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Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts
by Simon Wright and guestsWelcome to the Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts for young performers. In each episode I invite a special guest from the world of musical theatre, dance and entertainment to talk to me - sharing their wisdom and I hope, giving you a little inspiration.
Copyright: © 2023 Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts
Episodes
Stephen Mear, musical theatre choreographer
38m · PublishedI talk to the legendary musical theatre choreographer, Stephen Mear.
A two-time Oliver award-winner, Stephen has choreographed many hit musicals - including the 2010 production of Hello Dolly and 2016 production of Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton.
In 2005 Stephen jointly choreographed the Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins with Sir Matthew Bourne. He has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "The old-style master of the modern chorus-line".
Stephen talks to me about:
- Why "dance saved me".
- Being inspired to dance after watching lots of black and white films with his mother.
- How he was the only boy in his dance class at home.
- Getting his first dance job in Cats (after practicing lots of turns in second).
- Learning to choreograph by sitting in the Gods and watching shows from up there.
- Why Jerome Robbins inspired him so much.
- The wonder of working on Gypsy with Imelda Saunton.
- Working with Sir Matthew Bourne on Mary Poppins.
- Creating "Poppins sign language".
- How to tap upside-down!
- The qualities he looks for in dancers.
STEPHEN'S TWO AMAZING CHALLENGES!
1. For dancers... Video yourself performing the letter signing from "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
A video tutorial is here (not done by Stephen): CLICK LINK
You can see it being performed here: CLICK LINK
The winner will be taken to see the London production of Mary Poppins by Stephen (date to be confirmed).
2. For tappers interested in choreography... Choreograph a tap routine for "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain and video yourself performing it.
A video of Good Morning is here: CLICK LINK
The winner will spend a day with Stephen in London (date to be confirmed).
Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @stephen.mear and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #stephenslockdownchallenge
If you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: [email protected]
IF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #STEPHENSLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE 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.
You can enter one or both challenges.
Winners pay their own travel and expenses.
Stephen's decision is final!
CLOSING DATE: Midnight 3rd July 2020
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU STEPHEN!
Other videos to watch:
Step in Time: CLICK LINK
Oasis - The Importance Of Being Idle: CLICK LINK
Stephen Mear's website: CLICK LINK
Stephen Mear, musical theatre choreographer
38m · PublishedI talk to the legendary musical theatre choreographer, Stephen Mear.
A two-time Oliver award-winner, Stephen has choreographed many hit musicals - including the 2010 production of Hello Dolly and 2016 production of Gypsy, starring Imelda Staunton.
In 2005 Stephen jointly choreographed the Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins with Sir Matthew Bourne. He has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "The old-style master of the modern chorus-line".
Stephen talks to me about:
- Why "dance saved me".
- Being inspired to dance after watching lots of black and white films with his mother.
- How he was the only boy in his dance class at home.
- Getting his first dance job in Cats (after practicing lots of turns in second).
- Learning to choreograph by sitting in the Gods and watching shows from up there.
- Why Jerome Robbins inspired him so much.
- The wonder of working on Gypsy with Imelda Saunton.
- Working with Sir Matthew Bourne on Mary Poppins.
- Creating "Poppins sign language".
- How to tap upside-down!
- The qualities he looks for in dancers.
STEPHEN'S TWO AMAZING CHALLENGES!
1. For dancers... Video yourself performing the letter signing from "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
A video tutorial is here (not done by Stephen): CLICK LINK
You can see it being performed here: CLICK LINK
The winner will be taken to see the London production of Mary Poppins by Stephen (date to be confirmed).
2. For tappers interested in choreography... Choreograph a tap routine for "Good Morning" from Singing in the Rain and video yourself performing it.
A video of Good Morning is here: CLICK LINK
The winner will spend a day with Stephen in London (date to be confirmed).
Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @stephen.mear and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #stephenslockdownchallenge
If you really, really don't want to post your video, you can email it to: [email protected]
IF YOU ARE POSTING YOUR #STEPHENSLOCKDOWNCHALLENGE 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.
You can enter one or both challenges.
Winners pay their own travel and expenses.
Stephen's decision is final!
CLOSING DATE: Midnight 3rd July 2020
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU STEPHEN!
Other videos to watch:
Step in Time: CLICK LINK
Oasis - The Importance Of Being Idle: CLICK LINK
Stephen Mear's website: CLICK LINK
Amelia Holdsworth, Rambert School dancer
30m · PublishedMy guest is Amelia Holdsworth, a talented contemporary dancer at the beginning of her career.
