All Episodes
S9 Ep8: Alex Newell
The Tony-winning superstar on their exciting live concert dates at London's Cadogan Hall, leading with honesty and vulnerability and the power of paving a way for the next generation.
S9 Ep7: Carly Mercedes Dyer
The Olivier nominee on bringing new life to Cassie in A Chorus Line, diving into the welcomed responsibility of leading shows like The Drifters Girl, The Color Purple and Memphis, and why her success on the stage is "bonkers". Host: William J Connolly.
S9 Ep6: Stephanie J. Block
The Broadway Tony-winning powerhouse on making British shores her home as she stars in the Barbican Centre production of Kiss Me, Kate. Plus, we dive into rewriting our own limitations, leaning into a new style of her infamous singing voice and why her London co-star Adrian Dunbar reminds her about the magic of laugher.
S9 Ep5: Nicola Hughes & Amy Lennox
Stepping into the new world of Rufus Wainwright and Ivo Van Hove. Host: William J Connolly. Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell. openingnightmusical.com. Welcome to eleven. The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts.
S9 Ep4: Stevie Doc & Tobias Turley
The winning stars of ITV's I Have A Dream on starring as Skye and Sophie in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, the intricate beauty of ABBA lyrics and why the most famous all-singing sunny island is a place where everybody – both cast and audience – can the embrace joy.
S9 Ep3: Trevor Ashley
The OG star of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on embracing the sequins and getting the party started in Priscilla The Party!, the almost 20-year evolution of the famous pink bus and why live theatre doesn't always turn out as planned.
S9 Ep2: Hannah Cruz
The breakout Broadway star on originating in Suffs, making musical dreams come true with Jason Robert Brown in The Connector and why her former boss at Hamilton is the ultimate hype-man. Host: William J Connolly. Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell.
S9 Ep1: Storm Lever & Jasmine Forsberg
Meet the queens of SIX on Broadway remixing history, bringing legends to life and celebrating a new version of Broadway that gives everybody the chance to soar. Host: William J Connolly. Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell. sixonbroadway.com.
S8 Ep11: Alan Cumming
The Tony, Olivier, BAFTA and Emmy winner discusses his headline new solo tour Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age, tales of backstage chats with the legendary Liza Minnelli and why the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is about to learn about his sagging testicles.
S8 Ep10: Charlie Stemp
The double Olivier nominee on dancing the hardest work of his life in Susan Stroman’s extraordinary production of Crazy For You, starring in the world-famous London Palladium pantomime three times and why he’s an all-or-nothing sorta guy.
S8 Ep9: Rachel Tucker
From backstage at the Savoy Theatre, the West End and Broadway belter reveals all about swapping the green for red in her latest big theatrical adventure with Jamie Lloyd's Sunset Boulevard, how her new album You’re Already Home is the most personal yet and why she’s fully in her acting era.
S8 Ep8: Stephanie J. Block
As the Tony winner prepares to embrace London audiences at Cadogan Hall, we explore understanding her voice, the gift of roles like Cher, The Baker's Wife and Judy Bernley and the joyful mantra of W.W.D.D. (that’s What Would Dolly Do, obviously!).
S8 Ep7: Myra DuBois
The siren from South Yorkshire on healing the nation with her new live tour Be Well, the pressures of being the most talented and dazzling person in any room and why she's anything but a sex symbol... so don't bring it up. Plus, why theatre is where it all started.
S8 Ep6: Nick Lieberman
The genius writer and director on mounting Theatre Camp with his friends and how he and fellow creatives – including that of Broadway superstar Ben Platt - found the heart of this standout new movie that celebrates our wonderful industry.
S8 Ep5: Norm Lewis
The voice of a generation on seizing the opportunity to star in Love Never Dies, how his connection to the show roots back to 2007 and why his version of The Phantom continues to evolve.
