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23 Mar 2022
Episode 1: It's 'The Birds and the Bees' show time - talking to James McDermott and the full cast; Laura Doddington, Richard McIver, Louise Gold and Siôn Tudor Owen
00:50:48
Welcome back to the New Wolsey Theatre podcast - Season 2 - Episode 1!
In this brand-new season we take you right into the heart of our theatre - on stage, backstage, front of house and everywhere in between!
This episode is all about The Birds and the Bees - a hilarious romantic comedy play, set in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. We talk to James McDermott, playwright, scriptwriter and poet who provided additional material to relocate the story of the play (originally set in Canada and written by Mark Crawford). We also talk to the immensely talented and entertaining cast: Laura Doddington, Richard McIver, Louise Gold and Siôn Tudor Owen.
Discover how James 'Anglified' the play to be based around Norfolk, and meet all the cast as they talk about the show and how they relate to their stage characters as well as some behind the scenes chats and reveals!
'The Birds and the Bees' is directed by Peter Rowe and is a co-production between the New Wolsey Theatre, Norwich Theatre, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and John Stalker Productions.
Performance Dates at The New Wolsey: Auditorium performances (including selected performances with captioning, BSL and Audio Description):
Livestream Performances (including selected performances with captioning, BSL and Audio Description):
Thu 7 Apr 7.45 pm, Fri 7.45 pm, Sat 2.30 pm and Sat 7.45 pm – BOOK HERE
You can also book tickets by calling the box office on 01473 295900 between 10 am and 6 pm. If you prefer to buy tickets in person we are open between 10 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
'The Birds and the Bees' will also be showing at Norwich Theatre and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds at later dates. Please check their websites for dates and booking information.
You’re very welcome to ask us questions which we can answer for you in a future episode or give us your feedback about this or any other episode. Email: shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Episode 2: CREATIVE COMMUNITIES - Discover how to get involved with us. We talk to Tony Casement and Rachel Fitzgerald
00:20:45
This podcast episode is all about Creative Communities at the New Wolsey Theatre, a place where everyone is given the opportunity to participate in, engage with, and discover the arts, and even potentially learn the best ways to make their passion in the arts a career.
We chat to Head of Creative Communities, Tony Casement, and Creative Communities Projects Producer, Rachel Fitzgerald about what their work involves, and about all of the things Creative Communities has to offer, such as various youth theatre groups, the new NW2 accessible space, upcoming projects, and some exciting things coming up in summer!
We also spoke to them about how they came to be in their roles, with Rachel reflecting on how much of an impact her youth theatre had on her when she was younger - “I grew up in Clacton, and there wasn't massive amounts for young people to do there. But what I did do was join a youth theatre when I was younger, and that really gave me a space to be myself and meet people outside of school. And that really ignited my passion for performing arts. And that sent me off in my career.”
Thank you to Larking Gowan who help support Creative Communities at the New Wolsey Theatre
You’re very welcome to ask us questions which we can answer for you in a future episode or give us your feedback about this or any other episode. Email: shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Episode 3: The fabulous cast of Burke & Hare take us behind the scenes of this 'joyous' and 'murderous' comedy! Feat: James Mack, Hayden Wood and Josie Dunn
00:29:44
Hold onto your hats - or all 31 of them actually! Yes - there are 31 characters in this outrageously funny show and all of them played by the sensational trio: actor-musicians James Mack, Hayden Wood and Josie Dunn.
Hosts, Katharine and Jack, dig deep behind the scenes of the 'Burke & Hare' rehearsals to find out more about the show, the characters and the glorious songs that make up this 'joyous' and 'murderous' play. The cast talk about the real Burke & Hare days and how the brilliant writing of Tom Wentworth and direction from Abigail Pickard Price have transformed a macabre true story into a full-on laugh-out-loud comedy which recounts the tale of those notorious serial murderers!
The cast talk about their favourite parts of the show, they also play some of the music from the show - live! AND don't miss James, Hayden and Josie talking about the first time they ever stepped on the stage - for one of them a star was literally born!
The fun of 'Burke & Hare' is being in the theatre - watching this talented cast (and seriously organised stage management team) take on the challenge of playing numerous characters, with different hats and costumes as well as a plethora of different dialects - it's all part of the fun.
'Burke & Hare' is on at the New Wolsey from 6 May till 21 May and is the highlight of the season - we urge you not to miss this one!
Book your tickets for the auditorium HERE Or if you prefer to watch from home, book your livestream ticket HERE
Thank you to James, Hayden and Josie for making this such a fun and brilliant episode!
If you'd like to ask questions for future guests or would like to know more about the New Wolsey through this podcast, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you. Email: shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Episode 4: It's Party Week at the New Wolsey! Tony and Sally reveal the full line-up of entertainment starting from 25th May.
00:22:21
In this episode, Tony Casement, Head of Creative Communities and Sally Jones, Theatre Manager chat to us about Party Week taking place from 25th May - 31st May at the New Wolsey Theatre.
Celebrations begin on Wednesday 25th May with live music from Rush - A Joyous Jamaican Journey which is a hugely entertaining and informative show, taking us through the story of reggae music and the Windrush Generation.
On Thursday 26th May, it's the chaotic cabaret cult of An Evening Without Kate Bush, and on Friday 27th May, Ronnie Scotts bring us Claire Martin & Ian Shaw, as they present A Century of British Song.
Saturday is a day of celebration which starts at 10:30am, with Palaver Party for kids, and straight after that we open up the Theatre Square for The Big Picnic - from 12:30-2:30pm. The Big Picnic is a celebration of the coming together of our local communities where we will tip our hats towards the Platinum Jubilee. There'll be spreads of food, live music, street theatre, magic, arts and crafts and face-painting. The Big Picnic is a free event, so please bring your friends and family!
Sunday afternoon at 2pm brings us the family show Punk Alley, which is an original, vibrant and fun punk-rock show (BSL with partial captioning). Sunday night brings us the Comedy Store Stand-Up, which is strictly 18+ and this special Party Week closes on 31st May, with two performances from Oily Cart, presenting Sound Symphony - this is a playful journey through music, sound and silence; highly interactive and sensory, made especially for autistic people. A relaxed performances for ages 8+.
If you'd like to book any of our ticketed events, please visit our website HERE
Thank you to Tony and Sally for making this such an interesting episode!
If you'd like to ask questions for future guests or would like to know more about the New Wolsey through this podcast, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you. Email: shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Episode 5: Mr P (David Phillips), Head of Production & Facilities at the New Wolsey, takes us through everything he does within his role!
00:25:01
In this episode, Mr P, Head of Production & Facilities at the New Wolsey Theatre, talks to us about his job and what he, and his team, do here at The New Wolsey!
He gives us an insight into how he first started working in the theatre industry, including a very interesting story about something from his first ever theatre.
Mr P talks about navigating COVID-19, and specifically about how the New Wolsey adopted an approach to accommodate everyone with the continuation of livestreaming as lockdown and restrictions have eased.
