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The WhatsOnStage Podcast

Sarah Crompton & Alex Wood
Theatre
Shakespeare
One Day
Romantic Comedy
Dear Octopus
Theatre Arts
Bronte Sisters
Food
Creative Arts
Netflix
Kenneth Tynan
Faith Healer
Education Funding Cuts
Machinal
Love's Labour's Lost
Journalism
Theatre Industry
Art Criticism
Human Connection
Amateur Theatre

WhatsOnStage managing editor Alex Wood and chief theatre critic Sarah Crompton host a weekly podcast on all things theatrical. News, views, frank exchanges and lists offer an unmissable guide to what’s happening on stage (and in film and on television) now, in the past and in future. From musicals, to plays, to immersive shows, to interviews with the biggest stars, there's something for everyone! ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes186Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Performing ArtsSociety & CultureArts

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Latest Episodes

In a little casting exclusive, Alex Wood reveals two of the agents tackling the multi-award-winning musical Operation Mincemeat, which kicks off its first ever tour in February 2026. Based on the true story of a plot to con the Nazis during World War... more

Merrily We Roll Along has landed in cinemas worldwide, providing a unique take on the multi-award-winning Broadway production, first seen in London, with Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. Friedman maps out her incredible journey wi... more

Hopping onto a remote recording at the earliest opportunity, Sarah and Alex discuss the legacy of the late, great Tom Stoppard – following the news of his passing on Saturday night. In an episode of two halves, this is accompanied by a reflection on ... more

Sarah goes to @sohoplace to talk to writer David Eldridge about his two plays running in London at the moment: End at the National Theatre, the completion of his relationships trilogy, and The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, the first adaptation of a ... more

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Recent Guests

Alan Cumming
Artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and acclaimed actor
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Episode: Alan Cumming on his Pitlochry season, being a voluntary artistic director and experiences on the all-male Company
James Hameed
Performer who voices Paddington off stage and remote puppeteers.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Arti Shah
Performer who plays Paddington on stage.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Luke Shepard
Director of Paddington the Musical.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Jessica Swale
Writer responsible for creating the script for Paddington.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Tara Zafar
Designer who created the Paddington character for the stage.
Episode: Bonus episode: We meet the team behind Paddington Bear!
Colin Ingram
Award-winning producer behind major theatre productions
Colin Ingram Limited
Episode: Bonus episode: West End producer Colin Ingram reflects on 20 years of his company, the star casting debate and how the West End ecosystem is changing
Tilda Swinton
Acclaimed actress making her return to the stage
Episode: Exclusive interview: John Proctor is the Villain, Tilda Swinton and a huge 70th birthday party – David Byrne on his new Royal Court season
Gary Oldman
Oscar-winning actor bringing his production of Crap's Last Tape
Episode: Exclusive interview: John Proctor is the Villain, Tilda Swinton and a huge 70th birthday party – David Byrne on his new Royal Court season

Hosts

Sarah Crompton
Co-host, Chief Theatre Critic at WhatsOnStage, bringing extensive knowledge about theatre criticism and industry insights.
Alex Wood
Co-host, Managing Editor at WhatsOnStage, responsible for engaging discussions about current theatrical events and productions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 108 ratings
  • Needs to be better

    Alex and Sarah spend most of their time talking about the art of criticism, the industry of being a critic and their jobs, rather than actually reviewing what’s on stage. More straightforward theatre reviews please, fewer internal discussions. It’s too self indulgent.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Gooner N7
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Great podcast but weird editing!

    I really enjoy this podcast (special mention for the brilliant James Graham interview a few months ago). However, the edits for commercial breaks usually arrive halfway through a sentence. It is bizarre! If anything, I am more inclined to forward through the ads than let them play.

    Advertisers please note!!

    Even plays do not break for interval mid-sentence!! I would have rated 5 stars but for this annoyance..

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Coolerthanapopsicle
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Pinkwashing, whilst supporting hate

    Have now unsubscribed from your podcast - after your absolute Pinkwashing this Pride Month, You can't use a Progress Pride flag as your avatar, whilst promoting the work of a billionaire who has set up a fund to strip away the legal rights of LGBTQ+ people. You, Alex and Sarah, are complicit in the hate, hurt and murder of LGBTQ+ people - and are profiting from that too. #Shameonyou

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Lazarusheart
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Love

    Love this new WOS podcast, just wish there were more episodes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chasisgreat
    United Kingdom7 months ago
  • Learn something new every episode!

    I’ve been listening since the beginning of summer and I look forward to the new episode every week - I thought I knew a lot about theatre but I learn something new each week and find the insights into the theatre industry so fascinating, alongside all the different takes, opinions and knowledge about regional and west end shows both that I’ve heard of and found about through the podcast. In particular, the coverage about the Edinburgh fringe proved so helpful before I made my first trip in Augus... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    strictly ella !!
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The hosts are recognized for their passionate delivery and ability to break down complex theatrical themes for broader audiences.
There are mixed feelings about the balance between personal anecdotes and formal critiques within episodes.
Listeners appreciate the rich insights and expert discussions relevant to the theatre community.
Some reviews highlight a desire for improved editing and clarity in production quality.
Feedback indicates that the content sparks curiosity and motivates listeners to explore more about theatre.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Paul Hilton on finding his own Scrooge, saving the Oldham Coliseum and why it’s good to cry at the theatre
Q: How have you guys been rehearsing for that charity plea at the end of the piece?
Rehearsing it is tricky without an audience, but they are practicing the mechanics to create a chaotic yet safe environment.
Bonus episode: How to adapt a classic musical into a film
Q: What was the hardest thing from the original stage property for you?
The hardest aspect was including the song 'dressing her up' due to its complex integration.
Bonus episode: How to adapt a classic musical into a film
Q: What does it mean to you to portray a character authentically across the gender spectrum?
It's just fun as an artist to embody many different characters, challenging and rewarding.
Children will listen: Kate Fleetwood talks playing the Witch in Into the Woods
Q: What do you want people to know before they go into this version of Into the Woods?
Kate Fleetwood encourages audiences to come with open minds and get immersed in the rich material, promising surprises and emotional depth.
Children will listen: Kate Fleetwood talks playing the Witch in Into the Woods
Q: What are the sorts of thoughts knowing that you're doing some of the most quintessentially famous Sondheim numbers?
Kate Fleetwood expresses that she feels incredibly lucky to be involved and emphasizes the importance of hard work and collaboration in her preparation.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The WhatsOnStage Podcast

What is The WhatsOnStage Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A weekly exploration of the theatrical world, featuring insightful discussions that cover a wide array of topics, including the latest news in theatre, in-depth reviews of both contemporary and classic productions, and interviews with prominent figures in the performing arts. The conversation often reflects on the emotional and cultural significance of various shows, with a strong emphasis on community and the transformative power of theatre. This podcast is known for its engaging blend of professional criticism and personal anecdotes, making complex theatrical concepts accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, its strong focus on the arts, combined with the hosts' expertise, offers listeners a unique perspective on the evolving landsc... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The WhatsOnStage Podcast:

1. The Rest Is Entertainment
2. Front Row
3. We Have Notes with Liv Little and Miranda Sawyer
4. Wanging On with Graham Norton and Maria McErlane
5. The Trawl

How many episodes of The WhatsOnStage Podcast are there?

The WhatsOnStage Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 186 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The WhatsOnStage Podcast?

Recent guests on The WhatsOnStage Podcast include:

1. Alan Cumming
2. James Hameed
3. Arti Shah
4. Luke Shepard
5. Jessica Swale
6. Tara Zafar
7. Colin Ingram
8. Tilda Swinton

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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