S8 Ep4: Matthew Lopez
The history-making playwright on the living legacy of his masterpiece The Inheritance, working and collaborating with industry legends including Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Daldry CBE and Uma Thurma and joining the world of directing with Prime Video's much-anticipated queer-focused new film, Red, White & Royal Blue.
S8 Ep3: Zoe Birkett
The West End leading lady on returning to play Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, pushing herself into the world of comedy with The Great British Bake Off Musical and why Moulin Rouge and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert remain two of her favourite (and campest!) roles to-date.
S8 Ep2: Auliʻi Cravalho
The 22-year-old internationally acclaimed superstar voice of Moana on reigning in a new era as Eva Perón, leaning into history with her portrayal of the Argentine rose and why EVITA is all about words, words, words!
S8 Ep1: Melody Thornton
The Grammy-nominated Pussycat Dolls star on belting it out as Rachel Marron in the UK Tour of The Bodyguard, singing one of the finest musical catalogues of all time by the greatest singer of all time - and stepping into the spotlight to receive her own round of applause.
S7 Ep11: Melanie La Barrie
The West End leading lady on making Broadway her new home in Max Martin’s hit &Juliet, the personal joys of Ragtime and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and why she will only ever do it her way! Host: William J Connolly. Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell.
S7 Ep10: Carrie St. Louis
The blonde bombshell on belting out Celine Dion and embracing the lolz as she sets sail on her final week at Titanique. Plus we talk performing for First Lady Michelle Obama as Glinda in Wicked, tackling British accents in Kinky Boots and why comedy is just her thing.
S7 Ep9: John McCrea
From backstage at the Kit Kat Club, the Olivier nominee on life as the Emcee in Cabaret and sharing the stage with Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood as Sally Bowles.
S7 Ep8: Brittney Johnson
The leading star on saying goodbye to the Gershwin Theatre and her history-making chapter leading Wicked on Broadway, Glinda chats with Ariana Grande ahead of the Wicked Movie and stepping into the spotlight with her new solo show “Ripple Effect” at Birdland.
S7 Ep7: Jewelle Blackman
The electric standout lead of Hadetown on her journey to star as Persephone on Broadway, how Disney's The Lion King changed her life and facing personal vulnerability head-on with new solo show, Tomorrow Is My Turn. Host: William J Connolly.
S7 Ep6: Danielle Brooks
The Grammy winner and Tony nominee on the unparalleled joy of returning to Broadway this season with The Piano Lesson opposite Samuel L. Jackson, the honour of the New York Women in Film & Television “Made In New York” Award and why “theatre belongs to us all”.
S7 Ep5: Bob Gale
The Oscar-nominated Screenwriter-Producer-Director of the Back to the Future movies on adapting his infamous franchise for the stage and why this new adventure always featured a red button when things didn’t feel right.
S7 Ep4: Audra McDonald
The Emmy, Grammy and six-time Tony winner on her record-breaking career, the power of representation for Black women in theatre and why she’s proudly, perfectly flawed. Plus, the unexpected impact of her Tony speeches, living with ADD/ADHD and headlining at the London Palladium this September.
S7 Ep3: Benjamin Rauhala
The Fairy Godfairy of Broadway on bringing Live In London to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August with his friend and collaborator Jeremy Jordan, the global success of Disney Princess - The Concert and his rather showbiz night writing the 2022 Tony Awards opening number for Oscar winner Ariana Debose.
S7 Ep2: Jeremy Jordan
The Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk nominee on bringing his legendary voice to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane this August, the thrill of Bonnie & Clyde and now Newsies playing in London and rocking out with his exciting new band, Age of Madness.
S7 Ep1: Kerry Ellis
Direct from backstage between shows at the Barbican, the First Lady of the West End on taking the reins are Reno Sweeney in Kathleen Marshall’s Olivier and Tony-Award winning musical Anything Goes.
S6 Ep11: Rachelle Ann Go
The globally acclaimed musical theatre actress and recording artist on dreaming the dream all over again as she heads out on tour with one of the world’s most famous musicals - and why playing a signature role like Fantine is different now she’s become a mother.
