The WhatsOnStage Podcast

September has rolled around, bringing with it overcast skies, school terms and, as you might expect, a whole lot of exciting theatre! Sarah and Alex team up for part one of our bumper autumn preview, spotlighting some of the brand new work ready to wow on stages across the UK. From Bristol to Pitlochry, there's everything from Ceilidh musicals to plays about John Maynard Keynes to look forwards to... featuring some of the most exciting writers of the time including Ava Pickett, Ryan Calais Cameron and James Graham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined on this week's bonus episode by Tim Minchin, composer and lyricist of the treasured, international sensation, the RSC's Matilda the Musical. Minchin is celebrating 15 years of the multi-award-winning musical's success across the globe, with the West End productions and tour still going strong. He also teases four new shows he's working on over the next few years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah and Alex hit the mid 2010s as they continue their foray into the finest theatre works of the 21st century. This time around, a wave of well-received American plays make a big splash on both sides of the Atlantic – with the likes of Annie Baker, Lynn Nottage and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins all wowing with new work. There's also a strong current of work coming from Scotland, with the Edinburgh Festivals proving a hotbed for exciting voices. Plus Mike Bartlett writes a future history play with King Charles III, proving theatre's unwavering prescience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pride is moving down the Thames after its National Theatre run! We talk to director Matthew Warchus and writer Stephen Beresford about the musical's sell-out success and what the future holds as the production continues its life. Based on the true story depicted in the 2014 film Pride, the musical is set during the 1984 miners' strike. The story follows a group of lesbian and gay activists who form Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), an alliance which sees them support a small mining community in South Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex and Sarah get back together to discuss Alex’s trip to D23, Disney’s huge fan event in California where the creator of Hamilton was celebrated and the West End production of The Greatest Showman was unveiled. Plus more highlights from the Edinburgh Festival and a cracking season of radio drama from the BBC to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Royal Court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.