Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor.

In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.

I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!

In this second episode Laurence talks to me about:

• When he told Cameron Mackintosh he thought The Phantom of the Opera was 'a bit stale'.
• How Cameron and he audition actors - and why Cameron sometimes 'saves you from yourself'.
• Why casting ensembles for shows is hard.
• Why he wishes every young actor could see what it's like being on the other side of the casting table.
• What he looks for when casting young performers - and his top tips for getting a part in one of his shows.
• The importance of just being yourself in auditions.
• Where the inspiration for his Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour production came from.
• The incredible story of how they found the actor who played Dewey Finn in the original School of Rock production.

Look out for episode three - when Laurence talks about his AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!

THANK YOU LAURENCE!

Music credits:
"Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall
"The Movie In My Mind" from the Miss Saigon Original Cast Album
"I Dreamed a Dream" from the Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album
"When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock" from The Original Broadway Cast of School of Rock Album
"Heaven On Their Minds" from Tim Minchin Unmasked: The Platinum Collection

Laurence's website is <HERE>

(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor.

In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.

I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!

In this second episode Laurence talks to me about:

• When he told Cameron Mackintosh he thought The Phantom of the Opera was 'a bit stale'.
• How Cameron and he audition actors - and why Cameron sometimes 'saves you from yourself'.
• Why casting ensembles for shows is hard.
• Why he wishes every young actor could see what it's like being on the other side of the casting table.
• What he looks for when casting young performers - and his top tips for getting a part in one of his shows.
• The importance of just being yourself in auditions.
• Where the inspiration for his Jesus Christ Superstar arena tour production came from.
• The incredible story of how they found the actor who played Dewey Finn in the original School of Rock production.

Look out for episode three - when Laurence talks about his AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!

THANK YOU LAURENCE!

Music credits:
"Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall
"The Movie In My Mind" from the Miss Saigon Original Cast Album
"I Dreamed a Dream" from the Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album
"When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock" from The Original Broadway Cast of School of Rock Album
"Heaven On Their Minds" from Tim Minchin Unmasked: The Platinum Collection

Laurence's website is <HERE>

(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor.

In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.

I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!

In this first episode Laurence talks to me about:

• How a teacher inspired him to become an actor.
• Why he was just one audition away from giving up acting.
• Why West Side Story was so important to him in his early career.
• Why he thinks he's a much better director than he ever was an actor.
• Getting his first proper acting job - on tour with Les Mis.
• His big break (doesn't get much bigger than this!).
• Becoming director of The King and I... and sometimes butting heads with Elaine Page.
• Why children are often easier to work with than adults!

Look out for episodes two and three - and Laurence has the most AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!

THANK YOU LAURENCE!

Music credits:
Jason Donovan and the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1991 production
The King and I, 2000 cast recording
Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album
West Side Story, original motion picture soundtrack
Slice of Saturday Night, original London cast recording

Laurence's website is <HERE>

(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guest is the award-winning musical theatre director, Laurence Connor.

In this special three-episode series, Laurence talks to me about his career – and the blockbuster productions he has directed all over the world for Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

These include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Oliver! and The King and I. He is also the director of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Cinderella.

I wanted to find out how he got to where he is today, what it takes to create a critically acclaimed West End production - and the big question musical theatre actors everywhere want to know... how you get a part in one of his shows!

In this first episode Laurence talks to me about:

• How a teacher inspired him to become an actor.
• Why he was just one audition away from giving up acting.
• Why West Side Story was so important to him in his early career.
• Why he thinks he's a much better director than he ever was an actor.
• Getting his first proper acting job - on tour with Les Mis.
• His big break (doesn't get much bigger than this!).
• Becoming director of The King and I... and sometimes butting heads with Elaine Page.
• Why children are often easier to work with than adults!

Look out for episodes two and three - and Laurence has the most AMAZING challenge and prize. Coming soon!

THANK YOU LAURENCE!

Music credits:
Jason Donovan and the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1991 production
The King and I, 2000 cast recording
Les Misérables Live! 2010 Cast Album
West Side Story, original motion picture soundtrack
Slice of Saturday Night, original London cast recording

Laurence's website is <HERE>

(PLEASE NOTE: AUDIO QUALITY IS VARIABLE BECAUSE OF INTERNET ISSUES DURING RECORDING)

My guests are professional contemporary dancers, Eileih Muir and Jordan Bridge.

Eileih and Jordan dance in Company Wayne McGregor - recognised as one of the best contemporary dance companies in the world.

