Stop the World! It's time for another edition of MusicalTalk!  And as Come From Away continues its successful national tour of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Josh and Thos sit down to discuss the recent London production, which clocked up over a thousand joyous performances and sent scores of people home with a smile on their faces.  What makes this show so successful - and are they the things that also make it so unusual?  Find out in this delightful and detailed episode.

With everyone's favourite, uplifting and joyous Canadian musical, Come From Away, on national tour, Thos chats to David Kingsmill about what makes this show so successful - and international - whilst retaining a distinctively Newfoundland flavour (and we don't mean when you kiss a fish). 

In this special episode, host Nick Hutson revisits an exclusive interview from the archives with the late Gavin Creel, recorded during his time starring as Bert in the West End production of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. With Gavin’s recent and unexpected passing at the age of 48—an event that stunned the theatre industry—this interview offers a poignant look back at his incredible career. Gavin shares insights into playing Bert, his experiences in London, and his passion for musical theatre. Join Nick as we celebrate the life and legacy of this beloved Broadway and West End star.  

Josh and Thos are back with another look at two more shows that were part of the amazing 2024 summer of musicals in London: this time, both shows are linked by railway connections but with completely different styles and tone - Hadestown and Starlight Express.  How far do these shows rework their original source material of Orpheus and Eurydice and.....Cinderella? And how excited is Josh in seeing both these wonderful shows?  Time to let off steam!

It's been a summer of blockbuster musical theatre shows in London, and this week Josh and Thos take a close look at just two of the amazing productions on offer.  In this episode, it's time to concentrate on two shows named after significant female characters - with Cole Porter's Kiss Me Kate and Jerry Herman's Hello Dolly under the microscope.  Can the emancipated Lilly Vanessi escape comparisons with the ultimately subjugated Kate, and what is Dolly Levi's actual journey (apart from a trolleybus to Yonkers)?  And is that the ghost of Mary Poppins we can see floating overhead? It's Wunderbar! 

In this bumper episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah dive into the magic of Matilda the Musical, reflecting on its ongoing success at the Cambridge Theatre and exploring why it continues to captivate audiences of all ages. They also discuss Why Am I So Single – the brand-new musical from the creators of Six, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Meanwhile, Nick and Robert discuss Barnum, the timeless circus-inspired musical, which recently had a run at the Watermill Theatre. Tune in for lively debates, musical insights, and a celebration of theatre old and new!

The Boys Are Back In Town!  With Rodgers and Hart's effervescent 1938 musical, The Boys from Syracuse packing 'em in at the Upstairs at the Gatehouse Theatre in Highgate, Thos and Benjamin Levy continue their wonderful conversation about the role of the Musical Director and how to orchestrate a classic-era show. But with Benjamin's view that "Lorenz Hart is an utter genius", this episode is filled to the brim with an in-depth look at the score and full analysis of what makes the Hart lyrics and the musicality of Rodgers work so beautifully together to make a show where every song is a polished diamond!

With Rodgers and Hart's sparkling 1938 Golden Age musical, The Boys From Syracuse, returning to London at the Upstairs at the Gatehouse Theatre in Highgate, Thos sits down for a wonderful conversation with the production's Musical Director and Orchestrator, the very talented Benjamin Levy.  Learn why it's important for the MD to "push hope through it" when musically directing a song, and why it's better to reorchestrate rather than reduce existing arrangements. And with in-depth analysis of the score throughout, you won't want to miss this delightful and insightful episode!  It's no cold potato!

Hoorah! Harooh!  The golden era of musical theatre returns to London with a revival of 1938's Rodgers and Hart's classic musical comedy, The Boys From Syracuse, opening at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, in Highgate in September 2024.  In a three part in-depth look at the show and its solid gold score by one of the greatest songwriting teams of the twentieth century, Thos sits down with the director and the musical director to enjoy insights into how to stage a classic musical in the 21st Century, and to talk about the sparkling songs.  This week Thos talks to the lovely Mark Giesser, the director of this production, about the attraction and challenges of the piece and why the songs are so perfect.  All it takes is a whole lotta Hart!

In this special episode of MusicalTalk, host Nick Hutson takes you behind the scenes with the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT), a prestigious organisation that has been nurturing the talents of young performers for over four decades. Founded in 1976, the NYMT has a storied history of launching the careers of some of the UK's brightest stars in musical theatre. Nick sits down with current cast members of the NYMT on the exciting day of their world premiere performance of "Catastrophe Bay" at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant. We dive into the creative process and what it means to be part of such an iconic institution. We also hear from NYMT alumnus Josh Barnett, who reflects on his time with the company and how it shaped his career.

In this delightful episode of MusicalTalk, Hannah takes us on a magical ride through her recent experience of the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Torquay... but how does it compare to the original production at The London Palladium? Nick, who saw the show in its West End heyday 22 years ago, joins the conversation with his nostalgic reflections. Together, they explore the differences and whether the modern take still has that "Truly Scrumptious" appeal. 

Welcome listeners! It's so nice to hace you back where you belong!  In this episode, Nick and Hannah dive into their first-ever experience of the classic musical, Hello Dolly, sharing their fresh and vibrant takes. But that's not all—Nick had the exclusive opportunity to attend an open rehearsal of the buzzworthy new musical, WHY AM I SO SINGLE?, brought to life by Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow, the brilliant minds behind the smash hit, Six. Get ready for an exciting journey as we bring you insightful interviews with the cast and writers, along with a sneak peek at some of the unforgettable songs from this promising new show. 

Nick and Hannah dive into the world of musical theatre, each sharing their unique experiences with two iconic shows. Hannah recounts her thrilling first-time experience of seeing the cult classic "Little Shop of Horrors" on stage during its UK tour.  Meanwhile, Nick takes a trip down memory lane as he revisits "Starlight Express" now playing at the Troubadour Theatre, experiencing the roller-skating extravaganza for the first time in over 30 years.   

It's the last episode of our three part look at the role of melodrama in musical theatre, and today Josh joins Thos to talk about the show that explicitly takes the tropes and characters of melodrama and turns them topsy-turvy - Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore, and specifically a recent production at London's home of Victorian musicals, Wilton's Music Hall.  Your eyes will be fully open...

With the recent acclaimed revival of Sweeney Todd and the String of Pearls (subtitled "The Victorian Melodrama") in London's atmospheric Wilton's Music Hall, join Colm and Thos as they continue their exploration of the history of melodrama and how it informs modern musical theatre in a multitude of ways.  In this episode they dissect the original Sweeney Todd stage sensation to see how it works and then identify the many musical cannibals who have feasted on its body over the years - from Gilbert and Sullivan to Sondheim.  Todd, that's good!

Did melodrama die with Queen Victoria - or has it sneakily survived into 21st century culture?  Join Thos and Colm as they look at the unexpectedly wide scope of melodrama in musical theatre both historically and today: concentrating on the recent revival of Sweeney Todd and the String of Pearls at the Wiltons Music Hall in London, we take you on a three part journey exploring the he fascinating world of this far-from-dead genre - and tell you the tale of the other 3Bs of music - Balfe, Benedict and Bishop.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical - Hits and Misses  Join Nick and Hannah as they delve into the vibrant and glittering world of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. In this episode, our hosts discuss the highs and lows of this stage adaptation, starting with its lavish visual elements and captivating tangos that leave audiences spellbound. However, not everything that glitters is gold—Nick and Hannah critique the show's reliance on a plethora of pop songs, many of which feel outdated and detract from the overall experience. Hannah brings an intriguing comparison to the table, highlighting how the plot of Moulin Rouge!'s first act mirrors that of the film Burlesque, now also making waves on stage. Is this parallel a coincidence or a creative nod? Tune in to hear their thoughts and lively discussion. #MoulinRougeMusical #MusicalTheatre #Podcast #StageReview #MusicalTalk

Thos sits down to talk with award-winning bookwriter, lyricist, composer and playwright, Jenny Stafford, about her poignant one woman musical, Color Inside the Lines, which won Best Solo Show at the Denver Fringe and impressed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2021 and 2022.  With songs from the score and in-depth conversation about the creative process and the role of sincerity in narratives, you'll be delighted by Jenny's insights about what may be the only musical ever based around the work of a Scantron multiple-choice marking machine. 

In this week's episode, you can enjoy songs from Jingle Street, the five star hit musical from the 2023 EdFringe, and hear insights and observations from its writer, lyricist, producer, director, choreographer, assistant director and one of the lead actors on what it takes to create and develop a show for the Fringe and beyond, particularly as a new theatrical company.  And as a special bonus, there's a chance to hear an exclusive recording - a rather brilliant cut song from this wonderful musical show. You'll love it - we "pinky swear" it!

It's songs galore and laughs aplenty as Thos talks to the talented people behind Chordstruck Theatre about their hit shows, On Your Bike (Winner of the Best Musical at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2021) and Jingle Street (Five Stars from MusicalTalk, EdFringe 2023).  It's a lovely, insightful and fun filled conversation about the collective creative process of making not just one, but two, musicals! As Felix, one of the characters in On Your Bike, might say "Winner Winner Chicken* Dinner"    (*falafel also available)

Join Thos as he talks with Shaye Poulton Richards, the talent behind the EdFringe success, Lies All The Way Down - a New Chamber Musical, a show that uses polyphonic sounds beyond the usual soundscape provided by a quartet to create the intense atmosphere needed for a pyschological thriller exploring the friend we make and the lies we tell. And hear songs and music from the show that help illustrate Shaye's creative process and her favoured combination of modern folk and contemporary classical sounds.

Wicked has been playing in the West End for over 15 years so Nick thought it was about time that Hannah sees the show - so they did.   With the film coming out next year it seems the right time to discuss the show, its legacy and - more importantly - what it's like seeing it nowadays with very little knowledge of it!  Does it live up to the hype?  Is it still wonderful or is it still just popular?  

Nick and Hannah discuss a myriad of musicals that they've seen in the last year including The Witches, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, Book of Mormon, Aladdin and more! 

In 2020 Coronavirus threatened to kill opera! By 2022, only one man could save it - using his one person production of La Serva Padrona - where baroque meets 1970s funk in a new English version of Pergolesi's 1733 comic masterpiece. Thos joins the extremely talented musical academic and performer, David William Hughes, to discuss the third of his historic music trilogy - a joyous and delightful version of La Serva Padrona - served up from "an emergency opera kit" saved over from the Cold War era!  It's a funkadelic relic!

Nick has a large collection of theatre programmes which acts as a wonderful topic generator! Nick digs through it to discuss, with Hannah, many shows from the past. Shows discussed include Let it Be, Forbidden Planet, Riverdance, Derren Brown, Saturday Night Ever, Mary Poppins, Rock Hamlet, Grand Hotel, Sweeney Todd and others!

What is musical theatre?  It's a big questions and Thos is asking it. Can a show be a musical without words? Can a show be a musical without music? Is there any point in actually trying to define what makes a musical anyway?  And as an illustration of how wide musical theatre can really be, Thos talks to the talented people behind five-star EdFringe show, The Wreck of the Queen Thomasina, which is a verse play with songs and definately plays with the form in a delicious way.  Vivat Regina!

Join Nick Hutson as he sits down with composer Alan Menken to discuss Hercule's current production in Hamburg, Germany.  Learn about the new songs, direction and history of the show.  You can also hear Alan talk about collaborating, processes and the legacy of the late Howard Ashman

In this episode, Thos talks to the multi-talented actor, writer and composer, Asher Muldoon, about his wonderful five star show, Mine - A Solo Ghost Story Musical - a multi-layered masterpiece of musical story telling. How do you make a ghost story also function as a comedy? How do you read an audience to amend your performance? And how do both Sondheim and Dear Evan Hanson repackage songs in different ways?  All this and some delightful and evocative music will make Mine forever yours!

With the joyous news of the return of Potty the Plant to the EdFringe in 2024, join Thos as he talks to the three people behind this quirky, subversive and hiliarous musical to discuss all things Potty. Find out about its journey from short film to five-star theatre musical cult and what made it the MusicalTalk's Pick of the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023. With songs and laughter, and a special "sneak peak" of the creative team's latest musical this episode, this is the "potty-cast" for you.

Join hosts Nick Hutson and Hannah Budd on a captivating journey through London's theatrical landscape as they dive into the vibrant worlds of Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre and Priscilla: The Party at the Outernet Venue. In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick shares his first impressions of Priscilla, delving into the glitz, glamour, and unexpected surprises of this iconic musical. Opening Night, a new musical starring Sheridan Smith, featuring music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright with a book and direction by Ivan Van Hove, takes center stage in their discussion, as they examine its adaptation from the film by John Cassavetes.  Should a musical about a play that makes no sense also make no sense?   As they contrast the two productions, Nick and Hannah explore the polarities between the shows, from the classic elegance of Opening Night to the flamboyant extravagance of Priscilla. Nick's fresh perspective on Priscilla sparks an engaging discussion on the unique appeal of the production and its enduring popularity. Amidst the exploration of themes and performances, the hosts ponder the question: Does promenade theatre lend itself to musicals? Drawing from their experiences and observations, they analyze the immersive nature of Priscilla and its impact on audience engagement.  

Join host Nick Hutson as he delves into the soul-stirring world of gospel music in musical theatre, in a captivating conversation with renowned YouTuber and gospel enthusiast Jaron M. LeGrair. In this episode of MusicalTalk, they explore the powerful impact of gospel music on various Broadway shows, from the unexpected twists in "Little Shop of Horrors" to the divine energy of "Hercules." Together, they traverse the rich tapestry of musicals like "Showboat," "Ragtime," and "Once on This Island," uncovering how gospel infuses these narratives with depth and resonance. From the high-octane rhythms of "Starlight Express" to the socially conscious themes of "Hairspray" they unravel the threads of gospel's presence, highlighting its role in storytelling and character development. Tune in to this episode of MusicalTalk for a harmonious journey through the spiritual and theatrical realms, as Nick Hutson and Jaron M. LeGrair celebrate the transformative power of gospel music in musicals.

So, here we are with our long awaited conversation about Sondheim's last new musical (probably), appropriately called "Here We Are" and the big question is - is it a success?  Thos chats to MusicalTalk's resident Sondheim expert, Colm, who saw the show twice in New York at its off-Broadway venue, the Shed, and who certainly thinks so.  But is absurdist theatre now so obscure that it seems pretentious instead of satirical?  Is this show the equivalent of Schubert's Unfinished Symphony? And is Sondheim merely pastiching himself in his swansong? Well, it is what it is - but find out if the show really does make for a perfect day in this wonderful episode.

It's time to walk in the joint to see what those big spenders, Tom and Thos, have to say about the evergreen musical, Sweet Charity, and in particular the 1969 big screen version directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse - all part of their in-depth delve into his amazing career. Is the Rich Man's Frug the most Fosse-esque dance sequence ever committed to celluloid?  What is the Rhythm of Life scene all about, really? And wasn't the late Chita Rivera an astoundingly good actor? And then Tom and Thos finally crack how to give the Sweet Charity story a suitable ending - so you can live optimistically ever after!

What good is sitting alone in your room when you could do it in the company of Tom and Thos? This week, they continue their in-depth look at the career of the legendary Bob Fosse, movie musical director and choreographer, by looking at his amazing 1972 film, Cabaret.  Why is it so different to the original stage production? Who is the film really about? And is Sally Bowles actually a monster?  Will you find out the answers?  Maybe this time! 

Join Tom and Thos as they take an in-depth look at the career of the legendary movie musical director and choreographer, Bob Fosse, through the lens of his three musical films - Sweet Charity, Cabaret and All That Jazz.  How far did he take the ideas behind his choreography and then use them to inform his directorial decisions - and does it work?  In this week's episode, it's all about the stunning but oh-so-dark 1979 musical film, All That Jazz.  It's show time!

Nick and Thos chat about their theatrical experiences in 2023 - featuring talk on Mrs Doubtfire, Groundhog Day. The Great British Bake Off, The Wizard of OZ, The Peter Pan Palladium Pants, 

Nick and Thos chat about their theatrical experiences in 2023 - featuring talk on The Witches, Crazy for You, Mamma Mia - The Party, Guys and Dolls and Immersive theatre as whole! 

Nick and Thos chat about their theatrical experiences in 2023 - featuring talk on Newsies, Sunset Boulevard, Old Friends, The Time Traveller’s Wife.

As we wave the year goodbye, it’s time for our traditional MusicalTalk festive quiz.  So leave your turkey in the fridge, turn off the irritating round of Christmas songs and leave a “go away” sign for any carol singers, and then enjoy this merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs compiled for your diversionary pleasure by that ridiculous old idiot Thos. By the time you’ve finished, you’ll need a doctor (and this may be a clue!)

Nick and Hannah discuss THE WITHCES - now playing at the National Theatre.  Based on the classic Roald Dahl novel - how does it live up to various adaptations?  Please note - this episode was recorded in early November and, therefore, discusses a very early preview production.  

In this song-filled bumper edition, the talented John Paul Liddle chats to Thos about his love for the wonderful musical, No Way to Treat a Lady, by Douglas J. Cohen, and also the latest version of his five star EdFringe hit, Vote Macbeth. You’ll be laughing all the way to the Banquo!

It’s time for part two of Thos’ chat with the talented Sam Cochrane and Alex Prescot, the people behind Runesical, the 2022 EdFringe hit about its ingenious new online “make your own adventure” Youtube musical version that you can watch now.

Thos chats to Sam Cochrane and Alex Prescot, the people behind Runesical, the 2022 EdFringe hit which has been retooled for an online presentation on Youtube, complete with its original “make your own adventure” style narrative. It’s intriguing, ingenious, funny and fun and perfect for gamers and non-gamers alike – and so is this episode!

Join Nick and Andrew as they review The Time Traveller's Wife - now playing at the Apollo Theatre.  

Nick Hutson and Andrew Keating discuss their thoughts on Old Friends - the Stephen Sondheim tribute concert now playing at the Gielgud Theatre.  Then Nick digs out, from the MusicalTalk Time Machine, an unreleased discussion on girls in musical theatre - in honour of the new version fo Calnedar Girls - now touring the UK.  

It’s time for more songs and the second part of the in-depth conversation with talented songwriting team, Glenn Clarke and George Gehm, about their career and their show, The Extras Strike Back: A Musical Tribute to the Forgotten Heroes of Star Wars. You’ll have a good feeling about this… 

Thos talks to the amazingly talented songwriting team of Glenn Clarke and George Gehm about their five star musical revue, The Extras Strike Back: A Musical Tribute to the Forgotten Heroes of Star Wars. With songs from the show, and insights into their working methods, this is a conversation that is out of this world…

Thos chats to super-talented performer and songwriter, Sue Casson, about Two Tigers – a Modernist Musical, which illustrates the life of modernist author, Katherine Mansfield, in the centenary year of her untimely death. Hear how to write and then rewrite a musical as well as craft songs that capture the ephemeral nature of written observations in this wonderful conversation.

 Thos talks to the talented writer and performer, Lucy Stevents, about her latest show – Gertrude Lawrence: A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening - which uses primary sources and songs to tell the story of one of the twentieth century’s most successful musical theatre stars. Find out why Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Kurt Weill, Noel Coward and Rogers and Hammerstein were queuing to write musicals for her, and why Julie Andrews played her in the aptly name musical film, Star!

MusicalTalk concludes its detailed EdFringe reviews with Colm and Thos in conversation about On Your Bike, Jingle Street, The Grand Old Opera House, After the Act, Tony! The Tony Blair Rock Opera and many more… 

MusicalTalk continues its in-depth look at some of the best musicals at this year’s EdFringe, so it’s time to join Colm and Thos to discuss Dead Man’s Suitcase, Tickle, Actually, Love and Potty the Plant, which was our Pick of the Fringe 2023 – all this and more in the best of the fest!  

It’s time to look at two of the big name shows at this year’s EdFringe in detail, so join Thos and Josh (and another Josh to add to the fun) to discuss returning classic, Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder, and also new show, Hello Kitty Must Die!   

The 2023 EdFringe has just closed but Thos, Colm & Josh were there to catch as many musicals as they could!  With songs, sounds and extracts of interviews with writers, composers, lyricists, performers, directors, choreographers and so many more creatives who brought musicals old and new to the largest arts festival in the world, here’s a digest of the best of the Fringe for lovers of musical theatre.  

Nick is joined by Robert to discuss The Wizard of OZ and Mrs Doubtfire.  

Thos sits down with Becky Owen-Fisher and Tom Fox, the creative minds behind Lamphouse Theatre, to discuss their “brilliantly bonkers” comic show, War of the Worlds (On a Budget) – an entirely new musical version of the HG Wells science fiction classic.  Ulla! (note: episode may not be suitable for martians!).

