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Up Close with Carlos Tseng

Carlos Tseng

A series of interviews led by Carlos Tseng with some of the most prominent figures in the world of theatre, arts & entertainment. The series offers an up close insight into the lives and work of our esteemed guests, often leading to surprising, poignant and humorous answers. Find out more by listening along!

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  • 23 episodes
  • Avg 29 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S15 · E3
    September 29 · 29 min

    Alice Fearn: Mastering Musical Theatre

    Send us Fan Mail In this new episode, we sat down with the incomparable Alice Fearn as she continues her run as Debra in Tony Award winning musical Kimberly Akimbo. Tracing her artistic expansion from a talented debutante to a seasoned leading lady, Alice reflects on what it means to continually grow and truly master the craft of musical theatre. Having dazzled audiences across the West End for a number of years, she is now making her Hampstead Theatre debut in a theatre not known for staging musicals. Through this lens, Alice talks us through her process to inhabit the unconventional role, illustrating how her approach to character building and storytelling has naturally deepened and matured over a remarkable career. In our interview with Alice Fearn, our conversation broadens to examine the monumental milestones that have shaped her career. Alice offers an insightful look at balancing the heavy theatrical legacy of Elphaba in Wicked with the surreal joy of crossing over into Jon M. Chu's cinematic adaptation as "Galinda's Momsie." As our conversation continues, we also talk about the technical agility she is known for and how she's now often in demand for shows like The Distance You Have Come and Come From Away. We also reflected on her Celine Dion tribute concert, The Power of Love as she credits the Canadian superstar as the reason for why she sings. It is a profound conversation that perfectly encapsulates exactly what it takes to master the art, and the heart, of modern musical theatre. Kimberly Akimbo runs at Hampstead Theatre until 7 November.

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  • S15 · E2
    September 23 · 24 min

    Nina Cassells: Defining Defiance on Stage

    Send us Fan Mail As rehearsals continue for her highly anticipated Chichester Festival Theatre debut in Nina Segal’s Antigone Exits, Nina Cassells sat down with us for a deep, insightful conversation on her craft. Under the direction of Jeff James, Nina unpacks the visceral experience of bringing Sophocles' iconic heroine into a modern political sphere, exploring how she and the company are shaping the collective energy of the Chorus and navigating the intimate spatial mechanics of Chichester’s Minerva Theatre. In our interview with Nina Cassells, we looked back at her training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, recalling her captivating, emotionally charged turn in the title role of Lorca's Yerma. Since gradutating, Nina's taken on various defiant young women carving out autonomy against rigid social structures—from her raw, high-voltage performance as Zainab in Julia Grogan's Playfight at Soho Theatre alongside her Guildhall peer Sophie Cox, to her sparkling Pauline Fossil in Kendall Feaver's Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre. We also discussed her fierce Hermia in the Bridge Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream that brought audiences closer than ever to the enchanted forest. Now taking on the role of Antigone, Nina continues to blaze as a rising star in the industry. Antigone Exits runs at Minerva Theatre from 26 September - 17 October.

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  • S15 · E1
    September 16 · 34 min

    Joseph Millson: Unvarnished Truths of a Working Actor

    Send us Fan Mail As he continues his run as part of the 40th anniversary cast of Phantom of the Opera in the West End, Joseph Millson sat down to delve into the realities of the uncertain landscape of the acting industry, unpacking the profound highs and inevitable lulls of the profession. Having won a WhatsOnStage Awarad as Raoul in Love Never Dies, we hear him talk about the joy of reuniting with Sierra Boggess for Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved musical's anniversary. During our conversation, he poignantly reflects on a life that has seen him acting on stage and screen, writing books and even directing feature film: Signs of Life. Our conversation explored his deeply personal life choices and the ongoing challenge of maintaining authenticity and "play" amid the rigorous demands of the business. In this new interview, Joseph Millson offers an introspective look at a career that has established him as a true veteran of the industry. Last year, he starred in one of the most acclaimed shows of 2025: The Forsyte Saga taking on the role of Soames having previously voiced the role in a radio adaptation. The show saw him return to the Swan Theatre, a place where he feels particularly at home having played numerous roles on the stage where in fact he is also an Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Joseph also tells us about the inspiration behind Miller Rose Roberts, a highly praised novella that has been described by readers as a real highlight. After publishing his first memoir: Work and Other Four Letter Words, he also tells us about an in the works sequel which promises to be as honest and funny as his first book.

