1. That Black Theatre Podcast Series
Launched in September 2020 by The National Theatre, in collaboration with The Royal Central School for Speech and Drama and the AHRC London Arts and Humanities Partnership, this podcast looks at Black British theatre from the 1990s to the present, including the socio-political events that influenced its practitioners.
Host Nadine Deller examines the work of Una Marson, Errol John and Mustapha Matura, among others. The podcast also delves into issues that Black women playwrights face, as well as Black queer and lesbian representation on stage.
Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and Google.
2. Interval Drinks Podcast
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) in-house podcast, Interval Drinks, returned for its second season earlier this year, featuring Mark Quartley, who played Henry VI in the RSC productions of Henry VI: Rebellion and Wars of the Roses, in conversation with actor David Tennant.
The show’s format involves a current RSC actor or creative interviewing an artist who has inspired them. Season one included conversations with Tim Minchin, Adjoah Andoh and Sophie Woolley, while season two boasts of names including Prasanna Puwanarajah, Femi Temowo and Tinuke Craig.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
3. Such Stuff
Launched in 2018 by Shakespeare’s Globe, Such Stuff ‘looks at Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world around us, asking questions about programming, gender, race, social justice and their relationship to Shakespeare’. Hosted by Michelle Terry, Dr Farah Karim-Cooper and Imogen Greenberg, it discusses topics including reclaiming the untold stories of women, art’s response to crises, LGBTQ+ inclusivity and mental health. Featuring conversations with actors, writers, and Shakespeare’s Globe staff members, Such Stuff is as much a mini masterclass on Shakespeare as it’s a rumination on contemporary issues.
Available on Apple, Spotify, Deezer, Google, and Stitcher.
4. Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast
Developed by The Royal Court Theatre, the podcast was launched in 2016 and is currently in its sixth season, featuring conversations with playwrights whose plays have been staged at The Royal Court, including Jez Butterworth, Tanika Gupta, David Hare, and Alistair McDowall. Initially hosted by playwright Simon Stephens and now by theatre director Omar Elerian, this podcast explores how some of the most successful names in British theatre got their first break, the inspiration behind their creative process and the rigours of daily life as a playwright.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
5. Off Book
Launched in 2016 by the Young Vic theatre, the Off Book podcast series comprises conversations with artists about their first experience with arts and theatre, the influence of their background on their work, and their career development. Some of the creatives who have appeared on the show include Nadia Latif, Luke Barnes and Josh Parr – discussing their formative years, first forays into theatre, and creating stories influenced by real life, among other things.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud.
6. Making it With Temi Wilkey
In 2019 actor and writer Temi Wilkey joined forces with The Bush Theatre, London Playwrights’ Workshop and One Fine Play to launch Making it with Temi Wilkey – a podcast comprising conversations with British theatre professionals, demystifying the process of creation and success in the world of theatre.
Talking to artists including Margaret Perry and Zoe Cooper, as well as theatre companies such as RashDash and Outbox Theatre, this podcast offers the listeners insights, especially if they are aspiring theatre professionals, into how to keep motivated and open to new ideas.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and TuneIn.
7. Backstage With
Hosted by Mikey Worrall, Backstage With comprises conversations with actors and creatives, reflections on theatre productions, and insider information. Launched in 2021, Worrall has interviewed artists, including Sharon Sexton, Peter Hannah Hannah, and Carly Mercedes Dyer. The podcast also offers insights into various theatre shows that might sometimes be unseen. Worrall ensures that his audience can get the most out of his interactions with theatre practitioners, whether newbies or connoisseurs.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
8. In the Frame
Launched by West End Frame editor Andrew Tomlins in 2019, this podcast comprises interviews with West End performers and creatives focused on their careers and upcoming projects. Guests on the show so far include Rob Madge, Me’sha Bryan and Felicia Boswell.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn and Audible.
9. The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast
Launched by Gillian Pensavalle in 2016, this podcast is about the iconic American musical Hamilton – from how it came to be to what goes into putting up a show globally. The podcast includes interviews with cast and crew members from all its tours and conversations with the creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The podcast also features interviews with historians, fans and celebrity enthusiasts of the show.
Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
10. The Goblin Podcast
British children’s theatre company Goblin Theatre launched its namesake podcast in 2020, offering musical stories for children. From The Legend of the Jazz Penguin to Hey Diddle Diddle and The Adventures of Pinocchio, the stories feature actors’ voices, including Michaela Bennison, Dan Bottomley, Lil Davis, and Will Dollard. Whether enjoyed with children or alone to unleash one’s inner child, this one is worth tuning into to try something different.
Available on Apple, Spotify, and Google.
11. British Theatre Guide
As the name suggests, this podcast, launched in 2012, is a compendium of theatre news, reviews and interviews from across the UK. Unlike the others on this list which seem targeted in terms of their themes and content, British Theatre Guide is not particularly specific in its scope, with episodes ranging from the announcement of the opening of theatre venues to plays waiting to happen, with an occasional interview with a creative thrown into the mix. Yet, it’s a good one to tune into to keep abreast with the latest happenings in theatre.
Available on Apple Podcasts.