Thos chats to the people behind last years EdFringe success, There’s No Mystery in Murder!, about their show and the difficulty of writing a musical which is also a whodunit.

Thos chats to John Paul Liddle about his amazing new musical take on the famous Shakespearian Scottish Play, called Vote Macbeth! which reimagines the story as a contemporary political thriller.  Fifteen years in the making, hear how this interactive show invites you to decide who should rule – the strong but murderous Macbeth or his arch rival, the flamboyant Fleancé.   And there’s a chance to hear about Crochan Disney, the new welsh language podcast about all things Disney.

Andrew Edwards sits down with Rob Bagnall - who's one of the biggest fans and experts on the Rocky Horror Show to discuss the show.

Nick shares his thoughts on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - that's currently touring around the UK and Ireland! 

Nick and Dom share their thoughts on every episode of Apple TV+'s wonderful musical series "Schmicago" - the second series of Schmigadoon! 

Thos chats to Sam Woof and Màth Roberts of Goya Theatre about their wonderful - but very different musicals – the (deliberate) musical catastrophe “Don’t Say Macbeth” and the Generation Z musical, “Sex With Friends (And Other Tiny Catastrophes)”.  

Thos chats to Melanie Gall, biographer of Deanna Durbin, about her one woman show “Ingenue: Deanna Durbin, Judy Garland and the Golden Age of Hollywood” to learn how “Winnipeg’s Sweetheart”, Deanna Durbin, became the biggest star of musical films in the 1930s, surpassing even her occasional co-star, Judy Garland, but also how she deliberately disappeared completely from view – and from memory.

Nick, Thos, Dom, Jonathan and Harrison are presented with a musical from each decade by AI and are expected to talk about it...  so expect a lot of chat about a lot of shows, a lot of arguments about a lot of shows, a lot of questionable facts about a lot of shows and, most importantly, a lot of fun talk about a lot of shows!

Join Thos as he talks to Ilona Sell, the director of the wonderful new show, Living With Sin – a thoroughly modern story with a contemporary take on the fabled Seven Deadly Sins.  There’s a chance to hear songs from the score and to hear a wonderful conversation about the sins being less deadly than you might think…

Thos chats to the directors, producer and star of the rather brilliant 2022 EdFringe production of Sondheim’s Company and in particular about how they approached this versatile and ever changing show. With an in-depth discussion about the different ways that the main role can be characterised and made to escape from their 1970s origins to be relevant to 21st Century attitudes, Bobby, we've been thinking of you!

MusicalTalk heads for the centre of the musical theatre universe this week as Thos chats to Colm about his recent trip to Broadway – and the many shows he saw there.  You’ll get a lot of “hi-de-hi and boopah-doo” in this lively discussion on the Great White Way.

Nick is joined by Robert as they talk about  STANDING AT THE SKY'S EDGE and SYLVIA plus tributes to Barry Humphries and Paul O'Grady.  Nick and Harrison share live thoughts on AIN'T TOO PROUD - now playing at The Prince Edward Theatre. 

Carrying on with our tribute to the Polka Theatre for Children - Nick sits down with associate director Roman Stefanski.  Hear his thoughts on the show he's directed over the years, writing and directing for children and how important this theatre is to him and everyone else! 

As the BFI retrospective of the wide career of Gingers Rogers continues, here’s a chance to hear the second part of a conversation between Thos and Miles Eady as they discuss the series of ten Ginger and Fred musicals – in particular the Gershwin masterpiece, Shall  We Dance (1937), and their last “reunion” film, the Barclays of Broadway (1949) – and exactly why Ginger was a creative force in her own right.

As the BFI launches a major retrospective of the career of Gingers Rogers, Thos talks to film writer, Miles Eady, to discuss this versatile and talented actress who became legendary in the 1930s for working with Busby Berkeley, Fred Astaire, George Gershwin, Dorothy Fields, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and many others in the most important musical films of the first musicals golden age, the 1930s.

Nick talks to Helen and Lynette from the Polka Theatre for Children and takes you on a virtual guided tour discussing its history, future and re-development.  Hear what makes this theatre so important for so many children in London! 

Join Thos and Tim for an in-depth conversation about the wonderful 2019-20 UK National Tour of Curtains and what precisely makes this show so impressive. You could say that it’s the Kander & Ebb show that’s about Cioffi - but not in a cardboard cup!

It’s time to join Thos as he surveys one of the best musical comedies of the last two decades – Kander & Ebb’s wonderful Curtains.  This week he chats to the people behind the fantastic production which could be seen at last summer’s Edinburgh Fringe to get a sense of not just the nuts and bolts of putting on a demanding spectacle of a show but also how they interpret the text in hand: In short, it’s a show that shows what show people know about this show with its show within a show. Simple!  

Nick talks to Jonathan Rockefeller about his production of Disney's Winnie the Pooh that's soon to open at the Riverside Studios before embarking upon a UK tour! 

Nick chats to Natasha Hodgson, Zoe Roberts, David Cumming and Felix Hagan about their musical "Operation Mincemeat" that will soon be opening at the Fortune Theatre in London's West end.  Hear how a show about a young group of people taking a risk was created by a young group of people taking a risk! 

Thos again pays tribute to the late Kit Hesketh-Harvey, one of Britain’s most talented and eclectic theatrical personalities. In this episode, we hear Kit talking about the more serious, passionate and romantic side of his nature as he discusses his modernised version of La Traviata which wowed the critics in 2012.

In the first of a two part tribute, Thos remembers the wonderful “Renaissance Man of the Theatre”, the late Kit Hesketh-Harvey, who died earlier this month. In this episode we hear Kit in two episodes which highlight his talents on stage and off, in two fascinating – and very funny – interviews covering his work in Kit and the Widow, one of the UK’s most successful cabaret acts, and in his work directing and adapting La Belle Helene by Offenbach, covering everything from Andrew Lloyd Webber to Noel Coward along the way

Continuing their tour of musicals-made-into-movies, Tonia and Mike discuss Netflix's new cinematic vision of Matilda.

Well, it’s a brand new year so that can only mean the return of our traditional MusicalTalk festive quiz. Is there any better way of ushering in a new year?  Yes, of course there is – but when’ve finished doing that,  you can then enjoy this merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs compiled for your diversionary pleasure by that ridiculous old idiot Thos. So put your feet up and let your hair down – and keep everything else where it is. You’ll be wiser and older by the time it’s done!

Our very own Dominic McChesney and David Herzog appear in the Big Tiny's production of "Aladdin" this Christmas at the Millgate Arts Centre. Join them on their magical pantomime adventure as they take you behind the scenes during rehearsals, and chat with their fellow actors over drinks.

Josh and Thos close their three week exploration of 1934’s smash hit Anything Goes by Cole Porter by looking at Act Two – and discuss if the dreaded curse of the second act affects this marvelously tuneful show – and if it does, can the songs counteract it in an episode that could put a “smile on the Mona Lisa”!

This week Josh and Thos continue their analysis of 1934’s Anything Goes by looking at Act One in depth and in particular discussing the songs both on the page and in performance.  Hear how the difficulties of musically directing a tap dancing sequence can be overcome and see if this evergreen show really is “The Top”!

Join Josh and Thos as they begin a three week in depth analysis of the evergreen musical comedy, Anything Goes by Cole Porter, which has been a popular favourite for nearly ninety years.  In this episode they discuss the context and history of this show which was very nearly called Crazy Week!

Join Thos as he talks to Josh about the Only Fools and Horses Musical and gives a different view on this popular West End Musical to that discussed in last week’s episode.  They also discuss London Theatre Week, which confusingly runs for a fortnight, and whether it is likely to be successful in encouraging people to go to the theatre.

Nick shares his thoughts on attending the world premiere of the film adaptation of the stage show of Matilda - and also the stage show of the TV Sit com - Only Fools and Horses! 

Nick and Thos delve into the career of the late great Angela Lansbury - and discuss what makes her so special - and then tread lightly into the world of musicals featuring royalty! 

Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder:  In this bumper episode, Thos enjoys a hilarious and insightful conversation with the multitalented Matthew Floyd Jones, the composer of the songs for MusicalTalk’s Pick of the Fringe 2022, Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder.  Hear how Matthew’s extensive career as a writer, performer, composer and much more has informed the creation of this five star show – and why you won’t find any plinking and plonking on his watch! 

Join Thos and Mike for their last in-depth conversation about several wonderful musicals from the 2022 EdFringe including Runesical, La Serva Padrona, Out to Lunch, Julie and also The Queens Cartoonists.  It’s a chance to cover 400 years of performance and find out who they think is the crotchety uncle of musical theatre!

Mike chats with Hayley Canham - the writer/composer/lyricist/star of one of the true gems of EdFringe 2022, a contemporary musical based on a well-known Greek tragedy. Mike thinks that show and creator are going places; listen in to hear why!

Time to join Thos and Mike for another in-depth conversation about several wonderful musicals from this year’s EdFringe including Medea the Musical, Lizard Boy, Dots and Dashes and The Handbook of Civilian Defence all linked by a theme of characters trying to attain understanding.

Nick talks to composer of But I'm A Cheerleader Andrew Abrams about the show's triumphant return to the Turbine Theatre - and to Dave Bain about his musical Last Sales Conference of the Apocalypse... two musicals that explore conversion therapy in very different ways. 

Join Thos and Mike for an amusing and in-depth conversation about seven accomplished musicals you could have seen at this year’s EdFringe including Sondheim’s Company, Living With Sin, For Queen and Country, Sex With Friends (And Other Tiny Catastrophes) and three very different takes on MacBeth.

Nick chats to Harrison and Tabitha about experiencing the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time.  Harrison also spoke to Edy Hurst about his one man version of War of the Worlds - as well as Unfortunate! 

With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe now over, Thos marks the 75th anniversary of the world’s largest arts festival with a second selection of interviews with the people behind some of the best musical theatre shows and revues that you could have seen in Scotland this summer.

With the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing, Thos guides you through a selection of songs and interviews with the people behind some of the best musical theatre shows and revues that you can still catch!. It's the best of the Fest!  And we exclusively reveal our Pick of the Fringe for this year.

This week Thos talks to Nick about his experiences seeking Dear Even Hansen, Bed-knobs and Broomsticks and HMS Pinafore! 

Nick and Andrew share their thoughts on the utterly fabulous Sister Act playing at the Hammersmith Apollo in London starring Beverley Knight, Jennifer Saunders and Lesley Joseph! 

Join us once more time as Colm and Thos conclude their epic chat about the Young Vic production of Oklahoma with a close analysis of the book and score. Has it been misunderstood for nearly 80 years and is Curly a villain hiding in plain sight? Or is that just a scandal and an outrage? It's certainly make your chicks and ducks and geese scurry!

Episode 2: Oklahoma in Depth - Tradition and Revision: Join Colm and Thos for the second part of their in-depth conversation about all things Oklahoma, and find out what they thought of the recent re-interpretation of this evergreen musical which was on at the Yong Vic. Are Curly and Jud simply two sides of the same character? Can ballets in musicals ever avoid obviousness or pretension? And it is a breath of fresh air or pure heresy? It's all er nuthin'!

With all London seemingly talking about the recent Young Vic production of Daniel Fish's reinterpretation of Oklahoma, join Thos and Colm for the first part of a in-depth discussion about the legendary 20th Century musical, Oklahoma. In this first episode, we look at the myth surrounding the show, it's legacy and the people behind it: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Have they gone about as fer as they could go? Find out in this interesting episode.

Join Nick and Thos (plus friends) for a discussion on Operation Mincemeat, Beauty and the Beast, The Drifters Girl and The Rise and fall of Little Voice!  

Nick Hutson talks to Jonathan Cohen about his thoughts on the new satirical musical from Steve Brown and Harry Hill telling the story of Tony Blair - now playing at the Park Theatre in London. 

This week we welcome back Mike Dixon to discuss his new autobiography - Turn Around and Take A Bow - which explores over 40 years of stories, anecdotes and life lessons from Mike!

Nick sits down with composer/lyricist Steve Brown to discuss the proper art of songwriting when it comes to his previous projects including I Can't Sing, Spend Spend Spend, Spitting Image and his new musical - TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera.

Nick is joined by blogger and self confessed "defender of the Jukebox Musical" - Rebecca - to discuss thoughts on the genre, its history and highlights! 

It’s an unparalleled Troy Story in this weeks episode as we join Thos as the talks to Mike about the 2015 musical, Horseplay – The Troy Musical.  And there’s a chance to hear a vintage recording of Kit Hesketh-Harvey in conversation with Thos about his recent new English translation of Offenbach’s La Belle Helene, renamed Troy Boy.  Time to say Hi to the High Kings of Troy.

In this episode, Mike and Thos take a close look at one of the best musicals from the 2021 Edinburgh Festival Fringe (and award winner at the Denver Festival Fringe), Color Inside the Lines by Jenny Stafford.  Hear how they find the show to be the perfect example of a small, poignant, one performer musical and a surprising gem filled with craft and even visual leitmotifs.   

Welcome back to the second part of the conversation with Mike and Thos about Twisted – The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier as they study the craft and skill on display in this amusing parody musical before Thos concludes his unexpected look at viziers in musicals as he discusses The Rose of Persia, Arthur Sullivan’s last comic musical from 1899.   

It’s time to join Mike and Thos and they investigate Twisted – The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier – the 2013 musical trying to do for Jafar from the Aladdin film what Wicked did for the Wicked Witch of the West.  Find out how far a parody musical can move you, and then join Thos for a quick look at the history of viziers in musical history as he talks about Kismet, the 1953 Broadway hit.

Join Mike and Thos as they explore the “bonkers but brilliant” show, Timpsons the Musical and find out how an American responded to this entirely culturally British phenomenon (clue: he loved it!). There’s also talk about this shows connection to the lost world of the industrial musical.  And remember, never eat a taco – from a bin!!

Nick talks to YouTube and singing sensation/impressionist Christina Bianco about appearing in Jim Cartwright's THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE - soon to be touring the UK. 

Jonthan Cohen chats to Nick about working with British actress - Lynda Baron - who died recently.  Jonathan talks about working with her on songs they did together for Come Outside and also her stint in Cameron Mackintosh's FOLLIES in the eighties.  

Does Cyrano de Bergerac retain its panache in film musical form? Tonia and Mike discuss the recent movie adaptation starring Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Dom talks to Nick about how it feels to be treading the boards again, how the pandemic, he thinks, has changed casting and his future role in adult pantomime! Nick then talks about his afternoon tea at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and what shows we have coming up in 2022!

Nick and Dom discuss the spectacular muscial - Moulin Rouge - now platying at the Picadilly Theatre in London's West End.  Nick also tells how he introduced Dom to Victoria Wood's final musical - The Day We Sang - starring Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton - and avaiable to purcahse online. 

Episode 748:  Jesus Christ Superstar(s) – Part 2:  Tom and Thos still have Heaven on their minds as they continue their in-depth chat about just how JCS has survived and adapted over fifty years on stage in the UK and internationally.

Settle down to listen to Tom and Thos as they find out what’s the buzz about Jesus Christ Superstar and how it’s successfully adapted itself to changing times over fifty years. Tom is certain that everything’s alright whereas JCS virgin Thos simply doesn’t know how to love it.

It’s a two player game as Josh and Thos get hot with excitement about Be More Chilled, the show that is somehow both a cult and completely mainstream.  Listen as they get in sync about its many strengths and touch on its unexpected timelessness. You won’t find it hard to swallow!

It’s a brand new year so it must be time for our traditional MusicalTalk musical theatre quiz – a merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs compiled for your pleasure by Thos.  This time it’s all about the late Stephen Sondheim who was no mean compiler of mysteries himself. So, old friends, something’s coming! And with so little to be sure of, now you know! It might be agony but once you’ve got a good thing going, and opening doors on your knowledge, what can you lose? And some people might have an epiphany or move on. Or am I simply losing my mind?

MusicalTalk rounds up its tributes to the late Stephen Sondheim with a historic conversation from the time of his eightieth birthday in 2010 looking at the works of Sondheim, warts and all!

Thos revisits a 2014 interview with David Overton of the Sondheim Society in which Sondheim and his works were discussed in depth, as well as the then new revue called God, a Musical Celebration and Parody of Stephen Sondheim.

MusicalTalk again pays tribute to the late great Stephen Sondheim with a further selection of interviews and discussions about the great man taken from fifteen years of the extensive MusicalTalk archive including about Putting It Together, Follies, Merrily We Roll Along, Saturday Night, Anyone Can Whistle and Sondheim himself.

MusicalTalk remembers the late great Stephen Sondheim with a selection of interviews and discussions about the great man taken from fifteen years of the extensive MusicalTalk archive touching on Passion, Merrily We Roll Along, Into the Woods, Anyone Can Whistle, Saturday Night, Company and Revues.

For the next few weeks - we will be celebrating the legendary Stephen Sondheim - who recently died aged 91.  This week Nick replays a section from a podcast where he was invited to attend the press junket of the film of Sweeney Todd.    

This week, Thos and Josh get square eyes as they have a four cornered in-depth discussion about shows you could have watched online this summer as part of the EdFringe’s new virtual streaming options including the classic Weill and Brecht musical, The Seven Deadly Sins.

  This week, Thos talks to Josh about his visit – in person – to the EdFringe this summer, and how it differed to previous years.  And we hear reviews and conversations about everything from Elvis to Ivor Novello and Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds to the Gondoliers. 

Mike and Tonia discuss the recent Amazon Prime adaptation of Everybody's Talking About Jamie. What does the stage show gain or lose in the translation to movie form?

In an age of countless listening options, finding new or lesser-known musicals can be a challenge. Mike chats with Jean-Paul Yovanoff, whose MusicalTheatreRadio.com provides round the clock curation of music from great shows.

Nick chats to Elyse (vocalist) and Chris Willis (composer) on their involvement with cresting the parody TV Series exploring the tropes of the 1940s and 50s musicals - Schmigadoon.  We also hear from John Sweeney and Andrew Edwards as they share their thoughts on it!  Chris and Elyse also discuss creating songs and music for the Mickey Mouse shorts on Disney Plus!  Schmigadoon is now streaming on Apple TV+

Nick is joined by David Herzog to discuss all things Back to The Future - as it's finally blasted its way into the Adelphi Theatre - and then join Nick and his friend Shawn live from the theatre (and the future) to hear their views.  What will two theme park fans make of it? 

It’s time to get back inside the MusicalTalk Time Machine to look at the music compiled by Thomas D’urfey in his seminal collection of 17th and 18th Century songs.  Thos looks at the connections between D’urfey, John Gay, The Beggar’s Opera, and a well-known nursery rhyme. There’s also a chance to hear a further chat with the multitalented academic and performer, David William Hughes, who talks about another of his one man musicals - this time named after D’Urfey’s famous book, Wit and Mirth. 

This week, Thos chats to David William Hughes, academic and performer of historic music, as they discuss his one man musical, Elizabethan, featuring Tudor and Jacobean songs and how music underwent a seismic development soon, ushering a musical world we still have today.  They then look forward to next week’s episode which leaps forward about a hundred years to look at the comic songs of the later Stuart monarchs and helped give rise to the Beggar’s Opera, one of the foundations of modern musical theatre.

Nick talks to actor Charlie Brunton about his starring role of Emelius Browne in the UK Tour of Bedknobs and Broomsticks! 

Nick talks to Jonathan and Stephen about experiencing South Pacific at the Chichester Festival Theatre.   

Nick talks to renowned theatre director Jonathan O'Boyle about his production of THE LAST 5 YEARS that is soon opening at the Garrick Theatre.  

This week, Thos looks at one of the most significant changes to fringe festivals in 2021 – the advent of the virtual productions!  Whilst they’ve been around for ages, it’s only since the pandemic that they really taken off. And with more virtual musicals on offer than live musical productions at this summer’s EdFringe, we take a look at two different shows you could have seen this year, and the variation in their approaches to putting on a show.

It’s the very welcome return of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – and this year it was somehow both a lot smaller and a lot bigger – with a mixture of physical and virtual shows, giving it more of a global reach than ever.  As always, MusicalTalk will be talking about the pick of the crop of musicals from this year’s event but to get the ball rolling, and to mark the return of the world’s largest arts festival, Thos and Colm sit down to talk, not about any particular shows, but about the feeling, atmosphere and intoxication of the EdFringe as a thing in itself.  It’s time to put out the bunting…

Andy Edwards talks to the current star of Singin' in the Rain Adam Cooper - discussing everything from Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake to working with Patrick Swayze!

