Backstage Curry

How British trumpet and flugelhorn player, Johnny Thirkell  went from playing in a colliery band to recording with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Johnny Thirkell joined his local colliery brass band in the North East of England when he was a kid and soon realised that music would be his whole world. After a short spell working down the mines, his musical talent led to J...

Behind the scenes of, Paddington The Musical, with Bonnie Langford . During the first part of 2025, whilst starring on Broadway, the immensely talented performer, Bonnie Langford was asked if she’d be interested in being a part of a new musical about everyone’s favourite bear. With music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and based on the original Paddington adventures written by Michael Bond, “Paddington...

How Yorkshireman Mark Bajerski left the UK for Spain and became a physic healer. Years ago, Mark Bajerski left the UK for a life in Spain, not knowing what the future would hold. He accepted an invitation to attend some spiritual meetings and suddenly discovered that he possessed a psychic awareness. Mark turned this accidental experience into a way of life and has now become known as, “The H...

Olivier Award winning actress Liza Sadovy , discusses appearing in musicals, plays and being nominated. Currently appearing in a new play, “Daniel’s Husband”, Liza Sadovy is enjoying a successful and prolific career. Her theatre credits include, “Company”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Wicked”, “Sunday In The Park With George” and “Into The Woods” amongst many others. Liza won an Olivier Award for Best Su...

Pantomime season is in full swing, (Oh yes it is!) - actor Peter Duncan describes what this famous theatrical tradition means to him. Actor and ex Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan has starred in, directed, written and produced many pantomimes during his long career. In this episode, Peter describes being a part of this yearly Christmas theatrical event since childhood and how he’s managed to...

How Trafalgar Entertainment became a global, award-winning production company. In 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment was created and now concentrates on new productions, venues, live music, comedy and Performance Arts, (with the company Stagecoach). Trafalgar owns 21 venues, including spaces in London and around the UK.  Helen Enright is the Company Secretary and Chief Operating Financial Officer-...

Back in 1989, the new McDonald family was being written into the storylines of Coronation Street and the search to find an actress to play Liz McDonald began. Beverley Callard was one of the hot favourites and here she describes the audition process, how much she wanted to be a part of this legendary series and how she’s learned to cope with the fame and attention Coronation Street has brought her...

EPISODE 40. AND SUDDENLY I BECAME ME! How presenting, Blue Peter, changed the life of Sarah Greene . After a guest appearance on, Blue Peter, Sarah Greene was invited for an audition to become one of the presenters on the programme in the early 1980’s. As an actress, enjoying some success at that time, Sarah had never considered television presenting, but she got the job and during her t...

Actress Susan Penhaligon talks about starring in the ‘70’s TV drama series, “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” and about the industry today. First broadcast on ITV in 1976, “Bouquet of Barbed Wire” was highly impactful and watched by millions. This controversial drama about the secrets and desires of a dysfunctional family, was critically acclaimed at the time and brought actress Susan Penhaligon fame and m...

Behind the scenes of the new STEPS musical, “HERE AND NOW”, with cast member  Finty Williams. After a successful Gala performance in Manchester of the musical, “Here and Now”, which features songs by the top selling pop band, STEPS and which is receiving 4 and 5 star reviews-actress Finty Williams talks about her role in the show and about embarking on a UK and Ireland tour. https://actingfor...

Performer Nicholas Pound describes being a part of the spectacular Asian tour of the musical, “The Phantom of the Opera”. A long way from his home in Sussex, the experienced performer, Nicholas Pound takes Mark behind the scenes of the 2025 Asian tour of the worldwide epic musical theatre success, “The Phantom of the Opera”. Two weeks after opening in Bangkok, Nicholas talks about the highs a...

Talking jazz with the award winning, uniquely talented jazz musician, Ian Shaw . Born in Wales and growing up in a musical household, Ian Shaw has become one of the UK’s leading jazz performers. His interpretations of songs from different genres of music, coupled with his own writing, has led to Ian being in constant demand at jazz venues and festivals worldwide. On the week of his appearance...

