MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast
MusicalTalk is a weekly podcast dedicated to musical theatre and film. It features news, reviews, interviews, and discussions about composers, writers, actors, theatres, and shows. The podcast encourages listener participation and is produced in the UK.
Episodes
Episode 947: Remembering Hugh Wooldridge
In this special episode of MusicalTalk, we pay tribute to the late Hugh Wooldridge, celebrating the life and career of a distinctive voice in British theatre. We return to the MusicalTalk archives to revisit a conversation from 2013, when Nick Hutson sat down with Hugh to discuss his remarkable career, his experiences in the theatre world and his thoughts on the art of making theatre. It's an oppo
Episode 946: Sense & Sensibility The Musical - Part 2
Jane Austen once wrote to her sister that "the pianoforte often talks of you - in various keys, tunes and expressions" so join Thos as he makes like a piano (as Austen is unlikely to have phrased it) and talks again to Thomas F. Arnold about the new musical adaptation of Sense and Sensibility he has written with his collaborator, Grace O'Keefe. In this episode, they have an in-depth discussion abo
Episode 945: Sense & Sensibility The Musical - Part 1
The famous novelist, Jane Austen, once wrote "Without music, life would be a blank to me" so to rectify that problem join MusicalTalk as Thos chats to acclaimed composer, Thomas F. Arnold, about a brand new musical version of that global evergreeen, Sense and Sensibility. With songs from the show and an delightful - and possibly controversial - discussion on the applicability (or not) of Sondheim
Episode 944: Glad to Meter: Hayley Canham's "Sappho: The Poetess"
Mike joins composer/lyricist/performer Hayley Canham to discuss her new show dramatizing and celebrating the life of ancient Greek poet Sappho — "the greatest songwriter we've never heard".
Episode 943: Two Shows, Two Worlds: Zog & RopeDrop
In this episode of MusicalTalk, we head into the world of family theatre and Disney Parks comedy! First up, we review ZOG, the stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved story, currently touring across the UK. We look at how the production brings the beloved dragon, Princess Pearl and Gadabout the Great to life on stage and ask whether it lives up to the magic of the origi
Episode 942: EdFringe 2026 - Beautiful and Beastly
Time again to join Mike, Alison and Thos as they enjoy a bit of in-depth analysis of some of the wonderful new musicals you could have seen at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2026. In this week's Fringe round-up episode, they look at Girlhood in the Bathroom and Apparently Ugly: A Stepsister's Story. Do we live in a world of Cinderella-style happy endings and Prince Charmings, or is there more
Episode 941: EdFringe 2026 - Earth, Wind and Fire!
Fancy some reviews of some of the best or most interesting shows at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe? Yes! You do? Well, you've come to the right place as MusicalTalk continues its celebrated coverage of the Fringe's musical theatre offerings. This week, Thos joins Mike and Alison to discuss three eye catching new musicals - A Perfect Match, Mother Earth and the Shocking Truth About Flat Eart
Episode 940: EdFringe 2026 - The Detective's Demise (and Company)
EdFringe 2026 is in full swing so why not join Thos as he sits down with the talented Tom Rolfe, the man responsible for returning Fringe Favourite, The Detective's Demise, as well as three other musicals at this year's festival - Milly's Musical Adventure, Charming! The Musical and Escape Room: The Musical. That's a lot of musicals packed into one episode!
Episode 939: EdFringe 2026 - Hole!
It's time to join MusicalTalk at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 for another episode featuring some of the best and most interesting musical theatre offerings to be found at the world's largest and greatest arts festival. This week, Thos sits down with Jake Brasch and Nadja Leonhard-Hooper, the creative force behind the hilarious Hole!, a musical so large in scope it is literally (and we mean l
Episode 938: EdFringe 2026 - War of the Worlds (On a Budget) Redux
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 is here! Hoorah! It's the biggest arts festival in the world and MusicalTalk is there - as always - to see what's on offer for the lover of musical theatre (that's you!) and to provide extensive in-depth coverage of the best shows. This week, we look at the revival of War of the Worlds (On a Budget), the multi-star winning hit musical giving a unique, hilarious a
Episode 937: From Smiles to Sandworms - Why Annie Works (and Beetlejuice Doesn't)
Nick and Hannah head to the theatre for two of the biggest musical revivals currently touring the UK—but come away with very different reactions. It's sunshine, optimism and red-headed charm as they celebrate the UK tour of Annie, asking why this classic musical continues to captivate audiences nearly fifty years after its Broadway debut. Then, things take a decidedly darker turn as they tackle t
Episode 936: Savoy! Everybody's Doing It!
