Twice Nightly: The Theatre Podcast

By Jove, they’re back! Bringing you an extra bonus feature episode, Maria and Michael discuss the man whom many of our guests called ‘their favourite’, the Goliath of comedy Sir Ken Dodd. Our previous guests, including Anne Reid and Joe Pasquale share their memories of Sir Ken, on and off stage as we gear up for a whole evening of Sir Ken on Sunday 23rd March on the BBC as well an the airing of La...

Hey Mr Producer! Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey are to talking to you sir. This week Michael Harrison, West End and Broadway producer and the chief executive of Crossroads pantomimes shares with us his great passion for variety theatre. Michael takes us through his childhood in the stalls to being one of the men behind some of the world’s greatest theatrical successes. In 2022 he, along...

How ticked Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey are to talk about one of the most world renowned names in variety history Sir Ken Dodd from the woman who knew him best, his wife Lady Anne Dodd. But Lady Anne wasn’t just Sir Ken’s wife, a performer in her own right she was also his co-star, tour manager, stage manager, driver, wardrobe mistress, props mistress and now the proud ambassador of Si...

In this latest episode Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey speak to author Nichelle Gainer all about the subjects of her books, and what a subject! From Beyoncé to Eartha Kitt, Margot Webb to Elizabeth Welch, Nichelle’s work is a who’s who of the most important, timeless and influential black icons in show business. Nichelle’s books include Vintage Black Glamour, Vintage Black Glamour: Gentle...

Are you ready for your close up? In this star-studded-name-dropping episode Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey delve into the world of theatre through the lens of theatrical photographer Simon Annand. Simon discusses his body of work, photographing actors half an hour before curtain up, which he has collated in his two published books ‘The Half’ and ‘Backstage’. We hear all of the fun and ga...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey who kick off series 4 by chatting to the multi-talented Gareth Joyner. From their glass-collecting beginnings to the bright lights of Britains Got Talent, Gareth takes us through their life as a comedy and cabaret superstar. We discuss everything from Gareths alter egos, the international diva Myra Dubois and try hard club comic Frank Lavender, to thei...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat with fellow cast mates, Ian ' H' Watkins, Gareth Thomas and Caryl Parry Jones ahead of their upcoming pantomime Y Bont Fean 'Elves Overboard'. We discuss all things Christmas, Cowbridge and theatre, but which of our stars would love a pig in their electric blanket? Have a listen to find out... Elves Overboard runs from the...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to actor and creator Keith Ramsay ahead of his upcoming run of 'Eve: All About Her' at The Soho Theatre. Our duo discuss all things Margot Channing with Keith along with exploring many other samples of Queer iconography. We also chat about Keiths current role in The Play That Goes Wrong and discover how he never leaves his cabaret...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey in chatting to the ultra fabulous Kit Green. From a chance meeting at an event hosted by Paul O’Grady and gatecrashed by Chrissie Hynde, Kit opens up about their life as a performer, songwriter, artist and cabaret star. We discuss everything from Kits alter egos Ida Barr and Tina C to their work as artist in residence at the British Library. Kit reveal...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to director, actor and all-round theatrical genius Guy Masterson ahead of his upcoming run of 'Under Milk Wood' at one of our favourite haunts, Wiltons Music Hall . Our duo discuss all things Dylan Thomas with Guy along with unearthing stories about his other Olivier-nominated and winning triumphs 'The Shark is Broken', &#3...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to writer, archivist and creative director of the Gene Kelly Legacy, Mrs Gene Kelly herself, Patricia Kelly. Our duo discusses all things Gene from his most iconic Hollywood movies to their romantic home life. In this heart-warming and intimate interview Maria and Michael ask all their burning Gene Kelly questions. Which part of Gene looke...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to writer, archivist and creative director of the Gene Kelly Legacy, Mrs Gene Kelly herself, Patricia Kelly. Our duo discusses all things Gene from his most iconic Hollywood movies to their romantic home life. In this heart-warming and intimate interview Maria and Michael ask all their burning Gene Kelly questions. If you have ever wanted...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to everyone's favourite sing-a-long musical maestro Tom Carradine. Our duo discuss all things London, Music Hall and Variety with Tom, we hear about the beginnings of his now infamous moustache and how the vintage scene made Tom blossom into all he truly is. We also chat poignantly about the mental health pressures placed upon performe...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to comedian Sam Avery live backstage at Liverpool's Royal Court 'Lunch Time Variety Club'. Our duo discuss all things comedy with Sam and the effects it can have on wellbeing and building communities. Offering up advice for wannabe and experienced comedians alike, this episode will certainly leave a smile on your face. As a bonus, you will...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey in chatting to comedy legend Joe Pasquale, who joins our duo in their stage show ‘Twice Nightly’ as The Voice of The Beak. Direct from his home, Joe shares showbiz stories about his dazzling variety career, including notoriously never planning, tips from Ken Dodd and Royal Variety backstage antics including getting sniffed by Queen Elizabeth II. Why di...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey in chatting to Helen Lannaghan & Joseph Seelig OBE, the directors of 'The London International Mime Festival'. Now in its 47th year, the festival presents image-rich performance for an adventurous and curious audience. Helen and Joseph reveal all about the origins of the festival, how they have sustained it through challenging times and give us the...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey in chatting to Paul Hunter the artistic director of 'Told By An Idiot' theatre company and director of the 5*  production of 'Charlie and Stan'. The show tells the true(ish) tale of Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel's friendship at the start of their careers, before they went on to become two of the biggest stars of the age.  The show can be fo...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey in chatting to Jack Pallister and Jordan Langford AKA ‘The Boys from Brick Lane’ as they tell us all about their experiences choreographing and performing at the iconic ‘Brick Lane Music Hall’. They talk to us about the rich history of the venue, what makes a budding music hall performer stand out from the crowd, and discuss their all-time favourite mu...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to acting teacher to the stars, Ken Rea. Having trained thousands of actors over 40 years at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and worldwide, Ken knows a thing or two about training 'The Outstanding Actor'. Ahead of the release of his new online course on Teachable, we discuss what it takes for a performer to stand out a...

