Showtime with Andrew G | Arts & Entertainment

Andrew sits down with Emily McDougall to explore the journey from growing up in Tasmania with big dreams to building a career on the musical theatre stage. Emily reflects on discovering her love of storytelling through dance, music, and school productions, the leap of leaving home to pursue professional training, and why chasing a creative career requires resilience, patience, and an unwavering be...

Andrew sits down with Abbey Duckworth to explore the journey from elite competitive cheerleading to making a musical theatre debut in Bring It On . Abbey reflects on discovering cheer as a young teenager, overcoming anxiety and self-doubt, and how the sport gave her confidence, lifelong friendships, and a sense of belonging that shaped who she is today. She shares what life as an elite cheerleader...

In this episode of Showtime, Andrew G sits down with actor Reuby Chip to explore the journey of finding authenticity through storytelling, theatre, and self-expression. Reuby reflects on growing up in Sydney, moving to Melbourne in search of a fresh start, and discovering a creative community that helped them embrace who they truly are. The conversation delves into the realities of life as a perfo...

In this episode of Showtime , Andrew G sits down with actor Tom Stokes , whose career has spanned theatre, film, and television, to explore the realities of pursuing a life in the arts. What begins as a conversation about performance quickly becomes an honest reflection on rejection, persistence, creativity, and the courage required to keep showing up when success is never guaranteed. Tom shares s...

In this episode of Showtime , Andrew G sits down with director, choreographer, and producer Madi Lee , the creative force behind a bold new production of Sweet Charity . What begins as a conversation about theatre evolves into a deeper discussion about storytelling, identity, resilience, and the importance of belonging. Madi reflects on her journey from child performer to acclaimed creative, shari...

In this episode of Showtime , Andrew G sits down with Australian performer Rob Mills to reflect on a career spanning Australian Idol , major musical theatre productions like Wicked , Grease , and Waitress , and the personal evolution that came with life in the spotlight. What begins as a chat about performance quickly becomes a deeper conversation about identity, resilience, and what it takes to k...

Andrew G sits down with Monique DiMattina to unpack the journey of building a creative life across music, theatre, and storytelling—shaped not by a traditional pathway, but by persistence, curiosity, and a deep need to create. A highly versatile Australian musician and writer, Monique reflects on how her career evolved from performing and releasing albums to ultimately stepping into musical theatr...

Andrew G sits down with Penny Ashton to unpack the reality of building a global performance career from the ground up—without a manager, agent, or traditional pathway. A one-woman powerhouse with over a thousand shows under her belt, Penny shares how her love for live audiences, comedy, and storytelling shaped a career defined by independence, resilience, and relentless creativity. From performing...

Andrew G sits down with James Liotta to explore what it really takes to build a long-lasting career in entertainment. With over 25 years across comedy, radio, theatre, and television, James reflects on how growing up in an Italian-Australian household shaped his humour, storytelling, and passion for live audiences. From community radio and early theatre roles to national tours and television appea...

Andrew G sits down with Max Meaden to unpack the creative journey behind The Last Parma Night , a darkly funny and deeply Australian stage production inspired by the pub rituals, friendships, and growing pains that define so many young adults. From childhood obsessions with Doctor Who to writing and starring in his own original work, Max shares how storytelling became both a personal outlet and a...

Andrew G sits down with Jarred Dewey to explore the journey of a world-class circus artist driven not by competition, but by creativity, connection, and the pursuit of meaningful performance. From his early days as a recreational gymnast who struggled in competitive environments to discovering his place in the world of circus, Jarred shares how finding an art form that valued expression over winni...

Andrew G sits down with Sian Fuller to explore the journey of a young artist navigating early success, self-doubt, and the evolving path back to what she truly loves. From growing up in a family of musicians to stepping onto the national stage at just 16, Sian reflects on how validation, pressure, and exposure shaped her identity—not just as a performer, but as a person figuring things out in real...

Andrew G sits down with Mark Taylor to explore the journey of a creative returning to the stage after more than a decade away, and what it really means to reconnect with your artistic identity. From early childhood storytelling shaped by imagination and music, to navigating self-doubt and the pressure of perception, Mark shares how his relationship with performance has evolved over time. They unpa...

Andrew G sits down with He Huang to explore the unconventional path behind one of comedy’s most original voices, built on curiosity, cultural contrast, and a relentless search for belonging. From a serious upbringing in China to discovering stand-up through a random library class, He shares how comedy became less of a dream and more of an unexpected obsession. They unpack the reality behind findin...

Andrew G sits down with Sammy J to explore the reality behind a career built on reinvention, resilience, and staying creative in a constantly changing industry. From classroom humour to national stages, Sammy shares how comedy became his identity—and how years of trial, failure, and small wins shaped his path. They unpack the myth of the “big break,” the pressure of creating for the algorithm, and...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with FEZ FAANANA to explore his journey from navigating two cultures to building a globally recognised cabaret phenomenon. Fez shares how feeling different growing up became his creative advantage, shaping his confidence, resilience, and approach to performance. They unpack the philosophy behind Briefs—blending circus, drag, burlesque, and comedy—and how great s...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Dilruk Jayasinha to explore the unexpected journey from corporate accounting to stand-up comedy, and what it really means to find fulfilment in your work. Dilruk shares how humour shaped his identity growing up, and how leaving a stable career forced him to confront the reality that success means little without joy in the process. He reflects on the early d...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Daniel Muggleton to explore the unpredictable reality of stand up comedy and what it really takes to build a career on stage. From studying law to performing at open mics, Daniel shares how his path was shaped by risk, persistence and figuring things out as he went. They unpack the truth behind stand up, from years of bombing and refining material to the pr...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Brett Blake to explore the unpredictable path of comedy and what really drives performers to keep going. From struggling in school with ADHD and dyslexia to finding his voice on stage, Brett shares how humour became both a coping mechanism and a calling. They unpack the reality of stand-up. The trial and error, the sting of bombing, and the persistence it t...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Alan Fletcher for an honest conversation about longevity in the arts and the creative drive that keeps performers coming back, year after year. From his early days in theatre to his decades-long run on Neighbours, Alan reflects on the unexpected path that shaped his career and the discipline it takes to keep evolving. They unpack the reality behind performi...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with performer Ebony Tucker for an honest conversation about the realities of life on stage and the passion that keeps artists coming back — even when it’s tough. From growing up without an arts background to touring a beloved children’s production, Ebony reflects on how her love for storytelling began and the deep need for human connection that drives her work....

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with performer, writer and creator Olivia Mitchell for an honest conversation about the realities of life on stage and the passion that keeps artists returning to the theatre. As she prepares for an outdoor production of The Tempest , Olivia reflects on how her love for performing began and the strange mix of anxiety and excitement that comes with stepping in fr...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed director and arts leader Sam Strong for an insightful conversation on creativity, leadership and the future of live performance. From his early days as a theatre maker to leading a bold new vision at Gasworks Arts Park as it marks 40 years, Sam reflects on what continues to drive his work. They explore why theatre still matters in a streaming worl...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Mamma Mia leading lady Bek Chapman during rehearsals at the National Theatre ahead of the show’s February season. From the surprise birthday call that moved her from understudy to Donna Sheridan, Bek reflects on stepping into an iconic role at exactly the right moment in her life. The conversation explores the heart beneath the disco sparkle — the strength...

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed Australian director Pip Mushen during rehearsals for Mamma Mia , ahead of its upcoming season at the National Theatre this February. Pip reflects on his early perceptions of the show and how, through rehearsal and close attention to the script, he discovered a depth of heart and emotional storytelling beneath its joyful, familiar surface. The conv...