Before the Applause Podcast

Step behind the curtain with Dan Shipton, the visionary creative director whose spectacular work has dazzled millions worldwide. As co-founder of Black Skull Creative, Dan has crafted some of entertainment's most unforgettable moments—from Sam Ryder's Eurovision triumph to Jade Thirlwall's groundbreaking Brits performance, and the awe-inspiring spectacles of London 2012. What makes...

Meet Harvey Bowen – the 23-year-old creative force behind the fierce fashions and perfect paint of rising drag sensation Naya Thorn. In this intimate conversation, Harvey takes us from childhood in the Midlands to centre stage in the UK drag scene with refreshing candour and surprising wisdom. "I always knew I was going to be a star in some capacity," Harvey shares, recounting a supporti...

When Max Westwell stepped away from a successful 12-year career with English National Ballet, many thought he was making a catastrophic mistake. But Max has always been driven by curiosity and evolution, refusing to be confined to a single artistic path. From his earliest days as an energetic, dyslexic child finding expression through movement, Max's journey has been one of constant adaptatio...

Creativity blooms in unexpected places. For Pip Doran - better known to fans worldwide as the blue circle-wearing Scouse drag superstar Sister Sister - early inspiration came from a female-led household where art experimentation wasn't just allowed, it was celebrated. From fashioning portraits out of family laundry to channeling the energy of beloved television characters, Pip's journey...

Meeting Niccy Hallifax feels like encountering a whirlwind of creative energy. This extraordinary producer and artistic director has shaped some of our most memorable cultural moments – from Olympic ceremonies to city-wide cultural celebrations, from transforming industrial relics into breathtaking art installations to championing voices traditionally excluded from our cultural narratives. In this...

What happens when your childhood wish on a chicken wishbone shapes your entire life? For Helen Thom, that wish for ballet lessons at age six sparked a journey from passionate young dancer to transformative educator who has touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. Helen's story unfolds with warmth and authenticity as she shares pivotal moments that shaped her path – from her mother notici...

Meet Suzie Henderson, a fierce advocate for community-driven creative leadership who's helping rewrite the rules of cultural spaces as Creative Director at Storyhouse in Chester. With warmth and candour, Susie shares her unexpected journey from a youth theatre in Tamworth to becoming a pioneering voice in the creative sector. What makes Suzie's approach so refreshing is her commitment to...

Step into the captivating world of Franz Genau, a self-described "German drag king chaos demon" whose white-faced, mustachioed persona has become a striking presence in Liverpool's vibrant drag scene. Behind this compelling character stands Severus Heyn – illustrator, producer, performer, and creative powerhouse whose journey defies conventional narratives.    With refreshing candou...

Maya Gabrielle, better known to millions of young readers as bestselling children's author M.G Leonard, takes us on an exhilarating journey through her remarkably unconventional career. From managing The Divine Comedy band in the 90s to pioneering digital content at Shakespeare's Globe, Royal Opera House, and National Theatre, Maya reveals how being a self-described "renegade"...

Magnus Hastings carries the rare distinction of being a photographer whose work you've likely seen even if you don't recognise his name. From capturing President Bill Clinton and pop icons like Demi Lovato to becoming the definitive visual chronicler of drag culture, Magnus has developed a signature style that celebrates authenticity and artistry in equal measure. What makes Magnus'...

What makes the perfect creative partnership? How do character designers breathe life into the magical beings that captivate audiences? And how can creative professionals maintain their passion while navigating the harsh realities of the industry? Shep and Chris, the brilliant minds behind Fuzzy Lightbulb , take us behind the scenes of their 40+ years of combined experience in entertainment and cha...

Emma Noel's creative journey reads like a masterclass in artistic resilience and reinvention. From backing vocals at Eurovision 2003 (with the infamous "nil points" Gemini entry) to West End stages, gritty British films, children's TV sensation Hi5, and finally founding director of Pop Vox Choir – her career defies conventional paths while showcasing the power of adaptability....

What does it mean to choose fulfilment over happiness in a creative career? Laura Harvey, Head of Creative Programmes at English National Ballet, shares her powerful journey from dancer to industry change-maker in a conversation that challenges traditional notions of success in the arts. With infectious energy and hard-won wisdom, Laura reveals how her career has evolved across 15 transformative y...

What does it really take to create cultural moments that captivate millions? Martin Green CBE pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary career spanning the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies, Hull City of Culture, Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and now the Eurovision Song Contest. From an unexpected start helping with a school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream to directing global spectacl...

What does it take to build a thriving dance career against the backdrop of dwindling arts funding and disappearing courses? Paul Doyle reveals exactly that, sharing his remarkable journey from a shy schoolboy choreographing cringeworthy dance routines to becoming the driving force behind Liverpool's resurrected LEAP Dance Festival. This conversation takes us through Paul's winding path t...

Join us for an enlightening sit-down with marketing visionary, Dawn Payne. Dawn takes us from her modest beginnings in Bootle to her influential role at Nintendo, where she brought to life some of the most iconic gaming campaigns. She shares the wisdom she gleaned from the legendary Satoru Iwata, whose leadership continues to inspire her approach to creativity and inclusivity in marketing. In toda...

Get ready to journey into a world where creativity meets ergonomics as we chat with Tahra Zafar, a remarkable costume and creature puppet creator. Tahra's work has graced films like Star Wars VII and The Fifth Element, and her skillset has been tapped for high-profile events such as the 2012 London Olympics & Paralympics. Hear how she pushes the boundaries of costume design, and how she u...

We're thrilled to host the pint-sized powerhouse, Louise Yates, a luminary in the arts  renowned for her pioneering approach to community engagement. Prepare to join us as we journey through her inspiring narrative, from the theatre-loving schoolgirl spurred on by a visionary drama teacher, to the artistic director and producer shaking up the arts scene. Louise's vibrant stories of her w...

The glow of the chicken shop might seem worlds away from the grandeur of the box office, and audience insights and analysis, but not for our guest Wez Thistlethwaite, who credits his first job serving customers and juggling tasks for his deep understanding of audience insight. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we traverse the connection between chicken shops, box offices, and the art...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to navigate the constantly evolving world of the creative art sector? We spent a captivating hour with our guest, the multifaceted Kate Scanlan, who shares her unique journey. From her dance degree at Surrey University to her time at Saddler's Wales, Kate recounts the highs and lows of her career, including an unsuccessful job application that led he...

Welcome to the Before the Applause Podcast. The Before the Applause Podcast, hosted by David Watson, is an audio deep-dive into what it really takes to create all the incredible arts and cultural experiences that we’re fortunate to have in our daily lives.   In this introduction to the Before the Applause Podcast, David talks about the inspiration behind creating the show, why you should listen, s...