Company Wayne McGregor features 10 world-class dancers, who tour the world performing dynamic, visceral contemporary choreography created by its founder, Wayne McGregor.

Eileih and Jordan talk to me about:

• Where they trained.
• Why they decided to become contemporary dancers.
• Auditioning for Company Wayne McGregor - and why they wanted the job so much.
• Their first day - what was it like walking into a Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal for the first time?!
• Working with Wayne McGregor to create the piece Autobiography.
• Their advice for young dancers thinking about auditioning for the company.

EILEIH AND JORDANS' LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!
Improvise or choreograph a one minute piece from Wayne McGregor's Collaboration album. You choose the track from the album you want to work with and listen in the Podcast to what Eileih and Jordan say they're looking for.

Video yourself performing the piece and share it on your Instagram page, tagging: @eileih_ishbel_muir and @jordanjbridge and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's' me!). Make sure you include the hashtag: #cwmlockdownchallenge

If you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: [email protected]

IF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #CWMLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.

IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.

The winner will be invited to spend a day in London with Eileih and Jordan watching or taking part in a Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal!
CLOSING DATE: 25th July, 2020

Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.
Eileih and Jordan's decision is final.
Actual participation in the Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal will depend on the winner's age and dance ability.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU EILEIH AND JORDAN!

Bit more about Jordan...
Born in Manchester, Jordan trained at London Contemporary Dance School graduating with a BA Hons in a Contemporary Dance. Amongst Jordan’s performing career, he has an award-winning dance film entitled ‘Us’ which he directed and choreographed in 2018. Jordan joined Company Wayne McGregor in 2017.

Bit more about Eileih...
Born in Derby, Eileih trained at London Studio Centre before completing a Masters at The London Contemporary Dance School. After graduating she became an apprentice with NDCWales before joining Richard Alston Dance Company. Eileih joined Company Wayne McGregor in 2019. Eileih's website is HERE.

REALLY WORTH WATCHING: Wayne McGregor's TED talk

Music credit: Annotation, Mutation and Blue from Wayne McGregor's Autobiography.

My guests are professional contemporary dancers, Eileih Muir and Jordan Bridge.

Eileih and Jordan dance in Company Wayne McGregor - recognised as one of the best contemporary dance companies in the world.

Company Wayne McGregor features 10 world-class dancers, who tour the world performing dynamic, visceral contemporary choreography created by its founder, Wayne McGregor.

Eileih and Jordan talk to me about:

• Where they trained.
• Why they decided to become contemporary dancers.
• Auditioning for Company Wayne McGregor - and why they wanted the job so much.
• Their first day - what was it like walking into a Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal for the first time?!
• Working with Wayne McGregor to create the piece Autobiography.
• Their advice for young dancers thinking about auditioning for the company.

EILEIH AND JORDANS' LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!
Improvise or choreograph a one minute piece from Wayne McGregor's Collaboration album. You choose the track from the album you want to work with and listen in the Podcast to what Eileih and Jordan say they're looking for.

Video yourself performing the piece and share it on your Instagram page, tagging: @eileih_ishbel_muir and @jordanjbridge and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's' me!). Make sure you include the hashtag: #cwmlockdownchallenge

If you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: [email protected]

IF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #CWMLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE VIDEO TO INSTAGRAM YOUR ACCOUNT MUST BE PUBLIC FOR US TO SEE IT.

IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT PUBLIC JUST EMAIL YOUR VIDEO TO US.

The winner will be invited to spend a day in London with Eileih and Jordan watching or taking part in a Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal!
CLOSING DATE: 25th July, 2020

Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.
Eileih and Jordan's decision is final.
Actual participation in the Company Wayne McGregor rehearsal will depend on the winner's age and dance ability.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU EILEIH AND JORDAN!

Bit more about Jordan...
Born in Manchester, Jordan trained at London Contemporary Dance School graduating with a BA Hons in a Contemporary Dance. Amongst Jordan’s performing career, he has an award-winning dance film entitled ‘Us’ which he directed and choreographed in 2018. Jordan joined Company Wayne McGregor in 2017.

Bit more about Eileih...
Born in Derby, Eileih trained at London Studio Centre before completing a Masters at The London Contemporary Dance School. After graduating she became an apprentice with NDCWales before joining Richard Alston Dance Company. Eileih joined Company Wayne McGregor in 2019. Eileih's website is HERE.

REALLY WORTH WATCHING: Wayne McGregor's TED talk

Music credit: Annotation, Mutation and Blue from Wayne McGregor's Autobiography.