In this episode of MusicalTalk, it's time to join Thos as he stomps at the Savoy - and perhaps not just stomp! So take a sophisticated interwar sensibility, some reworked and reminaged songs from European operetta, spiced with an uber-modern take on the world of relationships, and you have the heady, intoxicating mix that makes the hit cabaret show, Savoy! Everybody's Doing It! so delicious. Whe
Episode 935: Breaking into Song with Edward Easton in Flo and Joan's One Man Musical
Edward Easton never imagined his next role would see him leading a musical. With no previous musical theatre experience, taking on One Man Musical was a genuine leap of faith - but one that quickly proved to be worth it. Nick and he chat about learning the music, finding confidence in a new genre, working with Flo & Joan and making an established role his own. You can see Edward in the role of po
Episode 934: Going Wild! – Craig Crowton and The Animal Guyz
What do you get when you combine theatre, spectacular puppetry, conservation, comedy and a whole host of incredible animals? Nick Hutson finds out as he chats with Craig Crowton, the creative force behind The Animal Guyz. Craig discusses how the show evolved from a passion for wildlife into an exciting theatrical experience that has delighted family audiences across the UK. Discover how larger-tha
Episode 933: War & Musicals - Untold Wars
MusicalTalk continues its exploration of the many and varied ways that war and conflict can be portrayed in the world of musical theatre. This week, Thos revisits a remarkable piece of verbatim musical theatre (itself a rare and unusual form) created to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, which explored 100 years of the British involvement in battle through the musicalisati
Episode 932: War & Musicals - Enigma
Join Thos as he continues his look at the amazingly varied way that musical theatre has approached war and its consequences. This week he revisits Enigma, a show about the American experience of wartime code-breaking and the real life (and death) consequences of doing it. With songs and music from the piece, hear composer, Hedda Rustad Carlsen and Thos discuss this all female written and acted sh
Episode 931: War & Musicals - Alfie
One of the many paradoxes of war is that it often generates a surprisingly rich cultural output and when musical theatre decides to tackle the subject, the results can be rewarding - and varied! Just look at Blitz, Oh What A Lovely War and Bedknobs and Broomsticks to see three utterly different ways of tackling conflict and death in a musical. And it doesn't stop there! So join Thos as he sits
Episode 930: The Bear, the Puppets and the Mockumentary
On this week's episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Robert dive into a trio of very different theatrical experiences! Robert shares his thoughts on London's lagest mega-hit musical: Paddington. We revisit the gloriously irreverent Avenue Q, discussing its enduring appeal, razor-sharp humour and whether its once-shocking material lands differently with modern audiences. We also explore the hilario
Episode 929: The Breadth of Broadway - Part 2
Colm and Thos are back to discuss two more diverse musical theatre gems from Colm's recent visit to Broadway: Ragtime and Maybe Happy Ending - one musical looking back - and one looking forward. They also discuss changing attitudes to taste and tastelessness in musicals - including the Doctor Crippen musical, Belle, and, perhaps surprisingly to a modern eye, the Titanic story itself - as well as m
Episode 928: The Breadth of Broadway - Part 1
The Great White Way is still the centre of the musical theatre universe, and so it's no wonder that Colm's been filling his Broadway boots and is bursting to talk about it. In this episode he sits down with Thos for an in-depth chat about just two of the shows he saw on a recent visit there - High Spirits, the 1964 musical adaptation of Noel Coward's comedy, Blithe Spirit, and that perennial favo
Episode 927: High School Musical...Talk
