Arts & Toast

West End producer, lyricist and musical theatre creator Mark Robert Petty joins Kirsty Corbett on the Arts & Toast podcast to discuss his exciting new mission to bring world-class West End entertainment to audiences in Derbyshire. Mark shares the story behind "The West End Sings… Elvis," an unforgettable live concert celebrating the music of Elvis Presley, coming to Repton School's 400 Theatre...

Discover the new Wearing Feelings: Childhood in Black and Bright exhibition at The Children's Country House at Sudbury Hall , a unique National Trust exhibition in Derbyshire exploring 150 years of children's fashion, clothing and childhood. In this exclusive interview, we speak with exhibition curators Megan and Catherine , who reveal how historic children's clothing tells stories of identity, em...

The Thriving World of Drumming: Insights from Professional Drummer Dan Hayward. As we delve into the world of drumming, one name stands out - Dan Hayward. A professional drummer with a rich background in theatre and various musical genres, Dan shares her journey and insights that resonate with aspiring musicians and seasoned professionals alike. From his first paid gig at 14 years old with an amat...

In this episode, we're turning our attention to the Eagle Awards, one of the region's most inspiring celebrations of achievement, recognition and community impact within the amateur dramatic community in Derby. Taking place at Derby Theatre on 18 July, the awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, shows and projects that are making a real difference across the East Midlands and beyond. I chat w...

In this episode of Arts & Toast , host Kirsty Corbett sits down with Buxton singer-songwriter Isaac Neilson , the independent musician attempting one of the most ambitious challenges in UK grassroots music: performing a live gig every day throughout 2026. This week marks the official halfway point of his year-long mission, Isaac reflects on what it takes to build a music career without industr...

Have you ever wondered what a Musical Director actually does? In this episode of Arts & Toast , I chat with the Musical Director of the UK tour of Jersey Boys , Lauren Ronan. Lauren shares an insight into the vital role of an MD in bringing a major touring production to life. She discusses being involved in the audition process, helping to cast the performers who will tell the story night afte...

Six fabulous, East Midlands based, amateur dramatic theatre companies are coming together at the Olympia Stadium in Chilwell to raise much needed funds for the Lasting Project. The LASTING Project is a community-driven initiative established by the LEOS Musical Theatre Company in Long Eaton, Derbyshire. The project focuses on improving accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability across the loca...

In this podcast episode, Steve Steinman shares his remarkable journey from managing a family restaurant in Manchester to becoming one of the UK's most successful tribute artists and the creator of the iconic Vampires Rock franchise. Steve discusses how an unexpected opportunity led him to discover his passion for live performance, including the audition that helped launch his career in the enterta...

In this inspiring podcast episode, theatre artist and creative practitioner Jackie Trousdale shares her journey from studying fine art to building a successful career in theatre. Growing up surrounded by the magic of performance through her mother's amateur operatic society, Jackie developed her skills painting theatre backdrops and learning from experienced mentors. She discusses how theatre is a...

Mikki M's "Mamba Attack"  is a powerful UK rap project and award-winning short film that tackles the raw realities of ADHD, childhood homelessness, and substance addiction from here in the East Midlands. Created by Burton-on-Trent artist Michael Kennedy (performing as Mikki M), the project secured second place at the prestigious  Recovery Street Film Festival  for its hard-hitting, anti-stigma mes...

In this episode, I'm off to explore the Nottingham Puppet Festival , one of the UK's leading celebrations of puppetry, visual theatre, and outdoor performance. The festival, held in Nottingham, brings together local, national and international artists for a diverse programme of family-friendly shows, contemporary puppetry, street theatre, exhibitions, talks and creative workshops. Joining me is Al...

Creating engaging theatre experiences for families can be a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. In this podcast I chat with Ria of the REBEL Sparks CIC. Ria is a talented artist and creator of innovative performances, including her recent project, "Take Flight." From crafting a circus musical to leading workshops, every day is a new adventure in art and connection. It’s about more than...

To celebrate the start of Pride Month, here in the East Midlands, I'm heading over to Derby. From a rough script to a well-polished play, it’s been quite the journey. Orla Conder started with a small production during her MA in Applied Theatre and, thanks to local support, is back at it with a revamped version of her show, “Hindsite” coming to Shakespeare House on Kedleston road. Focussing on two...

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Do you remember The Struts playing at the back of The Victoria Inn pub? This man does. If you’re part of Derby’s grassroots music scene, chances are you’ve already heard of Gez Addictive. As the founder of Derby-based not-for-profit CICs AlphaPro Creative and FUZZ Music Services , Gez has spent years helping independent artists develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence need...

Step into a fully immersive theatre experience with  Apple of Discord , the latest production from Nottingham’s award-winning theatre company, Chronic Insanity. In this podcast episode, I speak with Joe Strickland and explore how this ambitious interactive show transforms every room into part of the story, allowing audiences to piece together a narrative inspired by the legendary myth that sparked...

Fans of the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers are in for a nostalgic treat as the beloved comedy arrives at the Theatre Royal Nottingham this June. Celebrating fifty years since Basil and Sybil Fawlty first appeared on British television screens, the brand-new live stage adaptation brings together three iconic episodes — “The Inspectors,” “Communication Problems,” and “The Germans” — into one h...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to bring a ballet or opera tour to life? I chat with Alexej Ignatow about his role as Producer for his company, the Imperial Classical Ballet. From months of planning and complex logistics to marketing, audience engagement, and flawless execution — we’re uncovering the hidden work that makes every performance possible. In this episode, I discuss, with Al...

Many people today recognise P. T. Barnum thanks to the hit movie The Greatest Showman, but the acclaimed stage production Barnum the Musical explores far more than the world of the circus. The long-running musical takes audiences on a deeper journey through Barnum’s life, revealing his political ambitions, personal struggles, and the powerful influence of his wife, Charity Barnum. This week, I’m j...

Go behind the scenes of Derby Theatre and Northern Stage’s exciting new production of Little Shop of Horrors in this special two-part episode of Arts & Toast . In part two of this exclusive feature, Derby-born performer Kristian Cunningham shares his inspiring journey from his early days with Erewash Musical Society to landing the iconic role of Seymour in this major professional production. K...

In this special two-part episode of Arts & Toast, actor and performer Kristian Cunningham joins the Kirsty on the podcast to discuss his journey through the performing arts, alongside his starring role in the hit musical Little Shop of Horrors. Presented by Derby Theatre and Northern Stage , Little Shop of Horrors is the iconic dark comedy musical blending sci-fi, Motown and B-movie horror tha...

In this episode, we head to Lakeside Arts in Nottingham to explore an exciting new exhibition, Drawn Through Time . The exhibition brings together an inspiring group of artists, including George Shaw, James Pyman, Billy Hughes, and Penny McCarthy. At the heart of the show is McCarthy’s work, deeply influenced by the Renaissance master Titian. McCarthy was granted rare access to Titian’s lesser-kno...

Kirsty Corbett spoke with the cast of “Scenes from a Friendship”, Benedict Salter and Katie Redford about how rehearsals are going. The pair talk about reminiscing with items such as Nokia 3210s and a yellow sticker bargains before going on to talk about the plot of the Long Eaton based play. They go on to talk about the emotional rollercoaster, Nottingham based, writer Jane Upton has put them on...

University of Derby 3rd year Theatre Arts Students are proud to announce their productions for 2026: "The Light Burns Blue". Based on the true story of the Cottingley fairies, The Light Burns Blue asks us to reflect on the ethical dilemmas of truth and lies, and the whether we can believe all that we see, and to consider, in a world of darkness, what do we really need? spoke Theatre Arts students...

The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, in partnership with producer Mark Robert Petty, is bringing “A Musical Spectacular!” to Derby Theatre on Sunday 3 May 2026 at 7.30pm. Gillian Sewell's journey of honouring her Derby born son, Lewis Sewell, is nothing short of inspiring. After his passing in 2020 due to cancer, Gillian and her family set up the Lewis Sewell Trust, under Lewis’ instructions. They emp...

In this episode I’m joined, again, by Ashley Gallant of Lakeside Arts and also Ceri Lewis from Artist Rooms . Artist Rooms was set up in 2008 by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate galleries . Since its inception in 2008 the collection includes the original artworks of over 40 international artists and has allowed the Art to be toured all over the UK, enabling 60 million people to see icon...