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S12 Ep7: Chris Harper

He’s the Tony and Olivier-winning producer behind some of the most extraordinary theatre of our time — renowned for bold mega-casting, powerful storytelling and ground-breaking productions. With War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, People, Places and Things, Cock, Othello, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Roommate, Death of a Salesman and, of course, Company, to name but a few.  Now, in his latest adventure, he brings Rachel Joyce’s beloved novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to the stage — directed by Katy Rudd, with music by chart-topping songwriter Passenger, and led by theatre icons Jenna Russell and Mark Addy. In this exclusive conversation, recorded just days after the show began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London, we dive into the journey of Harold Fry and why this story had to become a musical — not a play, as one hilarious meeting with author Rachel Joyce confirmed. We also uncover the joyful and unexpected connection between Curious Incident and this new show, and hear how returning to the original material became a deeply personal experience, helping him process grief following the loss of his mother when re-visiting the novel.   We also talk candidly about the realities of producing in the West End and Broadway — why success is never guaranteed, even with a hit on your hands — and the major productions that very nearly didn’t happened. And yes, we go deep on Company: the genesis of that now-iconic revival, the bold changes made along the way, how you persuade Stephen Sondheim to update a masterpiece, working with artists like Jonathan Bailey and Patti LuPone — and why, for him, a life in theatre is really just one long journey of joyful, fearless experimentation Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell haroldfrymusical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep6: Kelsee Kimmel

She’s belted her way through SIX, Rent, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots — and now she’s taking the wheel in the final chapter of Alicia Keys’ smash-hit, semi-autobiographical mega-musical, Hell’s Kitchen. But how do you sum up a journey that’s taken her from standby to leading role — stepping into the spotlight after stars like Shoshana Bean and Jessica Vosk? In this exclusive conversation direct from her New York home, we talk stepping into “the hardest role” of her life, the pure joy of going full throttle with a “loud and high” character like Jersey, and why stretching her voice and emotional bandwidth eight shows a week is something she’s leaning into — even when it’s tough! We talk the musical’s deep connection with young women, why “Pawn It All” is the moment she gets to completely “unleash” every night, and what it meant to receive validation from actual Alicia Keys — including that now-iconic curtain-call performance together — in a true full-circle moment. Plus, we celebrate the power of swings and standbys, the importance of being honest about when your instrument isn’t at its best and why sharing the stage with co-stars like Ne-Yo and Yolanda Adams meant everything. And those backstage guests? Patti LaBelle? Michelle Obama? Shania Twain? Dionne Warwick? Susan Sarandon? Cynthia Erivo? Casual. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell hellskitchen.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep5: Denise Gough

For this Olivier winner and Tony nominee, theatre isn’t a career choice — it’s survival. It’s the place that held her when nothing else could, the place that quite literally saved her.From her time outside theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue to seeing her own face illuminated above their very doors, it’s a career of absolute dedication to her craft matched with a showering of recognition from both industry and audiences alike.And now, as she steps into a new world – a kinder and more generous one to her soul, albeit still putting her work first – she takes to the stage in the premiere of High Noon, opposite the Billy Crudup.In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about becoming Amy in Thea Sharrock and Eric Roth’s new play High Noon — the power of inhabiting a character not driven by trauma, grounding herself in peace, and finding her voice again through singing for the first time in 30 years.We also return to her seismic performance as Emma in People, Places and Things — “the work of my life,” in her own words — and why theatre will always be a place of profound healing for her. Plus, how she draws inspiration from the fearless brilliance of industry peers like now Oscar-nominee, Jessie Buckley.And in a raw, breathtaking final moment, she shares how the nightly ritual of live theatre “continues to save my life daily.”The Gough Theatre? We should all be so honoured. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell highnoontheplay.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep4: Tye Blue

As Titanique marks its milestone first anniversary in London’s West End and Broadway sets sail this Spring, the Olivier-winning director and co-writer invites us inside his brilliantly unhinged mind to reveal how his love for the ultimate Canadian music icon helped build a global theatrical phenomenon. We dive into the show’s key development stages — from cut songs and jokes that didn’t survive the final draft to the iconic leading ladies who’ve steered the production around the world — and why no two performances aboard the Ship of Dreams are ever the same. He also unpacks the joyful chaos of the improv section, shares some of his favourite outrageous moments from the original Céline and co-creator Marla Mindelle, and explains why “punching up” is essential when making a show of this style — including how Titanique always honours the lives lost on the infamous ship. Plus: how a bottle of wine and a “what if?” launched Broadway dreams, the alternate titles that nearly happened, and what he thinks Céline herself would make of it all. Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Titanique setting sail on Broadway this Spring. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell titaniquemusical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S12 Ep3: Stefanie Jones

Meet one of Australia’s finest leading ladies taking on the title role in the UK and Ireland’s touring production of Mary Poppins, reprising her practically perfect role having been lauded with praise for her portrayal down under.  We dive into the welcomed pressures of continuing the legacy of “absolute queen” Julie Andrews, fast approaching 1,000 performers globally and why nothing can compare the feeling of taking flight at the end of each performance and seeing small audience members smiling back - and maybe some rather tearful parents, too! Plus we there’s good in everyone, as Mary is determined to teach each and every show.  Playing the most famous nanny in history? “A perfect, wonderful experience!” Spit, spot! Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell marypoppins.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices