023 23:00:57 GMT

Carly Mercedes Dyer is an incredible performer who I have been an enormous fan of ever since I saw her in the National Theatre's production of Anaïs Mitchell's Hadestown. Since then, she has gone on to star in many more shows, winning awards and the love of the public along the way. You may have seen her in The Color Purple or West Side Story at Leicester's Curve, or even in Anything Goes at the Barbican where she played Erma. She is about to star as Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in a new production of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins at Chichester Festival theatre, and in this episode we discuss that role, as well as all the other musicals that have made her who she is.

For Assassins tickets, visit: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/assassins

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Christina Bianco

Wed, 10 May 2023 23:00:22 GMT

Christina Bianco is a singer, actor, and impressionist who has stunned audiences all over the world with her hilarious solo shows and viral videos. As her Bernadette Peters and Patti Lupone-heavy routines suggest, her first love is musical theatre, and over the years she has gradually climbed her way to beloved leading lady status, starring in hits such as Forbidden Broadway, Little Voice, and Funny Girl. In this episode we talk about her remarkable and wide-ranging talents, as well as the musicals that mean the most to her.

For tickets to Christina’s new Menier Chocolate Factor solo show In Divine Company, visit: https://www.menierchocolatefactory.com/tickets/christina-bianco-in-divine-company/

For tickets to the London Palladium’s The Wizard of Oz starring Christina as Glinda, visit: https://london.wizardofozmusical.com

For tickets to Liza with a Z featuring Christina plus the London Gay Big Band, visit: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/liza-with-a-z-and-more/theatre-royal-brighton/

Christina's website: https://www.christinabianco.com

Follow Christina on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Frances Mayli McCann

Wed, 03 May 2023 23:00:01 GMT

Frances Mayli McCann is currently giving one of the most electrifying performances in the entire West End as Bonnie Parker in Garrick Theatre’s Bonnie & Clyde. This role has won her legions of dedicated fans, but she has already had a fascinating history in huge shows such as Heathers, Les Mis, and Evita. She is one of the most exciting actors in the musical theatre right now and this is surely only the beginning of a legendary career. In this episode we discuss the musicals that mean the most to Frances, and she decides which show she would order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre.

For Bonnie & Clyde tickets, visit: https://bonnieandclydemusical.com

Follow Frances on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Kerry Ellis

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 23:00:07 GMT

Kerry Ellis is undeniably a West End legend, stunning audiences in We Will Rock You, Les Mis, Cats, Anything Goes, not to mention being the first British Elphaba in Wicked. She is also a successful recording artist of many excellent albums, including upcoming LP Kings & Queens, due out on May 12th. The first single Battlefield features Queen guitarist Brian May and is available now. Kerry is widely known to be one of our greatest live performers and she will be proving this at shows in Salford, Birmingham, and London on May 14th, 15th, and 16th respectively. In this episode, we discuss the musicals that mean the most to Kerry, and she decides which show she would order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre.

For Kerry’s concert tour tickets, visit: https://kerryellis.com/events/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Carrie Hope Fletcher

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 23:00:56 GMT

Carrie Hope Fletcher is an actor, singer, writer, and vlogger who has established herself as one of the brightest lights of our country’s musical theatre scene. From starring in huge shows like Heathers, Les Miserables, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, to entertaining huge crowds at her acclaimed concerts, Carrie is truly one of our very best. She is now heading out on concert tour across the UK called An Open Book. In this episode, we discuss the musicals that mean the most to Carrie, and she decides which show she would order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre. It’s a great one!

For An Open Book concert tour tickets, visit: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/carrie-hope-fletcher/

Follow Carrie on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Madalena Alberto and Joaquin Pedro Valdes

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 23:00:56 GMT

Incredibly exciting episode this week: two brilliant stagey guests! Madalena Alberto and Joaquin Pedro Valdes are both exceptional musical theatre performers who have been a part of some of the biggest musicals of recent times. They are now starring in the exciting new show Killing The Cat at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, which is only open until April 22nd so make sure you go see it while you have the chance!

For tickets to Killing The Cat, visit: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/killing-the-cat-58461/

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Louise Dearman

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:00:36 GMT

Are you an Elphaba or a Glinda? Imagine being so brilliant as to be both. Louise Dearman made history as the first actor to play both lead roles in Wicked, and that is just one highlight of a career filled with incredible performances. She is now starring in a gala concert presentation of a brand new musical called At Last, It's Summer at the London Palladium. On this episode, we discuss working on this exciting new show, her favourite musical theatre classics, and much more. Which show would Louise order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

For At Last, It's Summer tickets, visit: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/at-last-its-summer/

Follow Louise on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

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Georgina Onuorah

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 23:00:35 GMT

Of the many, many, many brilliant things in the new Wyndham's Theatre production of Oklahoma!, Georgina Onuorah's performance as Ado Annie is an undeniable highlight. She was kind enough to invite us into her backstage dressing room to talk about this amazing show, her other work on musicals such as The Wizard of Oz and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella, and the other musicals she loves most. Which show would Georgina order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

For Oklahoma! tickets, visit: https://www.oklahomawestend.com

Follow Georgina on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Alex Young and Ellie Nunn

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:00:33 GMT

Have more free time than usual this week? GOOD! We have two incredible guests for you, with lots and lots of stagey chat about favourite shows. Alex Young and Ellie Nunn are two of this country's finest interpreters of Stephen Sondheim, as well as being phenomenally talented in absolutely everything else they do. You may have seen Alex in Standing at the Sky's Edge or Follies at the National Theatre, or in any number of other much-discussed productions including Terry Gilliam's Into the Woods and Georgie Rankcom's Anyone Can Whistle. Ellie made her name in shows such as The Game of Love and Chance at the Arcola Theatre and Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward, on screen in the film Cracks, and is now a fixture of the London cabaret scene with her Ellie Nunn Sings Songs at People series. She is also hosting a Stephen Sondheim Society show called Merrily We Sing Along at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate Village, London on March 26th.