Mr P also chats to us about the New Wolsey's recent win for 'Best Digital Pantomime' from the UK Pantomime Awards for 'Jack and the Beanstalk',. As well as a couple of very funny stories throughout his career, Mr P recounts a pantomime a few years ago that used real horses in the show - and ..... listen in to what happened next!
Thank you to Mr P for giving us your time to make a really interesting podcast episode about a side of theatre that often goes unspoken about!
If you'd like to ask questions for future guests or would like to know more about the New Wolsey through this podcast, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you. Email: shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
If you'd like to book any of our ticketed events, please visit our website HERE
Episode 6: Sarah Holmes, Chief Executive of the New Wolsey, reflects on more than 22 incredible years at the helm!
00:41:46
In this episode we sit down with our outgoing Chief Executive, Sarah Holmes, to chat about her incredible 22 years in charge at the New Wolsey Theatre.
Sarah chats about why she's made the decision to leave now, after steering the theatre through the pandemic, as well as talking a little bit about Doug Rintoul, the incoming Chief Executive, how she knows him, and how she knows we're in good hands going forward.
Sarah also talks about her journey through her 22 years of leadership, as well as how it almost didn't start at all! She lets us into the challenges of taking over a theatre that had seemingly closed its doors for good, and how she helped it find its place back at the heart of the Ipswich community.
Ramps on the Moon has been just one of the major successes of Sarah's time at the New Wolsey, and she talks a bit more in detail about that and about the next phase of its journey.
Sarah gives us some interesting stories about things that have gone wrong, or 'not as planned' (as she puts it) as well as what's in store for her in the future.
A huge thank you to Sarah for giving us the time for this amazing look back at an incredible period of time for the New Wolsey Theatre.
If you'd like to ask questions for future guests or would like to know more about the New Wolsey through this podcast, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you. Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tickets on sale now for our big shows of the season: KINKY BOOTS and GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: ROCK 'N' ROLL PANTO To view our full summer and autumn programmes, please click HERE
Episode 7: Pete Hazelwood and Jake Barinov talk to us about livestreaming, their roles in our last rock 'n' roll pantomime, and how they helped us win 'Best Digital Pantomime' at this year's UK Pantomime Association Awards!
00:53:10
In this episode we talk to Pete Hazelwood and Jake Barinov about livestreaming, the huge amount of hard work they put into making Jack and the Beanstalk - an incredible experience not only in the auditorium but for people watching at home too - and how it feels to have played such a big part in our recent Best Digital Pantomime Award win at this year's UK Pantomime Association awards ceremony.
They tell us how they came to know each other, before they really got to know each other during some 80 hour weeks throughout our last rock 'n' roll pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
They talk about their passion for creating the best work they possibly can, and paying attention to the small details that audience members might not even notice during a show! It's this dedication that helped us to win the Best Digital Pantomime Award this year, and they chat to us about how it feels to be recognised for the blood, sweat and tears they put into creating large parts of that show.
Listen out for some hilarious 'Easter eggs' that you may have missed whilst watching the pantomime, as well as some really interesting ideas Jake has for theatre experiences in the future...
Thank you to Pete and Jake for giving us their time (our longest episode so far this series!) to record such an interesting podcast! If you'd like to check out some more of the work that Pete does with another colleague, visit their Warehouse Digital website or give them a follow on Instagram.
If you'd like to ask questions for future guests or would like to know more about the New Wolsey through this podcast, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you. Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tickets on sale now for our big shows of the season: KINKY BOOTS and GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: ROCK 'N' ROLL PANTO To view our full summer and autumn programmes, please click HERE
Episode 8: Tony Casement chats to us about all of the exciting events, performances and rehearsed readings coming up as part of our Writers' Week programme!
00:13:18
In this episode, Tony Casement, Head of Creative Communities at the New Wolsey Theatre, chats to us about Writers' Week!
From Monday 20th to Saturday 25th June is 'Writers' Week,' a programme of events celebrating new ideas, new inspirations and new creative writing. Events are ticketed, with most of them free of charge. There will also be the opportunity for you to donateto the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Inspired by the true story of the hosts of Afghanistan's first pop music station, this bold new play combines a hard-hitting examination of the complex, contradictory political events of the early 2000s with an irreverent, playful love of the pop bangers of the period.
The popular Wolsey Writers Café moves into the evening, adding wine and snacks. Listen to like-minded people sharing their flash fiction, spoken word and short stories.
Four short pieces of work selected as part of the ‘Ephemeral’ project will be performed as a book-in-hand reading by the New Wolsey’s resident Writers' Week Company of professional actors. See some of the best of local writing here first!
Sadie Clark’s as-yet untitled piece explores Queer identity in rural communities, farming and climate anxiety. Luke Wright’s Letter From The Future, commissioned by HighTide, is a snapshot from twenty years’ time, as a son questions his father as to why he was brought into a world of Boris, Brexit and the global pandemic. Yaz Zadeh - HighTide Associate Artist - and Mary Malone present Two Figures - part movement, part new writing - in a new work-in-progress exploring rituals, bacon and humanising trans bodies.
From the producer of the 2019 PULSE Festival hit joey comes a wildly inventive disability-led solo theatre show about hearts & heartlessness – spiralling out of our heart-attacks as ‘side-effects’ of antipsychotic medication, with love-h
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 9: Sweeney Todd is coming next week! We talk to Owen Berry from IODS about the show.
00:11:19
In this episode, Owen Berry from the Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society (IODS) talks to us about their latest show, Sweeney Todd, which is coming to the New Wolsey from 29th June to 2nd July!
He chats to us about how the show and how it came about, how they navigated their way through COVID and are almost ready for the stage a few years later than planned, and how rehearsals are going.
We spoke a bit more in-depth about IODS, what his role within the society is, and about some of the trickier sides to putting on a a production of this scale, such as casting the show and organising rehearsals for a cast of 40!
Thank you to Owen from IODS for a fantastic episode, and as always to Podtalk.co.uk for the production of this podcast.
If you'd like to ask questions for future guests or would like to know more about the New Wolsey through this podcast, please get in touch - we'd love to hear from you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tickets on sale now for our big shows of the season:
Episode 11 - 'Much Ado About Nothing' is coming to the New Wolsey – Heidi Bernhard-Bubb from the Ormiston Sudbury Academy talks to us about putting this huge project together!
00:11:25
Heidi Bernhard-Bubb from Ormiston Sudbury Academy chats to us all about the the upcoming 'Playmaking Festival' in which many schools will come together to put on a production of Much Ado About Nothing!
We spoke about what the Playmaking Festival is and what her role is within the Royal Shakespeare Company's schools programme, and how this year's show is shaping up.
Heidi also shares her view on Shakespeare, including her really interesting opinion on how to truly appreciate the famous playwright's work!
We talked about the impact the experience has on the children involved in the production, as well as all of the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the kids entertained and focused.
Thank you to Heidi for giving us her time to record this podcast!
You're all welcome to get involved with The New Wolsey Theatre podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 12: Pete Rowe looks back on his incredible time as the New Wolsey's Artistic Director, and gives us a sneak peek at some shows coming up!