S6 Ep10: Will Swenson
The Tony nominee and Broadway leading man on joining the Sondheim legacy with the release of the Assassins cast album, the wild ride of bringing Hair to West End audiences and how starring as drag queen Tick in Priscilla - Queen of the Desert taught him some extra things about life in heels.
S6 Ep9: Sally Ann Triplett
The Guys and Dolls, Grease and Anything Goes leading lady on fighting to play Mrs. Wilkinson in the new Curve production of Billy Elliot – and why she’d like to see the show return to the West End.
S6 Ep8: Caroline Bowman & Austin Colby
For the first time in… well, ever, the married couple on spreading Disney magic across the United States with Frozen and the welcomed pressures of playing such signature roles on stage, why nobody is ever fooled by the enormity of singing Let It Go, and why this show means more to fans than they first thought possible – plus we talk Jersey Boys, Evita, Wicked, Kinky Boots, YouTube hits and why the most important person their household has four legs and a tail!
S6 Ep7: Lea Salonga
The legendary Tony and Olivier award-winning stage superstar on returning to the UK for her Dream Again tour, 30 years of A Whole New World and the forever joy of Miss Saigon. Plus, how meeting Dame Julie Andrews changed her life and why she will forever be proud of to give a voice to fellow Asian performers in the arts.
S6 Ep6: Lucie Jones & Helen Woolf
The West End witches of Wicked on 15 years of Defying Gravity, the pressures of playing two of the most iconic roles in theatre and why their friendship lives both on stage – and off. Plus they talk vocal riffs, going green and giving a voice to the outcast.
S6 Ep5: Frances Mayli McCann & Jordan Luke Gage
The original West End stars of Bonnie & Clyde on finally bringing this iconic pair to the London stage, creating magic with a legendary set of creatives and why history romanticises this tale of lovers, yet the reality was something different.
S6 Ep4: Lorna Luft
In a year that will mark Judy Garland’s 100th birthday, her daughter discusses her lasting legacy, shares personal memories of her mother and how her family is planning to honour the anniversary this June.
S6 Ep3: Dame Arlene Phillips
The two-time Olivier nominated dance and stage superstar on bringing The Cher Show to the UK, revisiting the new West End production of Grease and why the love for Starlight Express lives on.
S6 Ep2: Carrie Hope Fletcher
The award-winning stage star on what it’s like collaborating and creating an original new musical with Andrew Lloyd Webber and why she feels much more comfortable and authentic with Cinderella's pre-transformation vibe.
S6 Ep1: Johannes Radebe
The breakout star of the BBC mega hit Strictly Come Dancing on launching his own solo show Freedom, honouring his homeland of South Africa and the unbreakable support of his family. Plus we talk queer visibility, overcoming the homophobes and choosing joy.
S5 Ep11: Teal Wicks
Broadway leading lady on playing Cher alongside the legendary Stephanie J Block, keeping up the belting during the pandemic and why she wouldn’t be able to return to a role like Elphaba again.
S5 Ep10: Jessica Vosk
The Broadway belter on finally sharing her talents with the people of the United Kingdom as she plays Cadogan Hall. We also discuss how portraying Elphaba gave her an idea into the world of being different, why the leaking of her Wicked audition video is personal and her thoughts on filming during live performances.
S5 Ep9: Liisi LaFontaine
The West End's Sparkling Diamond on bringing Moulin Rouge: The Musical to the London stage; including tackling the high trapeze, feeling herself in some of the greatest costumes and why it’s time for us all to embrace the escapism the show serves up.
S5 Ep8: Frank Wildhorn
The Grammy, Tony and Emmy nominated composer of both musical theatre and popular songs on being reunited with Jeremy Jordan for Bonnie & Clyde at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, writing Where Do Broken Hearts Go for the greatest voice of all time and the continuing joyous evolution of Jekyll & Hyde.
