Backstage Curry

In 2025, Kevin Wilson is celebrating 30 years as a West End PR expert. From his days as a journalist on a local newspaper, to creating and running KEVIN WILSON PR., this is his story of how it happened and how press, TV and radio marketing works for productions and performers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The legendary theatre producer Bill Kenwright sadly died in 2023 but during his 78 years, he enjoyed a multi award winning career. In the UK and internationally, Bill produced over 500 shows, films and music albums. His partner was the successful actress Jenny Seagrove , who has now become the Chairperson of the BILL KENWRIGHT GROUP and in this episode, she takes Mark behind the scenes of one of t...

The pressures of performing professionally can manifest. Life and Business Coach, Andy Barker , talks about his own personal struggles with performance anxiety in the past, how this led to him working BEHIND the curtain and how he’s developed “mind fitness” techniques to inform and educate.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“White Christmas”, is the well known and popular seasonal musical by Irving Berlin. Director, Jonathan O’Boyle accepted the offer to stage this classic piece in the intimate setting of the Mill at Sonning, Berkshire. Here he describes his process and the challenge of putting on such a big show in a small space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst on a Uk theatre tour in 2023, out of the blue came an opportunity for actress Harriet Thorpe to read for the returning role of Elaine Peacock, in EASTENDERS. She got the part and here she talks about life at the Queen Vic, her career and what led her to become an, “Acting For Others”, Ambassador. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part one of the two “WICKED”, movies has been released and the story of Elphaba and Glinda is more popular than ever. The incredibly successful musical theatre version opened in London in 2006 and it’s still playing to packed audiences. The UK Associate Director is former West End star, Petra Siniawski and here she talks about casting and staging a production which has become a phenomenon. Ho...

Formed in 1980 and still performing worldwide, Shakatak are enjoying continuous success with their unique jazz-funk sound. Their founder is keyboard player Bill Sharpe and here he’s joined by lead vocalist Jill Saward to talk about Shakatak’s popularity, longevity and their life on the road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor and writer, Mark Farrelly , talks about creating his own solo productions which include material about Quentin Crisp, Derek Jarman and Patrick Hamilton. Mark describes how his solo shows came to fruition, and discusses the logistics of writing, performing and producing the projects. Why do these particular characters, (including comedian, Frankie Howerd), fascinate him? Why did Mark want to...

First created in the 1960’s and going on to enjoy chart success in the Uk, USA, Japan and most of Europe, The Three Degrees are still performing and Valerie Holiday , who joined in 1967, talks about the THEN and NOW of being with the group.. and how the 2024 tour is wowing their fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As well as winning, “Eurovision”- “Bucks Fizz”, had 3 UK no1 hits. One of their songs, “New Beginning”, is an apt title to describe what’s happening for three of the originals. Cheryl Baker talks about how the band were forced to change their name, about Mike Nolan leaving and about her and Jay Aston looking for a replacement. Let’s go on tour with.. “The Fizz”! Hosted on Acast. See acas...

“YOU’RE IN THE MIX” This is what a performer hears when they’re down to the last few for a role in a show.  Jane Deitch offers a fascinating glimpse into the TV and Theatre world of the Casting Director whilst offering some vital “do’s and don’ts” for those auditions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LET’S DO THE SHOW RIGHT HERE! with Celia Mackay A magical woodland glade in 39 acres of beautiful Leicestershire countryside is the setting for one of the UK’s leading outdoor theatrical venues. Kilworth House Theatre was created by Celia Mackay and this is her story of how it all happened and how a classic musical is staged at Kilworth every summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

PETER DICKSON - COME ON DOWN! He is one of the most successful voice-over artists ever and in this episode, Peter Dickson takes us behind the microphone to explain how his became the voice saying, “COME ON DOWN”, on, “The Price Is Right”… and…”IT’S TIME, TO FACE, THE MUSIC”, on, “The X Factor”. Just two of his classic vocal creations amongst so many others. His career path is an interesting o...

In July 2024, on the beautiful grass courts of Devonshire Park in Eastbourne, a pre Wimbledon professional tennis tournament celebrated a 50th anniversary. So many famous players have taken part over the years and the new tournament director, Rebecca James  talks about the pressures of running such a major tennis event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The well established and vastly experienced actress Louise Jameson joined the ITV soap, EMMERDALE, in 2022 as Mary Goskirk. Here she describes, in detail, how the role came her way and the everyday workings of being a series regular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RAIN NEVER STOPS PLAY Director and choreographer, Lee Proud takes us through the process of staging one of the best loved musicals ever, “Singin’ In The Rain”. The setting is Kilworth House Theatre in the Leicestershire countryside. This 500-seater, woodland glade venue in 39 acres provides a theatrical challenge, especially in a production where it HAS to pour down for every show! Hosted on...

SPAIN THROUGH MUSIC In 2017, Flamenco guitarist Daniel Martinez created his own company which has received awards and rave reviews. Together with his wife, the dancer Gabriela Pouso, they talk about their 2024 UK and Europe tour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1987, Yvette Fielding joined Mark to co-present, “Blue Peter”. These days she frightens herself and millions of viewers as she spends scary nights on location in the series she created, “Most Haunted”. Yvette tells Mark how the show happened and describes filming the programme.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie McGee reached the final of, “Strictly Come Dancing”, in 2017 and takes Mark through her personal experience on TV’s biggest show. Learning those routines, the live performances, the costumes, her partnership with Signore Pernice, how the show changed her life - it’s all here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showbiz legend, the super talented Bonnie Langford talks about rehearsals and preparations for each role she plays and what makes her say yes to certain shows but no to others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THANK YOU, MALTA! In 1993, it was pop star Sonia, the girl with the big voice, who represented the UK in The Eurovision Song Contest. Here she describes, in fascinating detail, her Eurovision experience in Ireland and how losing by one single point ruined her Saturday night!   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEING GREEN with Alexia Khadime  In the dressing room during his final week as, “The Wizard”, in the London production of Wicked, Mark Curry talks with the current, “Elphaba”, Alexia Khadime, about how the show came her way, TWICE and about the pressure of playing this iconic role 8 times a week. If you'd like to support my charity of choice, Acting for Others, who support all those working i...