On this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson experiences a cultural phenomenon for the very first time: High School Musical. Joining him is Hannah, a devoted fan who knows every beat, lyric, and basketball move. As the film unfolds, Nick reacts in real time—questioning, analysing, and occasionally surrendering to the infectious charm—while Hannah offers insight, enthusiasm, and gentle (or not-so-ge
MusicalTalk Mini 73: Revisiting Avenue Q
Nick revisits Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre for its 20th anniversary—and discovers a show that's traded shock value for something warmer, wiser, and unexpectedly nostalgic. In this episode, he explores how Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx's irreverent musical holds up in 2026, from updated references (AI, Trump, and Spotify playlists) to subtle staging tweaks and musical refreshes. There's discuss
Episode 926: The Final Timeline - Back to the Future Closes
Nick, Chris and Nikki fire up the flux capacitor one last time as they attend the final performance of the London production of Back to the Future: The Musical. What makes this farewell especially poignant is their unique full-circle journey with the show — having been there at the very beginning during its early Manchester run in 2020, just before the world changed forever. In this reflective and
Episode 925: Mad About the Boys: Novello, Coward and Porter (part 2)
Join Thos for more about Mad About The Boys - A Marvellous Party, Wela Kapela Productions' five star EdFringe Cabaret that tells the tales, and sings the songs, of those three titans of musical theatre in the the first half of the twentieth century - Cole Porter, Noel Coward and Ivor Novello. From Mrs Worthington and Nina from Argentina, to I've Got You Under My Skin and Keep the Home Fires Burni
Episode 924: Mad About the Boys: Novello, Coward and Porter (part 1)
MusicalTalk marks the 75th anniversary of the death of Ivor Novello, one of the greatest British musical theatre writers of the 20th Century in opulant style! Join Thos for the first half of a fascinating conversation with the people behind the 2025 EdFringe Cabaret Show, Mad About the Boys, which looks at the lives of those three friends, rivals and contemporaries, Cole Porter, Noel Coward and I
MusicalTalk Mini 72: David Herzog on OUR TOWN
After many, many years, MusicalTalk Mini returns! In this revived short-form format, David Herzog brings his expert eye to the Welsh National Theatre's touring production of Our Town. With its stripped-back staging, timeless themes, and delicate balance between nostalgia and existential reflection, how does this iconic American classic fare on a contemporary UK tour? David explores the production'
Episode 923: Into the Woods, Out to Sea… and Into the Choir: When Musicals Get Lost
In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah take a candid and wide-ranging look at four very different theatrical experiences: Titanique, The Little Mermaid's ill-fated "Sea Witch", Into the Woods, and The Choir of Man. From the outrageous camp and unexpected charm of Titanique to the frustrating missteps of Sea Witch, the pair explore what separates a show that works from one that simply does
Episode 922: Countdown to Monte Cristo with Stephen Weiner
In this episode, presenter Michael Gordon Shapiro speaks with multi-award-winning composer Stephen Weiner about his newest musical project: an adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. Stephen discusses the process of transforming Alexandre Dumas' epic tale of betrayal, imprisonment, and revenge into a compelling work for the musical stage. From shaping the musical voice of Edmond Dantès and captur
Episode 921: From Mosh Pit to Orchestra Pit (Feat. SVALBARD's Serena Cherry)
What happens when a screamo guitarist and singer falls down the musical theatre rabbit hole? Nick Hutson is joined by Serena Cherry, whose musical journey has taken her from the intensity of the mosh pit to the drama of the orchestra pit. Serena explains how discovering The Phantom of the Opera at the age of 17 first opened the door to musical theatre, before life — and loud guitars — briefly pull
Episode 920: Shining in Misery - A Stephen King Sized Parody!
Nick is joined by composer (and friend of the podcast) Andy Abrams and director Gary Lloyd to talk all things Shining in Misery, following its UK premiere at The Other Palace as part of MT Fest. They dive deep into the creation of the show — from its musical styles and theatrical influences to the challenges of adapting such a psychologically charged story for the stage. Andy and Gary unpack how t
Episode 919: Sondheim Was Alive in 2025
Yes, Sondheim was alive and kicking in 2025, at least so far as his works and legacy were concerned because in London alone, you could have seen Road Show, Here We Are, The Frogs and Into the Woods - and MusicalTalk did! So, Colm and Thos having put in the leg work, sat down for a run through of each of these varied and, in some cases, seldom produced Sondheim shows, and try to work out why they
Episode 918: They Can't Take That Year Away From Me!
The "LeDorean" is polished, the flux capacitor is fluxing and Thos and Nick are ready to take MusicalTalk somewhere very specific in the timeline — though they're not saying where just yet. In this episode, our hosts travel back to a moment when optimism was in the air, creativity was boundless, and entertainment itself was being boldly reimagined. It's a time when music, storytelling and spectacl
Episode 917: Stranger Sings! The Musical Parody
Thos takes a trip back to the town of Hawkins, Indiana in 1983 where times were simpler, hair was bigger (much bigger) and and unsupervised children were getting snatched by inter-dimensional beings! No, it's not television success story, Stranger Things - it's something even better - the 2025 five star EdFringe production of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical by Jonathan Hogue. In this episode
Episode 916: From Page to Stage: Creating SEA WITCH
This week on MusicalTalk, Nick is joined by Michael David Glover, the book writer of SEA WITCH, playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Sunday 1st March. Michael takes us inside the creation of the show — from its origins and development to the realities of shaping a new piece of musical theatre for today's audiences. The conversation digs deep into the writing process, the collaboration betwee
Episode 915: From Our Canadian Correspondent
Come From Away undoubtedly put Canada on the global musical theatre map, but this fine, independent and creative nation has a long tradition of writing wonderful musicals! Join David and Thos as they look at new Canadian shows like Life After, The Louder They Get, Grow, Emilio's A Million Chameleons and Confessions of a Red Headed Coffee Shop Girl. Add to that discussions of the Canadian productio
Episode 914: Singing with Nureyev and Living with Lerner: Liz Robertson Interview.
Nick welcomes the legendary Liz Robertson to MusicalTalk for a wide-ranging and intimate conversation spanning a remarkable life in musical theatre. Marking the 70th anniversary of My Fair Lady, Liz reflects on her experiences with the show and explores why it continues to charm, challenge and resonate with audiences seven decades on. From working alongside the incomparable Rudolf Nureyev to shari
Episode 913: Holding Space for Wicked - Magic or Misdirection?
With the dust now well and truly settled, Nick sits down with Ruby – a self-confessed Wicked obsessive – to take a long look back at the two film adaptations. Together they explore what Wicked has meant to them personally over the last 25 years, how their relationship with the show has evolved, and whether the films live up to the stage phenomenon that defined a generation of theatre-goers. From b
Episode 912: One Year More: A MusicalTalk Theatre Year in Review.
Nick and Hannah look back on a theatre-stuffed 2025, chatting through the shows they saw, loved, questioned and are still thinking about. From West End heavyweights to immersive experiments and concert highlights, this episode is a fast, opinionated tour of the year in musicals. Along the way they discuss everything from Robin Hood at the Palladium, Les Misérables, Matilda, MJ The Musical and Mamm
Episode 911: Merry Quizmas and a Happy New Earful for 2026
It's Christmas again - but didn't we have one twelve months ago? Well, just in case Dame Shirley Bassey is correct and it all just a little bit of history repeating, we might as well mark the fact in the traditional MusicalTalk way - with our annual festive quiz! So, pit your wits against Thos as he attempts to bamboozle, educate, irritate and inform with twelve questions covering 150 years of m
Episode 910: The Stage in 1925