I talk to Roxy - the most incredible 12-year-old contortionist.

With nearly 100 thousand Instagram followers, Roxy is a brand ambassador for dancewear labels, frequently models for photographers and performs around the country...  displaying her amazing, jaw-dropping flexibility.

Roxy talks to me about:

• The history of contortion as a circus act and more.
• What her teachers think of her doing contortion at school!
• The hardest contortion move she's ever attempted.
• How to become a contortionist and her top tips for amazing bendy moves!
• Where she met her performance partner @pixieleknot
• Training to be a contortionist - and why its different to dance.
• Working with the world-famous photographer @jordanmatter
• What she learnt meeting the DanceMums.
• How she'd love to do acro.
• Her contortionist heroes.

ROXY'S CHALLENGE!

Watch the challenge video on her Instagram page <HERE> and post a video of yourself doing it. Tag her @flexible_roxy and @dragonflybrand and me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars with #roxyslockdownchallenge

The winner will get a WINDSTORM photoshoot with Roxy (with lots of wind machines!) and a matching set from @dragonflybrand

Winner will be announced on 21st June, 2020
Roxy's decision is final.
Please do not hurt yourself attempting Roxy's challenge - you do it at your own risk!
Photoshoot will be in Sheffield, date TBC.
Prize includes 8 photos.
Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ROXY!

I talk to Roxy - the most incredible 12-year-old contortionist.

With nearly 100 thousand Instagram followers, Roxy is a brand ambassador for dancewear labels, frequently models for photographers and performs around the country...  displaying her amazing, jaw-dropping flexibility.

Roxy talks to me about:

• The history of contortion as a circus act and more.
• What her teachers think of her doing contortion at school!
• The hardest contortion move she's ever attempted.
• How to become a contortionist and her top tips for amazing bendy moves!
• Where she met her performance partner @pixieleknot
• Training to be a contortionist - and why its different to dance.
• Working with the world-famous photographer @jordanmatter
• What she learnt meeting the DanceMums.
• How she'd love to do acro.
• Her contortionist heroes.

ROXY'S CHALLENGE!

Watch the challenge video on her Instagram page <HERE> and post a video of yourself doing it. Tag her @flexible_roxy and @dragonflybrand and me @gbswimstars_gbdancestars with #roxyslockdownchallenge

The winner will get a WINDSTORM photoshoot with Roxy (with lots of wind machines!) and a matching set from @dragonflybrand

Winner will be announced on 21st June, 2020
Roxy's decision is final.
Please do not hurt yourself attempting Roxy's challenge - you do it at your own risk!
Photoshoot will be in Sheffield, date TBC.
Prize includes 8 photos.
Winner pays their own travel and other expenses.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU ROXY!

My guest is professional voice-over artist, Sophie Corbett.

After training as a singer and actor, Sophie has worked in the voice-over industry for more than twenty years for clients like L'Oreal, Ford and McDonalds. She is also a compère, BBC presenter and host.

Sophie talks to me about:

• How she started in the industry - despite being dyslexic.
• Her son won a BAFTA for a voice-over ad he did - at just age six!
• Why you need a showreel, but it's "worth it"!
• How you can rehearse by watching TV ads.
• Why you need a license to work as a child artist.
• The big opportunity for young voice-over artists.

SOPHIE'S CHALLENGE!

Record your own a voice-over advert and send it to Sophie at: [email protected]

Sophie will help the winner make their own voice-over showreel in London. Please listen to her talk about this in the Podcast.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU SOPHIE!

Sophie's website: www.sophiecorbett.co.uk

My guest is professional voice-over artist, Sophie Corbett.

After training as a singer and actor, Sophie has worked in the voice-over industry for more than twenty years for clients like L'Oreal, Ford and McDonalds. She is also a compère, BBC presenter and host.

Sophie talks to me about:

• How she started in the industry - despite being dyslexic.
• Her son won a BAFTA for a voice-over ad he did - at just age six!
• Why you need a showreel, but it's "worth it"!
• How you can rehearse by watching TV ads.
• Why you need a license to work as a child artist.
• The big opportunity for young voice-over artists.

SOPHIE'S CHALLENGE!

Record your own a voice-over advert and send it to Sophie at: [email protected]

Sophie will help the winner make their own voice-over showreel in London. Please listen to her talk about this in the Podcast.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU SOPHIE!

Sophie's website: www.sophiecorbett.co.uk