MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

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Episode 836: Mine - A Solo Ghost Story Musical with Asher Muldoon Apr 09, 2024

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

Episode 835: His Name Is...Potty the Plant! Apr 02, 2024

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

Episode 834: OPENING NIGHT of PRISCILLA THE PARTY! Mar 27, 2024

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Join hosts Nick Hutson and Hannah Budd on a captivating journey through London's theatrical landscape as they dive into the vibrant worlds of Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre and Priscilla: The Party at the Outernet Venue. In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick shares his first impressions of Priscilla, delving into the glitz, glamour, and unexpected surprises of this iconic musical.

Opening Night, a new musical starring Sheridan Smith, featuring music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright with a book and direction by Ivan Van Hove, takes center stage in their discussion, as they examine its adaptation from the film by John Cassavetes. Should a musical about a play that makes no sense also make no sense?

As they contrast the two productions, Nick and Hannah explore the polarities between the shows, from the classic elegance of Opening Night to the flamboyant extravagance of Priscilla. Nick's fresh perspective on Priscilla sparks an engaging discussion on the unique appeal of the production and its enduring popularity.

Amidst the exploration of themes and performances, the hosts ponder the question: Does promenade theatre lend itself to musicals? Drawing from their experiences and observations, they analyze the immersive nature of Priscilla and its impact on audience engagement.

Episode 833: Gospel's Harmonious Influence in Musicals: An Interview with Jaron M. LeGrair Mar 19, 2024

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Join host Nick Hutson as he delves into the soul-stirring world of gospel music in musical theatre, in a captivating conversation with renowned YouTuber and gospel enthusiast Jaron M. LeGrair. In this episode of MusicalTalk, they explore the powerful impact of gospel music on various Broadway shows, from the unexpected twists in "Little Shop of Horrors" to the divine energy of "Hercules."

Together, they traverse the rich tapestry of musicals like "Showboat," "Ragtime," and "Once on This Island," uncovering how gospel infuses these narratives with depth and resonance. From the high-octane rhythms of "Starlight Express" to the socially conscious themes of "Hairspray" they unravel the threads of gospel's presence, highlighting its role in storytelling and character development.

Tune in to this episode of MusicalTalk for a harmonious journey through the spiritual and theatrical realms, as Nick Hutson and Jaron M. LeGrair celebrate the transformative power of gospel music in musicals.

Episode 831: So, Here We Are... Feb 20, 2024

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

Episode 830: A Fosse Day In London Town - Sweet Charity Feb 13, 2024

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

Episode 829: A Fosse Day In London Town - Cabaret Feb 06, 2024

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

Episode 828: A Fosse Day In London Town - All That Jazz Jan 30, 2024

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

Episode 827: The Great British MusicalTalk… off (2023 in Review - Part Three) Jan 23, 2024

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

Episode 826: Crazy for New… Year (2023 in Review - Part Two) Jan 16, 2024

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

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