00:29:26
The New Wolsey's outgoing Artistic Director Peter Rowe sat down with us to reflect on an incredible 22 years with us!
Pete leads us through how his career began, and how his early work inspired some of the unforgettable work created at our theatre, including the rise of actor-musician shows, as well as the birth of our famous rock 'n' roll pantomimes.
We talk about his creative process for the pantos, discussing how the stories get chosen, how the script in all it's rhyming glory is formed, and how he puts together the memorable set lists for each script.
We speak about what's next for him, including an intriguing road trip across Europe in a VW bus, before we get onto the topic of the two shows that he's penned in to direct later this year - Trio and Goldilocks and the Three Bears... including a sneak preview of a handful of the songs from Trio!
Thank you to Pete for joining us on this episode, as well as of course being at the helm of so many productions here at the New Wolsey over the years!
You're all welcome to get involved with The New Wolsey Theatre podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 13 - We chat to Wardrobe Supervisor Margaret Lock all about her role within theatre, including designing, creating, and making those amazing Dame costumes you see on our stage!
00:25:14
Wardrobe Supervisor Margaret Lock chats to us about everything she does within her role, in a side of theatre you don't hear so much about!
We talk about how her career started, and how it's grown over the years, but also about how there are some people from the very start who she still works with now.
She speaks about the whole process of creating a costume, from the conception of an idea, to designing, to sourcing all of the materials and then finally putting it all together. Internet shopping has become the norm in modern times, but it definitely doesn't help when buying fabrics!
We chatted about work she's recently been doing, including one huge event this year, as well as what's coming up for her in the rest of the year, such as Trio and Goldilocks and the Three Bears here with us at the New Wolsey.
Listen out too for the one piece of costume that Margaret loves doing so much that she can never delegate to someone else!
A huge thank you to Margaret for making this podcast with us, we had such a great time recording and learning more about the huge role herself and others in her field have when making theatre.
You're all welcome to get involved with The New Wolsey Theatre podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 14: Talking to award-winning Theatre Set and Costume Designer - Cleo Pettitt!
00:21:56
In this episode of the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast, award-winning Set & Costume Designer Cleo Pettitt tells us all about her role, how she got into the industry and a little about our upcoming pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which she's working on!
We chat about her global travels, how it's vital for her role to work closely with other departments within a theatre, and the importance of a model-box (a tiny version of the stage dressed as you want it to look for the actual show!).
Listen out for ingenious ways of keeping cast members cool in animal costumes, as well as some really interesting work she's recently been a part of, including for the Platinum Jubilee!
Thank you to Cleo for taking the time out of her busy schedule to speak to us!
You're all welcome to get involved with The New Wolsey Theatre podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 10: THE SOUND OF MUSIC is coming to the New Wolsey - Bridie Horne from the Children's Theatre Company tells all!
00:15:15
Bridie Horne from the Children's Theatre Company (CTC) chats to us about their brilliant company, CTC, and reveals all about the upcoming show at the New Wolsey, The Sound of Music!
We chat about the make-up of the company - the four different areas ranging from a part-time academy to full-time foundation course to prepare students for the next step in their careers.
Bridie talks about seeing the school through the pandemic (CTC were in just their first year when COVID struck!) and transitioning from online sharing of work, back to full-scale productions like this one coming up in July.
We chat about casting The Sound of Music, how rehearsals are going, and other fascinating topics - such as the need for role-sharing with young performers.
The Sound of Music opens at The New Wolsey Theatre on 7th July and runs for 4 shows, finishing on 9th. You can book your tickets here.
Thank you to Bridie for this fab interview during what is an incredibly busy schedule for you!
You're all welcome to get involved with The New Wolsey Theatre podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us - please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you! Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tickets on sale now for some shows that we think you'll really love this Autumn:
Episode 16: KINKY BOOTS CAST members Keanu, Aruhan and Matt give the inside scoop on rehearsals and lots more!
00:30:28
A truly joyous podcast episode!
It's us again from the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast, as we get all the latest from rehearsals with three of our amazing Kinky Boots cast members, Keanu Adolphus Johnson (he/him), playing Lola, Aruhan Galieva (she/her), playing Lauren, and Matt Corner (he/him), playing Charlie!
We chat about how rehearsals have been going so far (particularly during the recent heatwave!) and ask them about their most challenging and favourite moments.
Keanu talks to us about the importance of having characters such as Lola portrayed on stage and what it means to him personally, as well as what it could mean for others who come and see the show.
We chat more in-depth about the significance of the show and how it helps to continue conversations around equality and inclusion for all... and of course, we talk specifically about those BOOTS and how Keanu first felt when trying them on...... it's quite a moment!
All the cast and creative team have been so busy with rehearsals recently so we can't thank them enough forsparing Lola, Lauren and Charlie for some time to record this amazing episode!
Tickets on sale here for Kinky Boots at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (1st - 24th Sept) Tickets on sale here for Kinky Boots at Queen' s Theatre, Hornchurch (28th Sept - 22 Oct)
The show is based on the book by Harvey Fierstein with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth and presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 15: KINKY BOOTS Director, Tim Jackson, talks about his revival of this glorious musical
00:19:32
In episode 15 of the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast, we talk to the multi-talented Tim Jackson - artistic director of our upcoming show Kinky Boots !
We chat about his path to becoming a director, with stories of initially being an actor, working for free, a great deal of fringe theatre and taking guidance from Doug Rintoul - Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre.
We speak about the story of Kinky Boots and how, as a production for regional theatres, this one differs from previous West End versions.
Tim talks to us about the important messages of this iconic musical, what he wants audiences to take from it, and the value of perfecting the casting - listen out for the incredible timescale involved in finalising the team!
A huge thank you to Tim for giving up valuable time during rehearsals to record with us!
Tickets on sale here for Kinky Boots at the New Wolsey, Ipswich (1st - 24th Sept) Tickets on sale here for Kinky Boots at Queen' s Theatre, Hornchurch (28th Sept - 22 Oct)
The show is based on the book by Harvey Fierstein with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth and presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you! Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Episode 19: Douglas Rintoul, Chief Exec of New Wolsey Theatre - talks life, plans and aspirations
01:01:20
Getting to know Douglas Rintoul is easy! Listen to this fabulous candid podcast episode of us chatting with him about his life, career, his passions and his plans as the new leader of the New Wolsey Theatre.
Doug will be back soon with news of our Spring and Summer shows as well as a look at some his incredible achievements over the past 6 months.
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 17: Singer-songwriter Aimee Iris tells us all about her new single, 'Dancing on Tables'!
00:11:18
In this episode, we chat to Brighton-based singer-songwriter Aimee Iris about her latest single ('Dancing on Tables'), her background in performing, and where she's been singing throughout the summer!
We talk about her family connections in Ipswich and her connections to the New Wolsey Youth Theatre, as well as why she's now based in Brighton, and what's to come from her in the near future.
Listen out for a snippet from the song, as well as where to find Aimee online so you can listen to the full song and more of her work!
