How one venue is bringing Hope to regional theatres
We’re heading to Manchester to celebrate a remarkable milestone. It’s been ten years since the Hope Mill Theatre first opened its doors, transforming a former textile mill into one of the country’s most respected independent producing houses.With just over 145 seats, it’s an intimate space that’s punched well above its weight — staging acclaimed revivals and brand-new work alike, and helping to launch careers both on and off stage. Its productions have included the award-winning Spring Awakening, Rent, Mame, and, later this month, the team are bringing Young Frankenstein to the Hope Mill stage. And looking ahead to 2026, they’re taking on their biggest project yet with High School Musical at The Lowry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
28:10
--------
28:10
The magic of rain on stage, the greatness of Brendan Gleeson and the start of the National Theatre’s new regime
Sarah and Alex catch up on the latest in a hectic season of theatre and talk about why The Weir by Conor McPherson really is one of the great plays of the past 50 years. And - actors getting wet is always irresistible, but does it just make you think about drainage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
33:24
--------
33:24
Bonus episode: Rachel Zegler, Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher join us for a red carpet special!
In a little midweek episode, we bring you red carpet interviews from London and New York. On Sunday, Rachel Zegler picked up the Best West End Debut Performer award at The Stage Debut Awards in London for her performance leading Evita in the West End, while over in New York, the stars of the forthcoming production of Chess came together to discuss making all the right moves in the upcoming revival of the much-loved show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
22:12
--------
22:12
Why Jane Austen finds herself at home in modern Essex
As Jane Austen celebrates her 250th birthday, Ava Pickett has adapted Emma for the stage. She’s taken a radical approach. She talks to Sarah about why Austen is still the best portrayer of complex women, how hard it is to write comedy, the freedom of writing period drama and why the craft of women writers still isn’t recognised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
42:02
--------
42:02
Bonus episode: Rob Madge and Sophie Drake bring a classic into the 21st century
How do you bring a play into the present day? That’s the question facing playwright Rob Madge and director Sophie Drake, as they bring Brandon Thomas' 19th century gender-hopping farce into the present day. The show opens at the rustic, beautiful Watermill Theatre, and marks a first collaboration for the award-winning duo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK