The Stage 8 Podcast

🎙️ The Final Stage 8 Podcast of the Year 🎭 We’re closing the curtain on an unforgettable year at Stage 8 ✨ In our final podcast episode of the year, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything that’s made this year so special — the shows, the challenges, the wins, the lessons, and the people who make Stage 8 what it is. From behind-the-scenes stories and standout moments to...

This week on The Stage 8 Podcast, chaos reigns in the most festive way possible! We’re talking all things Elf the Musical, from the glittering Sparklejollylaunchyparty to the arrival of our long-awaited scenic cloths (finally!). Plus, we catch up about our holiday to Turkey, where sunshine, cats, and some iffy Turkish delight combine in equal measure. It’s a merry mix of mayhem, musicals, and misc...

This week, we’re coming to you live (ish) from holiday mode! We chat all about the hilarious chaos of getting our scenic cloths printed abroad — from lost translations to why Jay finds our contacts name so funny. We’ll be sunning ourselves on holiday while this airs so please sit back, grab a cocktail and enjoy our ridiculous quick-fire games that had us in stitches. TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ LOTS OF CHR...

This week we’re joined by the fabulous Jodie, who brings everyone’s favourite Christmas cynic-turned-romantic Jovie to life in Elf The Musical! 💫 We chat about what it’s like stepping into such an iconic role, how rehearsals are going, and why Elf is the perfect dose of festive magic we all need this year. Expect laughs, behind-the-scenes gossip, and maybe even a sprinkle of Christmas spirit (Bud...

In this episode, we’re joined by our marketing genius Rhys for a deep dive into all things marketing, going viral, and the chaos that comes with it! 💥 We chat about the secrets behind Stage 8’s marketing strategies, the ups and downs of chasing viral moments, and that time our biggest video got taken down — leaving Jay utterly heartbroken 💔 (don’t worry, he’s recovered… mostly). It’s a hilarious...

Stage 8 Podcast – Season 2, Episode 1 WE’RE BACK!! We’re back! After a summer break, the Stage 8 Podcast returns for Season 2, kicking things off with a jam-packed episode. Join us as we catch up on everything that’s been happening – from a sun-soaked summer and celebrating our 10-year anniversary, to diving into all things SpongeBob the Musical and looking ahead to the festive fun of Elf. It’s a...

🎭 NYC ROUND-UP: Broadway, Bagels & Big Dreams 🗽 In this episode, we wrap up our whirlwind adventure to the Big Apple! From show-stopping musicals to inspiring workshops at the Broadway Teachers Workshop, we spill all the tea on what we saw, what we learned, and what (or who) made us cry in the best possible way. We talk theatre magic, New York chaos and everything in between – including emot...

BRB having too much fun!!!

We’ve landed, we’ve lounged, and we’ve levelled up… welcome to NYC BABEY! 🇺🇸✈️🎭 In this episode, we take you along for the ride as we kick off our Broadway adventure in style! From the chaos of the airport to the bliss of the business class lounge (yes, we’re that fancy now), we spill all about the flight, our ultra-smooth transfer with the fabulous Lakarem from Oceanview SUV, and our jaw-droppin...

This week, join Cath and Jay as they dive headfirst into the beautiful chaos of choosing their electives for the upcoming Broadway Teachers Workshop in none other than New York City, baby! 🎭✈️ Things get real when the options go live earlier than expected—and the spots start disappearing faster than you can say “musical theatre.” Cue the panic! But don’t worry, it’s not all stress and spreadsheet...

This week on The Stage 8 Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant Tina – who’s taking on the role of Emily Hobbs in our upcoming production of Elf the Musical. We chat about her journey with Stage 8, balancing rehearsals with her day job as a pharmacy technician, and what it’s really like playing the “normal one” in a world full of elves and candy canes. Tina shares her favourite rehearsal memories,...

This week on The Stage 8 Podcast, we’re joined by the brilliant Lucy Beddall from TEN:15 Marketing – a woman who wears many hats. From teaching Jay back in his uni days to working together on arts projects over the years, Lucy’s journey through the world of marketing is nothing short of inspiring. We chat all things branding, creativity, allowing yourself to do anything at ANY AGE – and of course,...