Thank you to Aimee for giving us her time to record this episode! If you have a connection to the New Wolsey Theatre and would like to record an episode with us, or if you have any questions you'd like to ask, please send us an email at jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 18: Chatting to the Director and Cast of 'The Lies You Tell' all about their show!
00:27:13
In episode 18 of the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast, we caught the brilliant director and cast of touring show The Lies You Tell on their lunch break for a quick chat about who they are, what the show is about, and the impact of taking theatre into schools!
This is a brand-new, joyful, music-filled play by award-winning writer Yolanda Mercy, commissioned by Suffolk County Council to support young people in understanding and prioritising their mental wellbeing after the last two years. It is presented by Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, the New Wolsey Theatre and HighTide.
T has moved from the city, making a fresh start. He's not ashamed of his mum, but he's not sure the other kids will understand. It's OK not to tell everyone the truth about everything, isn't it?
We talk about their theatre beginnings, featuring a hilarious story from Richard about his school crush, how they relate to the story of 'T' and the other characters in The Lies You Tell, and the effect on children that the story has, from what they've seen in the first leg of their tour.
The first leg was across Bury St. Edmunds, with the second being across Ipswich and the surrounding area. We spoke about what they all got up to over their summer break, how easy or difficult it is to pick the story and script back up after a hiatus, and what techniques they use to engage a more difficult audience in a school.
A huge thank you to Nathan, Afua, Jordan and Richard for recording this great episode with us!
If you have a connection to the New Wolsey Theatre and would like to record an episode with us, or if you have any questions you'd like to ask, please send us an email at jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 20: Bombay Superstar is coming! Here's the Director and some of the awesome cast talking about the show!
00:29:39
In this podcast episode we talk to the wonderful director Samir Bhamra as well as Nisha Aaliya, Pia Sutaria, Rav Moore and Robby Khela. . all part of a big and wonderful cast in Bombay Superstar!
It's the beginning of their incredible journey and they are already having the best fun! Find out about the roles they play, what they love about the show, their characters, the dancing, the music . . . and oh - those COSTUMES!
Bombay Superstar opens on Tuesday 1 November till Saturday 5 November. Watch the trailers, meet the full cast and creative team and buy your tickets HERE
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 21: Ramps on the Moon - Michèle Taylor MBE talks inclusion in theatre
00:30:33
In this podcast episode we talk to Michèle Taylor MBE, Director for Change from Ramps on the Moon, about accessibility, inclusion, and elevating the presence of deaf and disabled people within the centre of the work in theatres.
Whether it's backstage, on-stage or front of house, Michèle talks about the theatre industry still having a long way to go before it's fully accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Michèle talks about her work as Director for Change with Ramps on the Moon, what that role means and her involvement with Agents for Change across different theatres.
We talk about changing minds of those who perhaps are worried about finding things like captioning distracting, and how they can actually be a great inclusion for everyone and not just people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Michèle talks us through the differences between the social model of disability and the physical model of disability and how we can use the first to make sure that everyone is represented and accommodated for.
A huge thank you to Michèle for recording this episode with us, and we can't wait to record more episodes with her in the future!
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 22: It's show week - 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' is here!
00:53:50
In this podcast episode we talk to the incredible cast of Goldilocks and the Three Bears as well as sneaking in a quick chat with writer and director Pete Rowe!
The cast give us a little insight into who they are and the characters they're playing, as well as how rehearsals have been going!
We caught them at the very start of tech week as they begun prepping for the big opening later in the week - some of them had just seen the wonderful set by the incredibly talented Cleo Pettit for the first time so listen out for their reactions!
We talk slapstick, silliness and song-lists as well as finding out just what it's like being inside the camel costume, or dromedary, as it must be known in this script!
Stay tuned for some terrible Christmas cracker jokes, unpopular opinions on festive tunes and the big question that always comes around this time of year... is Die Hard a Christmas film?!
A huge thank you to Pete and the cast for giving us their time during a busy tech week to record this episode!
Book your Panto tickets HERE Book your Livestream Panto tickets HERE
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
We caught up with them in the middle of a double show day to find out how the show has been going so far, some secrets from backstage, and their favourite things about being in a panto!
We've got more (dreadful) Christmas cracker jokes too, as well as a little Christmas themed quiz for each of them - they definitely do not get competitive...
Thanks again to the cast for giving us their time to record with us!
Book your Panto tickets HERE. Book your Livestream Panto tickets HERE.
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
It's episode 24 of the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast and this time, we sit down and chat with different members of staff from all across the theatre about some of their standout moments of 2022!
We speak to people from various different teams, including Marketing, Relationships, Technical, Café & Bar and many more!
From specific one-nighters to our three-week run of Kinky Boots, learning about accessibility to winning awards and even staff coming into work during a snowstorm (the show really must go on!), we take a look back on so many things that have made it such a great year at the New Wolsey Theatre.
From all of us here, we wish you a happy and healthy Christmas, and an even better New Year!
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 25: Doug Rintoul on dark comedy play - DNA, and emerging talent from the region
00:21:19
Douglas Rintoul talks about the black comedy with a dark heart - DNA (written by Dennis Kelly) - or as The Guardian quotes "sharp shocker of a play cleverly piles on the twists, as guilt and madness work their poison on group dynamics".
Listen to Doug's fascinating views on this explosive play and how he is about to create a gripping show which hits the New Wolsey Stage from 2 - 9 Feb 2023.
He says: “DNA is a special project for the New Wolsey Theatre, it’s my first production as Chief Executive/Artistic Director, it’s a rare outing of this top-notch play from one of our greatest writers, but more importantly it celebrates the best of East Anglia’s emerging talent. If a regional theatre doesn’t support the growth of its local ecology then it will see the loss of more talent from the industry, now more than ever." DNA runs from 2 - 9 February 2023 - New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich For more information and to book click HERE or call the Box Office 01473 295900
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 26: Chatting to the hilarious Dave Hearn about 'The Time Machine'!
00:15:40
In this episode we managed to grab the hilarious Dave Hearn for a chat during rehearsals for The Time Machine!
We speak about his beginnings in comedy, specifically learning about improvisation, and of course about the world-famous theatre company he co-founded, Mischief Theatre, who are known for shows like The Play that Goes Wrong (West End/Broadway) and The Goes Wrong Show (BBC1).
Dave lets us in on some inside secrets of filming The Goes Wrong Show and how performing in a theatre compares to a TV set with a studio audience.
We talk about The Time Machine, which opens with us at the New Wolsey Theatre, why he chose to take on this role, and why you should come to see this extraordinary show...
Thank you to Dave for giving up his time to talk to us, and we wish the whole company the best for the rest of their rehearsals, as well as the tour! The Time Machine runs from Thu 23 Feb - Sat 4 Mar 2023 at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich.
The Time Machineis presented byOriginal Theatre Productions Ltdin association with New Wolsey Theatre. The UK tour starts on 23 February and runs through to 29 April. For the full tour please follow this linkHERE.