In this special feature episode, Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey shine a light on one of the greatest performers of all time, Josephine Baker.  Joined by Nichelle Gainer, author of ‘Vintage Black Glamour’ and Grant Simpson of the Prairie Vaudeville Podcast, we delve into the life and career of this remarkable pioneering woman who was one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th c...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to Paulus, The Cabaret Geek, during his run of 'Looking For Me Friend' at the Edinburgh fringe. This critically acclaimed show celebrates the wonderful body of work by the late, great Victoria Wood and we can't think of a more fitting person to do so. Paulus also takes us on a journey through the history of cabaret itself and offers tips f...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to author Alison Child about her journey discovering the forgotten 1920's variety theatre double act Gwen Farrar and Norah Blaney. Together they barely disguised the secret of their lesbian partnership which was to endure across three decades against all the odds. Singing the popular love songs of the day to each other both on stage and of...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to the Chief Executive of the brand spanking new Shakespeare North Playhouse, Melanie Lewis. With a variety of productions ready to bring the playhouse to life, our hosts discuss everything from Ken Dodd's Memorial Garden to The Lord Chamberlain's Men, with a brief stop including glow sticks and Johnny Vegas on the way! Find out more about...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to the theatre director who is taking the world by storm, Guy Unsworth. With a variety of productions under his belt, Guy's latest offering is a self-penned adaptation of the classic sitcom ‘Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em’. We talk everything from leading man (and comedy royalty) Joe Pasquale’s task of taking on the iconic role of Frank Spencer,...

Join Maria Lovelady & Michael Alan-Bailey as they chat to Britain’s brainiest vixen, you guessed it ... Jenny Ryan from ITV's 'The Chase'. For her 40th birthday bash, Jenny is collaborating with CHOOSE LOVE to raise money for refugees by producing an all-star variety show at one of our favourite venues, The Clapham Grand. Tickets are still available but we warn you, they are selling fast. What...