From the age of 16 Amelia trained at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Whilst there she worked with choreographers like; Martin Lawrence, Mark Baldwin and Sisters Grimm. After graduating last year she joined Emergence, a dance company created by Joss Arnott. She is now working towards an MA in Dance Performance and Professional Practice.
Amelia talks to me about:
- Life at Rambert School - and why she went there.
- Auditioning for companies after graduation.
- Why one inch of height made all the difference at an audition!
- Being in the Emergence dance company.
- The pieces she performed on tour with Emergence (see videos below).
- Her hopes for the future - despite the virus.
AMELIA'S CHALLENGE!
Learn and video yourself performing part of the choreography from When Worlds Collide (2019/20) by Joss Arnott - as shown by Amelia on her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdVgOtjcLn/
Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @ameliaholdsworth and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #ameliaslockdownchallenge
Amelia will decide the winner - who will get a studio photoshoot in Sheffield for themselves and a friend with me: gbdancestars.com. Amelia's decision is final. Photoshoot date to be confirmed. Photoshoot includes 5 photos per dancer.
CLOSING DATE: 20th June 2020
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU AMELIA!
Videos and music credits:
Emergence performing When Worlds Collide (2019/20) by Joss Arnott
Original Music: James Keane
https://vimeo.com/382031391
Emergence performing An Event by James Wilton
https://vimeo.com/368766215
Emergence performing Fuel by Wubkje Kuindersma
https://vimeo.com/365324846
Emergence dancers:
Emily Barber, Abbi Gilbert, Amelia Holdsworth, Madeliene Jefferson, Shannon Mcloughlin, Joanna Savva, Natasha Simpkins, Alisha Stanley, Millie Thomas, Wenwen Wang, Kirsten Way, Emily Worrall.
Emergence dance company website:
jossarnottdance.com/emergence
Amelia Holdsworth, Rambert School dancer
30m · PublishedMy guest is Amelia Holdsworth, a talented contemporary dancer at the beginning of her career.
From the age of 16 Amelia trained at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Whilst there she worked with choreographers like; Martin Lawrence, Mark Baldwin and Sisters Grimm. After graduating last year she joined Emergence, a dance company created by Joss Arnott. She is now working towards an MA in Dance Performance and Professional Practice.
Amelia talks to me about:
- Life at Rambert School - and why she went there.
- Auditioning for companies after graduation.
- Why one inch of height made all the difference at an audition!
- Being in the Emergence dance company.
- The pieces she performed on tour with Emergence (see videos below).
- Her hopes for the future - despite the virus.
AMELIA'S CHALLENGE!
Learn and video yourself performing part of the choreography from When Worlds Collide (2019/20) by Joss Arnott - as shown by Amelia on her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdVgOtjcLn/
Post the video on your Instagram page and tag @ameliaholdsworth and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #ameliaslockdownchallenge
Amelia will decide the winner - who will get a studio photoshoot in Sheffield for themselves and a friend with me: gbdancestars.com. Amelia's decision is final. Photoshoot date to be confirmed. Photoshoot includes 5 photos per dancer.
CLOSING DATE: 20th June 2020
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - AND THANK YOU AMELIA!
Videos and music credits:
Emergence performing When Worlds Collide (2019/20) by Joss Arnott
Original Music: James Keane
https://vimeo.com/382031391
Emergence performing An Event by James Wilton
https://vimeo.com/368766215
Emergence performing Fuel by Wubkje Kuindersma
https://vimeo.com/365324846
Emergence dancers:
Emily Barber, Abbi Gilbert, Amelia Holdsworth, Madeliene Jefferson, Shannon Mcloughlin, Joanna Savva, Natasha Simpkins, Alisha Stanley, Millie Thomas, Wenwen Wang, Kirsten Way, Emily Worrall.
Emergence dance company website:
jossarnottdance.com/emergence
Anthony Drewe, making musicals
1h 25m · PublishedI talk to Anthony Drewe, the award-winning musical theatre lyricist.
In collaboration with the composer George Stiles, Anthony has written songs for; the Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of Mary Poppins, The Wind in the Willows, Half a Sixpence, Just So and Betty Blue Eyes.
And his Olivier-winning musical Honk! has been seen by more than 6 million people around the world.
As we hear about his wonderful career and listen to some of the beautiful songs he's written with composer George Stiles, Anthony talks to me about:
- How we went from a student zoologist to award-winning lyricist!
- How at first he was too shy to perform on the stage.
- Why he tries to stay "biologically true" to the animal characters in his musicals.
