MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

Nick chats to Lauren Samuels about the arena production of We Will Rock You - where she will be starring as Scaramouche! Also hear briefly from our very own Mike Dixon, who's We Will Rock You's music supervisor, about the production.

Thos and Tim rake over the tresses...er...traces of Hair and the Boy Friend in an unusual compare and contrast experiment: Is nostalgia one of those fings that ain't what it used to be? 

Thos talks to the always amusing Kit Hesketh-Harvey about his new production of Mozart's the Magic Flute and learns about an opera within a play and explores the show's surprising pantomime roots.  Also, were the 1950s responsible for the divorce of musical theatre from pop?  All this and a delicious lamb hotpot!

Nick chats to Stephanie Smith and Jennifer Lucy Cook to discuss their new one woman musical called Peggy - about a 1950's British Showgirl playing at the Tristan Bates Theatre in London on Feb 4th at 6.30pm and 8pm

Thos chats to one of Britain's best - and nicest - new musical theatre writers about his latest show, In Touch the Musical, and explores the fascinating story behind this unusual and intelligent science fiction musical.

Nick and Luisa discuss some of the new shows appearing on the West End and Broadway in 2013.  London's upcoming shows include A Chorus Line, Once, The Book of Mormon, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Broadway productions Cinderella, Kinky Boots, Matilda, Pippin and Big Fish.

Join Nick Hutson as he, with Andrew Corcoran, reviews the new film of Les Miserables direct from Waterloo Station! Oh, the glamour!  Nick also talks to Professor Robert Gordon about the prejudice of British musicals in America, whilst sharing his theories on how the Britons really invented the musical - and, finally, Jonathan Cohen shares his thoughts on the Menier Chocolate Factory production of...

Following on from last time's investigations, David further examines the art of success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by speaking to people mostly more associated with the administrative side of the event.  Many years of experience speak during this episode and, with luck, they will aid you on your way to the Fringe, or simply entertain you as you sit in front of a roaring fireplace with a cup...

Nick talks to casting director - Pippa Ailion - about the art of casting a show.  Pippa has casted over 130 productions around the world, and her current West End Shows are Top Hat, Sweeney Todd, Wicked, Billy Elliot, The Lion King (and UK tour) and We Will Rock You. What does a casting director do? How many CV's does a casting director get? All will be discussed in this very eye (and ear) opening...

Join Nick for a wonderful episode focusing on the many musical adaptation of Roald Dahl stories - including James and the Giant Peach, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and, of course, Matilda.  Hear about the these musicals from Grant Olding, Anthony Drewe, David Wood, Leslie Bricusse and Charles Brunton - all of whom have involvement with Roald Dahl - the UK's finest Children's novelist.  Ha...

Nick joins Grant Olding to discuss his songs for the National Theatre's worldwide smash hit - One Man Two Guvnors - and Nick asks Andy Edwards all about Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, which is Andy's favourite musical!

David goes back to Edinburgh, from almost 4,000 miles away, to speak to four performers about what makes a show work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, from having a catchy name, to how not to lose your voice, via many other possibilities.  The first of a two part series, this will hopefully provide some useful advice to those planning to take shows to Edinburgh, and entertainment to those either g...

Join Thos as he talks to talented songwriter, Sue Casson, about her excellent family show, The Happy Prince, and finds her as enchanting as her witty score for this evergreen musical tale.

Catherine, direct from Hollywood, shares her thoughts on Doomsday Cabaret - which is a rock musical of apocalyptic proportions!

Join Thos for an extended conversation with noted American songwriter, Charles Bloom, about the art and craft of writing songs, his new album, and his songs in cabaret - via Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman.  Bloomin' marvellous!

Nick and Sandra discuss what their dream West End would involve...

Celebrated British musical theatre composer, James Lark, creator of Tony Blair the Musical and Miracles at Short Notice, tells Thos all about his new musical kaleidoscope of a show for all the family based on the celebrated children's book, The Snow Spider.

As Loserville has announced its closure for Jan 5th, and Nick has recovered from having no voice - he finally is able to share his thoughts on a show that's certainly worth seeing!

In this week's episode, we say "Hi!" to the Ghosts' High Noon, and Thos quizzes Jerry on the many ways a director can approach Ruddigore, the only "mix'n'match" Savoy Opera.

Thos and Jerry discuss that most unusual of all the Savoy operas, Ruddigore, and discuss its initial reception 125 years ago: death, curses, fallen women, wicked men, blasphemy, bad language - find out if Gilbert and Sullivan were the Sex Pistols of their day! It's sex, drugs and comic opera!

Thos joins noted songwriter Charles Bloom to talk about his new album, In Here, a showcase of versatility in musical theatre.

David goes to his first Toronto musical - and it's an absolute cracker.  Join him as he explores the perfect Halloween musical, and find out about The Trial Of Burke And Hare.

Anna talks to Ricky Dukes, director of The Hatpin which receives its UK premiere at the Blue Elephant Theatre this November. Based on a true Australian story, the musical premiered in Sydney in 2008 and had its American premiere at NYMF later that year. Ricky is Artistic Director of the Lazarus Theatre Company who are producing the musical as part of a season at the Blue Elephant.

Thos talks to celebrated British musical theatre composer James Lark about his new musical kaleidoscope of a show for all the family based on the celebrated children's book, The Snow Spider. 

We welcome the Halloween season with a discussion between Nick and Andrew Corcoran on the new 25th Anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera that is currently winding its way around the UK, as well as a discussion that Nick and Andrew Keating have on the release of the Little Shop of Horrors directors cut BluRay - as well as a conversation with Alan Menken about the project.