S5 Ep7: Shoshana Bean
The Broadway star and Billboard #1 recording artist on returning to Cadogan Hall in London this December, why she’s proud to be an honorary Brit and her love of Pret Christmas sandwiches. Plus, her joy at the Wicked movie casting. Host: William J Connolly.
S5 Ep6: Derek Klena
The Broadway leading man on embracing the madness of becoming a Tony nominee, learning from Alanis Morissette when mounting the Jagged Little Pill musical and the exciting new world of My Marcello. Plus the pressures of wearing *those* white Fiyero pants in Wicked.
S5 Ep5: Rachel York
The Drama Desk winner and Broadway sensation on setting sail (again!) with Anything Goes at the Barbican in London, the joys and challenges of being a working mother and why she cherishes her relationship with Dame Julie Andrews immensely.
S5 Ep4: Christine Allado & Alexia Khadime
The trailblazing stars of The Prince of Egypt on why the new stage musical truly lives up to its epic status and why they’re not trying to replicate the brilliance of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey with their When You Believe duet.
S5 Ep3: Jenna Russell
The Tony nominee and Olivier winner on a lifetime leading centre stage, working with some of the greatest stars in history, and why the most successful understudies “steal like mad all the good bits” from their leading actors.
S5 Ep2: Jinkx Monsoon & BenDeLaCreme
The international drag superstars on perfectly mixing drag and live theatre with The Return of The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, LIVE!, proudly being Patti LuPone superfans and why "there’s no drag without theatre and no theatre without drag!" Plus, they recall some of their most infamous stage mishaps and falls of all-time.
S5 Ep1: Glen Ballard
The 6x Grammy winner on bringing Back To The Future: The Musical to the West End, penning With You from Ghost: The Musical and co-writing Jagged Little Pill with Alanis Morissette. Plus we get a creative update on the stage adaptation of the 1979 movie The Rose and Disney’s upcoming live-action Pinocchio.
S4 Ep11: Dan Gillespie Sells
The music genius behind Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on the global success of the stage show, developing it for the big screen, and why Sarah Lancashire was his dream casting for the new movie.
S4 Ep10: Alexandra Billings
In an exclusive conversation, the icon of stage and screen on her history-making casting as Madame Morrible in Wicked, why the story of The Wizard of Oz means more to her than arguably anybody else, and how she married her hero.
S4 Ep9: Lucy St Louis
The new leading lady of The Phantom of The Opera on smashing down barriers and making history with her casting as the beloved opera soprano Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh’s revamped production, wearing her natural hair like a crown and celebrating the beautiful nuances of her black body.
S4 Ep8: Linzi Hateley
The Olivier nominee and stage icon on overcoming personal doubt and age comparison to her younger self to star as The Narrator once again in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, why she will forever learn from the challenges of Carrie on Broadway at aged 17 + why originating in Mary Poppins was challenging.
S4 Ep7: Adam Pascal
The stage superstar and Tony nominee on celebrating 25 years of rocking out on Broadway with his new live streamed show So Far, how originating in RENT changed the lives of so many, and why his life-long friendship with the legendary Idina Menzel helped kick-start it all for New York City's finest rock voice.
S4 Ep6: Sheila Atim MBE
The Olivier award-winning star of stage and the big screen on returning to the West End in the new all-star production of Constellations, how her time originating in Girl from the North Country remains almost indescribable today, and why she's happy to embrace her goddess status.
S4 Ep5: Laura Osnes & Jeremy Jordan
In an exclusive first interview, the original stars of Bonnie in Clyde on reuniting after 10 years for an exclusive London concert version, the challenges of opening the show on Broadway back in 2011, and why them performing this story again isn’t just a professional milestone… it’s personal.
S4 Ep4: Loren Allred
The voice behind Never Enough on the global success of The Greatest Showman, why she didn’t appear in the movie itself, and how she hopes her music will help bring the world together this summer.