Nick and John talk to award winning lyricist David Zippel about his work for Cinderella, Hercules, Woman in White, City of Angels and other smaller works!  

Nick is joined by Dom as they discuss Singin' in the Rain - currently playing at Sadler's Wells. 

Nick and Andrew discuss a manner of shows and topics including: Anything Goes, Mamma Mia (The Party), Amelie, Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Comeback and the newly renovated Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. 

Join Mike Shapiro as he updates Thos about his wonderful Hollywood Fringe adventure musical, Gideon and the Blundersnorp, which having been in a successful virtual version last year has now been redeveloped for a real live theatrical production in 2021.  In this bumper episode, you’ll hear songs aplenty and entertaining chat about the show’s unusual developmental journey as well as discussions on everything from orchestrations, poster design, to livestreaming each performance for global viewing!

Nick talks to Jonathan Cohen about HAIRSPRAY - now playing at the London Coliseum and then sits down with producerr Chris Clegg to discuss Tuck Shop, Death Drop and all things Drag.  

Thos talks to musical theatre royalty, the amazing Kim Criswell, about her new show, the wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein revue, A Grand Night for Singing, which is being presented at the Edinburgh International Festival this summer and brings together both well known and neglected F&H gems.  Kim shares her thoughts on this great songwriting partnership and the difficulties faced by the production in the age of Covid-19 restrictions in a wonderful, wide ranging and hugely enthusiastic conversation which is bound to delight any lover of musical theatre.

Join Thos and Tim as they look in depth at the reworked version of the 1960s West End and Broadway hit, Half A Sixpence, which came to London in 2016 under the auspices of Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Find out if they thought it was a flash in the pan, a banging hit or deserved a wallop!

Nick talks to Ryan and Dylan about three musicals currently playing in the West End: Heathers, Cinderella and Amelie! 

As fans of murder mysteries here - it's nice to see this musical (with songs by Flo and Joan) celebrating drag culture in a mainstream production! Death Drop - A DRAGATha Christie Murder Mystery - featuring Willum and Latrice Royale. 

Nick Hutson chats to Andrew Keating about what it felt like to be back in a theatre seeing a brand new with lockdown starting to ease.  Hear Andrew's thoughts on the new ALW Musical - Cinderella - as well as the COVID Safety precautions and what the future may hold.  Bippity Boppity Boo!

Dom McChesney chats with Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen Mcdonald about the creation of Breathe: A New Musical, which is premiering online - written in real time last year as the pandemic evolved. They also discuss their musical of The Book Thief which was set to open at The Octagon in Bolton just as the pandemic hit last year.

With the World Premiere of the stage production of the evergreen Disney film, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, coming to the United Kingdom this summer, Thos revisits the extended and restored version of the original film in the company of Tim as they pop in a beautiful shiny – but not briny – DVD and enjoy some substitutiary locomotion.  With knobs on!

Episode 713: The Ballad of Anne and Mary – Songs:   Join us for the last part of our special in-depth look at the fantastic free new musical pirate podcast, The Ballad of Anne and Mary. This week we concentrate on the score, discuss lullabies, and question Sondheim’s famous axiom about content dictating form.  So don’t be a slubberdegullion, come and join the fun!

We return to part two of our special in-depth look at the fantastic free new musical drama podcast, The Ballad of Anne and Mary, created by Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman about the famous 18th Century pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. This week we discuss the story, themes and structure used to tell the take effectively over several weeks, and we listen to and analyse the wonderful title song!  It’s not Yo Ho Hum!

Join Thos over the next three weeks for a special in-depth look at the fantastic new musical, The Ballad of Anne and Mary.  In this first episode, he talks to the show’s creators, Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman, about the development of this fantastic venture which is presented as a free five-part musical drama podcast, and tells the story of famous 18th Century pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. You’ll also hear how their other hugely successful drama podcast, Mockery Manor, used songs to give a sense of place and influenced this later production – and you’ll learn the best way to get a tune out of a cat!

Join Thos as he revisits the much praised 2010 Regents Park Open Air Theatre production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, which is viewable to watch in a streaming version online.  Cast your mind back to the heady days of a decade ago when the world was celebrating Sondheim’s 80th birthday, Dame Judi Dench was the Giant’s Wife and you could cast real trees as part of this evergreen musical! And if you don’t like it, you’re the one to blame - it’s your fault! (as someone once cleverly wrote)

Welcome to this bumper edition of MusicalTalk crammed with great songs and fine chat as Thos brings us a brand new interview with talented writer, Alexander S. Bermange, creator of I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical, a wonderful show shortly be made available in a specially recorded version for online viewing via the Kings Head Theatre website.  In this lively and information conversation, you can hear how you deal with success at the Fringe, how the coronavirus has changed how theatre is made and how you tailor a theatrical success for online streaming.

With the five star revue, I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical – a must see for all fans of musical theatre – being made available for streaming, join Thos for the first of two interviews with Alexander S. Bermange, the talented writer and creator of the show.  In this week’s episode, we hear about the show when it was at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019 and how it came to be in the first place, prior to next week when we discuss how you transfer a show to a virtual streaming situation.

One of our favourite interviews ever on MusicalTalk has been with British entertainment legend Bobby Crush.  Join original MusicalTalk Presenter Andy Edwards as he re-unites us with Bobby for an entertaining interview!

Mike Shapiro chats with Giles Howe, co-creator of Soviet Zion, a new musical set in a remarkable socio-political experiment in WW2 Russia.

Join us for a chilled discussion as Nick talks to Ryan about Lizzie, horror musicals, Be More Chill and songs being cut from cast recordings!

This week Nick and John take a look at shows that take things from the past and reinvents them for the future by talking about the shows they last saw.  John talks about seeing the new production of West Side Story at the Broadway Theatre and Nick talks about seeing Back to the Future in Manchester.

Join Nick and Dom as they discuss musicals based on, or featuring elements of, Farce!  Thankfully Dom and Nick still recognise each other at the end and there are no door slams! 

Fresh from talking about the wonderful online production of Jack and the Beanstalk, Thos presents another chance to hear an in depth interview with its author and Dame Par Excellence, Peter Duncan, about his life in show business and his love for musical theatre and panto!

Join Thos and Tim as they discuss Peter Duncan’s highly enjoyable online pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk – and talk about how to capture the raucous excitement of British Pantomime in a video production, as well as unexpected visits from Gustav Holst, Thomas Nashe and William Shakespeare who all contributed to the story.  Fe Fi Fo Fun-times!

Nick, during lockdown, decided to write a mad musical celebrating the UK Theme Park Community.  Join Nick with other members of the team as they discuss this mad show - that you can watch here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PlPdZa65Z7E The musical stars many members of the UK Theme park community but also features cameos from John Wardley and the legendary Neil Patrick Harris. 

It’s time for a celebration as MusicalTalk reaches its 700th episode and to mark this milestone, we take you behind the scenes in a very special edition featuring those beautiful dreamers, Jonathan, David, Nick and Thos as well as a piano, a whole lot of songs and several biscuits! 

It’s time to give your kitchen equipment dirty looks as we join Thos and Colm as they look at what makes the recent revival of modern classic, Caroline, or Change, so impressive.  Whether it’s the off-beat surrealism, quiet revolution, avoidance of the obvious and a skillful use of stillness, this most unusual of musicals makes a profound impact as our presenters discover.

Adamant that Porgy and Bess is an opera?  Well, it ain’t necessarily so as Thos and Colm chat about the recent English National Opera production of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess – the is-it-or-isn’t-it-an-opera opera!  With a soaring score, we look at the fusion of arias and songs, and how this monumental classic holds up in the 21st Century. 

We start the new year with another look at 42nd Street, one of the evergreen stories of musicals – with a peek at the original 1932 novel by Bradford Ropes, an in-depth look at the recent London production with Colm and a discussion on the unusual tensions in the show itself which points it in two directions at one: a literal two way street!  

It may be a reduced Christmas this year with the pandemic and lockdowns, but that’s no reason not to have a good old quiz and songfest here on MusicalTalk.  So that can only mean its our traditional MusicalTalk Crimbo Musical Theatre Quiz – a merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs compiled for your diversionary pleasure by Thos who is on totally MAD form (hint: this might be a clue).

Dom and Nick are joined by John from New York to talk about more streaming options available - such as On the 20th Century, Upon a Mattress and 42nd Street - plus whatever else takes our fancy. 

In this week’s bumper episode, we look again at Jekyll Versus Hyde, the frankly brilliant adaptation of the evergreen story by discussing the musical with its creators, Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman and hearing what Thos and Mike thought about its investigation into duality. There’s also a chance to hear a ten point review of the recent West End version of 42nd Street which has been made available as a virtual show that you could watch online!

It’s time to get the geek as we join Thos and Tom as they chat some more about another Edinburgh Fringe musical theatre hit of recent years – The Toxic Avenger, a hilarious and tuneful musical adaptation of the 1984s film – and a show just packed full of stagey gags!  Warning: may contain hot toxic love!

Thos and Tom chat about two past Edinburgh Fringe comedies – Timpson the Musical, which hilariously imagines the birth of the high street favourite in a bouncy, engaging production, and also Redacted Arachnid, which is that most unusual thing – a show that’s not a musical that’s all about another show that is! 

With 2013’s epic new musical, From Here to Eternity, recently revived on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Show Must Go On website, listen to Thos and Tim as they talk about the weaknesses and strengths of the original London production, and then, following the sad death of Bobby Ball, of British comedy double act Cannon and Ball, there’s a chance to hear Ed’s 2009 interview with them both as they talk about their career and appearances in pantomime.

Colm and Thos discuss Drive By Shooting (A Street Art Opera), a brand spanking new ten minute opera that unexpectedly uses the model of the three hundred year old intermezzo they discussed last week, and then keeping it in the eighteenth century, Josh chats with Thos about a recent adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion that uses a modern model of performance but with a score from the late 1700s.  

Join Thos and Colm as they talk about The Secretary Turned CEO, a radical modern re-interpretation of Pergolesi's seminal comic opera of 1733, The Maid Turned Mistress, before Thos catches up with Danyal Dhondy, the Musical Director of the 2015 EdFringe production who talks about bringing this godparent of modern musical theatre bang up to date with a bawdy new English libretto by Becca Marriott, and his own contemporary guitar-based arrangement of the score. It’s a hoot!

Join Nick, Mike Dixon and Dominic McChesney for a fun discussion about Grease, its origins, the cut songs, the re-written songs and the songs not many people know! Hear tales from Mike's work on the Dominion Theatre production as arranger that opened in 1993 and learn how it's somewhat related to the boyfriend. 

Fancy seeing a new musical for free? Well, you’d best join Thos as he chats to Mike Shapiro about Mike’s latest show, Gideon and the Blundersnorp, and how in the absence of this year’s Hollywood Fringe, he’s taking that old film cliché, and putting on a show!  With songs and chat, and plenty of musical theatre references from Peter and the Wolf, Les Miserables and Oliver by way of Sondheim and Blood Brothers, enjoy this in-depth look at this magical new piece, including details about how you can watch its first virtual performance for free! It’s not impossible!

Return to the House of Edgar – Disinterring the Past: Having recently heard about the future of the House of Edgar, MusicalTalk’s Pick of the Fringe 2018, join Thos as he explores the history of this amazing musical in the company of two of its talented stars, Sarah Dean and Eoin McAndrew, in a laugh-filled interview recorded during the show’s run in 2018: It’s all about Edgar but it’s far from po-faced!.

Divining the Future:  Thos chats with composer Thomas F Arnold, writer of The House of Edgar, MusicalTalk’s Pick of the Fringe 2018, about the future of the show and how you develop a fringe production further. And you can also enjoy their light hearted conversation sharing their wider Edinburgh Festival Fringe experiences – and it’s not just all about the weather! 

Join Thos as he talks to the people behind this unusual and appealing original musical, featuring a live string quartet, which follows two siblings called back to their childhood home to pack up for one last time, and who find that more is unleashed than can be stored away.   

Join Thos as he talks to the creators of one of the great new musicals from the Edinburgh Fringe of the last few years, The Fear, which follows the lives of three students as they attempt to navigate their way through the ups and downs of their final year of university whilst struggling to cope with deadlines, drink and distractions. Discover how this rip-roaring musical comedy is a nostalgia ride for all those who have been through the university experience!

How do you get your showtune fix when venues are closed and performers are quarantined? Tonia and Mike discuss ways to enjoy or create musical theatre (sort of) while staying safely at home.

MusicalTalk’s Virtual Edinburgh Festival Fringe continues with an in-depth look at Sue Casson’s magnificent multi-platform song cycle about the life of one of the architects of the modern world, David Maxwell Fyfe, and how his work helped to rebuild and remodel society after the Second World War.  With stops on the way to talk about Rupert Brooke, Harry Lauder, the Western Brothers, John Buchan and so much more, it’s an uplifting story of a man and his humanity changing the world to make it a more humane place.  The human is in the telling!

MusicalTalk’s Virtual Edinburgh Festival Fringe continues with this exclusive interview with Nele Van den Broeck, star of the eponymous Nele Needs A Holiday – The Musical, the wonderful 2018 autobiographical show about trying to make it big in Britain, after already being big in Belgium.  Join Thos as he explores the creation of the show and its terrific and varied score, all orchestrated to allow a cast of three to sing with the tongues firmly in their cheeks!

Missing the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe? Then fret no longer and join us as we serve up a bumper double-length episode launching the MusicalTalk Virtual Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  Tuck into a veritable hotch-potch of songs, interviews, reviews, analysis and conversation about the shows you can see this year – online!  We’ve found over forty Edfringe musicals (and counting) you can watch on streaming video websites so come along with us over the next few weeks and months as we bring you the best in fringe fun, all from the comfort of your own living room (note: other rooms are available).  

Andrew Edwards talks to Alton Towers performer Leanne about her new single - MY DAMAGE.  

Join Andrew Edwards as he talks to West End Leading Man - Nic Greenshields - who's performed in Les Mis, Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, The Beautiful Game, Miss Saigon and many more!

In this information-packed and trivia-full episode, listen to Colm and Thos as they try to detect the golden threads linking three very different MGM musicals – DuBarry Was A Lady, Singin’ In the Rain and I Love Melvin, three films featuring not just amazing songs and dances but also American footballs, lace cravats, trampoline beds, roller skates, stepladders - and no less than five Gene Kellys!  Dignity, always dignity!

With online musical theatre available like never before, Thos has been watching a lot of it.  And we do mean a lot!  So, in the first of an occasional series, join him as he shares what he thinks about three big London West End hits in a series of bitesize ten point reviews for 42nd Street, Curtains and Kinky Boots!   They’re certain to sell like hot-takes! 

It’s the musical that says exactly what it is, so join Thos as he reviews this most raucous, funny, raw, political, clever and surprisingly touching show by the Graeae Theatre Company – and join in yourself as you can watch it for a limited period on Youtube!  And there’s a chance to hear again an interview with Vinnie himself, renowned actor and theatre maker, Stephen Lloyd, who explains how Reasons To Be Cheerful changed his life!  Oi oi!!

Join Thos as he revisits the film that keeps giving – Mae West’s 1977 musical, Sextette, featuring songs from 250 years of history including by Thomas Arne, the Beatles and Neil Sedaka – but is it really a triumph?  Hear Thos why he thinks it is, and there’s a chance to hear Thos and Tim talk about a previous viewing of this neglected comic musical gem!  As Mae would have observed – goodness has nothing to do with it!

Dom shares a short dedication to Dame Vera Lynn, who died today - 18th June 2020.  

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s charming “By Jeeves” recently re-introduced itself to the world via a streamed performance. Dominic McChesney and Mike Shapiro have a spirited and by no means succinct chat about the show’s history, story, and music.

Hear from SIX's musical director Katy Richardson as Nick and Mike Dixon talk about the tech in the band, the Olivier Awards and what makes SIX so special.  After that Nick talks to the writers of SIX - Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss with stories of the show's origins, Vogue, Patti LuPone and lots of other stuff in-between!  It's a megasix of guests including six fan Ryan Nixon! Put on your ruffled Tudor neck collar and enjoy! 

Join Nick Hutson and Andrew Edwards as they play messages from many people from the industry offering their support, advice, tips, stories and background as to how they're coping with this situation.   Special guests include Kerry Ellis, Mike Dixon, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe, Rosemary Ashe, Kaisa Hammarlund Jake Brunger, Pippa Cleary, Katy Richardson, Chris Cox, Demitri Lampra, Victoria Lucie. We also hear from regular MusicalTalk presenters David Herzog, Thos Ribbits, Dominic McChesney and Andrew Corcoran.

Nick hands the mic over to Maryann Wright and Estee Stimler to talk about their fundraising effort - Until the Curtains Rise.  COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on UK theatre artist’s futures, and they need our support. Thousands of actors, writers, directors, producers, designers, technicians and administrators’ income has been eliminated, with no knowing when theatre will be back. Until The Curtains Rise is a crowdfunding initiative, inviting you to bid on rewards generously donated by West End stars and creatives. All money raised is administered by Acting For Others, who support theatre workers in times of need through their 14 member charities. Together we can keep theatre alive Until the Curtains Rise.  For more information visit www.untilthecurtainsrise.com

West End conductor and Musical Supervisor Mike Dixon joins Nick to talk about Mike's top 3 personal career highlights! Hear how Arthur Laurents, Shirley Bassey and Sir Brian May all form wonderful memories for Mike!

Thos and Tim ponder that musical theatre monolith, Hamilton, and dissect its status as the "future of musical theatre" and whether or not its cultural resonances work as well in the United Kingdom as they do in its American home.  Everyone knows it's good but will it be remembered, and how many grains of salt do you need to swallow alongside the hype?  He might be a different emperor but we come to praise Caesar, not bury him - honest!

Nick sits with Preston Nyman to discuss his upbringing in a theatrical household, revolving theatres, theme parks and why a certain little shop is so important to him!

Nick chats to David Herzog about all the wonderful streaming options being offered to us and what it could mean for the future of theatre consumption - featuring Disney+, YouTube, Digital Theatre and BroadwayHD.

David Herzog returns, this time chatting with writer and lyricist Stephen Cole (Merman's Apprentice, Casper the Friendly Musical, Goin' Hollywood, et al). Join them live from New York City as they chat about Stephen's prolific career.

David Herzog chats with theatre composer Stanley Silverman (Up from Paradise, Elephant Steps, Hotel for Criminals, et al) about his incredibly diverse career and numerous collaborations.

Nick meets SIX convert Ryan to share their thoughts on it and we talk about Back to the Future - the musical that was recently playing at the Manchester Opera House. 

Join Thos as he sits down with dynamic and talented writing duo, Jonathan Bauerfeld and Casey Kendall, to for an in-depth chat about The Twelve (also known as The Jury), one of the best new shows at 2019’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Mike and Thos sit down to talk about the three magnificent shows presented by the Royal Scottish Conservatoire last summer – perennial favourite, Legally Blonde, and two newly written musicals, Finn Anderson’s Limbo – City of Dreams, and Jonathan Bauerfeld and Casey Kendall’s Limbo – The Twelve. And learn how you can see the last of these shows as it opens in New York in a revised form as The Jury

Welcome back to the second part of our two episode look into the cult B-Musicals, Vampire Hospital Waiting Room and Apocalypse Cruise Ship Love Affair. Join Thos as he catches up with composer/writer Theo McCabe and comedy actor extraordinaire, Joe McArdle, to talk more about these smash hit shows that illustrate the full range of the deranged!  And hear more songs in the key of “what the F*** is this?

If you’re a lover of the bizarre, the absurd, the hilarious or the just downright silly, then you’re in for a treat;  Join Thos for the first of two episodes looking at Beachcomet’s Comedy B-Musicals, the cult hits Vampire Hospital Waiting Room and Apocalypse Cruise Ship Love Affair. This week we speak to Theo McCabe and Craig Methven, writers of the vampire musical to end all vampire musicals, as they put the “fun” into “funeral”.

Join Thos as he recalls the time he interviewed British cultural legend, the late Nicholas Parsons, about his performances in Into the Woods, the Rocky Horror Show, Charlie Girl and much more besides.  Hear this national treasure (Nicholas, not Thos!) share his memories of Cyd Charisse, Julia McKenzie and the dangers of roller skating on a raked stage! It’s a hugely enjoyable and anecdote-filled tribute without repetition, deviation or hesitation!  

It’s tea for two with avuncular chatmates, Thos and Mike, as they look at two very different shows addressing the two very different ways that two very different couples can be portrayed in musical theatre.  The shows in question are Jekyll Vs Hyde and the Gray Cat and the Flounder – together in an episode that’s odd couples all the way, and that’s not just the hosts!

Hear from Cordelia O’Driscoll and Tom Williams, the people behind Buried, as they talk about their latest show, You and I, a touching and funny musical masterpiece about loss and robots – it’s the MusicalTalk Pick of the Fringe 2019. With Thos Ribbits and not Thos Robots.

Nick's Broadway adventure with John Sweeney continues... here they discuss Beetlejuice and Mean Girls. 

Join Nick from New York as he and John Sweeney discuss seeing Moulin Rouge and touring the radio city music hall on Broadway.

David Herzog takes us on one more trip to Pantoland as his production of "Aladdin" takes its final bow. A trip to New York is also on the horizon...

To mark the recent passing of Broadway legend - we rebroadcast the full interview we did with Jerry from episode 20 of the podcast.  Join Nick and Thos (mostly Thos) for an hour's chat with Jerry! 

Gadzooks, surely it isn’t the festive season again?  Well, yes – now you come to mention it – it certainly is! Which means it’s time for our now traditional MusicalTalk Crimbo Musical Theatre Quiz – a merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs compiled for your diversionary pleasure by Thos.  And this year it’s all about song lyrics!  Do you know your Gilbert from your Porter, your Sondheim from your Ira Gershwin?  It’s the show where you can literally take Hart!

Join David as he talks to the cast of the Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Festive Pantomime, Aladdin, in his latest fascinating audioblog!  Oh yes, he does!  And then catch Thos in conversation with Sue Ellerby, the creator of the Edinburgh Fringe Smash Hit, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Improbable New Musical – Less Miserable – a clever retelling of the perennial megamusical with songs from the Savoy Operas and a topsy turvey Gilbertian twist which makes the original…..er…..less miserable!  It’s unmodified rapture!

Mike sits down with Chris Bramante, Molly Dworsky, Branson NeJame, Kat Primeau, and Dave Reynolds — a.k.a. Robot Teammate — to discuss the Off-Broadway run of their Hollywood Fringe hit musical Pockets.

David Herzog and the rest of the cast and crew begin rehearsals for the traditional pantomime and chat backstage about characters and preparing for opening night.

Join Nick and Robert as they travel to the RSC in Stratford Upon Avon to see The Boy in the Dress - their first big new musical since Matilda opened there 10 years ago.  How does it compare?  

In this three parter episode - Nick talks to Andrew Keating about &Juliet, David Herzog gives us the first instalment of his panto blog from Aladdin and Nick talks to Jonathan Cohen about Mary Poppins! 

Join Thos as he talks to Hedda Rustad Carlsen, composer and lyricist of Enigma, a new musical which tells the unrecognised story of female code breakers in America during the Second World War.  With songs and music from the score, you’ll learn about an amazing band of unfairly forgotten women who played a significant role in one of the world’s biggest conflicts – and who had to live with the consequences.

Join Thos, Mike and Ellen for a look at student favourite, Bare – the Musical, a modern high school take on Romeo and Juliet, before Thos surveys Jason Robert Brown’s Thirteen, one of the many musicals charting the life changing transformations experienced by thirteen year olds.

Join Thos as he speaks to the people behind Paradise Lodge, the musical comedy based on writer Steve Cooper's experience of caring for his mother-in-law as she lived with dementia.  You’ll hear about accessibility in the theatre and in the community and how to take a sad subject and make it a relatable and compassionate show that creates an immediate connection with everyone.  Comes with added ukeleles!

Episode 642: BFI Musicals! The Greatest Show on Screen:  It’s an early Christmas present for all fans of the musical! As the BFI’s extended celebration of musical films begins across the United Kingdom, Thos chats to Robin Baker, the Head Curator of the BFI National Archive and programmer of the BFI Musicals Season in a wide ranging conversation full of insight and anecdotes about some of the greatest musical films ever filmed in technicolor whilst shining a light on some of the stranger and more obscure!  It’s time to put on your undulating undies with the marabou frills!

With a run of this popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe show about to open in Cambridge, Thos sits down with Laurence T-Stannard to discuss his score for this supermarket based musical comedy. And we learn about Cole Porter’s thoughts on song writing, and hear about the Frank Loesser rarity, Where’s Charley?

Nick talks to Jon Robyns about his new album - Musical Direction - as well as providing a song from the album for us all to enjoy and then we hear from Nicholas Chiappetta and Suzie Aries about a wonderful concert called West End Misfits playing at the Other Palace on the 21st October.  

Thos and Nick talk about Big, that's now playing at the Dominion Theatre, the history of Mamma Mia and also about the new immersive Mamma Mia party that's playing in London and how it all links to theme parks.  

This week Nick and Thos discuss taking an old fashioned story and telling it in a modern way as they look into SIX and then discuss how Post Modern Jukebox take modern songs and do them in old fashioned way... and how that enhances the stories behind the songs.    

Thos joins the hugely talented Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman to discuss their latest gothic horror comedy musical, the award winning Jekyll Versus Hyde, one of the great hits from 2019’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  With songs and anecdotes, this episode showcases the show that puts the jewel into duality!  It’s transformative!

Thos sits down with the talented and generous songwriter, Alexander S. Bermange, to discuss his stunning and brilliant show, I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical – a sharply observed and hilarious revue of songs about the glamour (and lack of it) in the lives of those in musical theatre. It’s a show that almost feels written specifically for fans of MusicalTalk!  Hear songs from the show and some of the true stories behind their writing in his insightful conversation with one of Britain’s wittiest composers.

Josephine Baker and Other Movers and Shakers:  Join Thos and Colm as they look at some more of the great shows from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe including Legally Blonde, Vulvarine, the Perfect Opera, Josephine – the Josephine Baker Story, Limbo: The Twelve, and MusicalTalk’s Pick of the Fringe – You and I.  OMG, You Guys

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 2019 might be over but its memories live on.  Join Thos and Mike as they discuss four of the great shows you could have seen in Scotland this August – Sweet Charity, Shreds – A Jack The Ripper Musical, How To Use A Washing Machine and Space Junk – A Soviet Musical.  Hey Big Spender, spend a little time with us!

Join Thos as he catches up with Rebecca Perry and David Kingsmill to discuss the wonderful five star show, From Judy to Bette: the Stars of Old Hollywood, which pays tribute to Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Betty Hutton and Lucille Ball with songs aplenty!  Learn about the debt owed to such great songwriters as Irving Belin, Frank Loesser and Cole Porter and how these four fabulous women made Hollywood a better place, as well as what makes Rebecca herself a powerhouse performer.

With the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe in full swing, Thos guides you through a selection of songs and interviews with the people behind some of the best musical theatre shows and revues that you can still catch!. It's the best of the Fest!

The world’s largest arts festival is back as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe hits town again – and to get you in the mood (and to help you explore some of the experience of being there yourself), Thos talks to the very talented Patrick Stockbridge, whose acutely observed revue, Ed Fringe the Musical, was one of the hits of last year.  It’s the next best thing to being there! 

With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe just about to start, Thos sits down with the man behind one of this year’s shows, David William Hughes, whose witty and splendid production, Elizabethan, is back in Edinburgh. Hear them explore how much and how  little popular music has changed over 400 years – touching on everything from lutes to Barbie Girl. And then Thos talks to the two talented people behind last year’s wonderful show, Mess, the musical which investigated the nature of a non-romantic friendship between a man and a woman.

Is theatre for everyone? And what can we do to bring down the barriers? Thos sits down with actor, singer, director and theatre creator, Stephen Lloyd to discuss the ethics of fully accessible theatre and to dissect his amazing career; from working with Ray Davies from the Kinks on Come Dancing, starring in the Ian Dury musical, Reasons to be Cheerful, and helping to launch the 2012 London Paralympics, it’s an episode literally worth popping the champagne for!

Dom talks about Nebular Tuesday with its composer Stephen Bull.  We hear about its journey from its concept album days to where it is now and how Stephen plans to move it forward.   www.mojocams.co.uk     

Nick and Antonia discuss Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that is now playing at the world famous London Palladium. 

Nick, Antonia and Jonathan head to the opening of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged Thirteen and Three Quarters - at the Ambassador's Theatre in London.     Hear why it's the best British musical of the year...  Nick also talks to co-lyricist and book writer Jake Brunger and Rosemary Ashe - who played Grandma in the show.  

With Six the Musical storming to success, it’s time to look at a musical about perhaps the greatest of all the Tudor queens, Elizabeth the First herself, in her own rollicking and rumbustious show called, appropriately enough, Liz.  Join Thos as he sits down with the writers to discuss musical theatre, history, taste, humour and “ruff trade” before chatting to the creatives behind an entirely different show, last summer’s excellent Edinburgh Fringe offering, 89 Nights - a British musical with an American context. [note: this episode may contain the heart and stomach of a king!]

This week Nick talks to Robert Gordon about Mary Poppins Returns and Maggie May and then David Herzog chats with old friend Richard Meek who's currently touring in "Annie" as Rooster alongside Craig Revel Horwood's Miss Hannigan.

Join Nick and Rachael as they discuss Only Fools and Horses - which is currently packing 'em in at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and then Nick and Jonathan Cohen discuss Amelie - which is touring the UK!  https://onlyfoolsmusical.com http://ameliethemusical.com  

Join Nick as he talks to Marisha Wallace about Waitress as we hear from new cast members Ashley Roberts and Lucie Jones before they make their way into the show - and then we hear from Charlotte - who runs www.talkstageytome.com to discuss the new film of Disney's Aladdin. 

As Mike Shapiro’s hugely entertaining new musical, The Bully Problem, premieres at the prestigious Hollywood Fringe in June, Thos chats with Mike about the genesis and development of this witty new show; you’ll hear about everything from robots, fundraising, hairline fractures, Swedish professors and that titan of modern musical Theatre, Stephen Schwartz – and course four amazing songs from the show itself! 

Michael Gordon Shapiro continues coverage of the Hollywood Fringe with a chat with Laura Wiley, a multi-faceted entertainer and producer of musical parodies.

Michael Gordon Shapiro begins a series of interviews exploring creative life at the Hollywood Fringe and chats with festival co-founder Ben Hill and musical theatre director Janet Miller.

It’s time for songs, stories and insights into the life, works and legacy of Stephen Foster, in the second part of our look into the life of this mid Victorian American song writing giant. And once again, you can enjoy the some more of his best works in brand new recordings featuring Jonathan on piano and David singing – but no banjo on their knees!

In a special two part edition of MusicalTalk, join Jonathan, David, Nick and Thos as the look at the life, works and legacy of Stephen Foster, the father of the popular song and godfather of musical theatre.  And in a special treat, hear some of his best songs in brand new recordings featuring Jonathan on piano and David singing.  It’s a real treat and will make your doo-dah doo-dah day!

Nick has never seen Fiddler on the Roof - so he and Dom went off to the Playhouse Theatre to see the Trevor Nunn directed production from the Menier Chocolate Factory starring Andy Nyman and Judy Kuhn.  Heat their thoughts...

Nick talks to Jon Robyns and Hugh Wooldridge about the massive celebration of rock musicals coming up on May 12th to the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith - The best of Rock Musicals.   David Herzog talks to Blake Klein from Pint of Wine Theatre about "Queen of the Mist," a Michael John LaChuisa musical about the first person to successfully go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901 and Michael Shapiro provides another instalment of his development diary of The Bully Problem. 

Antonia sits with Nick to discuss the 2019 Olivier Awards along with mourning Crazy Ex Girlfriend's departure from the airwaves.  We also hear the next instalment in Mike Shapiro's development audio diary for his musical - The Bully Problem. 

Join Nick and Andrew as they share their thoughts on Waitress - playing at the Adelphi Theatre and also hear the first entry in a developer diary from Mike Shapiro on his musical: The Bully Problem.

In the second of a two part run, David Herzog chats to…well, practically everyone involved…about the wonderful new pieces of musical theatre writing presented by the RCA at the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Legacy Series - A Mother’s Song and The Book of Names. So cross the Atlantic and enjoy this enthusiastic and insightful episode about two inspiring shows.

In the first of a two part run, Thos and Michael Gordon Shapiro cast an impressed eye (or four) over the excellent annual presentations by the amazing Royal Conservatoire of Scotland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  In particular, they have a lively and forensic discussion about the RCS’s three 2018 offerings – the Scottish Premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the fabulous pieces of thematically linked new musical theatre writing, Legacy – A Mother’s Song and Legacy – The Book of Names.  A legacy to be proud of!

In this special episode of MusicalTalk - Nick talk to old presenter and composer Andy Abrams and Carrie Hope Fletcher about Andy's musical of BUT I'M A CHEERLEADER that was recently showcased at The Other Palace MT Fest.   We then hear from David and April Herzog's discussion with Demitri Lampra who is playing Don in the UK Tour of Kinky Boots.   Talk about old friends and new! 

Join Thos and Colm as they talk about what it takes actually to put on a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe – a real insider’s view of the nuts and bolts of what’s involved.  And hear about six shows you could have seen, including (ironically) the smash hit, Six – the girl band musical about the wives of Henry VIII – where you take the ruff with the smooth!

This week we revisit Come From Away as Nick chats to the cast members - and those whom the cast members portrayed - at a press event for the musical held at the beautiful Canadian Embassy in London.  Hear from Rachel Tucker, Mary Doherty, Cat Simmons, Clive Carter and the show's composing and lyricist team Irene Sankoff and David Hein.   Come From Away is playing at the Pheonix Theatre in London.    

It’s a bumper episode discussing six very different shows, featuring five songs, with four guests, and three musicals about to open in two different cities, hosted by the one and only (at least, we hope there’s only one) Thos!  Learn about an innovative production of fringe-favourite, Ordinary Days, as well as two brand new shows, the Limit and Botox or Bust, all opening very shortly in March - and enjoy song after song after song (after song after song) in this tune filled fiesta! 

Nick chats to Chris Hocking - principal of The Arts Educational Schools in Chiswick, West London about the school's history, heritage and vision.   Following that - Nick and Rachael talk about Come From Away - now playing at London's Pheonix Theatre.  

Episode 605: Propping Up the Barnum. What a year it’s been for PT Barnum!  With a blockbuster musical film about his life, The Greatest Showman, and a London revival of the original 1980 Cy Coleman musical show, Barnum, his enviable show business legend lives on. But did the London production walk the tightrope between success and failure?  Join Thos and Colm to find out more and see if they give it a (Tom) thumbs up or (Tom) thumb their nose!

Nick and Rachael talk about the reaction that the news that Les Miserables is to change forever has caused amongst theatre fans and why they think it's not a bad thing...  They then talk about why Everybody's Talking abut Jamie didn't live up to the hype for them and then end the discussion talking about the UK Tour of West End singer - Ramin Karimloo. 

Nick, Antonia and Mike sit down to discuss their thoughts on the Mary Poppins sequel. 

Nick and Antonia discuss the massive amount of shows coming to London and beyond in 2019.  2019 promises to be an exciting year - with new shows such as Only Fools and Horses, Dear Evan Hansen and the returns of classics such as Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Doo-daa.  

David Herzog returns to bring us belated holiday cheer from the cast of "Cinderella" at Venue Cymru in North Wales. Hold David's terrified American hand as he embarks into the popular British world that is pantomime.

It’s very rarely we get so many presenters in one place - but in the summer of 2018 - we managed it! In this episode there two different conversations stemmed from two very simple questions.  What’re you listening to and What’s a groundbreaking show? This opens up a menagerie of musical merriment!  Join Nick, Antonia, Thos, Dom, Jonathan and Mike for this very entertaining stroll! Bring your top hat and cane! 

Nick joins Rachael - to discuss a slew of musicals they saw toward the end of 2018 including Wicked, Matilda, Phantom of the Opera, Bat out Of Hell, Heathers and Fanatical - whilst gently skimming the surface of Lord of the Rings. Rachael also talks about Tanz Der Vampire - which she saw recently in Germany.  What went wrong with the English version of the musical?  Much, apparently.  

Apparently, it’s Christmas time - so to mark the event, here’s the now obligatory and much despised MusicalTalk festive quiz – a merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs, all helpfully hosted by that professional halfwit, Thos. It’s a star studded, tuneful little oasis of musical fun in an otherwise miserable world!  Just sayin’!

2018 saw lots of musicals open in London that explored very modern themes - so, in no order, join Antonia and Nick as they discuss Chess, Hamilton, Bring it On, Chicago, The Band, Bat out of Hell, Strictly Ballroom, Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, The King and I, Tina Turner, Fanatical, Little Shop of Horrors, Heathers, The Grinning Man, Caroline or Change, Spamilton, Company, Seussical, Nativity, Fun Home, Fiddler on the Roof and many more! Whilst touching gently upon Mary Poppins 2, Mamma Mia 2 and Randy Rainbow in just to cheer us all up!   And will Tonia ever see The Greatest Showman….?? This episode contains strong language. 

Nick recently shocked Tonia with news that he would be re-visiting Phantom of the Opera for the first time in over 15 years.  Listen to hear his thoughts, how it compares to Love Never Dies and what Tonia has to say about the minor flaws with the operatic accuracy the show has. 

The lovely David Herzog leads you a conversational journey through this summer's  Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a series of chats, interviews and songs as he meets the people who worked on Bark! the Musical and Chwedl, Fairytales from Wales.  And there's a most unusual conversation with a goat in a (probably) unique podcasting first!

Thos sits down with the incredibly talented Eliza Jackson to discuss her one woman show, The Voice Behind the Stars, about the life and career of the amazing Marni Nixon. In this fascinating discussion, Thos gets to marvel at the idea of speaking to the voice behind The Voice Behind the Stars - and we hear a short archive extract from Marni herself!

Missing this year's EdinburghFestival Fringe?  Of course you are, even if you didn't get a chance to visit!  But worry not, for Thos and Mike recorded a wide ranging conversation about just a handful of the shows they saw and loved at the Fringe this year.  Hear all about the magnificent Thor and Loki, Three Cheers for Maisy, A Gallant Life, Liz and the MusicalTalk Pick of the Fringe 2018, the House of Edgar. Add a few clowns, a few songs and discussions on the use of bad taste and what makes a family show and you've got a bumper episode to enjoy!

As the centenary of the Armistice is marked, Thos looks back at Oh What A Lovely War, the best-known First World War musical that didn’t come out of the war! Take a trip into the MusicalTalk archive as Thos dusts down previous excerpts of conversations, reviews and interviews about this amazing show that showed that musical theatre could change public perceptions.

With the centenary of the end of the First World War looming, Thos sits down with Professor Michael Williams of the University of Southampton to revisit Ivor Novello's evergreen anthem, Keep the Home Fires Burning; they discuss the song’s immediate and enduring appeal, and look at how it was marketed in America in 1917 when the USA joined the war. So turn the dark clouds inside out as the song comes home to its rightful place in the heart of the commemorations of the centenary of the Armistice.  

The MusicalTalk Pick of the Fringe 2018:  MusicalTalk continues its odyssey into the best of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 2018 with this funny and playful interview with two of the stars of The House of Edgar, Eoin McAndrew and Sarah Dean.  In this bumper episode, you’ll get insights into the craft of acting and how different roles demand different approaches, as well as hear songs from this intense and impressive score. A wonderful conversation about a wonderful show!

In this week's episode - Nick shares his thoughts on Company now playing at the Gielgud Theatre and Michael Gordon Shapiro talks to Thomas F Arnold and Ben Philipp about their musical - The House Of Edgar - that was this year's Pick of the Fringe.  

Episode 588: A Gallant Life is a historically-inspired musical about the career of Muriel Thompson, a racecar champion from the early days of automobiles who went on to drive ambulances for the Allied forces in WW1. Deep in the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe, Mike Shapiro chats with show author/director Kate Stephenson and cast member Jessy Roberts.

Nick, Robert and Olaf sit down to re-visit The Rink and Little Shop of Horrors - two musicals that create a different area whilst written in the 1980s!  They then discuss The King and I, directorial choices all whilst relating it back to audience attitudes over the last 60 years. 

In this week's episode - Mike Shapiro (on his recent trip to the UK) joined Antonia to see Everybody's Talking About Jamie - playing at the Apollo Theatre in London).    

Is Hamilton the second-coming of musical theatre as so many people claim it to be or is it a bit flawed beneath the surface?  Whatever your views on the piece may be - it certainly has its positive but there may be some negatives there too.  Listen to find out... What do you think?  Let us know!   www.twitter.com/musicaltalk www.facebook.com/musicaltalk www.musicaltalk.co.uk  

To mark the launch of the amazing Quentin Dentin Show original cast album, Thos talks to the people behind the recording - writer, Henry Carpenter, and music producer, Paul Garred, one of the founding members of the Kooks, about “directing” a recording and making it a work of art in its own right. It’s a fabulous in-depth conversation with two of the most exciting talents in current British musical theatre today.  Music to your ears!