Travel back one hundred years as MusicalTalk looks at the world of theatre and musical theatre in late 1925 through the prism of the trade press of the period. Josh and Thos thumb through an actor's newspaper from a century ago and uncover the invisible world of how the profession presented itself to its peers - through lists of classified messages, official notices, general advertisements, ads f
Episode 909: Mad for The Queen is Mad
Join Thos as he talks to the cast and writers of the stunning five star show, The Queen is Mad, about the early 16th Century Spanish monarch known to history as Joanna the Mad - but what if her madness was in fact fury? Find out how this musical explores if Joanna was genuinely insane or whether she was simply the victim of intrigue and oppression, and how it draws out many contemporary parallels
Episode 908: "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme ABBACADABRA! (The First ABBA Musical)
This week on MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson and Andrew Keating uncover a forgotten gem of musical theatre history as they sit down with the legendary David Wood to discuss the original ABBA jukebox musical: ABBACADBRA. Long before Mamma Mia! conquered the world, there was ABBACADBRA — a fantastical, family-friendly musical created at the Lyric Hammersmith in the early 1980s, featuring ABBA's music reima
Episode 907: The Real Housewives of the Zombie Apocalypse
By Zeus! It's time for MusicalTalks's celebration of our Pick of the Fringe 2025 - the arrestingly titled (and genuinely brilliant) The Real Housewives of the Zombie Apocalypse! Join Thos as he figuratively feasts on the brains of John Paul Liddle and Hugh Moore, the people behind this amazingly funny, clever, literate, satirical and tuneful modern masterpiece of a musical to find out how it came
Episode 906: Two Soups and a Revival - Acorn Antiques Returns
This week on MusicalTalk, Nick and Dom sit down to celebrate one of British musical theatre's most brilliantly bonkers gems: Acorn Antiques. With the recent Hope Mill Theatre production bringing Victoria Wood's cult favourite back into the spotlight, they explore how this new staging honours (and occasionally reimagines) Wood's unmistakable wit, warmth and musical mischief. From the show's origins
Episode 905: Five, Six, Seven, Elf!
✨ Pop nostalgia meets festive cheer in this lively, laugh-filled episode of MusicalTalk! ✨ This week, Nick and Andrew take a nostalgic step back to the '90s as they discuss HERE AND NOW — the brand-new Steps musical currently touring around the UK! Plus, Nick introduces a new voice to the MusicalTalk team — Emily! Emily joins to chat about ELF at the Aldwych Theatre — a festive favourite that she
Episode 904: Songs of the People
Join Thos as he revisits a conversation with celebrated songwriter Sue Casson about her seminal musical masterwork, Dreams of Peace and Freedom, currently on a national tour, and learn how this piece has become part of a multiplatform experience entitled Songs of the People. From Magna Carta to Victorian Scottish land clearances, via the Nuremburg War Trials to Southwark Cathedral in 2025, Songs
Episode 903: Revisiting Just William: Two Decades On
In this reflective episode of MusicalTalk, Nick sits down with Thos to revisit his musical adaptation of Richmal Crompton's classic British short stories: Just William, first written as his examination piece twenty years ago. Together, they explore how two decades of experience — and a world of new technology (along with nearly 20 years of MusicalTalk!) — have transformed Nick's process as a compo
Episode 902: Lofty Musical Discoveries - Rediscovering the Joy of Old CDs, Tapes and Vinyl.
A digital disaster leads Thos to dig out his old CD collection — and rediscover a world of musicals he'd long forgotten. Nick joins him for a nostalgic spin through the golden age of discs, cassettes and vinyl, celebrating the physical joy of pressing play, turning pages, and uncovering songs that time almost buried. It's a charming conversation about rediscovery, memory, and the music that never
Episode 901: EdFringe 2025 - The Final Round-Up
Join Colm and Thos as they again look at some of the shows you could have seen at this year's EdFringe - including the Queen is Mad, Hot Mess, Annie, High School Musical and Sense - A New Musical About Dementia to name but a few. With two fabulous songs from the brand new original Edinburgh Cast Recording of the five-star musical The Queen is Mad, you'd be mad to miss it!
Episode 900: EdFringe 2025 in Songs - A Musical Celebration!