- After hearing Sweeney Todd he decided to write his first musical - despite having never done anything like it before!
- How George and he had to work as part-time decorators to fund their early musical writing career.
- Why he used wallpaper to help write his first musical.
- The emotive, shocking inspiration for his smash-hit musical Honk!
- His big break.
- What an animated film version of the Thumbelina fairytale and the musical Les Misérables have in common.
- How George and he got the job writing new songs for the Mary Poppins musical!
- The making of the Mary Poppins London show production - and the story behind the new songs he wrote for it with George Stiles.
- What Pamela Travers was really like to work with (was it Saving Mr. Banks?).
- Mrs. Banks' backstory.
- Why supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is said backward in the new version he wrote with George Stiles.
- His new musical Identical - and why he's still looking for identical twins to be in it!
ANTHONY'S CHALLENGE!
Write new lyrics for the song The Perfect Nanny or Practically Perfect from Mary Poppins, or NYC from Annie (choose one song). If you choose the song NYC, write new lyrics for it with the song title changed to "NHS".
Please listen to Anthony talk about his challenge in this Podcast before you start writing anything.
The winners of each song choice will be taken by Anthony to see the London production of Mary Poppins. Winners pay own travel and expenses.
Record yourself performing the new song and send your video/sound clip to: [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 28th June 2020
THANK YOU ANTHONY - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Music credits:
Mary Poppins (Original London Cast Recording)
Jolly Holiday, Brimstone and Treacle, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,
Being Mrs. Banks, Practically Perfect, Anything Can Happen, The Perfect Nanny
NYC Company, Kimmy Cobb, Ron Raines, Ruthie Henshall & Sarah French Annie (Original Studio Cast)
Prelude / The Ballad of Sweeney Todd Michael Ball Sweeney Todd (The 2012 London Cast Recording) Soundtrack
The Schuyler Sisters Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas-Jones, Leslie Odom, Jr., Original Broadway Cast of "Hamilton" & Renée Elise Goldsberry Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Soundtrack
Heart of the Weave The Wicker Husband, Darren Clark and Rhys Jennings
Other songs kindly provided by Stiles&Drewe:
Different, Honk!
Every Tear a Mother Cries, Honk!
One, Two, Three Little Pigs, Three Little Pigs
Does the Moment Ever Come?, Just So
There's Always Tomorrow, Peter Pan
Anthony Drewe, making musicals
1h 25m · PublishedI talk to Anthony Drewe, the award-winning musical theatre lyricist.
In collaboration with the composer George Stiles, Anthony has written songs for; the Cameron Mackintosh/Disney production of Mary Poppins, The Wind in the Willows, Half a Sixpence, Just So and Betty Blue Eyes.
And his Olivier-winning musical Honk! has been seen by more than 6 million people around the world.
As we hear about his wonderful career and listen to some of the beautiful songs he's written with composer George Stiles, Anthony talks to me about:
- How we went from a student zoologist to award-winning lyricist!
- How at first he was too shy to perform on the stage.
- Why he tries to stay "biologically true" to the animal characters in his musicals.
- After hearing Sweeney Todd he decided to write his first musical - despite having never done anything like it before!
- How George and he had to work as part-time decorators to fund their early musical writing career.
- Why he used wallpaper to help write his first musical.
- The emotive, shocking inspiration for his smash-hit musical Honk!
- His big break.
- What an animated film version of the Thumbelina fairytale and the musical Les Misérables have in common.
- How George and he got the job writing new songs for the Mary Poppins musical!
- The making of the Mary Poppins London show production - and the story behind the new songs he wrote for it with George Stiles.
- What Pamela Travers was really like to work with (was it Saving Mr. Banks?).
- Mrs. Banks' backstory.
- Why supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is said backward in the new version he wrote with George Stiles.
- His new musical Identical - and why he's still looking for identical twins to be in it!
ANTHONY'S CHALLENGE!
Write new lyrics for the song The Perfect Nanny or Practically Perfect from Mary Poppins, or NYC from Annie (choose one song). If you choose the song NYC, write new lyrics for it with the song title changed to "NHS".
Please listen to Anthony talk about his challenge in this Podcast before you start writing anything.
The winners of each song choice will be taken by Anthony to see the London production of Mary Poppins. Winners pay own travel and expenses.