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  • S14 · E10
    August 26 · 21 min

    Noah Ritter: Songs, Stage, and the Realm

    Send us Fan Mail As Game of Thrones: The Mad King continues its 5* rated run at the RSC, Noah Ritter sat down with us to reflect on his early career success. Fresh off his professional stage debut portraying John Lennon in Please Please Me at the Kiln Theatre, Noah discusses the art of stepping into the world of Westeros as a character that's largely existed as a myth in the books and TV series. We also explore his transition from graduating from Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) to working on high profile projects. We also hear him unpack his actor-director relationship with Dominic Cooke and how they worked together to ground a legendary figure like Rhaegar Targaryen in this epic piece of theatre. In a special new interview, Noah Ritter offers a candid look into his beginnings as an emerging talent in the industry. As the acting landscape continues to evolve and become as competitive as ever, he tells us about early wins - landing an agent early on and getting to do filming work before being given the opportunity to play John Lennon. We hear him reflect on the experience building a strong chemistry with Calam Lynch's Brian Epstein before arriving in Stratford upon Avon to play Rhaegar Targaryen in his RSC debut. It is a thoughtful, insightful conversation with an exciting young talent forging his own distinct path across British stage and screen.

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  • S14 · E9
    July 22 · 26 min

    Millie O'Connell: A Jellicle Conversation

    Send us Fan Mail Ahead of her highly anticipated run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Millie O'Connell sat down to discuss her role as Demeter in Drew McOnie's radical, gritty reimagining of Cats. As an artist known for her high-voltage presence on stage, Millie gives us an unfiltered look into what it really takes to strip away forty years of theatrical tradition, trading nostalgia for a grounded aesthetic that frames the Jellicle tribe as London’s strays and rebels. We hear her reflect on the delicate art of unearthing fragments of vulnerability within McOnie's rigorous and emotionally exposed choreography. Our conversation explores the physical and psychological realities of performing outdoors under an actual night sky, unpacking the energy exchange between actor and audience while navigating the unpredictable elements of an open-air amphitheatre. In this brand new interview, Millie O'Connell offers an introspective look at a powerhouse career that has seen her move seamlessly from Anne Boleyn in SIX to Cookie in Come Fall in Love. We talk about how her affinity for portraying fierce, complex women in iconic shows like Rent and The Cher Show has shaped her artistic identity, as well as the personal resilience required to navigate a career in musical theatre. Indeed, we also delve into the profound importance of community, reflecting on positive structural shifts in the industry in recent years. It seems like the perfect time for Millie and Demeter to come together and audiences should come expecting Cats unlike they've ever seen before in the magical and jellicle setting of Regent's Park. Cats runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre from 25 July - 19 September with a UK tour to follow.

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  • S14 · E8
    July 15 · 32 min

    Pearl Chanda: Beauty and Brutality

    Send us Fan Mail After a string of recent successes, Pearl Chanda is gearing up for her return to the Almeida Theatre in Rebecca Frecknall’s summer revival of Sarah Kane’s Cleansed. Fresh off an incredibly brooding, restrained turn in Hedda to navigating trauma-induced paralysis in Arthur Miller’s Broken Glass at the Young Vic, Pearl gives us an unfiltered look into what it really takes to inhabit Kane's nightmarish world. Having described her time performing Sarah Kane's Crave at the Sheffield Crucible as like "going to war," she breaks down why the themes of the show resonate with her so deeply and why her work is more important than ever. Pearl also gives us an insight into her working relationship with Rebecca Frecknall and why the Almeida Theatre continues to draw in such a loyal audience. In our new interview with Pearl Chanda, we hear her talk about taking on roles like Hedda Gabler as well as the likes of Mae in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Stephanie Rahn in Ink. Amidst her booming screen career in hit projects like I May Destroy You, See How They Run, and Mary & George, Pearl explains why she keeps returning to the wonderful and terrifying world of theatre. She tells us about her love for working with great actors and with great directors, experiences that still happens a lot in the theatre world. As she prepares to open Cleansed, she tells us about the excitement around tackling on a historically challenging piece that she hopes will still have the same potency as it did when the show first opened at the Royal Court Theatre. Cleansed runs at Almeida Theatre on 21 July - 29 August.