Well, how about that? MusicalTalk reaches its 900th episode (and it's 19th birthday)! Not only that but we're Britain's oldest showbusiness podcast! To celebrate, we've got a special bumper double-length episode of songs, songs, songs! Join Thos as he looks into the history of British podcasting, and MusicalTalk's suprisingly important place in it, and then lie back and listen to twenty wonderf
Episode 899: EdFringe 2025 From Top to Bottom
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 is dead! Long live the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026! But whilst we're waiting, it's time for MusicalTalk to begin its celebrated coverage of all the best musicals you could have seen this August at the world's largest arts festival. In this episode, Thos and Colm begin with an in-depth appreciation and analysis of two very different but excellent new musicals
Episode 898: The Phantom of Tea Opera.
This week, Nick and Hannah lift the silver cloches on a brand-new way to enjoy The Phantom of the Opera — in edible form! They take their seats at the Sofitel London St James's Rose Room to sample the official Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea. Join them as they nibble their way through pastries inspired by characters, sandwiches worthy of the Paris Opera House and enough cakes to make even Carlo
Episode 897: Frozen in Time
Nick and Hannah sit down for a lively discussion spanning three landmark moments in musical theatre history. They celebrate the outrageous brilliance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on its 50th anniversary, reflect on a decade of Hamilton and share their delight at finally seeing Disney's Frozen captured in a dazzling Pro Shot on Disney+. www.musicaltalk.co.uk
Episode 896: Zach Burns at the EdFringe - A Potted History (part 2)
With all the fun of EdFringe now in full swing, what better way to celebrate the world's biggest arts festival than with another delicious slice of conversation between Thos and Zach Burns, the multitalented perfomer, writer, actor, musician and Fringe veteran! In this fantastic episode, they discuss the eponymously named Fringe! The Musical, the nature of formal musical theatre training, and Zach
Episode 895: Zach Burns at the EdFringe - A Potted History (part 1)
It's EdFringe 2025 time - and in this week's hilarious episode, Thos sits down with the multitalented and very funny Zach Burns to talk about some of his EdFringe experiences including his roles as actor and musical director for (hardy) perennial Fringe favourite, Potty the Plant! There's also insightful discussion on the differences between formal and informal musical training and all types of mu
Episode 894: All That Zeus (Kander and Ebb meet Hercules)
In this illuminating episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson sits down with esteemed theatre scholar Professor Robert Gordon to delve into his fascinating new book, The Theatre of Kander and Ebb. Together, they explore the groundbreaking legacy of one of Broadway's most enduring and influential songwriting duos — the brilliant composer John Kander and the incisive lyricist Fred Ebb. From Cabaret to Ch
Episode 893: EdFringe Ahoy! When Richard Lewis Met Liberace
With the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe fast approaching, join Thos as he talks to the talented composer and performer, Richard Lewis, about his two hit shows, More Songs for a (Brave) New World and Liberace In His Own Words which are coming back to the Fringe this year after great success in 2024. They also talk about Richard's role as musical director for other shows, and discuss the time Richa
Episode 892: Popping Back to Pop Off Michelangelo (Part 2)
As the hit musical, Pop Off Michelangelo, follows its impressive London run with a return to the Edfringe in August 2025, Thos carries on his latest conversation with composer, writer and modern renaissance man, the hugely talented Dylan Marcaurele. In this fascinating episode, they discuss the unexpected phenomenon of cultural differences in orchestraton - what exactly makes an orchstration Bri
Episode 891: Popping Back To Pop Off Michelangelo (Part 1)
Join Thos as he sits down again with Dylan Marcaurele, the talented writer and composter of hit musical, Pop Off Michelangelo! In this illuminating chat, they explore how this wonderful show has changed and developed as it moved from the EdFringe to London and discuss how you give an American show a very British sensibility! Like the lyrics of the opening number say, this is a show which is very i
Episode 890: Potty the Plant and Fronds (Part 2)
Join Thos as he continues his in-depth conversation about the evergreen cult musical favourite, Potty the Plant which opens at the Wiltons Music Hall in East London this week. With songs from the show and insights into this darkly hilarious musical, as well as more on its sister show, Fringe! the Musical, this is an episode that'll grow on you!
Episode 889: Potty The Plant and Fronds (part 1)
Hoorah! Potty The Plant, which was MusicalTalk's Pick of the Fringe at Edinburgh in 2023, is coming to the legendary Wilton's Music Hall in London in June! So join Thos as he talks to the people behind this cult comedy musical, Baden Jack Burns, Sarah Burns and Aeddan Sussex, as they discuss how the show has developed in the last few years, as well as their touching but satirical swipe at all thi
Episode 888: Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane - The Gospel Truth!
In this week's episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah share their thoughts hot off the heels of the very first preview of Disney's Hercules, now making its West End debut at the historic Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. From gospel muses to gods on high, they dive into the show's music, staging, and how it adapts (and evolves) the beloved animated film for the stage. Does it go the distance? Has Alan M
Episode 887: Charles Strouse Remembered (Part 2) - Put On A Happy Face
MusicalTalk continues its two part tribute to the late Charles Strouse, the legendary composer of Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, I and Albert, All American, Charlotte's Web, All Dogs Go To Heaven, Minsky's, Mayor, Marty, Nick and Nora and so many others! In this episode, Thos and Charles enjoy a charmingly inimate, detailed and honest look at his works and career which paint a perfect picture of
Episode 886: Charles Strouse Remembered (Part 1) - By Strouse
MusicalTalk pays a special tribute to the late, great Charles Strouse, who has just died a month shy of his 97th birthday. Charles was one of the giants of the last sixty years of musical theatre and leaves an enormous legacy: with new shows produced across seven decades, collaborations with Alan Jay Lerner, Lee Adams, Mel Brooks, Stephen Schwartz, Arthur Laurents, Martin Charnin, Rupert Holmes, B
Episode 885: From Super troupers to Stormtroopers
This week on MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah take a sunny trip down memory lane to explore the legacy of the global phenomenon Mamma Mia! With Nick revisiting the stage show for the first time in 25 years, they discuss how the production has evolved over the decades and why its irresistible blend of ABBA hits and heartwarming storytelling continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. But the conver
Episode 884: Pop Off Michelangelo!
It's the best possible news - MusicalTalk's Pick of the Fringe 2024 hits London in 2025! Pop Off Michelangelo! took Edinburgh by storm last summer, and now comes to London from May until July - and it's a tasty treat. Thos talks to the show's writer, 21st century Renaissance Man, the talented Dylan MarcAurele, about how this multi-layered, clever, high-camp comedy came to be, whilst also analysin
Episode 883: From Fishnets to Flappers - Rocky Horror Vs The Great Gatsby
This week on MusicalTalk, Nick returns to The Rocky Horror Show for the first time in 25 years and shares his reflections on the cult classic's enduring appeal, high camp, and raucous audience participation. Then, it's off to the London Coliseum, where Nick and Hannah experience The Great Gatsby — but in a rare twist, it's Nick who walks in knowing nothing about the show, while Hannah holds all th
Episode 882: Top Marx for Animal Crackers - Part 2
In this week's episode, Thos takes a close look at the 1930 Marx Brothers musical comedy film, Animal Crackers, and its place against the backdrop of a number of transitions - the move from stage to screen for the madcap quartet, the loss of popularity of Hollywood film musicals at the end of the 1920s, the move from prosperity to economic slump following the Wall Street Crash, and how the film in
Episode 881: Top Marx for Animal Crackers - Part 1
It's a century since Minnie's Boys, better known as the Marx Brothers, appeared on Broadway in their first fully fledged musical, and to mark the occasion, MusicalTalk is taking a close look at their 1930 musical comedy film, Animal Crackers. In this week's episode, Thos investigates what makes the Marx Brothers so remarkable and timeless, and takes a close look at the difference between the stage
Episode 880: Shear Talent: Emma Williams Cuts to the Chase
In this insightful episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson catches up with West End star and friend of the show, Emma Williams, for an honest chat about her remarkable 20-year journey in the theatre industry. From her breakout role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to her recent work on the innovative production Scissorhandz at the Southwark Playhouse, Emma reflects on how the landscape of musical theatre ha
Episode 879: Fairest of Them All? Snow White Remake Vs Alan Menken's Magic Concert
In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah dive into the enchanted (and controversial) world of Disney's Snow White remake. With reimagined characters, missing dwarfs, and a whole lot of internet debate, they share their thoughts on whether this new take is a poisoned apple or a fresh perspective. They also recount their experience at A Whole New World of Alan Menken at the London Palladium,
Episode 878: Helen...of Savoy!
At last, a musical about one of the unsung female heroes of musical theatre - Helen D'Oyly Carte! Join Thos as he talkes to Susan Ellerby about her latest modern G&S show, Gilbert and Sullivan's Improbable New Musical....And Helen, about the accomplished, and even trailblazing, Victorian businesswoman, who was one of the four most important people in the Gilbert and Sullivan story, not least for
Episode 877: I Got Rhythm - Crazy For You in London
Was the recent barnstorming London revival of the 1992 Gershwin Brothers show, Crazy For You, one of the best things to hit the West End in years? Thos certainly thinks so and in this week's episode you can hear him and Josh talking about what made it so delightful. Was it the phenomenal, vital writing of the George Gershwin? Was it the seamless dancing, singing and comic talents of Charlie Stem
Episode 876: Frankenstein (On a Budget)
Following the amazing success of their earlier show, War of the Worlds (On a Budget), Thos sits down again with Becky Owen-Fisher and Tom Fox, the creative minds behind Lamphouse Theatre, to discuss their latest comedy musical show, the five star 2024 Edfringe hit, Frankenstein (On a Budget). Tackling everything from Mont Blanc-Gate to how you compose songs for a devised improvised show, via a ye
Episode 875: Flo and Joan on One Man Musical – A Tribute (of Sorts) to Andrew Lloyd Webber
In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick sits down with the hilarious musical comedy duo Flo and Joan to chat about their latest show, One Man Musical. A riotous send-up of the grandiose world of musical theatre, this sharp and witty show takes aim at the tropes, clichés, and bombastic melodies of the genre—through the lens of one of its biggest icons, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Flo and Joan discuss how the
Episode 874: From the Barricades to the Cutting Edge – Les Mis, Scissorhandz, and the WhatsOnStage Awards!
In this jam-packed episode of MusicalTalk, Hannah finally experiences Les Misérables live on stage—was it everything she dreamed of... or did she dream a dream in vain? Meanwhile, we dive into the world premiere of Scissorhandz, the bold new musical adaptation of Tim Burton's beloved film! And finally we break down all the big winners at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2025!
Episode 873: Love, Life, and Prada Problems
In this episode, Nick sits down with the brilliant Robert Gordon for an insightful and entertaining conversation. Together, they reflect on Robert's eventful 2024, delving into the highlights of the year, including his thoughts on the latest revival of Oliver! and the new musical of The Devil Wears Prada. The conversation then takes a fascinating turn as Robert discusses the first-ever concept mu
Episode 872: From Emerald Cities to Sherwood Forest - Theatre Highlights of 2024 and What's Coming in 2025!
In this captivating episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah reflect on the theatrical and cinematic delights of 2024, including the dazzling movie adaptation of Wicked and the Robin Hood pantomime at the London Palladium. Then, they turn their attention to 2025, diving into the most anticipated productions on the horizon. Get ready for a deep dive into the mysterious and magical Coraline, as well
Episode 871: Merry Quizmas and a Happy New Earful For 2025
It's the end of 2024 and to wave it a fond farewell, Thos has again insolently presumed you might fancy a celebratory bumper-sized quiz episode. If he's accidentally correct, then this is the one for you - a suitably festive mix of musicals trivia deliciously flavoured with songs galore. Go on, ignore the turkey for a few minutes and pit your wits against everyone's least favourite quizmaster!
Episode 870: EdFringe 2024 in Review - Part Five
Colm and Thos conclude the MusicalTalk in-depth review of the 2024 EdFringe by looking at three of the most diverse and different shows that you could have seen in Scotland this summer - Mary Mary Quite Contrary, a spoof musical about 1960s and 70s moral campaigner, Mary Whitehouse; Behind the Curtain, a hugely charming youth musical giving us a contemporary take on a 42nd Street-style story; and