Alex and Ellie have teamed up for an exciting new cabaret show that will debut at London's Crazy Coqs on April 16th. Plenty more details about that in the episode, plus lots of chat about their favourite musicals. Expect a lot of Sondheim and even more silliness!

For tickets to the Ellie Nunn-hosted Merrily We Singalong, visit: https://upstairsatthegatehouse.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173640366

For tickets to Ellie and Alex's upcoming Crazy Coqs show, visit: https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/ellie-nunn-and-alex-young/

Follow Alex on twitter and instagram.

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Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

Twitter: @MusicalMayorPod

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Brian McFadden

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:07 GMT

As well as selling millions of records as a solo artist and as part of Westlife, and as well as teaming up with Boyzone's Keith Duffy to sell even more records as Boyzlife, and as well as now venturing out on a huge Boyzlife tour across the country, pop sensation Brian McFadden is also a big fan of musical theatre! In this episode, we discuss the childhood musical theatre obsessions that led Brian to a life of music and performance, and much more. Which show would Brian order run forever if he were The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

For Boyzlife tour dates, tickets, and music, visit: https://boyzlifestore.myshopify.com

Follow Brian on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

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Matt Henry

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:18 GMT

This is a super special day: our first Olivier award winner! Matt Henry MBE is a West End musical theatre icon for shows like The Drifters Girl, Avenue Q, and Kinky Boots, and also his pop career in which he has been mentored by Jessie J and Will.I.Am on The Voice UK and toured with Cyndi Lauper. He is now gearing up for a special concert production of Annie Get Your Gun at the London Palladium on April 7th. Which show would Matt order run forever if he were The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

For Annie Get Your Gun tickets, visit: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/annie-get-your-gun/

Follow Matt on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

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Sooz Kempner

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:35 GMT

You may know Sooz Kempner best as a comedian or as everybody's favourite twitter account, but she is also a Royal Academy of Music-trained actor and musician who has a deep love of and talent for musical theatre. Which show would Sooz order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

Sooz is taking her show Playstation on a UK tour in 2023. Dates and tickets can be found on her website: https://www.soozkempner.co.uk

She also streams regularly on twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/soozkempner

Follow Sooz on twitter and instagram and TikTok

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

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Courtney Bowman

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:42 GMT

Courtney Actual Bowman? That's right, it's going to be a FUN one. In this episode, the undisputed (though someone really ought to dispute it) mayor of musical theatre gets to know the Six and Legally Blonde superstar by discussing the musicals she loves. Our chat includes an audio tour of Courtney's dressing room at the Savoy Theatre (where she is currently starring in Pretty Woman), stories from Legally Blonde at Regent's Park, and a LOT of laughs. Which show would Courtney order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

For Pretty Woman tickets, visit: https://prettywomanthemusical.com

Follow Courtney on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

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

John Owen-Jones

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 23:00:09 GMT

On your marks, get set, Bake Off the Musical! In this week's episode, the (self-proclaimed) mayor of musical theatre gets to know the Les Miz and Phantom phenomenon John Owen-Jones by discussing the musicals he loves. Our chat includes lots of insight into the new Bake Off the Musical show that opens in the West End soon. Which show would John order run forever if he was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? Listen now and see if you agree!

For Bake Off tickets, visit: https://bakeoffthemusical.com

You can find out more about John at: https://www.johnowenjones.com

Follow John on twitter and instagram.

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

Follow the podcast:

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Anna-Jane Casey

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:52 GMT

On our very first episode, the (self-proclaimed) mayor of musical theatre gets to know West End Legend Anna-Jane Casey by discussing the musicals she loves. Our chat covers everything from pantomime to Sondheim and Anna-Jane is an absolute delight throughout. Which show would Anna-Jane order run forever if she was The Mayor of Musical Theatre? She makes an excellent choice. Listen now and see if you agree with her!

Recorded in Anna-Jane's backstage dressing room at the Duke of York's Theatre before a performance of Mother Goose, the pantomime she is currently touring with John Bishop and Sir Ian McKellen. For dates and tickets, see: https://mothergooseshow.co.uk

Produced by Ian Bowkett (twitter: @ianbowkett) in association with https://musicaltheatrereview.com (twitter: @musicaltheatrer)

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Trailer

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 16:52:29 GMT

There's a new mayor in town! Well, there's not. Writer/composer Ian Bowkett isn't the real mayor of musical theatre—nobody is, it barely makes sense as a concept—but he did buy a cheap chain on eBay and lie to a bunch of musical theatre stars.

Each week, very special guests who make or love musical theatre are invited to talk about their favourite shows in different categories (funniest musical, favourite movie musical etc.), culminating in choosing one show that they would order run forever if they were The Mayor of Musical Theatre. At this point the format falls down as Ian has no power to make this happen, but hopefully the laughs we have along the way will make the experience worthwhile.

Subscribe now for a first season with an absolutely stellar line-up of guests. Episode one will feature West End Legend Anna-Jane Casey.

Produced in association with musicaltheatrereview.com

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