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  • S14 · E7
    June 26 · 30 min

    Christine Lahti: Reclaiming the Narrative

    Send us Fan Mail Ahead of her highly anticipated London stage debut at the Marylebone Theatre, Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning actor Christine Lahti sat down for a profoundly intimate conversation with us. In her new solo play, The Smile of Her, she strips away the immaculate veneer of 1950s American suburban mythology to confront the suffocating "silences" of her childhood. We explore the psychological architecture of bringing such an achingly personal piece across the Atlantic—treating the play’s titular "smile" not merely as a coping mechanism, but as a weapon of survival and a dramatic puzzle waiting to be unlocked on stage. In a very special interview, Christine Lahti reflects on her evolution from pioneering modern television drama in Chicago Hope to making her way onto the Marylebone Theatre stage. Christine opens up about the dark moments of her childhood and aggressive patriarchy that still haunts her today. Indeed, she tells us about the internalised misogyny that she's still confronting today. Our conversation captures a legendary artist refusing to let Hollywood or history edit her past as she finally reclaims authorship over her own life. The Smile of Her runs at Marylebone Theatre from 10th July - 29th August 2026.

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  • S14 · E6
    June 7 · 31 min

    Chris Walley: Mastering a Performance

    Send us Fan Mail As Rajiv Joseph's Archduke prepares to open at the Royal Court Theatre, Olivier Award winner Chris Walley sat down with us for an intimate discussion on his craft and his upcoming return to the stage. The show looks at key events and the lives of those involved in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. We hear Chris talk about the biting humour in Rajiv Joseph's script and the vigour required working in Lyndsey Turner's rehearsal room. Indeed, the upcoming production assembles together a top tier cast and creative team that includes legendary designer Es Devlin, costumes from Evie Gurney and actors Janice Connolly and Marc Wooton. In this new interview with Chris Walley, we hear him talk about his love for theatre and performing on stage. We hear him reflect on his recent stage successes such as Orphans - a play he'd been yearning to do since his teenage years. Indeed his recent stage ventures has seen him star in some of the most memorable productions of recent years including Juno and the Paycock opposite Mark Rylance and of course the towering Portia Coughlan at the Almeida Theatre, starring opposite Alison Oliver. It's a fascinating insight into one of the most exciting actors on the theatre scene right now and it will be fascinating to see what Chris Walley does next in the years to come. Archduke runs at Royal Court Theatre from 20 June - 25 July.

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  • S14 · E5
    May 31 · 30 min

    Ellen Thomas: Deconstructing Identity and Power

    Send us Fan Mail Ahead of her highly anticipated return to the Kiln Theatre following her debut at the RSC’s The Other Place, the indomitable Ellen Thomas sat down with us to discuss her powerhouse role as Pearl in the world premiere of Martina Laird’s Driftwood. Ellen delves into the psychological weight and socio-political gravity of portraying a fierce matriarch running a downtown gentlemen’s club on the precipice of Trinidadian independence. We hear her reflect on the delicate art of unearthing fragments of vulnerability within Justin Audibert’s atmospheric direction. Our conversation explores her process of physical and linguistic discovery in the rehearsal room, unpacking how the specific cadences of 1950s Trinidadian English serve as vital tools of resistance, identity, and raw survival in a shifting world. In this captivating new interview, Ellen Thomas offers an introspective look at a legendary career that masterfully bridges the worlds of television mechanics and rigorous stagecraft. We also revisit her recent, triumphant turn on the very same Kiln stage in Zadie Smith’s The Wife of Willesden, which also gave her an opportunity to showcase her ability to play strong, powerful and complex women. What follows is a warm and personal exploration of a powerful actress reflecting on her deep structural history with the Kiln, the changing landscape of British co-productions, and the enduring magic of theatre that dares to challenge who holds power. Driftwood runs at Kiln Theatre from 4 June - 4 July.