Record yourself performing the new song and send your video/sound clip to: [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 28th June 2020
THANK YOU ANTHONY - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Music credits:
Mary Poppins (Original London Cast Recording)
Jolly Holiday, Brimstone and Treacle, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,
Being Mrs. Banks, Practically Perfect, Anything Can Happen, The Perfect Nanny
NYC Company, Kimmy Cobb, Ron Raines, Ruthie Henshall & Sarah French Annie (Original Studio Cast)
Prelude / The Ballad of Sweeney Todd Michael Ball Sweeney Todd (The 2012 London Cast Recording) Soundtrack
The Schuyler Sisters Phillipa Soo, Jasmine Cephas-Jones, Leslie Odom, Jr., Original Broadway Cast of "Hamilton" & Renée Elise Goldsberry Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Soundtrack
Heart of the Weave The Wicker Husband, Darren Clark and Rhys Jennings
Other songs kindly provided by Stiles&Drewe:
Different, Honk!
Every Tear a Mother Cries, Honk!
One, Two, Three Little Pigs, Three Little Pigs
Does the Moment Ever Come?, Just So
There's Always Tomorrow, Peter Pan
Being Scar and Zazu in the Lion King
50m · PublishedI talk to George Asprey, who plays the evil lion Scar and Gary Jordan, who plays the wisecracking bird Zazu in the London production of the Lion King.
They talk to me about:
- How after leaving the army George went to LAMDA and after graduating started doing musicals as a dancer (despite not being a dancer!).
- George stood in for Kenneth Branagh on set when Kenneth directed the film Frankenstein.
- Gary was the voice-over for Tang and Mr. Granite on CBBC's ZingZillas - and also for a Japanese Playstation football video game!
- George's disaster moment when in the musical Chicago.
- What they had to do for their Lion King audition - George didn't have to wear a tail, but Gary did have to fly around the room!
- Why George thinks Scar is the greatest baddie Disney ever created.
- How they developed their animal characters by watching real animals move and behave - and why George thinks of snakes and spiders (not just lions).
- What the Lion King's "double event" is.
- Why there's a little bit of each Lion King actors' own personality in the animal characters they portray on stage.
- Scar's backstory (according to George) - why George feels sorry for him, what made Scar go bad?
- Why Zazu knows he won't get eaten by Scar (he hopes)!
- What's it like in hair and make-up.
- And lots of top-tips about how to work with puppets.
No animals were hurt in the making of this Podcast.
GEORGE AND GARY'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!
Video yourself performing these lines from the show as either Scar or Zazu:
Scar: Oh Zazu. Zazu Zazu Zazu.
Zazu: Yes sire?
Scar: Nobody loved me there’s the rub, not even as a cub. What did my brother have that I don’t have?
Zazu: Do you want the short list - or the long?
Scar: Whatever.
Zazu: Well he had adoring subjects, a loving family, an adoring Queen.....
Scar: That’s it, I need a queen!
Zazu: A what?
Scar: A queen man a queen! Without a queen what am I? A dead end. No descendants, no line, no future. With the Queen I’ll have.... cubs.
Make sure you've listened to all the advice and top tips from George and Gary in the Podcast before you record it. And get your mum/dad/sibling to read in the other part if you need to!
Send your video to: [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 6th June 2020
George and Gary's decision is final.
The winners will do an online musical theatre workshop with George and Gary; and they'll be recorded performing lines from the show with them. Each winner will also get a poster from the show signed by the cast.
THANK YOU GEORGE AND GARY - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Being Scar and Zazu in the Lion King
50m · PublishedI talk to George Asprey, who plays the evil lion Scar and Gary Jordan, who plays the wisecracking bird Zazu in the London production of the Lion King.
They talk to me about:
- How after leaving the army George went to LAMDA and after graduating started doing musicals as a dancer (despite not being a dancer!).
- George stood in for Kenneth Branagh on set when Kenneth directed the film Frankenstein.
- Gary was the voice-over for Tang and Mr. Granite on CBBC's ZingZillas - and also for a Japanese Playstation football video game!
- George's disaster moment when in the musical Chicago.
- What they had to do for their Lion King audition - George didn't have to wear a tail, but Gary did have to fly around the room!
- Why George thinks Scar is the greatest baddie Disney ever created.
- How they developed their animal characters by watching real animals move and behave - and why George thinks of snakes and spiders (not just lions).
- What the Lion King's "double event" is.
- Why there's a little bit of each Lion King actors' own personality in the animal characters they portray on stage.
- Scar's backstory (according to George) - why George feels sorry for him, what made Scar go bad?
- Why Zazu knows he won't get eaten by Scar (he hopes)!
- What's it like in hair and make-up.
- And lots of top-tips about how to work with puppets.