S4 Ep3: Renée Elise Goldsberry
The Tony winner and original Angelica Schuyler on why Hamilton is here today because of musical RENT, embracing the camp with Lego Store: The Musical, and why the beauty of diversity will forever be at the core of her Broadway.
S4 Ep2: Rob Madge
Lolz at the ready as the hilarious internet sensation and theatre star on embracing their non-binary identity, taking flight in the upcoming UK stage adaptation of Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and why they promise this isn’t the end for their solo show My Son's A Queer But What Can You Do?
S4 Ep1: Aimie Atkinson
The Olivier nominee and OG Katherine Howard on the one opportunity that would bring her back to the Queendom, why she was nervous working with "genius" director Jerry Mitchell on leading London's Pretty Woman musical + when we can expect a debut album from her incredible new all-female group S V N.
S3 Ep11: Maria Friedman
The 4x Olivier winner (+ 9 nominations!) on singing for Liza Minnelli at her private house, working with Barbra Streisand and Aretha Franklin, and texting with Stephen Sondheim.
S3 Ep10: L Morgan Lee
Meet the award-winning Obie star developing The Danish Girl for the stage, making history as the first openly transgender actor to originate a role in a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece of theatre for A Strange Loop, and why it’s time to allow minority voices to tell their own stories.
S3 Ep9: Helen Dallimore
Direct from Oz, the West End’s original Glinda on working with Idina Menzel in Wicked UK, being cast as Margaret New in the Australian premiere of British musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and why she’s waiting for the perfect time to return to the London stage.
S3 Ep8: Laura Bell Bundy
The original Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray on bringing a touch of camp to Broadway, having Britney Spears as her understudy, and why her latest album is putting women back at the centre of their stories. Host: William J Connolly.
S3 Ep7: Layton Williams
The BBTAs winner on serving lewks, making history and living up to his I Came To Slay mantra. Plus, why a Beautiful People stage musical needs to happen and how starring in Everybody's Talking About Jamie has taught him to ditch gendered clothing.
S3 Ep6: Alaska Thunderf**k
The RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner and global superstar on embracing theatre and comedy to find her most authentic drag persona, playing Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show on stage alongside Michelle Visage, and why the world “f**king needs drag” right about now!
S3 Ep5: Toby Marlow
The SIX composer and co-writer on accidentally redefining modern musical theatre, his love and forever obsession with Lucy Moss, and his plans to release new work very soon. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S3 Ep4: Peppermint
The Drag Race superstar on making history as the first trans woman to create a principal role on Broadway, meeting President Biden, and why #RepresentationMatters. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley. Produced by: William J Connolly + Darren Bell.
S3 Ep3: Omari Douglas
The star of It's A Sin on the global success of the remarkable Russell T Davies show, how a stage adaptation would get his backing, and why he’s Carrie musical obsessed! Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley. Produced by: William J Connolly + Darren Bell.
S3 Ep2: Rachel Tucker & Louise Dearman
In their first ever joint podcast interview, #Tuckman reflect on their record-breaking time in Wicked together, that one role they both want to play, and waiting at stage door to meet Idina Menzel. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S3 Ep1: Keala Settle
The Tony nominee on the record-breaking success of her Oscar-nominated song This Is Me, if she’s set to headline the Broadway adaptation of The Greatest Showman, and why she’s Drag Race UK obsessed!!! #MuchBetta. Host: William J Connolly.
S2 Ep11: Alan Menken
The EGOT winner on a portfolio of work that will last beyond his 35 years of global success, collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda to add rap into the upcoming adaptation of The Little Mermaid, and why he was honoured to have Ariana Grande sing one of his songs.
S2 Ep10: Liz Callaway
The beloved Emmy winner and Tony nominee on being the original voice of Anastasia, her infamous musical theatre car videos, and her close affiliation with Stephen Sondheim. Plus, she reveals the Disney roles that almost happened... Host: William J Connolly.
S2 Ep9: Sam Tutty
The newly-crowned Olivier Award-winner on embracing his inner Romeo for his latest theatrical adventure, becoming a bit of an expert in fake crying, and how he dreams about returning to London’s Dear Evan Hansen every single day. Host: William J Connolly.
S2 Ep8: Eden Espinosa
The Disney and Broadway star on her extraordinary vocal gift, how leading the final Broadway company of RENT changed her life, and why her time in Wicked made her feel like a real-life rock star. Plus, why YouTube videos and the comparison of Broadway vocalists harms what we see on the stage.
S2 Ep7: Tamzin Outhwaite
The legendary EastEnders actor on why there’s no place like the stage, how Hamilton brings her family closer together, and why her new online supernatural thriller is sure to get pulses racing. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S2 Ep6: Danielle Steers
Long may she reign! The leading lady of SIX on overcoming personal insecurities and fan criticism to star as Catherine Parr, learning to love her wonderfully unique voice, and why her new album is a love letter to her time in Bat Out of Hell.
S2 Ep5: Orfeh
Snaps! Broadway’s infamous belter on fighting for her signature number in Legally Blonde: The Musical, and the one role she just can’t get. Plus, why #ReviveLegallyBlonde gets her backing. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S2 Ep4: Faye Tozer
The BRIT-winning artist on celebrating acceptance in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, why she’d love to join Bianca Del Rio and Michelle Visage on Drag Race, and if Steps are developing a stage musical. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S2 Ep3: Joe McElderry
The recording artist and leading man on his new festive single O Holy Night, his duet with George Michael, and an unexpected date with Whitney Houston. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley. Produced by: William J Connolly + Darren Bell.
S2 Ep2: Shoshana Bean
In a UK exclusive, the Broadway and vocal powerhouse on her festive special Sing Your Hallelujah, tackling her own Wicked troubles, and why her most return to Broadway in Waitress almost didn’t happen. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S2 Ep1: Lucie Jones
The West End leading lady on A Christmas Carol: The Musical Staged Concert, why she’d like to revisit playing Jenna in Waitress, and… sausages. Yes, really! Lucie also reveals how the unexpected break because of the global COVID-19 pandemic brought on a wave of personal self-doubt.
S1 Ep7: Lesli Margherita
The star of the West End and Broadway stage on bagging herself an Olivier, why you shouldn’t write-off Emojiland: The Musical, and how she accidentally became the new Lady Gaga. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S1 Ep6: Nina West
The RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar, international performer and theatre obsessive on how the popularity of drag is set to change the world and arts, being dressed as Elsa when she met Frozen’s Idina Menzel, and why kindness to yourself and others will always win.
S1 Ep5: Ruthie Henshall
The Olivier winner and five-time nominee on playing some of the most iconic roles in musical theatre, reveals if the new production of Les Misérables gets her vote, and the time she broke out of character on stage to save the life of an audience member.
S1 Ep4: Kimberley Walsh
The BRIT Award-winner, pop superstar and West End leading lady on the stage premiere of Sleepless in Seattle, possible ideas for a Girls Aloud musical, and her want to play Glinda in Wicked. Host: William J Connolly. Technical: Jordan Priestley.
S1 Ep3: Sierra Boggess
The jewel in Broadway’s crown talks originating in Love Never Dies and The Little Mermaid, how she’s still not quite finished playing Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera, and why she’s anything but the innocent ingénue you’re used to seeing on stage.
S1 Ep2: Stephen Schwartz
The Oscar, Grammy, Drama Desk, Golden Globe and honorary Tony winner on bringing the official DreamWorks adaptation of The Prince of Egypt to the stage, his thoughts on jukebox musicals rising in popularity, and the new British show that’s got his vote.
S1 Ep1: Gavin Creel
We join the Tony and Olivier award-winning actor backstage at Waitress to discuss his unbreakable friendship and love for Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, the power of authenticity in the arts, and reveals his (unlikely) dream Jenna.
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