Thos joins Luke Lane, the star of the brand new Quentin Dentin Show original cast album on making a musical theatre recording.  Learn how it differs from a stage show and is a production in its own right as well as the different approach an actor has to make when recording a show score without an audience present. A musical masterclass!

Cast albums are such a big part of most musical theatre fans’ lives, so what better way to celebrate the launch of the Quentin Dentin Show original cast album than an in-depth look at how they come about.  In the first of a three episode series, we talk to star of the new album, Luke Lane, on his career and how he became the eponymous character in this most exciting of new British musicals in an hour of bottled charisma!  

As avid fans of Little Shop of Horrors, it was a pleasure to be able to interview the three mysterious chorus girls (played beautifully by Reneé Lamb, Christina Modestou and Seyi Omooba) and hear their thoughts on playing the roles in this amazingly unique setting amongst the trees and plants of the open air theatre in Regent's Park! Nick then discusses the show with Andrew and it didn't disappoint!  What happens when a musical famous for puppetry does away with for a majority of it? Find out! Remember - don't feed your plants! Andrew also touches briefly on seeing the Muppets' stage show at the O2... but it's all linked!

David Herzog gives us the step-by-step and blow-by-blow account of bringing his new show, Chwedl – Fairytales from Wales, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in this fascinating collection of audio blogs that give you a sense of what goes into putting on a show.  With excerpts from the development process, and interviews with the people behind the show, it’s a unusual insight into the creative process and a must for all devotees of musical theatre! And Thos gives you his run down of recommendations of must see shows you can still catch at the Fringe.  A constellation of star studded musical shows! www.musicaltalk.co.uk www.twitter.com/musicaltalk www.facebook.com/musicaltalk    

Thos sits down with Rebecca Humphries to discuss her award winning five-star musical show, Prom Kween, “a riotous musical theatre piece” which is a coming of age story loosely based on real life events - and all set around an American High School. How could it ever not be a musical? Remember, jazz hands and sequins are sometimes just not optional!

As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018 gets underway, MusicalTalk starts its traditional and extensive coverage of just some of the musicals you can see there. In this episode, Thos talks to Colm Molloy about World in Progress, David discusses Chwedl – Fairytales from Wales, and we welcome the return of The House of Edgar: three totally different but thoroughly engaging kinds of musical offering. With interviews, musical clips and song, this bumper edition is just a taster of what you can see at the Fringe right now!

Tonia shares her thoughts on the Mamma Mia sequel with Nick. Visit our website at www.musicaltalk.co.uk Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/musicaltalk  

It’s songs galore today as MusicalTalk looks at three very different shows in this bumper episode. Thos chats to the remarkably talented John Hinton about his barnstorming, showstopper of a musical, the Ensonglopedia of Science, and David speaks to Luke Montague about his sensitive new World War Two show, The Silence Between Us. And there’s a chance to hear the latest instalment of David Herzog’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018 show blog. And what’s more, you’ll learn something strange about the octopus that Ringo Starr never mentioned...

Thos sits down with Leoe Mercer and Stephen Hyde, fresh from their success with the Marriage of Kim K, to talk about their latest work, Guy – A New Musical, currently on at the Menier Theatre’s new studio space, the Bunker, and about to go on a tour of the Country.  Enjoy an honest and wide-ranging conversation about “keeping it real”, poetry versus lyrics, live music or pre-recorded scores, the divergence of musicals from pop, and whether the two can ever be bridged again, and a whole lot more. It’s “sometimes sexy, always real” - except Thos, of course

Would you Adam and Eve it? Could it be possible for one of the greatest poems in the English Language, John Milton’s Paradise Lost – the story of the Garden of Eden - to be converted in a new rock musical based on the template of a 1960s Elvis musical film?  You bet your blue suede shoes it could!  Join Thos as he sits down with Simon Indelicate and Francesca Brook to talk about their new musical, Paradise Rocks, where Elvis meets Milton, in a playful and fun conversation full of jokes, obscure references and lots and lots of Starlight Express! It might just be the Devil in Disguise!

Join Nick and Dom for a whirlwind discussion involving lots of random shows and topics - including On The 20th Century, Girl Crazy, The Woman in White (and Black), Billy Elliot, I had a Ball, Annie, Annie 2, Two By Two and others - all whilst trying to link things back to fairgrounds and theme parks!

Is the ENO and the Coliseum being used to its full potential? Chess is currently playing at the ENO so Nick shares his thoughts on seeing the show for the first time with Robert and then he and Antonia talk about the state of the ENO and The London Coliseum when it comes to staging musicals, what works and what doesn’t and what the problems may be.

Thos meets Jenny Eastop, the director of the first professional revival of Warner Brown and David Heneker’s well received 1980 classic British musical, The Biograph Girl, exploring the history of silent films and the ever-present tussle between art and business.  With a multi-layered book and score, it’s the sound of silents!   And there’s a chance to hear episode two of David Herzog’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018 show blog. 

Nick chats to Robert about musicals we’ve never mentioned on MusicalTalk - Everybody’s Talking about Jamie and The Girl from the North Country (as well as touching on other topics) and we then hear from Mike Shapiro about Love Never Dies - which he saw recently in California.

Dom treats you to this week’s episode - as he talks to Alisdair Kitchen about this production of Sondhiem’s Marry Me A Little (open at the Drayton Arms Theatre in South Kensington) - and then he and Tonia check out Strictly Ballroom - now playing at the Piccadilly Theatre.

As the Royal National Theatre announces that its star-studded and star-attracting production of Sondheim’s Follies will be returning to London in 2019, Thos sits down with composer and Sondheim expert, Colm Molloy, to dissect and discuss the show.  Is it a concept musical?  Is it really a revue?  Does it even have a narrative? Is it all spectacle and no heart like the original Follies shows it lovingly pastiches?  All these questions and more are tackled in this in-depth, forensic analysis!  It’s certainly a classic  - ah, but underneath?

In this bumper episode, Dom and Thos have a wide ranging conversation about Gilbert and Sullivan (with a dose of Offenbach thrown in) and find many conversational tributaries and diversions taking them all over the wide wide world of musical theatre and beyond - including the Ruddigore cartoon, Savoy spin offs, Fred Astaire, Allegro, Pacific Overtures, Three Men Naked from the Waist Down and Animaniacs to name but a few.  They are the very models of some odd and aged generalists!

It’s confession time as Thos chats to Harry Style and Arnoud Breitbart, the two people behind the fresh and impressive new British musical, Forgive Us, Oh Father!.  Hear about the creation of this impressive show and how various ideas permutated over time until it became a little slice of Heaven!  The main character, Stephen-Peter, an incredibly lazy priest, might end up in purgatory – but you certainly won’t!

Thos sits down with Harry Downes and Ellis Dackombe, the impressive stars of the national tour of award-winning musical, Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story, to discuss the background and craft required to bring dark and thrilling show to life.  Based on a famous murder case of the 1920s, learn how the show is designed to hurtle along at breakneck pace and how to make social transgression dramatically engaging! 

Nick and Dom discuss Brief Encounter now playing at the Empire Cinema in the West End, and Nick chats to Hamilton’s orchestrator, arranger, music supervisor and all-round music guy - Alex Lacamoire.

Prior to its much anticipated arrival in London, Thos sits down for a wonderful chat with the talented writers of hit Edinburgh Fringe show, Buried - winner of the NSDF Award 2017, as well as MusicalTalk’s own silver medallist Pick of the Fringe for last year, to discuss this magnificent, dark and macabre musical comedy.  Hear songs and stories from this tale with a twist.  And talking of the Fringe, you’ll get to hear the first of David Herzog’s Edinburgh Journals, as he prepares to take a show to Scotland this Summer.

Michael Billington recently said of Andrew Lloyd Webber: “For all his attempts to encourage new talent, he also looks like a swimming instructor in a largely empty pool. Stiles and Drewe are the only team to have left their imprint on the British musical post-Lloyd Webber”. Nick and composer, book-writer, translator, director and orator - Jeremy Sams - as they discuss this statement travel on a wonderful musical journey covering everything from pop rhymes to jukebox musicals - via Sondheim and The Beatles.

Join Nick and YouTube musician Kevin Lynch as they discuss such varied topics as Spongebob Square Pants’ Broadway outing, Dear Even Hansen, Billy Joel’s Movin’ Out, EmojiLand and the importance of singers being able to look at music and understand it! It’s a fun, raucous and - at times - foul-language ridden discussion. But what else would you expect from YouTube’s angriest musical theatre fan?!

Nick and Thos discuss last year's Dick Whittington (for the last time!) and then delve deep into the perhaps overhyped attitude of Hamilton, and then analyse Annie and work out why it's an under-appreciated masterpiece... all returning back to pantomime via Cole Porter!

Thos sits down with up-and-coming composer and lyricist, Colm Molloy, to discuss the intricacies of Sondheim, the eccentricities of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Allegro and complexities of being a modern composer writing for the theatre. You’ll touch on creative manifestos, windy parks, female suffrage, and much much more, in this delightful conversation about musical theatre in its widest sense

Music!  Mystery!  Morlocks!  It’s 1959, the golden age of science fiction, and a mysterious man arrives at Radio Woking to present a thrilling musical adaptation of HG Wells' classic story, the Time Machine.  So join Thos as he talks to writers and performers, Laurence Owen and Lindsay Sharman, about this show which was one of the hits of last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.   It’s a musical adventure from 800,000 years in the future – in just under an hour!

Thos sits down with award winning cabaret duo, The House of Blakewell, alias Alice Keedwell and Harry Blake to discuss their latest cabaret musical, I Have A Bad Feeling About This, which premieres soon at the Vault Festival in Waterloo as well as their new fully-fledged musical, Thor + Loki.  So what’s the difference between musical theatre and cabaret narrative?  Well, find out in this song filled episode!

And for Thos, it was! It’s time to learn more about this wonderful American musical which deserves to be much better well known world-wide as Thos talks to the director of a recent excellent Fringe production. Its title might lose points for bad English usage, but it wins them all back again with a top notch book and score.  And if you’ve ever wondered what Americans do with panini at weddings, then this is the podcast for you!

The writer-composer team — a.k.a. Noisemaker — discuss, with Michael Gordon Shapiro, their musical “Atlantic: A Scottish Story”, their collaborative process, and the fulfillment-versus-security tradeoff of the creative life.

In this week's episode we discuss two musicals that use modern music to tell the story of historical figures. First Nick and David talk The Greatest Showman (a pop musical that focuses on Barnum) and then Nick, Tonia and Mike discuss their views on Hamilton in detail; is it the greatest show ever? Find out!

Robert tells Nick of his highlights for 2017 including Follies, The Grinning Man, Everybody's Talking about Jamie - with light touches on The Greatest Showman and Dick Whittington.

It’s time to see in the new year with the now obligatory MusicalTalk festive period quiz – a merry mix of quirky questions and superb songs, all helpfully hosted by that ignorant idiot, thoolish (sic) Thos!   If the rest of the year proves this much fun, we are all in for a wonderful twelve months.  (small print: past fun in quizzes is no guide to future enjoyment)

Tonia and Nick delve into some of 2018's new shows in London and Broadway. Nick then shares his tips for ensuring you don't always have to pay staggering amounts of money for shows. Then we look into how we'd like to see tech influence the ticket purchasing process a bit more! Contains strong language.

Join Nick and Tonia as they discuss the big shows of 2017 including 42nd Street, Hamilton, An American in Paris, Follies, Pinocchio, On the Town, The Addams Family and many others.

Join Dom and Thos as they follow their muse for a marvellous musical theatre meander, encompassing everything from Florodora to South Pacific by way of some obscure television musicals, Follies, Salad Days, Hellzapoppin’ and Little Mary Sunshine to name but a few.  And with people such as Noel Coward, George Edwardes, Ada Reeve, Tessie O’Shea, Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare, it’s the episode that puts the “muse” into “amuse-ing”!

Meet me inside the room where it happens as you join Nick, Mike Shapiro and Tonia as they discuss Hamilton opening in London. That would be enough, but you can then join David Herzog as he talks to musical theatre star Jon Peterson! It's a Non-Stop Trans-Atlantic special! We know you'll be back!

Tim and Thos sit down to discuss two very different shows from the late 1970s - the greatest of the Lloyd Webber and Rice collaborations, Evita, and a modern Marx Brothers concoction, a Night in the Ukraine by Frank Lazarus and the much lamented Dick Vosburgh – it’s all the fun of the circus from Che to Chekov!

Following it rare recent professional production in London, Tim and Thos cast their eyes over the evergreen How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and look at it through the prism of sexual and gender politics, whilst still finding time to admire the score and some exquisite 1960s tailoring!  An irresistible charis(matic) original indeed!

Once upon a time, Nick saw a musical of Peter Pan at the Cambridge Theatre starring Ron Moody. This musical was written by composer, lyricist and bookwriter - Piers Chater-Robinson. Hear how this musical, originally written for a school, started out and made its way to the West End... whilst being published all over the world.

It’s time for more Edinburgh Festival Fringe insights from Thos and Michael Gordon Shapiro, the noted composer, as they look into a number of very successful shows including the Toxic Avenger, Thrill Me, the Time Machine, Forgive Me, Oh Father and Stop the Musical.  They also discuss the usefulness (or otherwise) of topicality to a show-writer.  All this and a song from Michael’s wonderful show, The Bully Problem.  It’s a feast for the ears

It’s time for another Fringe Round Up Time – so join Thos and noted composer, Michael Gordon Shapiro, for the next couple of weeks as they talk about some more of the best shows at his years Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  And in today’s episode they tackle Into the Woods, Atlantic – A Scottish Story, It Shoulda Been You and Buried!  And there’s music from Super Sidekick: The Musical.

Dom and Robert are let off the lead by Nick and are allowed to talk to their heart's content about the more un-known shows of Kander and Ebb including The Rink, The Visit, Zorba and Woman of the Year.

Nick sits with Antonia to discuss what he thought of Young Frankenstein - now playing at the Garrick Theatre; Antonia shares her thoughts on Strictly Come Dancing, as well as Strictly Ballroom coming to the West End - and also discusses what she thought of The Girls - that's now, sadly, left the West End.

More songs and conversations from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe – so join Thos for the low down on the Murderous Philanthropist of Croydon Town, One Good Soul and an intriguing double/sequel/prequel/Mobius strip of a musical in two parts, or two musicals in one, namely Wall! A Thinly Veiled Metaphor for Our Current Political Landscape Disguised as a New American Musical and Wall 2.0! A Thinly Veiled Manifesto for How to Mend Our Broken World Disguised as a New American Musical!  Plus Nick shares his thoughts on Derren Brown: Underground - which is currently playing at the Playhouse Theatre in London.

It’s Fringe Round Up Time – so join Thos for the next couple of weeks as he talks to the people behind some of shows at his years Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  And in today’s episode he talks Sondheim, Gilbert and Sullivan and Henry Cyril Paget, the fifth Marquis of Anglesey – it’s class all the way!

Nick and Dom discuss Stephen Sondheim's Follies - currently playing at the National Theatre. This production stars Imelda Staunton, Philip Quast, Tracie Bennett and Janie Dee - and is one of Sondheim's most admired scores. This marks the first time Nick has seen the show - but how does it compare to the 1987 production by Cameron Mackintosh?

Composer Stephen Weiner discusses his upcoming musical adaptation of The Honeymooners, and his journey through the exciting and chaotic landscape of musical theatre development.

Join Thos as he talks to the writer, performers and producer of this year’s MusicalTalk Pick of the Fringe, the wonderful new five star show, Stop the Musical, which was developed in collaboration with Les Miserables’ Claude Michel Schonberg and has been winning rave reviews for its intelligent, moving and delightful book and score. 

With the Festival Fringe reaching its seventieth anniversary, there has never been a better time to go to the world's largest arts festival. So, with this in mind, Thos has compiled a list of five and four star songs and shows that are still on for you to see. Hear from composers, writers and performers and investigate everything musical theatre from synaesthesia to Theremins. It's the best of the Fest!

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Allegro received a mixed reception in 1947 and didn’t get to Europe until it opened in London 69  years later.  In part two of an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of this legendary show, Tim and Thos ask whether it has heart, and if it has Hart!

Is Rodgers and Hammerstein's legendary 1947 Broadway musical Allegro really an artistic failure - or is it any good? It's the question that people have been asking for seventy years! Thos sat down with Tim to discuss the piece and the recent European premiere production at the Southwark Theatre. Listen to the first part of this in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of this most interesting of R and H pieces.

Nick chats to Rosie about the new chamber-musical playing at the Donmar Warehouse looking at the court case involving a British charity scandal. It runs until the 12th August!

Join Thos as he talks to some of the actors involved in MusicalTalk’s Pick of the Fringe from last year, Royal Vauxhall - cabaret queen, Sarah Louise Young, and respected actor Tom Giles, who played Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury respectively.  In these candid interviews, you’ll also hear more about the realities of show business at the fringe - and learn about Thos’ exploits in a cupboard!

With the  70th anniversary of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe barely a month away, Thos sits down with writer and composer, Desmond O’Connor, to talk about MusicalTalk’s Pick of the Fringe from last year, the five star show, Royal Vauxhall.   So find out what happens when Freddie Mercury, Kenny Everett and Diana, Princess of Wales walk into a bar? It’s no joke!

Join Nick and Dom as they talk about seeing Half A Sixpence at the Noel Coward Theatre - featuring new songs by Stiles and Drewe and then hear Dom talk about his experience playing The Mysterious Man and the Narrator in Into The Woods...

Nick and Antonia take a visit to West Covina, California to talk about the musical TV show - Crazy Ex Girlfriend; Nick, Amy and Andrew discuss the new Jim Steinman Rock Opera - Bat out of Hell playing at the London Coliseum and Jonathan Cohen shares his thoughts on working with British TV legend Brian Cant.

Nick is joined by Robert Gordon as they sit down to discuss the Tony Award results, The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of On The Town, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child's musical-like sensibility and whether lyric writing has got lazy over the years!

In this week's episode - we re-play our 2008 interview with legendary orchestrator William David Brohn - who passed away in May 2017. Hear Bill talk, with Nick Hutson and Jonathan Cohen, about his work on Wicked, Miss Saigon, Ragtime, Mary Poppins, Crazy for You, Curtains and answer questions from our listeners.

Ever wondered what a director brings to a production?  Found yourself pondering what a producer actually does?  Perhaps you’ve puzzled over how the roles differ or overlap?  Well, as cult hit, the Quentin Dentin Show, returns to London in June, Thos sat down with Adam Lenson and Hannah Elsy, the director and producer of that show to investigate - as you’ll find out in this insightful episode

In this bumper edition, Thos sits down with up-and-coming writer, Henry Carpenter, the man behind the cult hit, the Quentin Dentin Show, to enjoy a masterclass on the development of just one song.  Hear five different versions of the piece over the life of its development and enjoy the analysis of narrative, performance, arrangement, lyrics, wordplay, musical hooks, and a whole lot more. It’s a must for anyone interested in the craft of song-writing - so c’mon everybody and buckle your pants!

Musician/lyricist/actor Val Vigoda talks about transitioning from indy pop to musical theatre, playing a six-string electric violin, live looping, and her new Off Broadway show “Earnest Shackleton Loves Me” - which we offer an exciting way to see! Antonia shares her thoughts on the ENO production of Carousel - that ran at the London Coliseum.

Join Tim and Thos as they discuss the haunting and original 1996 Adam Guettel musical based on the true story of tragic pot-holer, Floyd Collins, in Kentucky 1925, who inadvertently finds fame when he becomes the eye of a media storm by getting stuck in a cave.  Find out what makes this show so unusual and musically exciting with influences from Bartok, Stravinski, Copland and perhaps Gershwin (or not!).  Oh what a media circus!

With its triumphant return to London this week (prior to a week in Hamburg), Thos looks at hit fringe show, Paper Hearts, where love, passion and betrayal meet in a bookshop (next to the historical fiction and romance sections).  Thos talks to the Assistant Director of its Edinburgh incarnation, Mark Stuart Flynn, about the creative inputs of this exciting new piece and its sophisticated story telling through parallel narratives

David Herzog returns to chat with director Kirk Jameson about this latest London incarnation of the Irving Berlin classic!

Mike chats to Laura Darrell - who's been involved with the new John Kander musical "Kid Victory". She talks about working on a new musical with John Kander and offers other golden nuggets of advice! You'll also get to hear music from the show, too!

Join Nick Hutson, David Herzog, Jonathan Cohen and Dominic McChesney for an episode spanning our thoughts on 42nd Street (now playing at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), an Olivier Awards re-cap and an introductory discussion with Adrian Jekkells - who is the principle of the London School of Musical Theatre.

As part of MusicalTalk’s tenth anniversary celebrations, Thos sits down with the man who started it all, Nick Hutson, to talk about the birth of the series and how it developed in its earliest years, touching on Wicked, pantomime, Stephen Schwartz, Lord of the Rings and a lot more besides.  To misquote Sondheim; look – we made a chat!

Thos sits down to discuss cult favourite, [Title of Show], with the Producer, Director and Musical Director of a recent five star production to investigate whether the piece is verbatim theatre and how life can imitate art imitating life in an authentic way.  Now, will this episode prove to be more than nine people’s favourite thing?

Disney's Beauty and the Beast has been remade for a new audience - complete with a CGI Beast, Emma Watson and an enhanced story line with some new songs by Sir Tim Rice and Alan Menken. Here is what Nick, Antonia and Michael had to say about it!

Nick shares his thoughts on the new musical of THE GIRLS - by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow - playing at the Phoenix Theatre - and discuss whether pop song writers doing musicals can actually work if a dramatist is behind it. Nick then talks to 2 stars of the show - Sophie Louise Dann and Claire Moore. We then hear a demo of the show's opening number by Gary Barlow.

Nick and Antonia travel further down the yellow brick road of the history of the Hollywood film musical - discussing trends and tropes seen in the 60s all the way to today. We chat about Rocky Horror, Grease, Les Mis, Disney, Cabaret, Chicago and many more... and also return to the (nearly) Academy Award winning La La Land!

Nick and Antonia bring you all the way back to the beginnings of the Hollywood musical - and trace its development throughout its early days discussing the Hays Code, the talents involved and the trends that formed. Michael Gordon Shapiro brings us bang up to date with his views on the recent filmed recording of the recent stage musical based on the recent-ish film of the true (but not-so-recent) story of Newsies. Still with us? Good!

As Henry Carpenter’s wonderful new show, Summer Nights in Space, premieres at the Vault Festival in Waterloo, Thos  sat down with the writer, director and actors to talk about new science fiction musical odyssey – so listen to some of the songs and enjoy the atmosphere whilst hearing about a story that takes place beyond it! 

Nick and Michael share their thoughts on the latest "filmusical" to come out of Hollywood. It's been nominated for 14 Academy Awards and has made people fall in love with the genre all over again - but does it deserve to be called a musical? Hear what we have to say...

Mike Shapiro talks to performer/writer/producer Marla Mindelle about performing on Broadway and then restarting her career virtually afresh in Los Angeles.

Thos talks to Ben Pollard and Joseph Beesley about their roles as co-director and musical director of a recent highly successful and well thought through production of Stephen Sondheim’s complex and intricate, Merrily We Roll Along, to see what symmetry, connections and clues they could unscramble from within this wonderful Faberge Egg of a musical.  And does this show break Sondheim’s own adage “content dictates form”?  You decide! 

Thos talks to Rick Guard, one of the people behind the new sell-out musical, Stop the Train, which was one of the big shows at last year’s Edinburgh festival fringe – one of those rare shows that has a buzz about it!  Hear the songs from the show and learn how this superb piece of musical theatre gained traction….

Happy New Year from MusicalTalk! To celebrate, Nick and Antonia look at the ups and downs of 2016 - with everything from re-reviewing shows we've seen to saluting those we lost. To counterbalance that, they also look forward to 2017... will it be a good year? Let's hope so! We discuss Hamilton, LaLa Land, Beauty and the Beast, the ENO's upcoming Carousel, Strictly Ballroom, Dreamgirls and so much more! As with so much of 2016's response to the world - some strong language is used.

Yes, it’s that time once again to get your feet up, your ears open and your expectations down for the annual end of year MusicalTalk quiz.  There are twelve questions, and one or two are even quite easy! And if you don’t know the answers, it doesn’t matter as there’s a plethora (yes, I said plethora) of songs to enjoy.   So wave goodbye to 2016 and have a fantastic new year from everyone at MusicalTalk!

Nick and Antonia discuss Sister Act - currently touring the UK - and we also hear from legendary songwriter Tony Hatch as he, along with David Wood, talk to Nick about their musical - Rock Nativity. Nick and Antonia also have a tiny rant about audience etiquette!

It’s time to look behind you once again and then settle down to listen to Thos as he concludes his in-depth interview with pantomime author, actor and expert, Andrew Pollard, as they discuss all things panto as well as this year’s offering at the Greenwich Theatre, the all new pantomime , Peter Pan – A New Adventure!  You’ll be hooked!

Join Thos as he gets to talk to the king of London pantomime, respected writer and dame-par-excellence, Andrew Pollard.  In this in-depth discussion, they talk about Andrew’s fascinating career, the history of British Pantomime and its ties with music hall and variety, and his brand new panto, Peter Pan – A New Adventure, currently playing to packed houses at the Greenwich Theatre. Remember, the thing about history is (all together now) “it’s behind you”……

Nick welcomes new presenter Antonia Gentile into the MusicalTalk studio to discuss her views on the role of the female in everything from opera to Disney. Nick also shares, with Thos Ribbits, his views on School of Rock - now playing at the New London Theatre to great critical acclaim.

As we celebrate Ten years and 500 episodes let's go back to where it all started with original presenters - Nick Hutson and Andrew Edwards. Hear as they review a major event from every year MusicalTalk has been broadcasting. Expect talk of Hamilton, Wicked, Matilda, Olympics, Les Misérables, Rent, Miss Saigon, Gypsy, Book of Mormon and a history lesson about Sweeney Todd... and strong language.  

As MusicalTalk celebrates ten years of broadcasting with almost five hundred episodes (and counting) in the bag, Thos looks to the future of the show with extracts of forthcoming programmes: Hear about Allegro, Merrily We Roll Along, [title of show], Peter Pan, The Good Companions and Florodora, as well as chats on pantomime, revue, Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim, new writing and old and enjoy the company of Edward Petherbridge, Stuart Matthew Price and the late Sandy Wilson! 

There’s no need to be poe-faced about this week’s episode as Michael Gordon Shapiro catches up with the people behind The House of Edgar, a wonderfully evocative and tuneful new musical about the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe which wowed reviewers and public alike at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year.  With a fascinating discussion and four songs to enjoy, you’d be raven mad to miss it!

Thos joins the people behind the cult favourite, Vampire Hospital Waiting Room (yes, really!), to talk about their latest hilarious hit musical, Apocalypse Cruise Ship Love Affair (yes, really!).  Enjoys songs from the show and learn about this insanely marvellous nautical nightmare prior to its London run at the Arts Theatre (yes, really!).

Join Thos as he invites you to join him looking at three very different shows and listening to six very excellent songs in this episode from the Fringe as he talks about Michael Griffiths’s one man Cole Porter show as well as The Shot Heard Round the World and the utterly delightful, Like Clockwork – and that’s not a wind up!

Thos and Michael gather together again to cast an eye over a number of fringe shows including Pawn, When You Improv on a Star, The Princes’ Quest, Ordinary Days, The Shot Heard Round the World and Like Clockwork, before analysing the oddity that is the perennial favourite, Lionel Bart’s Oliver!

For the next two weeks, Thos is joined by noted musical theatre writer, Michael Gordon Shapiro, to discuss Michael’s very first Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the shows he saw there.  This week, we’ll be hearing music and musings on Stop the Train, Ushers, the House of Edgar and Van Helsing’s Music Box as Michael casts a professional eye over some of the best of the Fest!

It’s songs aplenty as we join Thos for a lively chat with the talented Laurence Owen, the creator and star of this year’s hit one man musical spoof show, Cinemusicals High, and then explore the plot and score of Dolly Parton’s Nine to Five and new show, Confessions of a Justified Songwriter, with actor and cajón-tapper extraordinaire, Cairan Walshe.

In what is now an annual tradition, Thos sits down with noted reviewer from Broadway Baby, Joshua Clarke, to chat and review some of the highlights from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  On the bill of fare this week, it’s [Title of Show], The Vaudevillains, Adam and Eve and Steve, The Ivor Novello Story, Promise and Promiscuity, Trust Me, I’m a Drama Teacher, and the astoundingly good How to Win Against History.

Join MusicalTalk for its tenth year of extensive coverage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival.  As always, Thos has been sampling as much of the musical theatre offerings as he can, and has prepared his annual condensed medley of songs, insights, interviews and opinions from the fringe for 2016 including this year’s MusicalTalk Pick of the Fringe.  And remember all these shows are still available for you to see – so listen up and get going!

Continuing our look back at ten years of MusicalTalk, we revisit an episode released in June 2009 where Nick interviewed Miranda Sings; the famous YouTube (and now Netflix) delusional star! This interview caused a bit of an outrage because Nick was not very kind to Miranda! All part of the fun, though!

As we come ever closer to our 500th episode, we also celebrate 10 years worth of podcasts! So to continue with Thos' recent episode tradition, Nick is delving through the archives to bring you some of the best episodes of the last 10 years over the next couple of weeks. This week we re-listen to the 2007 episode "Attend The Press Junket of Sweeney Todd" where Nick spoke to Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Depp, the late Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham-Carter, Jamie Campbell-Bower, Tim Burton and many others about the film of Sweeney Todd. A true classic episode that we're thrilled to re-release!  

MusicalTalk pays tribute to Hollywood legend, the late Marni Nixon, with another chance to hear the second part of her in-depth 2010 interview which marked her eightieth birthday and explored some of the many things that had made her career so impressive, including more on her enigmatic career as the dubbing queen par excellence. 

With the sad news of the recent passing of “The Ghostess with the Mostess”, Hollywood legend, Marni Nixon, Thos recalls her unusual and perhaps unexpected fame and her incredibly broad career – not just as “dubber to the stars”, but a star in her own right!  There’s another chance to hear the first part of her in-depth 2010 interview, and – for contrast – to enjoy some songs from Wags! The Musical, about to go on a UK tour. 

Thos looks at the newest genre of musical theatre, the verbatim musical, made famous by the Royal National Theatre’s much lauded production of London Road, and asks if it subverts Sondheim’s axiom about content dictating form.  Also included is a conversation with the people behind Untold Wars: A New Verbatim Musical which uses the format in a different but equally powerful way.   If Grease is the word, then verbatim musicals are the word-for-word!

David Herzog talks to Joey Hickman - who is the musical director and music arranger of A Comedy About a Bank Robbery - playing at the Criterion theatre - from the people that brought us The Play that Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Nick Hutson shares his thoughts on Aladdin - that's just opened at the Prince Edward Theatre!

Join Thos as he continues his chat to Cameron (no, not that one) and this week addresses the odd case of the two Richard Rogers, as well as touching on both Sandy and John Wilson (no relation) and the George and Ira Gershwin (who are!).

Is Sondheim a cul-de-sac for musicals?  Is Andrew Lloyd Webber the last great operetta-ist? Thos sits down with musical theatre journalist and blogger, Cameron Smith, to chew over musical theatre in all its forms and to discuss some of its noted practitioners.  Will these burning questions be answered?  Well, sort of...

Join David as he chats to MusicalTalk favourite Gina Beck about her role in the classic Showboat - now playing at the New London Theatre.  

At last, the Quentin Dentin Show is back - the cult hit Edinburgh Fringe rock musical is reborn in London, and MusicalTalk has been with it all the way to the Arts Theatre in the West End.  In this latest episode on the show, we hear from the people putting it on the stage, and learn how a show develops, changes and refocuses – and what challenges that puts on performers and directors.  So, come on, everybody, and buckle your pants!

With Aherns and Flaherty’s first major collaboration, the funny and musical Lucky Stiff, returning to London in a new production, join Thos as he sits down with show actors, Michelle Crook and Andrew Trueluck, to dissect the body in question!  Find out how a musical farce actually works and get a flavour of this palaver about a cadaver.

In this week's episode Nick and Robert celebrate the legacy of two female comedy icons: Victoria Wood and Fanny Bryce. Victoria Wood, a pioneer of female British comedy, lost her life to cancer very recently so Nick and Robert discuss her musical: ACORN ANTIQUES - as well as her influence and talents in the world of theatre, music, comedy and TV. Nick then shares his thoughts on FUNNY GIRL - that's now playing at the Savoy Theatre starring Sheridan Smith portraying Fanny Bryce - the funny girl from the 1920s Ziegfeld Follies in the classic Jule Styne musical... that reminded Nick very much of Gypsy.

“The future’s ripe for those who mix their artistry with politics” – yes, in this time of election and referendum, Thos rejoins modern musical theatre master, Dougal Irvine, for a chat about his brand new show, the Busker's Opera – a new take on what is arguably the first ever musical, John Gay’s satirical masterpiece, The Beggar's Opera, but this time with a contemporary feel - and a lot of mayoral skulduggery! 

It’s songs, songs, songs as Thos investigates how you redesign a show to keep the best of the past but also take on board all those lessons you’ve learned from a paying audience.  As The Quentin Dentin Show comes to the Arts Theatre in London, Thos talks to writer, Henry Carpenter, and producer, Hannah Elsy, about their craft and what it takes to improve a unique classic.  Bring in the Brain Machine!!!!.

Dom McChesney chats with musical theatre writer Stephen Cole about his many shows from 'Night of the Hunter' to 'The Road To Qatar' and beyond. All jam packed with lots of songs from his fabulous new show 'Merman's Apprentice'.

Thos catches up with the multitalented Dougal Irvine to look at the some of his recent successes and to discuss his forthcoming collaboration on Laila the Musical, a new contemporary musical, retelling the greatest love story from the East, Laila and Manju – a story of young love and feuding families and thought to be one of the inspirations for Romeo and Juliet.   

Nick and Robert discuss their thoughts on the delightful musical: Mrs Henderson Presents! It's anAll New Nude Renudeville with music by oscar winning composer George Fenton, lyrics by Don Black and a cast featuring our own Emma Williams and musical supervision and arrangements by our own Mike Dixon - it's a delight for the ears and the eyes! We also hear from Mike in this episode. So, sit back, relax and take your clothes off (but no moving!) as you enjoy this episode!

It’s Seven Up as David and Thos continue their chinwag about some more shows that really stood out for David during his recent trawl of London’s Theatreland – including Stephen Ward, From Here to Eternity, Miss Saigon, Dog Fight, Book of Mormon, Dickens Abridged and No Way to Treat A Lady.  How refreshing!

David’s back to tell us all about the shows he saw in London’s glittering West End in 2014 and 2015 including Merrily We Roll Along, Rock of Ages, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Scottsborro Boys.  Hear him be Frank about Charlie, appreciate his non-Ebbing Candour and find out if the great glass elevator gave him a lift!

Nick Hutson and Dominic McChesney share their opinions on Kinky Boots - now playing at the Adelphi Theatre - featuring music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein... how will this musical about the art of shoemaking go down?

Thos and Nick invite Dominic McChesney to muse upon his recent trip to New York where he treated himself to two very, very different musicals! Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The School of Rock" (a very American musical written by two very British people) and A Gentleman's Guide to Love And Murder (a very British musical written by Americans). How will the two shows compare and contrast? Was Dom driven to love... or murder?

Self-confessed “Sound of Music Virgin” Thos gives his point by point commentary on the recent live television version of the Sound of Music, and comes up with some surprising observations, not least on the odd romantic structure of the piece.  Find out how this well-known show looks to someone coming to it fresh, a mere fifty six years since it was first produced!  What a lonely goatherd!

Tim and Thos share their thoughts on the BBC 4 Broadcast of the classic musical - GYPSY - starring Imelda Staunton, Peter Davison and Lara Pulver.

At last, Britain’s first live-on-television musical production ever!  It’s The Sound of Music as you’ve never seen it before – but was it a success?  Join Thos and Tim as they discuss the show, the performances and the constraints and strengths of a live television performance of this evergreen classic.  You ain’t goatherd nothin’ yet!

As MusicalTalk enters its tenth year, what better way to kick off 2016 with a show about brand new works?  So join Thos as he talks to Henry Carpenter, the co-curator of a new musical theatre writing showcase, about six intriguing and exciting new pieces of musical theatre writing that can be seen at The Lowdown 2016 in Shoreditch in early January, and introduces a brand new exclusive song from the hilarious “Summer Nights in Space”.  It’s going to be a happy new year!

It’s the annual festive MusicalTalk quiz that slightly fewer than everyone is talking about!  Relax yourself into the new year with some musical questions and a whole host of songs -  including some brand new exclusives!  So get your feet up, your ears open and your expectations down - and have a fantastic new year from everyone at MusicalTalk!

As the world gears up for the latest instalment, Thos and Tim sit down with fan expert Darren to experience the world of “in-universe musicals” within the Star Wars canon.  Find out what they have to say about Robot Chicken, The Muppet Show and the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978. To quote Bill Murray – it’s Star Wars, nothing but Star Wars…

Thos continues his fascinating conversation with James Robert Ball and together they dissect and discuss Rent, Wonderful Town, High School Musical, and a lot of Sondheim!  This episode is simply….good times, company

Thos joins noted musician, writer and Sondheim scholar, James Robert Ball, in this intelligent and in-depth discussion about his approach to song-writing and his show, Bang Out of Order, a contemporary musical reworking of Othello. And learn how accents help character and hinder lyricists!

Ever wondered what the avid musical theatre fan did a hundred years ago?  Join Thos and Tim as they look into the world before MusicalTalk to a time when the musical theatre magazine was king and, in particular, The Play Pictorial ruled the roost for insights into the latest musicals.  Learn how shows like No No Nanette, Funny Face, Words and Music and 1909's Nellie Neil were covered - and how theatre merchandising is anything but new!

David Herzog chats with old friends Justin Brett, Andrew Pugsley, and Christopher Ash about the West End premiere of this London favourite.

Sadly, it’s the last episode of MusicalTalk’s coverage of this year’s splendid Edinburgh Festival Fringe – and as usual Thos picks his Picks of the Fringe and investigates how two very different, very excellent shows explore that most British of traits - leaving things unsaid.

David Herzog sits down with the charming Christine Pedi to discuss her current run of cabaret treats at the famous Piccadilly Circus venue.

Join Thos as he talks to Henry Carpenter, the man behind – and in front of – the Quentin Dentin Show, an intriguing musical from at this year’s Fringe that falls into the category of “weird and wonderful”.  With a number of catchy songs, and an insightful conversation into the influences that inspired the eponymous character and his world(s), enjoy this analysis of a satirical, layered and ultimately excellent show that’s like no other.

Thos and fellow reviewer, Josh Clarke, sit down to look at some more of the offerings from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – and touch on the role of authenticity in musical theatre.   Hear about Persuasion, a Jane Austen musical two hundred years in the making, and Poppies, a wartime tale from a century ago, as well as several utterly contemporary pieces.

There are five five-star shows from the Edinburgh Fringe for you in this episode as Thos talks to a number of intrepid performers who were responsible for some wonderful one-person shows tackling everything from Disney Princesses to James Bond villains, and from medieval celebrities to Albert Einstein – all with songs!

Sometimes love and romance is overused in musical – so to misquote Sondheim, we’re finishing the old hat and looking at three very varied and successful musical shows from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe that concern themselves with friends and friendship – and as the old man says: Old friends! Who’s like them?  Damn few!

Thos talks to the people behind a trio of very different shows that originated off Broadway but which were all to be found at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer – Urinetown, Closer than Ever and Zanna, Don’t!  Squee for three!

Ushers is the hilarious and touching new British musical that has been a recent success in both London and Edinburgh.  As the show returns for a limited run at the Arts Theatre in London’s West End, Thos catches up with director, Max Reynolds, to talk about this latest production which premiered at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

David Herzog sits down with director James Hume to discuss "Bye Bye Birdie" currently going on at the Rose and Crown in Walthamstow.

Yes, the world’s largest arts festival is on again and, as usual, Thos has been sampling all the musical theatre delights on offer and preparing, especially for you, his condensed medley of songs, insights, interviews, ratings and sounds of the fringe for 2015.  And remember all these shows are still available for you to see – so listen up and get going!

Thos gets talking to David Herzog about appearing in that perennial musical, She Loves Me, and the interesting flavours that come from its creative marriage between America and Europe.  On top of that, there’s thoughts on the Clockmaker’s Daughter, Bend it Like Beckham and Jim Dale’s wonderful one man show - you’ll de desperate to carry on!

Nick meets up with US chum Steve Bell to share their thoughts on Miss Saigon, Gypsy and - the newest big musical in London - Bend it Like Beckham.