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  • S14 · E4
    May 15 · 31 min

    Amara Okereke: Unleashing the Ingenue

    Send us Fan Mail After nearly a decade since her West End debut in Les Miserables, Amara Okereke has solidified her standing as one of the most exciting performers of her generation. Now making her RSC debut, Amara sat down with us to talk about taking on the role of Ariel opposite Kenneth Branagh's Prospero in Sir Richard Eyre's new production of The Tempest. Having already played some of the UK's most prestigious and largest stages including the London Coliseum, Sheffield Crucible and Chichester Festival Theatre, Amara tells us about adapting to playing larger houses as she prepares to tackle the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. In this new interview with Amara Okereke, we talk about her transition from musical theatre to straight plays and her ongoing evolution as a performer. After playing some of the most coveted roles like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Laurey in Oklahoma!, Amara has since taken on roles like Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire and took on the lead role in Pulse at the King's Head Theatre. We hear her talk about her desire to keep exploring new characters that challenge her as she continues to evolve as a performer and as a person. She tells us about the mentor / muse relationship between Prospero and Ariel before also sharing her admiration for career role models she's worked with like Janie Dee and Elena Shaddow. Our conversations offers a candid look at the craft of an actress who refuses to be pigeonholed, offering a masterclass in staying authentic while stepping into the formidable weight of a theatrical legacy. The Tempest runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 20 June.

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  • S14 · E3
    May 8 · 29 min

    Arthur Boan: The Stillness in the Storm

    Send us Fan Mail After leaving Canada for the UK, Arthur Boan has worked steadily through some of the most acclaimed production in recent years on stage. For our latest interview, Arthur Boan joined us to unpack how he tapped into Chief Bromdon in Clint Dyer’s electric revival of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. We dive into the challenge of playing a silent giant where his most powerful lines are the ones he never actually says. We talk about Clint Dyer's reimagining of Dale Wasserman's play based on Ken Kesey's own classic novel and how they wanted to tackle themes like colonialism and abuse of power. In an exciting new interview, Arthur Boan opens up about navigating the 360-degree exposure of performing in the round and what it’s like sharing the floor with powerhouses like Aaron Pierre, Giles Terera and Olivia Williams. Arthur also shares his insight into the responsibility of reimagining classic stories like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Oklahoma. Indeed, he worked closely with director Daniel Fish on both the multi-award winning revival of Oklahoma and on a radical reimagining of Elektra starring Brie Larson. We hear him talk about the challenges of being an understudy as well now that he's playing in the main cast of a major new production, starring opposite top-tier actors in his own right. It’s a deep, honest look at a performer who is proving that in a world full of noise, the quietest person in the room can sometimes have the most to say. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest runs at Old Vic Theatre until 23rd May.

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  • S14 · E2
    April 17 · 41 min

