Backstage With Disney Theatrical

In this episode of Backstage with Disney Theatrical, Savannah Quain sits down with Tafara Takavarasha, Deputy Stage Manager for Disney’s Aladdin UK & Ireland tour. Tafara shares the high-energy world of cue calling, coordinating technical elements and ensuring the show stays true to its original creative vision. Hear how she navigates the unique challenges of live theatre and maintains focus under...

Join host Savannah Quain in a chat with Abigail Morgan, Head of Wardrobe on Disney’s Aladdin UK & Ireland tour. Abigail provides a behind-the-scenes look into the world of costume design and maintenance, from managing intricate, hand-beaded costumes to ensuring smooth, lightning-fast costume changes during live performances. This episode unveils the dedication and detail involved in bringing Disne...

On this episode of Backstage with Disney Theatrical, host Savannah Quain speaks with Darren Lee and Leon Clark, the Head and Deputy Head of Stage for Disney’s Aladdin UK tour. Darren and Leon share insights into the world of Stage Management, from coordinating complex changes in iconic scenes such as the Cave of Wonders. Listen as they reveal the camaraderie that fuels their team, the unique chall...

In this episode of Backstage with Disney Theatrical, host Savannah Quain talks with Sarah Benbelaid and Niko Wirachman, the Assistant Dance Captain and Dance Captain for Disney's Aladdin UK & Ireland tour. They reveal their unique challenges of ensuring each show runs smoothly, from handling unexpected cast changes to managing high-energy numbers like “Friend Like Me.” Discover what it takes to le...

Join Savannah Quain on this episode of Backstage with Disney Theatrical as she sits down with Jev Laverick, the Head of Lighting for Disney’s Aladdin UK & Ireland tour. Discover the intricacies behind lighting design, from creating vibrant, immersive scenes to the challenges of setting up in diverse venues across the UK. Jev shares his journey into lighting, the evolving technology he relies on, a...

Join us as Savannah Quain goes backstage with Daisy Barnett and Ricardo Spriggs, two 'Swings' in Disney’s Aladdin UK & Ireland tour who cover multiple ensemble roles. They reveal the challenges of stepping into various characters at a moment’s notice, including mastering choreography and sword-fighting. Hear their unique journeys into theatre, the close bonds they’ve formed within the cast, and th...

In this episode of Backstage with Disney Theatrical, Savannah Quain talks with Eloise Robinson, Head of Wigs, Hair, and Makeup for Disney's Aladdin UK & Ireland tour. Eloise shares her journey from the opera to musical theatre industry and the daily routines of styling for a show on the scale of Aladdin. She discusses the importance of cultural inclusivity, teamwork, and how each character look is...

In our first episode of Backstage with Disney Theatrical, host Savannah Quain sits down with Kella Panay, the Resident Director of Disney' Aladdin UK & Ireland Tour. Join them as they dive into Kella's unique journey from dancer to director, her experiences working on iconic Disney productions like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, and her role in bringing the magic of Aladdin to life on sta...

"Backstage with Disney Theatrical" is a podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes of Disney’s world-renowned stage productions based in London’s West End and on tour across the UK & Ireland. Through insightful interviews between student and dancer Savannah Quain, and working professionals across Disney’s multiple award winning shows, this podcast offers a rare glimpse into the intricate work...