Join Nick Hutson and Dominic McChesney at the Murder Mystery Musicals Dinner at McChesney Manor for a discussion on many murder mystery musicals! Mmmm!

Nick chats to composer, translator, director, book-writer and lyricist about his career and, most importantly his outing of the French musical "Amour" - with English lyrics by Jeremy and music by French composing legend Michel LeGrand - that lasted only two weeks on broadway and has recently played for one week at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London. Nick also chats to Robert about the production.

Join Thos for part two of his light hearted but fascinating conversation with John Gieves-Watson discussing his time with the Temperance Seven, Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band and Bill Posters Will Be Band. Laugh and learn about snakes and umbrellas, mannequins and banks, Bluebell Girls and lighthouses – and a whole lot more.

There’s a long and enduring tradition of comedy in British music so join Thos as he chats to John Gieves-Watson about his half century of both playing music and playing with music in the Temperance Seven, Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band and Bill Posters Will Be Band – comic jazz band cabaret acts with laughs and professional performance going hand in hand. 

I love you, you're perfect... but whose line is it anyway?: David Herzog talks to Gina Beck and Simon Lipkin about starring in I love You, You're Perfect - Now Change - now playing at the Above The Arts Theatre in Leicester Square, and Nick joins David to share their enthusiasm for the very first ever West End outing of the classic British improv TV show - Whose Line is it Anyway?. Why you ask? Because they improvise a lot of songs on stage!

Join Thos as he samples the charming and wonderful French-flavoured Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein show, The Baker’s Wife, with four of the cast of the new London production.  Find out about the other meaning of bread, the possibilities of gender swapping in musical theatre, the harmonies of nieces and learn how it took thirty years for this Baker to really get cooking...

In this second part of the occasional series of his trips to the great theatre cultures in the English Speaking World, David Kingsmill offers you four tip-top Broadway shows in order of “awesomeness”! But which will be his absolute favourite?  Let this gentleman guide you to his musical loves!  [Note: contains spoilers and strong language]

Robert and Olaf share their in-depth thoughts on a recent trip to Broadway where they say Something Rotten, On the 20th Century, An American In Paris, The Visit and Zorba.

Nick and Robert share their thoughts on the Royal Festival Hall production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - the rare performed Frank Loesser musical that made its way to London for one night only in a wonderful concert staging conducted by our very own Mike Dixon. Robert also then discusses his views on Something Rotten - a new musical comedy playing on Broadway set in Tudor England. Was it all it was cracked up to be?

Thos explores more about WS Gilbert’s claim to be the main pioneer of modern stage directing with the second of this two part conversation about the life of arguably the most important of the Victorian dramatists.  A man of many talents, lyrics were just part of a much bigger story for Gilbert - and Sullivan was just one of many collaborators, so enjoy this unusual analysis of one of the fathers of the modern musical.

With acclaimed director Mike Leigh’s much anticipated version of the Pirates of Penzance about to open at the ENO, MusicalTalk explores the seminal role played by WS Gilbert in pioneering the role of director on stage in the first place.   Think Gilbert was just the wordsmith to Sullivan’s music?  Then think again as this rarely told story unfolds over the next two episodes!

Nick reviews Carrie - now playing at the Southwark Playhouse and Dom McChesney talks to Peter Jamieson about the the first outing of Carrie... and what went wrong! Dom also then talks to his friend Greg MacKellan about the musical - Nick and Nora.

Thos and Tim share their views  on the wonderful musical, The Scottsboro Boys.  If content dictates form, how have Kander and Ebb succeeded so well by subverting the latter to highlight the former? And how can a show designed to make people uncomfortable prove so engaging?  Find out in this episode… STRONG LANGUAGE!

Nick sits with Jonathan Cohen to share his thoughts on Gypsy at the Savoy starring Imelda Staunton. STRONG LANGUAGE!

We said to David Kingsmill, “Go West, young man!” – and he did!  Time and time again! So in this first of an occasional series, join David as he chats to Thos about the many musicals he saw in North America – something he loved so much, he did it again – and again!  And so will we!

Nick sits with Robert Gordon to discuss what they thought of the new musical by our friends Pippa Cleary and Jake Brunger's new musical of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged Thirteen and Three Quarters - based on the novel by Sue Townsend of the same long title.

Nick sits with Robert Gordon to share their thoughts on Beautiful - the Carole King musical playing at the Aldwych Theatre, and the most unique (and amazing) production of Sweeney Todd that Nick has ever seen - now playing at Harrington's Pie and Mash on Shaftesbury Avenue. The world's first pop up pie production!

Thos discusses the new immersive musical version of Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray with its adapter and director, Dave Spencer – and finds subtext, seduction and symbolism.  Add in Icarus, Jekyll and Hyde, Karl Marx and a few painful puns, and you’ve got an interesting hour in the company of one of Victorian fictions most tantalising characters!  And hear an exclusive recording of a song from this stunning new show!

This week MusicalTalk again at Oh What A Lovely War – exploring why it’s a household name in the UK but not in America, and why there’s no equivalent musical of the show for the Second World War.  Added to that, there’s a flashback from Philip Headley recounting the original 1963 production and a look at why the show is somehow still controversial today.

Thos and Tim catch the legendary British musical, Oh What A Lovely War, at its original 1963 venue, the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, just as it is about to go on national tour.  Find out what they expected, what they got and what they thought of it all as they dissect and review this landmark show. 

David Herzog returns to chat with Tim McArthur and other creatives involved in this cult American musical theatre piece, now playing at Above the Stag in London.

David Kingsmill talks to the wonderful Gillian Kirkpatrick about Happy Ending, a fearless and funny piece addressing the taboos of terminal illness.  He also explores how a play with songs like this differs from the more traditional musical and finds out the songs can still serve the narrative in a startlingly effective way.

Thos and Tim travel in time to 1930 and then 1935 to watch two early examples of British musical films, Elstree Calling and Radio Parade of 1935 -  and find them partially colourful, splendidly pacey and constantly surprising!  Did British musical film emulate the American model or find its own way in that first full decade of talking films?  Find out here...

Nick chats to the winner of OVER THE RAINBOW - Danielle Hope - about her hugely established career, her life after Dorothy and her new tour of The Sound of Music, as well as her upcoming new New York show 54 Below.

No, not Bing Crosby and the perennial festive favourite, but a delightful chat with Sue Casson about her five star show, Dreams of Peace and Freedom, and how you can see it, hear it or even sing it in 2015 – the centenary of Rupert Brooke’s Death!

Nick and Robert discuss CATS - now playing at The London Palladium and Robert shares his thoughts on Apartment 40C - playing at the London Theatre Workshop.

Dominic McChesney discusses, with Lynton Harris, the new musical of Baz Lurnham's Strictly Ballroom currently playing in Australia!

As this evergreen anthem celebrates its centenary, join Thos as he gets to bottom of its enduring appeal and sheds light both on the song and its composer, Ivor Novello. And find out what happened to its talented but unlucky lyricist.

David Herzog chats to Sasha Regan, David Albury and Victoria Serra about their production of Love Story, now playing at the Union Theatre.

Nick Hutson and Prof. Robert Gordon, along with Mike Dixon, talk to David Baddiel and Erran Baron-Cohen: the creators of INFIDEL The Musical - opening at the Theatre Royal Stratford East on October 4th.

David takes a quick trip through the looking glass to speak to three of the performers of Iris Theatre's production of Alice Through The Looking Glass in Covent Garden.

Join MusicalTalk listeners Eitan and Luis as they share their thoughts on Miss Saigon, now playing at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Nick Hutson gives Kerry a phone call to hear about the latest developments and projects in the Lady of the West End's extremely busy career!

Nick Hutson and Jonathan Cohen went to see Forbidden Broadway at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Hear their thoughts on this always brilliant and inspired show! Now playing until 16th August 2014

Caroline sits down with our own Andrew Corcoran and Luke Frederics to discuss Carousel playing at the Arcola Theatre

Nick Hutson and Jonathan Cohen review THE PAJAMA GAME, now playing at The Shaftesbury Theatre until September!

Nick Hutson sits down with Charlotte Jaconelli to discuss her new album - Solitaire, her love of musical theatre and her path from Britain's Got Talent to the present day.

David Herzog talks to two members of the cast of this new Australian musical playing at the King's Head Theatre in London

Robert Gordon shares his thoughts on the new musical comedy currently playing at the Savoy Theatre.

David Herzog talks to Katie Bernstein, currently performing in Urinetown at the St James Theatre.

Join Nick Hutson as he sits down for a brief chat with Mike Dixon to discuss a UK Tour that Mike is conducting involving many songs by the legendary Don Black

David Herzog returns to chat with Luke Fredericks, the director of "Bat Boy the Musical" at Southwark Playhouse.

David heads to the Union Theatre in Southwark to chat with Ms. Sasha Regan about their all-male production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore."

David Kingsmill catches up with the very talented Peter Polycarpou to discuss his impressive career in Les Miserables, Evita, Imagine This and so many others, including the all new super-dark Sweeney Todd coming to London very soon.

Nick shares his thoughts on the musical of Floyd Collins playing in the very appropriate Vaults at the Southwark Playhouse.

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of The Royal Variety Performance, do Nick sits down with conductor Mike Dixon (now a permanent presenter) to discuss Mike's experience in conducting varioius amounts of Royal Variety Performances, but focusing specifically on the 1993 performance which can be found here: http://mikedixonmusic.com/page7.html.

In this packed episode of MusicalTalk, Nick revisits Ghost and, along with Catherine, shares a different view on the musical; Sandra (our resident Swede) shares her thoughts on About The Turn - a new rock jukebox musical featuring the songs of Tim Prottey-Jones playing at the Courtyard Theatre, Andrew Keating, Yves (our resident Belgian) and Sandra discuss Children of Eden - that had a hugely successful concert production at The Prince of Wales Theatre and Nick and Andrew Keating discuss The Muppets Movie - that's also a musical, of course!

When is an opera not an opera? When it’s music theatre! Eh? Find out more by joining Thos as he chats to the wonderful Kit Hesketh-Harvey about his brand new English translation of La Traviata – the fallen women – set in a burlesque club in contemporary Shoreditch.  

Tim and Thos invite you join them on a further 150 years exploration of the anniversaries of 2012 in musical theatre, investigating the scores, shows and stories from 1912 to one of the earliest musicals on record – Love in a Village – written in 1762.

It's time to pull on your time travelling trousers and join Tim and Thos as they explore the anniversaries of 2012 in musical theatre, investigating the scores, shows and stories of 1962 and 1912 in music!

Thos and Nick sit down to discuss and share their thoughts on the various productions they saw during 2011! Hear about London Road, Matilda, Pippin, Rock of Ages, Ghost and others in the 2nd part of our look back at 2011!

Thos and Nick sit down to discuss and share their thoughts on the various productions they saw during 2011! Hear about Shrek, Betty Blue Eyes, Ghost, Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Wizard of OZ, Crazy For You, Matilda, Love Never Dies and others in this wonderful two part episode!

What better way to start the new year than with a new musical by a new British writer? Utterly un-new MusicalTalk presenter, Thos, talks to Jonathan Pease about his influences, and how he came up with his brand new musical, These Things Happen, a comedy about eight romantic disasters explored through music.  No jazz hands but lots of laughs

As a special Christmas day treat (and change to the MusicalTalk schedule) we delight you to a lovely interview with Leslie Bricusse - as he discusses his Christmas hit musical - Scrooge, as well as Stop the World, I want to get off, Doctor Dolittle and his work with John Williams.

What better way to round off this year marking the 100th anniversary of the death of one of musical theatre's fathers, the unique WS Gilbert, than with the second part of an in-depth interview with noted biographer, Andrew Crowther, conducted for the world famous Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

It's Christmas again and Thos explores the link between Yuletide, Dickens and Gilbert and discovers four Gilbert and Sullivan versions of a musicalised Christmas Carol on the way.  And then fill your stockings with the first part of an in-depth interview with noted biographer, Andrew Crowther, conducted for the world famous Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

As 2011 draws to an end, Nick and Lisa discuss the shows that have made their merry way around the UK including Grease, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, Jekyll and Hyde and many more.

As Guys and Dolls returns to London at Above the Gatehouse in Highgate, Thos chats to two of the principles about this classic musical - and then discusses the musicality of Frank Loesser with the show’s Musical Director, MusicalTalk’s own David Kingsmill.

In this week's episode, Nick and Jonathan discuss Crazy For You - currently wowing audiences at the Novello Theatre, after a sell out summer season at The Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park. We chat to the show's star Sean Palmer about the production and his role. Nick and Luisa also discuss Matilda... the best British musical ever?

Join Thos as he starts an occasional series which looks at how you – yes you! – can end up being in a musical. Today, he chats to Tom Scambler about how to try the amateur route without any previous experience - or in other words - how to succeed in show business without really trying!

David Wood is the finest and most respected writer of musicals and plays for children in the UK. He discusses, with Nick, his career and views on family theatre, childrens' theatre and all in between!

As five (count ‘em) separate productions of Ruddigore come to London and the home counties in November, Thos recalls the simply brilliant and hugely imaginative revival of the show in summer and interviews the director and cast of Gilbert and Sullivan’s perhaps most modern, cynical show...

Nick chats to Bertie Carvel, currently starring as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda and also talks, with Jonathan Cohen, about Backbeat - a new musical play about the very early Beatles' days.

Join Thos for a marvellous conversation with Paul Haley about his amazing play, Black Slap, an authentic exploration of the politics surrounding the Black and White Minstrel Show, and learn about his work with British Music Hall legends, the Crazy Gang, his involvement in the most successful variety show of the 1960s as well as being cast as the youngest ever Bill Sykes in Oliver.

Nick sits down with noted projected "lumen"airy - Jon Driscoll! He's responsible for the projections and digital animations in Ghost, Our House, Love Never Dies, The Wizard of OZ, Billy Elliot and others.

Nick Hutson sits down with Broadway legend Idina Menzel to discuss her career, her singing camp and Glee!

We tuned our Air-Guitars, warmed up our lighter waving muscles and headbanged down to the Shaftesbury Theatre to interview Justin Lee Collins, and share our thoughts on Rock of Ages!

Nick and Dom share their thoughts on their personal favourite musical theatrical experiences of 2011, and also put forward what show they believe will trump their favourite off the list!

Nick and Catherine discuss the art of Burlesque. Is it simply walking on stage and taking off your clothes? We don't think so!.

The dust has settled, the streets are quieter and all the bunting has all gone – but the 2011 Fringe still leaves a warm glow for all of those who were there. Join Thos and David as they give us the final wrap up and chat about some more of those enigmatic musicals that were on offer – and hear songs from our Pick of the Fringe!

The Edinburgh Fringe is over but the memories linger on! Join Thos and David as they interview singers, directors, musical directors, musicians, composers, actors and stage managers and help Edinburgh unlock her musical theatre secrets!

The dust may have settled at the Edinburgh Fringe for 2011 but MusicalTalk still has some tales to tell; Join Thos as he investigates variety, variance and vision with shows that confound expectations and have done something unusual: MusicalTalk with a twist.

Nick and Andrew report from The Barbican Theatre where they saw The Lincoln Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Award Winning musical South Pacific.

Join MusicalTalk at the Edinburgh Fringe and hear all about some amazing, varied and, frankly excellent, musicals – not to mention some others!  From pantomime dames to directors, from composers to singers, from MDs to improvisers, MusicalTalk has them all!

Hoorah! The world’s biggest arts festival is here again – and so is MusicalTalk. Get all the low down, the high up, and the middling bits too as Thos stalks and talks to all and sundry. It’s a fantastic and frighteningly fun fiesta-flavoured festival fringe frolic! Phew!

MusicalTalk was delighted to be asked to cover the benefit gala for Dress Circle - The World's Greatest Showbiz Shop! Hear from Stuart Matthew Price, Simon Lipkin, Ramin Karimloo, Kim Criswell, Alex Gaumond and others as they discuss the shop!

Catch up on this bumper bouncing episode as Thos continues his in depth interview with noted American composer, lyricist and bookwriter, Charles Bloom, as well as starting the countdown to the Edinburgh Fringe – and hear song after song after song...

Thos met noted American composer, lyricist and bookwriter, Charles Bloom on a recent visit to London for a magical, highly informative and revealing conversation about his impressive life and career: all this and a brand new Charles Bloom song...

Nick shares his thoughts on the new musical of Ghost - playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London, and he and Andrew have an entertaining chat with the entertaining entertainer - Bobby Crush. Bobby talks about his Liberace tribute show heading to Edinburgh this summer.

Nick and Andrew take a popular topic from the MusicalTalk Twitter feed - and discuss what our faithful followers thing might be the most popular original musical.

MusicalTalk talks to Paul Emelion Daly, about his romantic musical comedy When Harry Met Barry, and delves into revivals, revisions and revisitations...and Rome!

Tim introduces the Fourth Annual Tim Williams awards, presented by Bruce Wall, recorded at the Cochrane Theatre on Sun 26 June 2011. A succession of brand new musical theatre songs, performed by Peter Polycarpou, Dianne Pilkington, Stuart Matthew Price, Marilyn Cutts, Rebecca Caine and many others.

Nick and Mike Dixon check out Shrek playing at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Hear their thoughts, as well as from the stars, and a surprise appearance from Jodie Prenger.

Nick and Andrew report direct from the opening night of London's newest nostalgic musical comedy - Lend me a Tenor based on the play by Ken Ludwig, and starring Matthew Kelly and Joanna Riding, Hear what Nick and Andrew thought, as well as a hilarious interview with Matthew Kelly.

You use the internet. You're using a device right now that is related to the internet - whether it's our fabulous website, iTunes or your iPhone/iPod or other device - YOU use the internet. You also enjoy musical theatre. We discuss how the two have worked together over the last couple of years to promote and, in some ways, perform works of musical theatre.

MusicalTalk completes its miniseries on the life and works of WS Gilbert with this fascinating insight into Ages Ago, his first musical hit. Learn about the musicality of Frederic Clay and Gilbert's own development on the path to becoming the father of modern musical theatre.

MusicalTalk marks the centenary of the death of the father of the modern musical, WS Gilbert, with this exciting, exclusive episode – the complete audio recording of WS Gilbert's Ages Ago, his first musical hit. Featuring a fabulous score by Frederick Clay, Arthur Sullivan’s best friend, this highly amusing, tuneful, sophisticated production is yours to download for the first time ever! Hoorah!

Nick and Yves provide a short disucssion on Hamlet The Musical, playing at the Richmod Theatre.

MusicalTalk marks the centenary of the death of the father of the modern musical, WS Gilbert, with this fascinating interview with his latest biographer, Andrew Crowther, where we dissect the character of this cross but carefree, forthright but fun, crotchety and contradictory genius.

MusicalTalk marks the fortieth anniversary of television icon Mr Benn by chatting to the creators of the new musical, Mr Benn -the Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Man, about how to bring a much loved children’s character to the stage. Hear songs and music from the show in this lovely conversation – as if by magic!

Nick and Andrew take a stopwatch, the West End listings and a chair each and review every show playing in the West End… even those they haven't yet seen - including plays! This might be difficult… but still, great fun!

Our friend Mel Atkey sits down with the late Emmy award winning producer and writer Norman Campbell to, once again, provide an insight into the Canadian world of the arts.

To mark the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, MusicalTalk explores the huge number of musicals about royal weddings where a prince marries a commoner, from the Mikado to the erotic musical comedy version of Cinderella! This episode contains some strong language.

Catherine discusses Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Las Vegas: The Musical, whilst Nick and Andrew air their thoughts on The Donmar Warehouse's production of The 25th Annual Puntam County Spelling Bee. This episode contains some strong language.

Catherine and Nick share their thoughts on a preview of Betty Blue Eyes, and Andrew meets the cast of Funk it up About nothin' - a new hip hop Shakespeare musical version of Much Ado About Nothing.

Join us for a brilliant interview with Hannah Waddingham as she discusses her role as The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of OZ, as well as her previous roles in INTO THE WOODS, SPAMALOT, THE BEAUTIFUL GAME, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. Also, we chat to Paul Tibbey who is the composer of the hilarious and charming musical FRED AND GLADYS, that's currently playing at the Landor Theatre.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of The Wizard of OZ has recently opened at the world famous London Palladium. The semi world famous Andrew Keating and Nick Hutson went along to see the extravaganza featuring flying houses, flying monkers and flying witches! Does it live up to the movie… or the hype? Andrew also previews songs from a new royal musical - Fred and Gladys.

Spring is here – so get one in your step too with this lovely, thoughtful and insightful conversation on the art of cabaret, singing and musical theatre in general with the talented star of Broadway and the West End, the delightful and beautiful Valerie Cutko.

