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The WhatsOnStage Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood
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- 4 days ago33 min
167. Why does Ian McKellen has unfinished business with King Lear?
And who gives a Krapp about Beckett? Sarah and Alex have been ranging across the country, seeing shows in Bowness-on-Windermere and Brighton recently, but still find time to mull over the biggest news stories of the week – from the plans for Ian McKellen to return to the stage in a new version of King Lear at the Yard, and the National Theatre's report into the impact of streamed theatre. Plus, Sarah reminisces about her favourite performers who have tackled the title role in Krapp's Last Tape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 6 days ago27 min
166. Bonus episode: US stars Noah Galvin and Josh Radnor are bringing new writing to London
Alex sits down with the two stars of Hit Machine – Josh Radnor (known for playing Ted in How I Met Your Mother) and Noah Galvin (of The Good Doctor, Theater Camp and Dear Evan Hansen fame) – who will be performing at the Soho Theatre this summer. The new play by Jonathan Caren follows two estranged brothers, one a record mogul and the other an aspiring musician. It features original music by multi-Grammy Award winner Ben Harper with direction by Daniel Bailey. Why do the two US TV stars find themselves in London? We find out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 1 weeks ago34 min
165. Are the Tony nominations a warning sign for Broadway?
UK theatre fans had reason for cheer with Tuesday's Tony nominations, with recognition for Sam Tutty, Layton Williams, Lesley Manville, Luke Evans, Mark Strong, Rob Icke and many more, but does the full list reflect something more concerning about the state of Broadway? Alex and David mull on a very rocky season for the Great White Way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 1 weeks ago29 min
164. Bonus episode: Lesley Manville, Sonia Friedman and Mark Rosenblatt respond to their Tony nominations
Yesterday saw the Tony Awards nominations being revealed - in a great moment for UK theatre, with 41 nominations. We chat to producer Sonia Friedman (Oedipus), star Lesley Manville (Oedipus) and writer Mark Rosenblatt (Giant) about the success of their respective shows – Friedman also reflected on a very exciting period coming up for her company as it prepares to open a wave of new productions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 2 weeks ago41 min
163. Celebs declare war on phones in theatres
In a packed week of theatre news Sarah and Alex discuss Cynthia Erivo halting a show to stop filming —and Lesley Manville declaring war on photos. Is technology ruining or helping theatre? Plus: troubled waters at The Bridge, Broadway transfers and whether theatre could learn something from ParkRun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
162. Bonus episode: The man shaking up the West End with experimental work
On this week's bonus episode, Alex chats to Omar Elerian, the director and adaptor of Kohlhaas, a brand new work making its world premiere in the first week of the Brighton Festival. Elerian is also the co-founder of There & Then, a new theatre company that will bring a starry West End season of White Rabbit Red Rabbit to the Duchess Theatre this summer, with stars including David Tennant, Riz Ahmed, Luke Thompson, Jodie Whittaker and David Harewood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 3 weeks ago49 min
161. The Best Plays of the Century Part Four: the years 2006/7
In part four of the series, Sarah and Alex discuss the mighty War Horse, sublime new work from Complicité, incredible Scottish writing and blistering debuts. They also finally mull over the question – what actually is a play? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 3 weeks ago12 min
160. Bonus episode: What is the future of new musicals?
Alex Wood comes to you from the Musical Theatre Conference 2026 at the Soho Theatre Walthamstow - a huge event that saw writers, producers and venue owners come together to mull over trends and issues facing the world of new musicals. We hear from Jethro Compton, one of the masterminds behind The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, about how his global perspective on making work has informed his process and helped him build a career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About The WhatsOnStage Podcast
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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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