    Elliot Cowan: An Actor's Actor

    Send us Fan Mail As Marylebone Theatre prepares to open a seminal revival of Arthur Miller's The Price, Elliot Cowan sat down with us to talk about taking on the role of Victor Franz, a man grappling with the physical and emotional debris of a family estate. As a veteran of the stage, he's become known for his ability to inhabit characters defined by internal conflict. Indeed his career has seen him move seamlessly between the physical demands of the stage and the precise requirements of screen acting. The new production at Marylebone reunites him with director Jonathan Munby and serves as a testament to Elliot's versatility, placing him at the heart of a timely exploration of sacrifice, duty, and the American Dream within an intimate performance space. In this brand new interview, Elliot Cowan opens up about the changing environment for actors and the psychological toll of the actor’s craft. We talked about his role as Victor Franz very much mirrors his own life right now as he approaches 50 and how he himself feels has paid "the price" for longevity in this industry. Our conversation also addressed contemporary challenges facing actors in 2026 as demands on actors continue to shift and evolve. We also reflected on his role as the title character in Macbeth, starring opposite Laura Rogers and how he learned to play to a theatre like The Globe. Indeed, we also delved into his early training as he notes both Laura and John Hopkins who he stars alongside in The Price all trained at RADA around the same time. We learn what has stayed with him since those early years and how he continues to cross paths with peers decades into his career. The Price runs at Marylebone Theatre from 17th April - 7 June.

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  • S14 · E1
    April 8 · 24 min

    Paul Hilton: The Sanctity of Theatre

    Send us Fan Mail Ahead of his return to the Donmar Warehouse for the first time since 2010’s Polar Bears, multi-award-winning actor Paul Hilton sits down to discuss his role as Richard in the world premiere of Fran Kranz’s Mass. Paul delves into the psychological weight of portraying a father navigating the devastating aftermath of a school shooting under the visceral direction of Carrie Cracknell. We hear him reflect on the unique technical demands of the Donmar’s intimate space, inviting the audience in to join a high stakes meeting in a church basement. Our conversation explored his process of physical discovery in the rehearsal room and the challenge of finding "play" and lightness within such profound human tragedy. In this new interview, Paul Hilton offers a rare, introspective look at a career that has led younger peers to describe him as one of the greatest actors of our generation. We revisit his transformative time sharing the role of Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie with our former guest Tom Glynn-Carney and his recent, acclaimed transition between Ibsen’s moral pillars, Father Manders and Peter Stockmann. With his own son Kasper Hilton-Hille now following in his theatrical footsteps, Paul shares his reflections on mentorship, the evolving nature of the industry, and why the theatre continues to act as a sacred space for him and his family. We are treated to a warm and deeply personal exploration of a master craftsman as he continues to challenge the boundaries of contemporary theatre. Mass runs at Donmar Warehouse from 18 April - 6 June 2026.

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  • S13 · E10
    March 22 · 37 min

    Gracie McGonigal: Defying the Industry Standard

    Send us Fan Mail Since her debut, West End rising star Gracie McGonigal has gone from strength to strength and is now in the centre of the world's attention on screen, with her milestone casting as Hazel in the fourth season of Netflix’s 'Bridgerton'. We hear her reflect on the significance of the role, noting the production's inclusive approach to disability. This television debut marks a pivotal shift in her career, offering a broader platform for her advocacy for authentic representation within the entertainment industry. During our interview with Gracie McGonigal, we explored her theatrical roots, as she continues her run as Red Riding Hood in the Bridge Theatre’s acclaimed revival of Into the Woods. We also discussed her earlier work as Susanna Walcott in the National Theatre’s production of The Crucible and her relationship with director Lindsay Turner who she recently reunited with on The Little Foxes. Gracie reflected on the technical contrasts between the rigorous, repetitive nature of live theatre and the fast-paced, intuitive demands of a major television set. Throughout the interview, she emphasized that while she is an advocate for disabled performers, her primary goal remains the pursuit of complex, diverse roles that challenge traditional industry casting standards.