West End musical star Sophia Ragavelas on “nailing” those big, famous show tunes. Sophia Ragavelas has played such famous roles as, Grizabella in, “CATS”, Eponine and Fantine, in, “LES MISERABLES” and Sophie in, “MAMMA MIA”, amongst others. Here she describes handling the pressure and expectation when performing the well known iconic songs in those shows and her recent role in the new London music...

Janet Ellis discusses turning her secret writing ambition into a reality. Embarking on a writing course turned actress and presenter Janet Ellis into a successful novelist. She describes how her first novel, “The Butcher’s Hook”, came about and now, as she works on her 3rd publication, Janet talks about her personal writing process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The highs and lows of playing at Wimbledon with tennis legend Margaret Smith Court . After her first appearance on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1961, Margaret Court, (nee Smith), went on to claim 10 titles at The Championships including 3 singles, 2 doubles and 5 mixed. Her Grand Slam total of 64 titles will probably never be beaten and she was often invincible. Playing at Wimbledon was always ver...

Wimbledon Championships referee, Denise Parnell , talks about being the boss of the fortnight. Former tennis pro, Denise Parnell became the first female Wimbledon Championships referee in 2024. One of only 13 women to hold the Gold Badge referee qualification, Denise is the top official and responsible for making the most important decisions…managing the tournament draw, scheduling matches, whethe...

Last orders was called at the very well established Kings Head pub theatre in 2023. Now, around the corner from that venue, in Islington Square, London N1, is the bigger, purpose built 200 seater Kings Head Theatre. The current executive producer is Sofi Berenger and in this episode, Sofi tells Mark how the new space was created and why, as well as describing what audiences and performers can...

First produced in London back in 1984, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, “STARLIGHT EXPRESS” has thrilled audiences worldwide and can currently be seen in the Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Amongst the 40 performers is Jaydon Vijn , here describing how the show came his way, his preparation, the pressure plus the thrills AND spills of t...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mark is in conversation with Natasha Cayabyab , a young performer who is making an impact, not just for her talent, but for her courage and honesty in sharing her journey with Bipolar Disorder. Natasha talks about her diagnosis, the challenges she's faced, and the daily realities of living with a condition that's often misunderstood. From navigating mo...

A chat with the renowned and highly respected Musical Director, Jae Alexander. Born in South Wales, Jae Alexander asked for a piano as a Christmas present when he was six years old! After studying and learning church music, Jae sang, stage managed and played piano for show rehearsals, before becoming a fully-fledged Musical Director on some of the biggest shows in London. He has led orchestras for...

Olivier Award nominee, Sophie-Louise Dann describes playing the iconic Madame Morrible, for the past 3 years, in the London production of, “Wicked”. Sophie-Louise Dann landed the role of Madame Morrible in 2022 and has played this monstrous but captivating character in the London production of, “Wicked”, for 3 years. With one month to go before she takes her final bow, Sophie-Louise talks about ho...

The Mousetrap , written by Agatha Christie, opened in Nottingham in 1952 before transferring to the West End. Apart from a break during the Covid 19 pandemic, the play has been thrilling audiences nine times a week- in London and on tour-for over 70 years. The Artistic Director is Denise Silvey , and she discusses why The Mousetrap has lasted and takes Mark backstage at St Martins Theatre. Ho...

COME ON, LADIES - WE’RE LIVE IN FIVE! Behind the scenes of “Loose Women”, with Ruth Langsford . The award winning ITV daytime show, “Loose Women”, broadcasts live, Monday to Friday and Ruth Langsford is one of the regular presenters. Ruth explains how the show works, describes her preparation and gives her thoughts on why this programme is still such a hit after 25 years. Hosted on Acast. See...

British musical theatre performer James Gray enjoyed success in the UK, both on tour and in the West End but always had an inner desire to live and work in America AND ….he made it happen! James describes following his dreams, the challenges he faced, the contrast between West End and Broadway and how he’s gone from performing to becoming a creative, working alongside Susan Stroman, Hal Prince and...

How an 18th century flour mill became a theatre! The owner of The Mill at Sonning in Berkshire, Sally Hughes , talks about how this former flour mill, on the banks of the river, became the UK’s most famous dinner theatre. What does it take to run such a venue? How did it survive lockdown? Who is the very famous next-door neighbour and what does the future hold? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...