For more information and to book The Time Machine at the New Wolsey Theatre click HERE or call our Box Office 01473 295900.
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 27: Actor ROBERT DAWS chats about Wodehouse in Wonderland and his passion for PG Wodehouse
00:20:28
In this podcast episode we plunge into the literary world of PG Wodehouse with well-known actor, Robert Daws. Robert appeared in the TV series of Jeeves and Wooster as Tuppy Glossop and played Dr. Gordon Ormerod in the long-running ITV drama series The Royal– to name just two from a long, successful and highly acclaimed career.
Robert is an expert on the works of PG Wodehouse – and he tells the story of how he came to be touring with the show and what an incredible success the tour has been so far. He also talks about his passion for PG Wodehouse’s work – not just a writer, but a musician and lyricist – did you know he wrote the lyrics to Anything Goes (British Version?!)
‘Everyone should come to see the show, whether you love PG Wodehouse or not – it’s a great night out at the theatre, full of laughter and music.”
Thank you to Robert for such a great conversation – we can’t wait to see you at the New Wolsey Theatre soon!
Wodehouse in Wonderland is based on the life and writings of PG Wodehouse. William Humble’s play is set in the 1950s and takes us to the author's New York State home with songs by Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello.
The show is presented by Cahoots Theatre Company, written by William Humble by arrangement with the Wodehouse Estate.
Robert Dawes will be on the New Wolsey stage from Thursday 16 March to Saturday 18 March 2023 – tickets are on sale now right here
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 30: Luke Wright, British poet, chat about his show, The Remains of Logan Dankworth!
00:20:02
In this podcast episode we talk to British poet Luke Wright all about his show, The Remains of Logan Dankworth, which finally plays with us at the New Wolsey Theatre at the end of May, having been unfortunately postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic!
We chat about the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (including his dread of flyering!), and how this politically-themed play was received when he took it there before. We dive into the origins of this show, why he chooses to write his plays in verse, and how the show has changed over the last few years since he originally wrote it.
Thank you Luke for popping by to chat with us - we can't wait to see the show on our stage!
You can buy your ticket for The Remains of Logan Dankworth for as little as £12 by clicking HERE.
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast. You're all welcome to get involved - if you'd like to be a guest or ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch!
Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk (Podcast host and Marketing Assistant)
Episode 28: Paulus on Victoria Wood and his fabulous show 'Looking For Me Friend!'
00:21:10
Paulus, AKA The Cabaret Geek joins us for a chat about his fabulous new show - Looking For Me Friend.
The show, with 5 star reviews, is dedicated to legendary Victoria Wood with more than 20 of her songs from her incredible repertoire.
Paulus talks about his life long adoration for Vic, as he calls her. He never met her, although nearly did, and - well,... you can listen to the story - he tells it better than us!
Chatting from his home in London, and in the company of his cat, Paulus talks about the show in detail; what fans can expect, and how he and his colleague, have developed a perfect stage moment which captures so much of her talented songs and work..... Yes they'll be some of her much loved characters in there.
Looking For Me Friend is no tacky copy-cat act, Paulus let's loose the show's content through his own personality and style - and the combination of his humour and addictive delivery makes this show a stand-out - for everyone to enjoy - you definitely don't need to know about Victoria Wood to see this show - but we guess you will know an awful lot about her, and the awesome Paulus, when it's over!
★★★★ 'If you are a fan of Wood, or simply feel the need for some uplifting, live entertainment, then this is a must see.'
Thank you Paulus for a perfect 20 minutes of your time!
Book Looking For Me Friend at the New Wolsey Theatre here (7 March 2023): See the whole tourhere. (Runs across the UK till 20 May 2023)
You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch - we'd love to hear from you!
Episode 29: The Noël Coward Foundation on 'Brief Encounter' and Coward himself - The Master!
00:29:02
We're joined by Robert Hazle (Cultural Development Officer) and Ella Radley (Digital Marketing Officer) from The Noël Coward Foundationto chat about Coward and one of the best British Films ever made in the history of the big screen - Brief Encounter
We start with the world of Coward glimpsing at his life and work. Robert and Ella are full of fascinating facts and passion as they chat in depth about Coward and how his Brief Encounter, originally adapted from short play 'Still Life', emerged from his repertoire and why.
We discuss Brief Encounter, its phenomenal success as a cinematic piece and as a story of forbidden love as well as the the impact it had on its audiences then and now. Brief Encounter, they say, is still as relevant today as it was in the 40's. We also chat about Emma Rice's adaptation for the stage and how she transforms the film into another brilliant dimension.
Thank you Robert and Ella for your generous time!
Rice's dazzling musical adaptation of Coward's Brief Encounter is on tour in the UK from 31 March 2023. A New Wolsey Theatre and Wiltshire Creative production and in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Directed by Douglas Rintoul.
31 March - 22 April Wiltshire Creative, Salisbury Playhouse BOOK HERE 26 April - 13 May The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich BOOK HERE 16 May - 20 May Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford BOOK HERE 23 May - 27 May Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds BOOK HERE 31 May - 3 June The Northern Stage, Newcastle Upon Tyne BOOK HERE #BriefEncounter #NoelCoward #NoelCowardFoundation #Coward125 #podcast ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast. You're all welcome to get involved with the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast! If you'd like to be a guest or have a questions for us, please just get in touch. Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk (Podcast host and Marketing Assistant) Tickets are now on sale for all of our Spring 2023 season HERE Visit th
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 31: The benefits of theatre membership with long-term member David Walker
00:12:58
In this podcast episode David talks to Ellis Northrop and Lucy Mellamphy (Relationship Team at NWT) about why having a membership with the New Wolsey Theatre is so important to him.
David talks about his favourite moments, why he supports the theatre and what being a Director Circle member means to him personally.
Listen to David talk about his passion for theatre and why he will continue being a member for years to come.
Thank you David for a wonderful chat and we look forward to seeing you at the next show!
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast. You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch. Email: jparker@wolseytheatre.co.uk (Podcast host and Marketing Assistant)
All show tickets are on sale HERE Visit the New Wolsey Theatre websitehere. Thanks to our good friends at podtalk.co.uk for managing and producing our podcast.
Episode 32: Actors Keziah Joseph and Mofetoluwa Akande reveal the extraordinary true stories of hit show 'Family Tree'
00:15:05
"Possibly one of the most important untold stories in history!" West End Best Friend
Five star hit show 'Family Tree' was written by actor, playwright, director and producer Mojisola Adebayo and directed by theatre-maker and Olivier Award winner Matthew Xia (Actors Touring Company Theatre).
Actors Keziah Joseph and Mofetoluwa Akande give us a deep insight into this beautifully poetic and layered play, talking us through the storylines and reflecting on the life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks, one of the most influential Black women of modern times. Henrietta's cells were taken from her body, without her consent, and are still being used in scientific medical research today. Her cells have contributed to finding treatments for cancer, HIV, Covid19 and many more diseases.
Keziah and Mofetoluwa talk about how important this show is and what it means to them to be in such a thought-provoking and important piece . . . and why everyone should come and see this beautiful uplifting and hope-inspiring play.