Nick and Andrew Keating check out Elaine Paige in concert, whilst Andrew Corcoran joins Nick for a discussion about rumous, news and stories around the West End.

In this episode, the often barking Thos gets Offenbaching as he reviews Troy Boy, explores the importance of the satirical, and saucy Jacques Offenbach, and questions whether French sensuality is still too much for a British audience 150 years on. More pie, Paris?

Nick re-unites with MusicalTalk's co-founder Andy Edwards for a delightful chat - and a real throwback to the original style of MusicalTalk episodes, as Andy announces his upcoming job to perform in We Will Rock You in Berlin!

This week we pull Curtains apart and ask you to imagine Thos discussing Imagine This as MusicalTalk looks at two productions that feature shows within shows.

Nick and Andrew K sat down with Helena Blackman to discuss her new Rodgers and Hammerstein album with her. Stay tuned to the end of the album to discover how you can win a signed copy of the album!

Thos talks to the wonderful Kit Hesketh-Harvey about Noel Coward, Stephen Sondheim, Jacques Offenbach and his new hilarious and sensual English version of the Helen of Troy story, La Belle Helene. We also reveal how W.S. Gilbert denounced his own work in the Times. All this with added Kung Fu!

Thos, Nick, Andrew K and Yves check out the newly revised LOVE NEVER DIES, playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London. Hear in this detailed review what's changed, what's stayed, what works and what doesn't. THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS ABOUT THE PLOT AND PRODUCTION.

Thos investigates the dark arts of producing and the lighter delights of choreography as he chats to Giles Howe and Matthew Gould about the British Premiere of Maya The Musical at the Baron’s Court Theatre.

As Keith explores Blitz-ridden London in the new musical, Miss Nightingale, Ed and Thos change hemispheres to have a good look at Priscilla – the Queen of the Desert.

We review Matilda, playing at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, Dick Whittington playing at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith and Love Story, playing at the Duchess Theatre in London!

Nick and Andrew Corcoran take you on a guided tour of The West End AKA: Theatreland. You are welcome to join us on this walk… just pop your headphones on and follow along with us and learn many great facts about the West End, as we take you down the highways and byways of the greatest theatrical city in the world.

On the 26th December 2010, The London Palladium celebrated its 100th year in operation. Join Thos and Nick- and guest Professor Robert Gordon of Goldsmiths University, as they trace back the history of the world's greatest theatre - and learn how it has been a home, an ice rink, circus, pantomime palace, music and variety hall, bird-house and musical theatre venue - all within a space of a hundred years!

Thos is joined by Andrew Keating and Sondheim fan, Yves Hoekman, to discuss Passion and the Donmar Warehouse season of London Sondheim concerts - and we hear two fabulous tribute songs by composer Charles Bloom as MusicalTalk concludes its three part miniseries on the grand old man of musical theatre.

Thos presents the second of a three part miniseries celebrating the life of Stephen Sondheim in celebration of his eightieth birthday. This week, Thos and Dom discuss the themes of Into the Woods and find feminism, fascism and feudalism. Phew! Fancy that!

Thos presents the first of a three part miniseries celebrating the life of Stephen Sondheim in celebration of his eightieth birthday. This week, Thos and Tim tackle the harder questions about the great man's work and career.

Nick and Mara discuss Dirty Dancing, and we welcome back George Stiles to discuss Just So - playing at the Tabard Theatre - and The Three Musketeers playing at the Rose Theatre in Kingston.

Nick Hutson and Andrew Keating sit down with one of the most important, legendary and influencial British theatrical writers - Sir Tim Rice, to discuss his writing lyrics or the book for Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Wizard of OZ, Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King and many more.

Nick sits Thos down in order to hear his views on Legally Blonde, and Nick also sat down with Legally Blonde Cast Member - Susan McFadden.

Two current London shows are explored in this week’s episode as Thos meets the people behind the new soap opera musical, Legacy Falls, and catches up with the ever lovely Lili La Scala as her War Notes comes to London…

In this exciting, exclusive episode, MusicalTalk is proud to present the premiere recording of WS Gilbert's No Cards, the first musical by the architect of the modern theatrical world and one of the undoubted fathers of musical theatre as we know it. This highly amusing, tuneful, fully orchestrated production is yours to download for the first time ever! Hoorah!

In the week before MusicalTalk's exclusive world premiere recording of WS Gilbert's very first proper musical, No Cards, Thos talks to noted G and S director, Jerry Pinel, about this show which can claim to be the starting point of modern musical theatre.

Nick and Lisa discuss more about the Les Mis UK Tour, Lisa's views on Hamlet - The Musical and Spring Awakening (both at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and they also discuss a possible new way of providing musical theatre fans with cast recordings.

As Yankee Doodle comes to London in the one man show, George M Cohan Tonight, join Thos as he chats to its star, David Herzog, about this incredible performer, composer, lyricist and theatrical all-rounder and his claim to be the father of the modern musical.

Join Nick Hutson and Andrew Keating for 2 hilarious and illuminating interviews with two of the stars of Annie - as it makes its way across the UK. We discuss everything from tiny hats to Eurovision.

Nick and Andrew Keating check out Into The Woods - that played this summer at the Open Air Theatre in London's Regent Park, and Nick and Andrew Abrams share their thoughts on a concert held this past weekend at the Garrick Theatre starring composer/lyricist: Jason Robert Brown.

To mark the 25th anniversary of Les Miserables, the show was re-imagined, re-directed, re-orchestrated and planted in theatres all around the UK - ending in the theatre it started in - the mammoth Barbican Theatre, in London. Nick went to see this production in hope that it would change his views on it. Listen to find out if it did! Nick also introduces new presenter Andrew Abrams to the podcast, and they both check out the new musical of The Remains of the Day. To cap this all off, Nick checks out Newsrevue - the world's longest running comedy revue show - and talks to the cast and the crew.

New songs, classic shows, fresh writing, actors, producers, directors, technical crew members, cabaret stars, professionals, amateurs, young and old, British, Canadian and American – they’re all here and the list goes on. Join Thos for the last part of his annual Edinburgh Fringe round-up and get the works!

New songs, classic shows, fresh writing, actors, producers, directors, technical crew members, cabaret stars, professionals, amateurs, young and old, British, Canadian and American – they’re all here and the list goes on. Join Thos for part two of his annual Edinburgh Fringe round-up and get the works!

We are proud to announce MusicalTalk's sister podcast: DramaTalk will be launching on 1st September 2010. Join Nick and Dom for a very brief discussion as to what listeners can look forward to.

New songs, classic shows, fresh writing, actors, producers, directors, technical crew members, cabaret stars, professionals, amateurs, young and old, British, Canadian and American – they’re all here and the list goes on. Join Thos for part one of his annual Edinburgh Fringe round-up and get the works!

Join your host Stephen Sondheim (AKA: Thos Ribbits) for a very special musical theatre quiz celebrating 200 episodes of MusicalTalk!

In a wonderful MusicalTalk exclusive, Stuart Matthew Price chats to Thos about his magnificent new album, All Things in Time; a showcase of new musical theatre writing from Britain and America - and lets us hear the premiere of a brand new Jason Robert Brown song.

Nick Hutson and Steve Bell talk to the orchestrator of Spamalot and The Addams Family - Larry Hochman.

Thos, Nick and Andrew report from The Above The Stag Theatre in London's Victoria from a revue called BLINK TWICE - a show that explores lost and forgotten songs from lost and forgotten musicals.

Thos chats to the creators of the new British musical, After The Tone, soon to be at the Bridewell in London in this highly entertaining and laughter filled episode - and learn why this musical is like a 522-piece jigsaw with three bits missing!

Nick and Andrew Corcoran sit down with conductor, arranger and musician Mike Dixon.

Join Thos as he talks to the lovely Valerie Cutko about the new Jermyn Street Theatre Sondheim Revue, Classic Moments, Hidden Treasures and then has a lively conversation with Tim to celebrate the life and works of Frank Loesser on his centenary - all this and Tubby the Tuba.

Thos conducts an in-depth interview with former Blue Peter presenter and all round performer, Peter Duncan, who discusses his extensive career in musical theatre, pays tribute to his collaborator, Mark Stevens, and discusses a few musicals you might not have heard of...

We continue our discussions with all involved with Little Women - including Shona Lindsay, Laura Brydon, Mark Hedges and Tamara Harvey.

In this special preview of a new musical of Little Women that's currently in development, we welcome back David Ball to discuss the project, and hear from Zizi Strallen and Gina Beck to discuss this new musical.

As Wolfboy - the Musical heads to London, Thos talks to composer Leon Parris about his award winning career; and hear from Steve Ross, the greatest living American cabaret star, as he returns to soon-to-close jazz venue, Pizza onm the Park, one last time.

Nick convinues his Broadway jaunt! Join him as he joins MusicalTalk listener, John Sweeney, to review The Addams Family Musical, and Steve Bell returns as he and Nick watch Promises Promises.

Join Nick Hutson and Steve Bell as they meet up in New York to disuss Mary Poppins on Broadway, A Little Night Music, Sondheim on Sondheim and The 2010 Tony Award Nominations.

Pull up a pew and listen to Thos chatting to Josh about Baggage the Musical, Priscilla, Sister Act, and the connection between angry nuns and some amazing "failed" musicals.

Thos marvels at the flexibility of the Gilbert and Sullivan musicals as he discusses the amazing all-male version of the Pirates of Penzance currently in London - and learn the dark history of the world's oldest surviving music hall, Wiltons.

Andrew Keating joins Marti Webb on the stage of the UK tour of Oklahoma to chat to her, and Nick and Andrew talk more about Somewhere Over The Rainbow. CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE!

Nick joins Jonathan Cohen, Tim Saward and friend Leigh Stevenson to discuss what items they'd banish into Room 101 forever! CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE!

Thos continues his interview with the irrepressible Marni Nixon, the fabled voice of Hollywood. Today she talks about My Fair Lady, working with Audrey Hepburn, her extensive career in musical theatre and being hugged by Stephen Sondheim.

Thos talks to the fabulous Marni Nixon, the "ghostess with the mostess", who dubbed the singing in such legendary Hollywood musicals as My Fair Lady, West Side Story and the King and I, as well as appearing in many other films and musicals. In this first half of an extensive interview, Marni talks about her early career, how she got into film dubbing, working with Deborah Karr, not working with Nathalie Wood and we learn something very interesting about Maryln Monroe's singing!

Nick and Andrew are Part of Sierra Boggess' world as they interview the star of Love Never Dies, THe Little Mermaid and The Las Vegas Phantom Experience. Plus, we hear what Ed Theakston thought of the show, and he also chats briefly to West End star Summer Strallen. This episode contains SPOILERS.

MusicalTalk gets its funniest ever interview as Thos swaps saucy bon mots with noted Cabaret act, Kit and the Widow, and we celebrate Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday by uncovering his little known 1974 musical, the Frogs. "Bre-ke-ke-kex-ko-ax-ko-ax" as they might say!

Nick and Andrew K review the long awaited Phantom of the Opera sequel: Love Never Dies, at the Adelphi Theatre, and also check out Once Upon a Time At the Adelphi at London's Union Street Theatre. We also hear from Andrew Corcoran, as he discusses the upcoming Evita Tour and playing the keyboard in the orchestra pit of London's production of Wicked.

Thos was invited behind the scenes at a rehearsal for the new revival of Stephen Sondheim's cult show, Anyone Can Whistle, for this fascinating inside look at the workings of an intelligent modern musical production.

Andrew Corcoran is back and telling Thos his thoughts about Sister Act, Wicked, Chess in Concert, Rent - Filmed Live on Broadway and the current gargantuan production of Oliver! Add to that a look at Kander and Ebb's Steel Pier from 1997 and what a lot you've got!

Nick and Andrew K check out A Man Of No Importance playing at the Arts Theatre, London - and also discuss more about Love Never Dies - The long awaited Phantom of the Opera Sequel.

Dominic and Nick discuss what family shows the West End has to offer this half term, as well as briefly discussing the Glee phenomenon and Nick drops a bombshell to Dom about Love Never Dies.

Meet Ashley Batten - the newest member of the MusicalTalk presenting team.

It's part two of the in depth interview with Broadway's Christopher Gattelli and his latest career triumphs - and can you Adam and Eve it when we aim the spotlight on the Apple Tree from 1966?

It's a bumper episode this week with Andrew K and Nick reviewing Legally Blonde, Tim interviewing Jon and Al Kaplan, the writers of Silence! and Thos chatting to Broadway and West End choreographer and director, Christopher Gattelli.

MusicalTalk showcases London fringe venue, Above the Stag, in Victoria: Keith talks to West End Musical and Cabaret star, Frank Loman, and Thos chats to noted director and choreographer, Christopher Gattelli, about the European premiere of outrageous musical, Silence! The Unauthorised Parody of Silence of the Lambs!

Nick and Thos flew to the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith - in West London - to catch their wonderful pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk. Nick and Jonathan also saw Sister Act, and reviewed it very briefly - after hearing from the composer of Sister Act - previous MusicalTalk guest: Alan Menken.

Tim, Nick, Lisa, Jonathan and Martin Ball discuss the world's long-running musical: Boubil and Schoenberg's Les Miserables.

Thos revisits the magical world of musicalised versions of Peter Pan and finds two very different approaches. He also looks at Peter Pan in pantomime form and chats in-depth with director Fenton Gray, currently appearing as Captain Hook!

Ed Theakston sits down to talk to Tony Sheldon; the star of the West End production of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.

What do you get if you put three Andrews and Nick in an episode of MusicalTalk? You get this very festive episode with MusicalTalk stalwart Andrew Edwards, MusicalTalk northerner Andrew Corcoran discussing, with Aled Jones and Suzanne Shaw (and others) discussing their production of White Christmas, and MusicalTalk Ethel Mermen expert Andrew Keating and MusicalTalk founder Nick Hutson discussing The Arts Theatre production of a new musical version of A Christmas Carol.

Thos chats to John Michael Swinbank about Ivor Novello and Noel Coward and comes to a very surprising conclusion. Also, Keith Arrowsmith tells us about Schwartz's The Baker's Wife, and community musical, Spend Spend Spend.

To kick off the festive season of December, Nick chatted to Suzanne Reisman about her book: "Off The Beaten Subway Track", which explores the more obscure things to do in New York City once you've done the Empire State Building and seen The Statue of Liberty. Joined by friend and theatre lover Mara Klein Clarke, they discuss what happens to New York City at this festive time of year, where to eat, what to do and what to see once you think you've seen it all. Lisa then joins Nick to discuss the annual festive New York related concert that happens in London: "Christmas In New York" playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday, December 6th. You truly will heart NYC after this episode! This episode contains strong language.

Thos chats to legendary cabaret star and interpreter of the standards, Steve Ross, about his incredible career and also his appreciation of the works of Alan Jay Lerner. Also, we celebrate Johnny Mercer's centenary with one of our "good companions". Stuart Matthew Price.

Keith Arrowsmith talks to Tim Sutton about his beautiful new musical version of the classic story The Secret Garden, whilst Nick chats to writer Eleanor Ajius and director Albin Balint about their musical version of Elizabeth Gaskill's Sylvia's Lovers: Kinraid.

It's last but certainly not least as Thos investigates Gilbert and Sullivan's final outing, The Grand Duke, in this in-depth and highly enjoyable conversation, and learn about a very rare Gilbert and Sullivan revival.

Nick and Chris discuss musicals at the Disney world resort, focusing on Finding Nemo musical at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Lisa chats to Gareth Peter about his new musical Blue Bird, and Nick and Andrew Keating see, and review - Blow Up: The Credit Crunch Musical.

Thos talks again to Charles Strouse about his amazing portfolio of shows, his legacy and his unknown collaboration with Stanley Kubrick writing Star Wars: The Musical!

Thos meets a personal hero in a public interview with the great Charles Strouse, composer of Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Applause, All Dogs go to Heaven and so many more.

RECORDED LIVE at the Cochrane Theatre, London. Tim introduces a thrilling event packed with new musical theatre songwriting, with prizes presented by Maria Friedman and Frank Lazarus, and featuring Nichola McAuliffe, Giles Terara, Michael Peavoy, Conor Mitchell, Tim Anderson, Nigel Richards, Sarah-Louise Young and a host of other performers and composers. This event - called Readiness is All - is the second Tim Williams Awards event, presented and masterminded by Bruce Wall. Meanwhile, during the interval, Lisa talks to Tim Driesen about his new musical Super Alice Smith, which is being presented at Perfect Pitch this year. A bumper episode.

MusicalTalk was lucky enough to be invited to rehearsals for "From Broadway to West End - by special arrangenment" - a tribute concert to musical theatre stalwart and MusicalTalk guest - William David Brohn. Hear an interview with Bill Deamer, the director and also hear from Tim Saward and Jenny Antill.

As the UK's professional premiere of Michael John LaCiusa's First Lady Suite opens, join Thos as he showcases this wonderful intelligent new show - plus we hear from Josh about his new revue, Proud To Say I Love You.

Nick joined musical director, supervisor, dance arranger and adaptor Gareth Valentine to discuss his work for the West End. We also welcome back Chris More to the MusicalTalk Studio.

With Chess in Concert now on CD and DVD, Lisa, Nick, Thos and Andrew Keating discuss the concert. Nick and Lisa also discuss the trend of putting live musical theatre shows onto DVD for home purchase.

Part two of a two part retrospective look at the past 150 episodes of MusicalTalk - featuring almost every guest, every presenter and a clip from every episode to date.

Part one of a two part retrospective look at the past 150 episodes of MusicalTalk - featuring almost every guest, every presenter and a clip from every episode to date.

Here's how you could win two free tickets to a UK Chess in Concert Cinema Screening

More from the world's greatest arts festival, with Thos and Tim presenting highlights and the low down from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and giving us more interviews than you can shake a stick at.

Another Fringe is upon us and Thos and Tim are there mopping up the atmosphere, seeing the best of the new and the old, interviewing everyone with a pulse and twittering their reviews for MusicalTalk. Enjoy this episode from the largest arts festival in the world!

Nick and Dom sat down with Doug Pinchin and Richard Morris to discuss the concert "From Broadway To West End", celebrating the work and musicals of orchestrator William David Brohn. Brohn won the Tony award for orchestration for the musical RAGTIME - which is why Nick talked to Stephen Flaherty to discuss the remount of the Broadway classic.

JOSH PRESENTS our first episode with a live studio audience. Recorded on 11 July at the Jermyn Street Theatre, this episode presents the work of three writing teams creating new musical theatre with Mercury Musical Developments, an organisation devoted to new musicals and their writers. Hear songs from an adaptation of Hardy, a revue about the histories of celebrity corpses and a contemporary take on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

Nick, Jonathan and Thos went to see the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Forbidden Broadway and, of course, offer their thoughts on the production. Also, Keith Arrowsmith talks about Kissed By Brel - and interviews its star - Claire Watling, and Thos continues with his countdown to Edinburgh 2009.

Go completely cuckoo as Thos gets caught up in the bubble of the new musical, The Great British Soap Opera, and then chats about Chat! The Internet Musical - all heading up to the Edinburgh Fringe, and jolly good too!

Nick and Andrew Keating discuss innapropriate cover versions of musical theatre songs, whilst Lisa and Nick talk about social networking trends within musical theatre.

Nick and Andrew Keating talk to Patina Miller - starring in Sister Act at The London Palladium, and also talk to various stars of a concert for charity called The Best of The West End - including Rebecca Lock, Mark Evans, Daniel Boys and MirandaSings.

Thos salutes the late Michael Jackson and investigates his surprising involvement with musicals. There's also some fantastic exclusive musical content, and you can learn about the marvellous Showstoppers prior to their storming Edinburgh and get another take on Saturday night.

...and for swansongs! And Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night! And the South Bank Centre! And for spontaneous songs! But mostly for seriously interesting chat. Join Thos and Andrew Keating in this stunning and superlative episode. Splendid!

Nick and Andrew Keating attended the press night for Sister Act. Hear their views "live" from their seats. Also, Nick welcomes back Andy Edwards to the studio for an entertaining musical theatre discussion - with everything from Nunsense to Resident Evil: The Musical!

This is a quick note from Nick telling you all about the new MusicalTalk Twitter page.

MusicalTalk polarities this week as MusicalTalk gives you a review, a preview, an obituary and... well, whatever the opposite of an obit is; we celebrate the lives of two very diffrent musical Arthurs, look forward to Turkish Delight: The Opera, and look back to A Stage Kindly - the new musical showcase. All this and songs galore...