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  • S13 · E9
    March 15 · 35 min

    Stuart Thompson: The Power of Sad Young Men

    Send us Fan Mail Ahead of his return to Southwark Playhouse, multi-award winning actor Stuart Thompson sat down to discuss the world premiere of Theo Jamieson's new musical: Flyby. Stuart delves into the psychological complexities of his character, Daniel—an engineer and astronaut discovering himself in a cosmic world. He shares with us his initial reactions to the wondrous material as he returns to the world of musical theatre following on from his award-winning performance in Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre. We hear him talk about the different demands and expectations of doing a musical compared to doing a play as he prepares to take the stage opposite the likes of veteran actress Gina Beck and Poppy Gilbert. In this very special interview, Stuart Thompson opens up about his rapid ascent in the industry, from his stage debut in A Taste of Honey to winning the Jack Tinker Award for "Most Promising Newcomer" at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Stuart offers an introspective look at his conscious choices to play tragic figures, reflecting on his visceral performance as Osvald in the candlelit Ghosts at Sam Wannamaker Playhouse and his portrayal of Edmund in the affecting drama Romans. We hear him talk about the reaffirming nature of these roles which have helped further shape his worldview and deepen his capacity for empathy as both a human and as an actor. We reflect on these roles together and celebrate the magic of the theatre which continues to challenge and enthral him as an actor as he looks forward to new experiences as a performer. Flyby runs at Southwark Playhouse from 3 April - 16 May 2026.

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  • S13 · E8
    February 22 · 37 min

    Laurie Kynaston: An Evolving Actor

    Send us Fan Mail After the recent opening of Man and Boy in the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, Laurie Kynaston sat down with us to talk about this rare revival, working with director Anthony Lau on this new production and sharing the stage with acting legends Ben Daniels and Malcolm Sinclair. Our discussion delves into the contemporary revival of Terence Rattigan’s plays and the reasons his character-driven stories remain relevant to modern audiences. Laurie himself made his debut in another Rattigan play: The Winslow Boy and tells us about the full-circle elements of his turn in this latest project. details the history of Man and Boy, noting its initial lack of success , and describes his first impressions of the script and the character of Basil Anthony. The conversation also addresses the technical challenges of performing in the round and the spatial awareness required to remain visible to a surrounding audience. Additionally, the interview examines Kynaston's history of portraying strained father-son dynamics , covering the emotional weight of The Son and the logistical process of joining the cast of Long Day’s Journey Into Night on short notice. In our new interview with Laurie Kynaston, he shares his personal outlook on the industry and reflections on his career progression. He addresses the socio-economic barriers currently facing the theatre, specifically the issues of rising ticket prices and classism. We hear him reflect on his own beginnings at Theatr Clwyd in North Wales, while expressing concern that potential audiences are being priced out of the arts. As he transitions into more prominent leading roles, he shares his optimism about the future as well as his gratitude to being welcomed in certain circles in the theatre world. It's a truly endearing conversation and as Laurie continues through his 30s, we look forward to seeing his shift from younger male parts to mature roles that reflect his already wise worldview. Man and Boy runs at Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre until 14 March.

  • S13 · E7
    February 8 · 27 min

    Dino Fetscher: The Light and the Weight of the Queer Experience

    Send us Fan Mail In this new interview, we sat down with the luminous Dino Fetscher as he continues his run in Oh, Mary! in the West End. Following his Olivier-nominated turn as Felix Turner in the National Theatre’s devastating revival of The Normal Heart, Dino has returned to the stage in a role that is as chaotic as it is brilliant: playing Mary Todd Lincoln's Teacher in Cole Escola’s subversive smash hit. The show has been received heartily by critics and audiences alike, with laughter erupting from the Trafalgar Theatre every night. In the show, he stars opposite Mason Alexander Park as Mary Todd Lincoln and Giles Terera as Abraham Lincoln. In a heartfelt conversation with us, Dino Fetscher opened about his journey from breakout star in Cucumber and Banana to becoming one of the most visible openly gay actors of his generation. We hear him talk about the transformative experience of playing Felix Turner in The Normal Heart where he describes the characters and those lost in the AIDS epidemic as being like "ancestors" - all part of a chosen family of LGBTQ+ individuals. With LGBTQ stories slowly becoming more mainstream, Dino also tells us about the importance of using anger in the right way to encourage positive change for the community. It's a truly endearing conversation and we look forward to seeing Dino continue to thrive as an actor and advocate.