Thank you to Keziah and Mofetoluwa for your time and wonderful energy during your busy run at the Nottingham Playhouse!
CAST Henrietta Lacks: Aminita Francis Ain/Anarcha/Oshun: Mofetoluwa Akande Bibi/Betsey: Keziah Joseph Lyn/Lucy: Aimée Powell Smoking Man: Alistair Hall
CREATIVE TEAM Playwright: Mojisola Adebayo Director: Matthew Xia Set & Costume Designer: Simon Kenny Lighting Designer: Simisola Majekodunmi Composer & Sound Designer: Francesca Amewudah-Rivers Movement Director: Diane Alison-Mitchell Associate Director: Amelia Thornber Costume Supervisor: Maybelle Laye Production Dramatherapist: Wabriya King Tour Casting Advisor: Matilda James CDG
PRODUCTION TEAM Production Manager: Matt Ledbury Company Stage Manager: James Boyer Smith Deputy Stage Manager: Eliott Sheppard Lighting Associate: Tom Lightbody Sound Associate: Clive Meldrum
Family Tree was commissioned by ATC and Young Vic Theatre, and produced as a work-in-development by ATC and Greenwich and Docklands International Festival in August 2021
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Ep 33: Why Youth Theatre is so important for young people and behind the scenes of their play 'Metamorphoses'
00:39:32
In this podcast episode we talk to Tony Casement, Head of Creative Communities and some of our brilliant young people from the Senior Youth Theatre - Kaycee Totten, Victoria Zietek, Leo Maynard, Jace Palmer, Fin Adams. Charlotte Cathcart and Joe Hullis.
The young company talk about why they first joined the youth theatre and what it means to them personally, the journey they have been on, and what they aspire to do in the future.
They also reveal a couple of highlights from their forthcoming show, Metamorphoses, and talk about the how the show is a retelling of stories we probably know so well - but how timeless they are and still 100% relevant today.
Joe Hullis comments "It's the thrill of storytelling. Our generation has a lot to say and this can be transformed onto the stage through this play".
Ep 34: Up close with the cast and director of THE RED LION play, written by Patrick Marber
00:23:40
In this episode we get up close to the brilliant cast and director of a New Wolsey Theatre stage production of 'The Red Lion', written by Patrick Marber
We explore deep into the story of 'The Red Lion', the characters and their relationship with one another, and the intense dynamism that's building between them on stage. As professional actors they also talk about preparation for these roles, their feelings about their characters and how, as a team, they are building an electrifying performance.
Episode 39: How Youth Theatre changes young people's lives for the better
00:19:56
We rewind to the best bits from The Young Company (Youth Theatre Seniors) at the New Wolsey Theatre and listen to them talk about the phenomenally positive impact it has had on their lives and the change it has made to their outlook and confidence.
Tony Casement, Head of Creative Communities starts with an overview of the Youth Theatre followed by The Young Company of 2023. Members: Kaycee Totten, Victoria Zietek, Leo Maynard, Jace Palmer, Fin Adams. Charlotte Cathcart and Joe Hullis.
Episode 35: Vikki Stone talks Panto! Oh yes she does!
00:15:39
Vikki Stone, British award-winning comedian, actor and musician, joins us to chat about how she wrote the New Wolsey Theatre's 2023/24 Rock 'n' Roll panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat!
Vikki talks about the form of panto, including the beats and the joy of mixing tradition with contemporary. She also gives us an insight into how she prepares before she writes, and shares her absolute love of Rock 'n' Roll panto!
We also ask her 'how do you know what you write is funny?' - listen out for her great answer!
Thank you Vikki for taking the time to record this episode with us!
Episode 36: News, fun and laughs from the Dick Whittington and his Cat Rock 'n' Roll Panto Cast!
00:37:39
We are backstage with the cast and find out a lot more about this year’s eagerly awaited Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto – Dick Whittington and his Cat.
Featuring all of the cast - we chat about their hilarious characters, as well as what they love about this year’s panto . . AND, we get the inside scoop on some of the songs they’ll be playing live on stage!
There’s also a good helping of festive fun – with some terrible jokes, some curious festive habits and a quiz – where the cast go head-to-head– some of them slightly more competitive than others, we mention no names!
Dick Whittington and his Cat Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto runs from 23 Nov 2023 – 20 Jan 2024.
Episode 37: Why culture is the key to connecting people and prosperous communities
00:48:10
Tony Casement (Head of Creative Communities at The New Wolsey Theatre) chats to Stephen Skeet – Head of Business Development and Impact for the social action charity Volunteering Matters
Stephen talks about his approach to working with young people and local communities. and about his life long relationship with the New Wolsey Theatre, as well as the similarities between theatre and football and his conviction that culture, in all its forms, is the key to building the connections that allow individuals and communities to prosper.
Episode 38: Panto Pay it Forward - Help us share the magic this year.
00:10:17
In this podcast episode we chat with Jack Parker (Marketing Officer at the New Wolsey Theatre) who has driven this wonderful campaign from an idea to a reality.
He explains, that with the help of our audiences and anyone who would like to get involved, that we’re aiming to give 800 free tickets to children and adults who may otherwise not be able to experience the magic of panto this year.
Our award-winning pantomime this year is SLEEPING BEAUTY - a full on Rock n Roll panto packed with live rock and pop music, crazy characters and hysterical antics - audiences of all ages will be totally enchanted with this a time-leaping adventure.
Whether it’s £1, £10, £20 or any other amount - every generous contribution will help us to reach the 800 free tickets - and our audiences are already responding with their generosity - and here's how you can also get involved . . .
Donations can be made in-person at the theatre, over the phone by calling 01473 295900, or through this link here https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/donateforpanto/ ... you can also donate whilst buying your panto tickets.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please email us at tickets@wolseytheatre.co.uk or give our Box Office team a call.
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 41: Martha Loader - nationally acclaimed playwright from Ipswich on her career and latest show - Bindweed
00:24:20
Martha Loader is simply an awesome person! We talk to her about her love of writing and the steps she has taken to get to an award-winning playwright. Martha also talks about her brilliant play, Bindweed - soon to be on the stage at the New Wolsey Theatre and the Colchester Mercury.
Bindweed is written by Martha Loader, as part of the Mercury Playwrights scheme, and won the Judges’ Award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022.
A Mercury Original co-produced with HighTide and New Wolsey Theatre in association with The Royal Exchange Theatre.
Show content advice: This show is recommended to those aged 18+, those aged between 16-18 may attend but will need to be accompanied by an adult. This performance contains swearing, violence, misogynistic conversation, reference to coercive control, rape and sexual assault, reference to murder and suicide, and references to children obtaining and sharing pornography.
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 40: Unpacking the brilliance of musical play ‘Community Service’
00:20:43
In this podcast episode we talk to James Yarker, Artistic Director at Stan's Café about their fantastic new play, full of live music and wit - 'Community Service'.
James talks about the inception of Stan's Café, now in its 34th year of making theatre and explains the concept of devising theatre and how it differs from traditional theatre.
He also talks about how Community Service began and the life of Trevor Prince.
Episode 42: Breaking down barriers and the feeling of isolation through creativity and joy.
00:36:42
Equity and equality for all!
Philip Carter Goodyear, Social Justice Lead and Head of Suffolk Family Support at Ipswich Job Centre talks to Tony Casement, Head of Creative Communities at The New Wolsey Theatre.
Philip talks about his belief and mission to re-engage families and individuals, who feel isolated through unemployment, with the community. Offering creative experiences for families is essential to well-being and a journey to feeling connected again.
Philip collaborates with many organisations over Suffolk (including The New Wolsey Theatre and Suffolk Libraries) and together they have curated a wide range of fabulous cultural experiences for his Job Centre clients. From panto and tours to Llamas in the office - he missed nothing out!
Thank you Philip for such a candid and interesting conversation.
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 43: Discover your writing talents with The Wolsey Writers group
00:28:33
If you've ever felt like you could write novels, poetry, comedy and more - then this podcast episode will inspire you to get your pen to paper!
Wolsey Writers is an independent creative writing group which meets at the New Wolsey Theatre on the first Saturday morning of the month. Their community includes novelists, scriptwriters, poets, storytellers, children’s literature, comedy, and nonfiction. They welcome writing in any genre, writers from diverse backgrounds and all levels of experience and aspirations – from haiku to blockbuster trilogy. The monthly meeting takes place in our beautiful upstairs New Wolsey Theatre Café & Bar where the group make the most of our locally ground coffee and delicious snacks – sometimes in noisy discussion, sometimes in mutual silence while they work.
Susannah Brindle - has a contemporary novel in progress.
Helen Wright - stand-up comedy, doing open mics in the region.
Roy Haddock - mature MA creative writing student and playwright.
Wolsey Writers meets on the first Saturday of the month, 10:30am-12pm, at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. Led by Katie Ward, an award-winning author from Suffolk, every session includes tips to improve your creative practice, focused writing time, peer support and inspiration.
Suitable for writers age 18+. Tickets are ‘pay what you feel’ from the Box Office. Check the website wolseytheatre.co.uk.
Find updates on Instagram & Twitter/X @wolseywriters; or Facebook @katiewardwriter.
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 1: Doctor Theatre - The mysterious medic of theatre
01:07:24
Who is Doctor Theatre and how does this mysterious medic seem to cure practically anything inside a theatre? Does Doctor Theatre really exist and what does he or she actually do?
Rob Jarvis talks about the occasion when he first heard Doctor Theatre at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. Rob gives examples of Doctor Theatre at work, including his experiences of getting through a show with chicken pox and after being hit by a car. Rob also talks to Sue more broadly about the power of theatre and the transformational effect it can have on young people.
Dr. Raj Persaud discusses Doctor Theatre from a psychological and medical perspective, giving examples of how theatre triggers many deep-rooted psychological reactions. Dr. Raj also talks about how theatre can have a healing effect, how he treats stars with crippling stage fright, and how the impact of Covid-19 has been so terrible for people’s mental health, which he writes about in The Mental Vaccine For Covid.
Theatre Unwrapped would like to thank guests Rob Jarvis and Dr. Raj Persaud for their fascinating contributions.
If you would like Sue to unwrap a theatre story for you, or you have feedback about this or any other episode of Theatre Unwrapped drop her a line at podcast@wolseytheatre.co.uk
How do you reopen a closed theatre? How much money and effort does it really take and what sort of experience do you need to re-open a dark theatre? What does a closed theatre look like and smell like? Who looks after closed theatres and how do they get a second chance to open their doors again?
In this podcast episode Sue Lawther-Brown from the New Wolsey Theatre unwraps what it really takes to re-open a closed theatre. As theatres prepare to re-open after being forced to close by the Covid—19 pandemic, Sue talks to the people that have brought theatres back to life not once, but several times before.
Sue’s first guests are Sarah Holmes (CEO) and Pete Rowe (Artistic Director) of theNew Wolsey Theatre who reopened the theatre in 2001 after a period of closure. Listen to Sarah and Pete talk about the challenges and fun they had in reviving the New Wolsey Theatre as well as their more recent challenges with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sue’s second guest is affectionately named ‘Mr P’ – David Phillips is a production manager at the New Wolsey Theatre. David talks about how returning to a closed theatre is both challenging and exhilarating, and he talks about how different it will be for theatres bringing back freelancers after their long absence following the pandemic. David also talks about what lengths a production manager will go to, not only because of the scrupulous levels of health and safety that he adheres to, but also how to get a show started on time, including chasing a pony round a park just to get him on stage with minutes to spare!
Tom Stickland of Theatres Trust is Sue’s third guest who talks about reopening theatres and the preservation of theatre at a national level. Tom reveals the nature of Theatres Trust’s work and how it protects the future of live performances by protecting theatre buildings and the communities that thrive around them.
Theatre Unwrapped would like to thank all its guests for their fascinating contributions.
If you would like Sue to unwrap a theatre story for you, or you have feedback about this or any other episode of Theatre Unwrapped drop her a line at podcast@wolseytheatre.co.uk.
Episode 3: Polari – The secret language of theatre
00:55:54
Where does the secret language of Polari come from? Who used Polari? How do you speak Polari? Why was Polari adopted by the British gay community in theatre and who still uses Polari today?
In this podcast episode Sue Lawther-Brown carefully peels back the many layers of Polari. Her guests Paul Baker and Rae Coates teach Sue some Polari words and educate her about its origins and adoption by the British gay community in the first half of the twentieth century.
Paul and Rae talk about when Polari’s cover was blown in the late 1960s, when the Radio Times published a glossary of terms to accompany the hugely popular BBC radio show Round The Horne, in which Polari was spoken by the characters Julian and Sandy (played by Hugh Paddick and Kenneth Williams).
Paul talks about how Polari was widely used backstage in theatres and who are the high profile speakers of Polari today, such as Paul O’Grady and Julian Clary. Artists such as Jez Dolan are creating works that celebrate Polari and the LGBT+ community.
Rae also talks about his early days in theatre and the use of Polari amongst his peers. He also tells us how he learned his craft working with the Yul Brynner, and how he spoke Polari dressing the stars including Matthew Perry and Frances De La Tour. Rae tells Sue it’s so bona to vada your dolly old eek!
Paul and Rae both talk in Polari and give Sue a couple of quick tips too!
Theatre Unwrapped would like to thank guests Paul Baker and Rae Coates for their fascinating contributions.
If you would like Sue to unwrap a theatre story for you, or if you have feedback about this or any other episode of Theatre Unwrapped drop her a line at podcast@wolseytheatre.co.uk
In this feel-good podcast episode we talk about the power of laughter. Charlie Chaplin once said: ‘ A good laugh is a mighty good thing, a rather too scarce a good thing.’ Following a year when laughter might have been scarce for many, Theatre Unwrapped explores the transformational effects of laughter, from its origins in early humans to the ways we ‘laugh’ online and how we create comedy for the stage. And we find out what happens when you take clowns to places where laughter really is very scarce.
So, what makes us laugh? Are we the only species that laugh? Do we need another person to laugh out loud with, and why are there so many types of laughter? And why would you send a clown to a crisis zone?
Sue’s first guest - Dr Eric Weitz, professor at Trinity College, Dublin, talks about the origins of laughter, why we laugh and our different types of laughter. He is the author of ‘Theatre and Laughter’ in which he describes theatre and laughter as natural soul mates. Dr Eric talks about why laughter is so important, how it may have evolved from a survival mechanism, why we may not be the only species to laugh, and describes how laughter has been categorised and studied for hundreds of years.
Sam Holdsworth, Director of Clowns without Borders UK, is a champion for supporting the emotional wellbeing of children living in disaster zones. She quite simply creates laughter and play with children in the most desperate places on the planet. Sam is an extraordinary woman, often called inspirational, and you’ll know exactly why after listening to her. Sam and her team share laughter and fun with children living on the brink of humanitarian disaster. How does she do it? You’ll have to listen to her – she’s magnetic and believes laughter is a basic human right for children. Her work and stories are uplifting, she brings tears of joy, laughter and fun to us all.
John Donnelly is a BAFTA nominated playwright and screenwriter. John’s plays include The Pass and Bone. He talks to Sue about how he writes with laughter in mind and the uncertain magic of audience reactions. He talks also about the types of laughter in a theatre; from the polite clapping and light laughter to the gasps of delight and surprise. He talks about the honesty in laughter – it’s not easy to fake. John also talks about the importance of having a sense of humour because it means you have a perspective on the world around you.
Oh – and don’t miss out guests’ favourite jokes!
Thanks to our fabulous gue
Thank you for listening to the New Wolsey Theatre Podcast.
You're all welcome to get involved and if you'd like to be a guest or like to ask a question to the theatre team, please just get in touch.
Episode 5: Changing the Game: Access and Inclusion in UK theatres - Part 1
00:57:48
In this episode we talk to two female powerhouses in the UK theatre and disability landscape.
Sarah Holmes is Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich. As Sarah prepares to hand over the baton to a new Chief Executive after nearly 21 years at the helm, we talk about the responsibilities of theatre leaders in making change – so that theatre is truly accessible and inclusive of everyone. We find out how Sarah’s impatience for change and an impromptu conversation in a graveyard, led to the game-changing Ramps On The Moon project. Oh, and we hear about a pantomime cow getting on a bus.
Our second conversation is with Michele Taylor. Michele advocates for change in the theatre industry at every level, from being Director for Change for the Ramps on the Moon project, to advising funders and Government, and being co-author of the influential Seven Principles for an Inclusive Recovery document. Michele talks about the importance of continuing the conversation even if it’s not perfect, why she hates the phrase ‘Access is being invited to the party and Inclusion is being asked to dance’, and explains what she means by being ‘on the edge where disability and the mainstream meet.’
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like Sue to unwrap a theatre story for you, or if you have feedback about this or any other episode of Theatre Unwrapped drop her a line at shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
Jack and The Beanstalk runs from 25 November 2021 to 8 January 2022 and if you can't make it to the show in person, every performance is available to livestream straight to your home, wherever your are in the world!
Episode 6: Making it Real – Access and Inclusion in UK Theatre (Part 2)
01:10:11
In this, the second part of our look at access and inclusion in the UK theatre industry, Sue talks to two inspirational people whose work is making access and inclusion a reality, and about their experience of being involved in the production of Oliver Twist.
Amy Leach is Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse. Amy grew up in Darwen, Lancashire and attended the Youth Theatre at the Bolton octagon Theatre on graduating from Durham University. She co-founded the award winning Theatre Company for young people En Masse, with playwright and composer Oliver Burch. Amy is the director of an extraordinary new adaptation of Oliver Twist, by Bryony Lavery for Leeds Playhouse and ramps on the moon. This production features an integrated company of deaf and disabled artists, as well as integrated creative sign language, audio description, and captioning at all performances.
Amy talks to Sue about the experience of directing a play that has access and inclusion written in to its DNA. Amy describes some of the steps she and her team took, to ensure that as many people as possible could enjoy Oliver Twist. Sue asks Amy about the challenges and triumphs of the process, and how it has changed her practice as a theatre director. Amy shares her hopes for the future of theatre and tells us how she now cannot think about making a show without thinking about access and inclusion right from the very beginning.
Benjamin Wilson
Ben is a blind actor, director, theatre maker and audio description consultant. For the past four and a half years, he has been the Ramps on the Moon agent for change at Sheffield Theatres, Ben co founded award winning Theatre Company Brickwall Ensemble, and creative audio description company Hear the Picture. His work with Brickwall includes creating and playing the lead roles in productions such as their bold reimagining of Henry V and audio drama Mike on the Mic. He's also used his experience as a blind theatre maker to act as audio description consultant on a number of shows, including Road and Oliver Twist at Leeds Playhouse.
Ben explains to Sue exactly what Audio Description is; who it’s for, how it works and what is most annoying about the headsets in most theatres! As a member of the cast in Oliver Twist and the Audio Description consultant for the show, Ben talks about his experience of bringing all his creativity to the production. Ben describes the challenge – and the joys - of fitting audio description seamlessly into the dialogue on stage, and of paying attention to all the senses. Ben is passionate about getting people engaged in the conversation about inclusion and says it was understanding the Social Model of disability that transformed his perception of being a dis
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Episode 7: The Magic of Panto - Just a British Thing? The Dame and NYT Critic spill the beans
00:41:03
Why are we Brits bonkers about pantomime? And what do they make of this Christmas tradition over in the U.S? In this podcast episode, Sue talks to TheNew York Times journalist Alexis Soloski about Christmas theatre traditions, catching Wagon Wheels and extremely rude jokes. Sue also speaks to actor Steve Simmonds to get a Dame’s-eye view of panto in the U.K.
Alexis Soloski is a theatre critic for the New York Times and a contributing writer for the Guardian here in the UK. Alexis wrote an article about British panto for the New York Times in December 2020, which included a review of the New Wolsey’s hit show, The Snow Queen. Alexis watched 8 pantos online in a single weekend in order to write the article (therein lies insanity, she says) and she thinks there might be a market for panto over in New York because she can’t bear to see yet another version of The Nutcracker.
Steve Simmonds (aka ‘Romford’) is an actor – musician who is very familiar with the New Wolsey stage. He played Dame Sigrid Smorgasbord in The Snow Queen and is playing Dame Dolly Durden in the 2021 production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Sue prises Steve out of the rehearsal room to talk about the art of playing the Dame, how he avoids committing the biggest crime in panto and his memory of seeing Norman Wisdom play Buttons.
Watch Jack and The Beanstalk in-theatre or via livestream, at the New Wolsey Theatre until 8th January 2022.
If you would like to be a guest, or if you have feedback about this or any other episode of Theatre Unwrapped drop us a line at shornby@wolseytheatre.co.uk
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