No animals were hurt in the making of this Podcast.
GEORGE AND GARY'S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!
Video yourself performing these lines from the show as either Scar or Zazu:
Scar: Oh Zazu. Zazu Zazu Zazu.
Zazu: Yes sire?
Scar: Nobody loved me there’s the rub, not even as a cub. What did my brother have that I don’t have?
Zazu: Do you want the short list - or the long?
Scar: Whatever.
Zazu: Well he had adoring subjects, a loving family, an adoring Queen.....
Scar: That’s it, I need a queen!
Zazu: A what?
Scar: A queen man a queen! Without a queen what am I? A dead end. No descendants, no line, no future. With the Queen I’ll have.... cubs.
Make sure you've listened to all the advice and top tips from George and Gary in the Podcast before you record it. And get your mum/dad/sibling to read in the other part if you need to!
Send your video to: [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: 6th June 2020
George and Gary's decision is final.
The winners will do an online musical theatre workshop with George and Gary; and they'll be recorded performing lines from the show with them. Each winner will also get a poster from the show signed by the cast.
THANK YOU GEORGE AND GARY - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Serena McCall, dance and social media star
41m · PublishedI talk to the 16 year old contemporary dancer and social media star, Serena McCall.
As one of the faces of the biggest dance show in the UK - MOVEit – with over 40k followers, she has used Instagram to build her profile, win ambassadorships and grow her career. This year she leaves Elmhurst Ballet School to study at the prestigious Rambert School in London.
I wanted to find out how she has managed to combine a talent for dance, with an equally impressive talent for social media.
Serena talks to me about:
- How she has her sister to thank for starting dance.
- Auditioning to become a RBS associate and her top tips for getting noticed at auditions.
- Taking corrections the right way.
- Her life as a boarder at Elmhurst Ballet School - and her suggestions about how to avoid getting homesick.
- How she got a place at Rambert School – even after improvising her audition dance... in the audition.
- What fuels her love of contemporary dance.
- How she choreographs her award-winning pieces.
- Using social media to support your dance career.
- What to post - and what not to post.
- Her “desert island dancers” – who she admires the most.
- And life after college... her dream company.
Links to her "desert island dancers and choreographers":
@traviswall
@clarice_lantalilly
@tatemcrae
SERENA’S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!
Video yourself performing Serena’s No Time To Die choreography <link here>. Then post the video on your Instagram page and tag her @serenamccall_ and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #serenaslockdownchallenge.
Serena will pick a winner from the videos - and the winner will get a one hour online class with her.
CLOSING DATE: 31st May 2020
THANK YOU SERENA - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Photo credit: @bockerphotography
Serena McCall, dance and social media star
41m · PublishedI talk to the 16 year old contemporary dancer and social media star, Serena McCall.
As one of the faces of the biggest dance show in the UK - MOVEit – with over 40k followers, she has used Instagram to build her profile, win ambassadorships and grow her career. This year she leaves Elmhurst Ballet School to study at the prestigious Rambert School in London.
I wanted to find out how she has managed to combine a talent for dance, with an equally impressive talent for social media.
Serena talks to me about:
- How she has her sister to thank for starting dance.
- Auditioning to become a RBS associate and her top tips for getting noticed at auditions.
- Taking corrections the right way.
- Her life as a boarder at Elmhurst Ballet School - and her suggestions about how to avoid getting homesick.
- How she got a place at Rambert School – even after improvising her audition dance... in the audition.
- What fuels her love of contemporary dance.
- How she choreographs her award-winning pieces.
- Using social media to support your dance career.
- What to post - and what not to post.
- Her “desert island dancers” – who she admires the most.
- And life after college... her dream company.
Links to her "desert island dancers and choreographers":
@traviswall
@clarice_lantalilly
@tatemcrae
SERENA’S LOCKDOWN CHALLENGE!
Video yourself performing Serena’s No Time To Die choreography <link here>. Then post the video on your Instagram page and tag her @serenamccall_ and @gbswimstars_gbdancestars (that's me!) with #serenaslockdownchallenge.
Serena will pick a winner from the videos - and the winner will get a one hour online class with her.
CLOSING DATE: 31st May 2020
THANK YOU SERENA - AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Photo credit: @bockerphotography
Spotlight Musical Theatre Podcasts has 40 episodes in total of non- explicit content. Total playtime is 33:21:26. The language of the podcast is English. This podcast has been added on August 12th 2022. It might contain more episodes than the ones shown here. It was last updated on February 21st, 2024 05:12.