This week, we’re diving into the glitz and grind of professional development in the theatre world. Why are so many of the best training opportunities across the pond in NYC? Where’s the UK love? We chat about the incredible experience of attending the Broadway Teachers Workshop—and the bittersweet reality of missing out on moments at home while chasing the dream. PLUS, we were genuinely moved (and...

It’s that time of year — the sun’s (sometimes) shining, the kids are chaotic, and theatre school life is in full end-of-term madness… even though we are only 3 weeks into term!! In this episode, we get real about the beautiful chaos of running a theatre school in the lead-up to summer: show preps, schedule overloads, and the wild things happening in June. Plus, we take a detour into the world of b...

Jay and Cath are back with their usual chat and distractions! Today we talk the newly released cast list for Stage 8 Productions upcoming production of Elf the musical, and we discuss what workshops we’re planning on taking on our upcoming visit to the Broadway Teachers Workshop. If you like what we're bringing to your ear holes please consider leaving us a tip via the link below. Any amount you c...

This week, Jay and Cath sit down for their weekly catch-up, chatting all things Elf the Musical, a bit of SpongeBob, and the usual Stage 8 chaos. From rehearsal updates to behind-the-scenes fun, it’s your backstage pass to what’s happening right now at Stage 8! If you like what we're bringing to your ear holes please consider leaving us a tip via the link below. Any amount you can spare will help...

In this episode, we’re buzzing with excitement as we count down to our upcoming trip to New York City for the Broadway Teachers Workshop – less than five weeks to go! We chat about what this opportunity means for us as theatre-makers, and what we’re hoping to bring back to our Stage 8 community. We also dive into what it really means to be a director – the chaos, the creativity, and the caffeine –...

In this episode, we’re joined by the one and only Marcus – student, student helper, and budding tech theatre legend! From learning lines to laying cables, Marcus gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like juggling classes, helping younger students, and stepping into the exciting (and sometimes chaotic) world of tech theatre. We chat about favourite moments, behind-the-scenes mishaps, and what it...

In this week’s episode, we’re catching up, cracking up, and fully embracing the chaos. Join us for a laugh-filled session as we dive into some improv games that definitely go off-script and hear all about Jay’s truly iconic travel mishaps! Expect embarrassing stories, unpredictable games, and the kind of backstage banter you only get at Stage 8. Buckle up – it’s going to be a turbulent (but hilari...

In this week’s episode of The Stage 8 Podcast, we’re lifting the curtain and heading backstage for a chat with our brilliant Technical Director, Cath! From lighting plots and sound desks to building sets and keeping everything running smoothly, Cath is the powerhouse who makes the magic happen behind the scenes. We talk all things tech, her journey with Stage 8, and the essential (and often chaoti...

This week, we welcomed the brilliant CANDO into the theatre as they record a special version of 'ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENED' from Hamilton for their upcoming Dance Days performance, we talk through the choatic and hilarious recording session we had! Oh, and somewhere along the way… we accidentally became a travel podcast. Expect tangents, holiday dreams, and the usual Stage 8 chaos. It’s a packed epis...

It’s all fun and games… until someone sings the wrong lyric! In this episode of The Stage 8 Podcast, we’re keeping it light, chaotic, and very musical. Join us for a catchup full of theatre gossip, belly laughs, and a few totally unhinged games that may or may not end in dramatic harmonies and questionable accents. Grab a brew and get ready to play along! If you like what we're bringing to your ea...

The Between the Shows Show: Are We A Cult?!?! In this special in-betweeny episode recorded on stage at the Gwyn Hall between the matinee and evening on the last day of little shop, we’re answering the big questions—like are we accidentally running a theatre cult? Join us for a hilarious and slightly chaotic catch-up as we chat all things Stage 8 between productions, reflect on the madness of Littl...

This week, we're diving headfirst into the weird and wonderful world of theatre superstitions! From banning the “M-word” to ghost lights and broken legs, we’re exploring the stories, origins, and chaos behind the stage’s most iconic taboos. Plus, we share some of our own backstage rituals (and mishaps). Whether you're a seasoned stagey or just curious, this episode is a spooky-good time.

It’s Friday and we’re feeling fab! This week on the Stage 8 Podcast, we dive into all things Little Shop, spill some behind-the-scenes tea, and introduce a brand new game that’s as chaotic as it is hilarious. Plus, we answer YOUR questions in our listener Q&A. Settle in besties, grab a cuppa! It’s fun, it’s fresh, it’s FRI-YAY!