  • S13 · E6
    January 23 · 31 min

    Oli Higginson: The Evolution of a Modern Leading Man

    Send us Fan Mail Over the last few years, Oli Higginson has proved himself to be a real force on both stage and screen, starring in major revivals of The Last 5 Years, Measure For Measure and won the Ian Charleson Award for his Cassio in Othello. Now he returns to the world of musical theatre in the Almeida Theatre's revival of American Psycho the Musical, taking on the role of Timothy Price in what will be Rupert Goold's last directing outing at the theatre as Artistic Director. Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's adaptation of Bret Easton-Ellis' novel won huge acclaim during its 2012-13 run at the Almeida and is returning at a time that feels more relevant than ever. In this brand new interview with Oli Higginson, he sits down to share his insights into a career that has taken him from Southwark Playhouse to the West End to the world of Bridgerton. In recent months, we have also seen the emergence of Modern Oli, a musician exploring themes of love, childhood and overcoming challenges. As an actor though, Oli remains committed to giving audiences memorable characters and exploring a range of shows - both classics and contemporary pieces. There's always a rich authenticity to his performances and it looks like he'll continue to be a strong presence on stage in the years to come. As American Psycho prepares to open, audiences can again look forward to his detailed and sensitive acting, but also gorgeous vocals that made him a star to watch out for in the musical theatre world. American Psycho runs at the Almeida Theatre from 30 January - 14 March.

  • S13 · E5
    January 19 · 22 min

    Holly Godliman: Confidence, Curiosity, and Chloë Coverly

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sat down with the luminous Holly Godliman as she prepares to take the stage at the Old Vic in Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece, Arcadia. As the production approaches its February 4th opening, Holly delves into the "brilliant machinery" of Stoppard’s writing and her role as the spirited Chloë Coverly—the modern-day character who famously suggests that sex is the one force capable of upsetting Newton’s deterministic universe. From the technical rigors of mastering chaos theory dialogue to the unique energy of performing "in the round" under Carrie Cracknell’s direction, Holly offers a rare, intellectual glimpse into the rehearsal room of what is widely considered the greatest play of the late 20th century. Beyond the gardens of Sidley Park, the conversation explores Holly’s meteoric rise following her "startlingly assured" professional debut in Doubt: A Parable. Carlos and Holly revisit the high-stakes atmosphere of that production in Bath, reflecting on the lessons she carried from acting alongside Maxine Peake into her current collaboration with friends like Isis Hainsworth. It is a warm, deeply personal exploration of an actress finding her footing on the world's most historic stages, balancing the disciplined curiosity of a researcher with the raw confidence of a natural-born performer.

  • S13 · E4
    January 14 · 28 min

    Rosie Sheehy: Championing “Misunderstood” Women

    Send us Fan Mail Over the last few years, Rosie Sheehy has established herself as a force to reckon with. Her latest role sees her making her Royal Court Theatre debut in Luke Norris' Guess How Much I Love You? The new play explores what it means to be in a long term relationship and the difficult choices that come with being in love. She'll be starring opposite Robert Aramayo and Lena Kaur, and we hear her talk affectionately about Luke's writing as well as Jeremy Herrin's masterful direction. Having previously performed at the Old Vic, the National Theatre and the RSC, we hear Rosie share her excitement at being at the Royal Court to debut what is expected to be a searing drama from Luke Norris. In this brand new interview, Rosie Sheehy discusses with us how she balances the light and shade in all her roles and how it's been a joy to develop her character in Guess How Much I Love You? We talk about her Port Talbot roots and look back on some of her recent roles such as her Olivier Award nominated performance as the young woman in Machinal and her heartbreaking role as Julie in Gary Owen's Romeo and Julie. During our conversation, we also talk about Oleanna and her recent reunion with Harry Lighton on his acclaimed new film: Pillion. During our conversation, Rosie tells us how a lot of these dark stories are often still about love and how it can be presented in so many different forms. It's a fascinating conversation as she prepares to begin performances for her latest project which is expected to be another emotional ride. Guess How Much I Love You? runs at the Royal Court Theatre from 16 January - 21 February.

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