Sam Haughton on Phantom, Universality of Material and Keeping the Faith

The long awaited return of Simon Furness!I’ve been meaning to have Simon back on the show since he was my second only guest back in 2021!This time we take a dive back into Vanya and Chekhov’s other celebrated work “The Seagull”. Both plays were given huge London revivals in recent times and we take a look at how their interpretations of the text are similar and different to how Simon believes Chekhov would have liked to be seen done. We also ask questions such as, with Chekhov putting his characters in such tragic circumstances, is he making a mockery of unfortunate lives or is it social commentary? In other words, is he mocking people who are sad or is he plainly showing this is the way of life for some people? As well as finding the humour in these dire straits, is it to make fun of their situations of unrequited love and desperate need to feel loved or it is a way to heal them? Make light of a bad situation in order to help them out of their depression and cure them?All this and much more in our discussion!Including Simon’s cameo in Netflix’s “Wednesday” and what he would do with a West End budget if he was given the reigns to a Chekhov masterpiece. Thank you so much Simon, a pleasure to have you back!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning 

Olivia trained at Drama Studio, after graduating from UEA (University of East Anglia) and has been a part of some incredible work since graduation. Her credits include, for Film:Where the Hands TouchA Beautiful Cruise - which won three awards at the Paris International Film Festical 2022Leonora in the Morning LightTV:Doctor WhoMidsomer MurdersThe Woman in WhiteRoadkillQueens of MysteryTheatre:Romeo and Juliet - Leicester Square TheatreThe Dark at the Top of the Stairs - Belgrade TheatreYoung Chekhov Trilogy at the Chichester Festival, directed by Jonathan Kent - Platonov, Ivanov and The SeagullThe Circle - Orange Tree Theatre and UK TourAnd three appearances at the National Theatre - 50th Anniversary, King Lear playing Cordelia directed by Sam Mendes and Othello playing Desdemona directed by Nicholas Hytner, alongside Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear. Olivia and I discuss her time in Othello at the National. We delve into how the character is seen by some critics as a victim of impossible standards, to her naivety and how out of touch she is to human nature. For example her dialogue with Emilia when she cannot comprehend the fact that sometimes women cheat on their husbands if they aren’t satisfied with their current relationship in Act 4 Scene 3. We also look at her role in King Lear, how she found the disrupted relationship between Lear and Cordelia to looking after herself through emotionally demanding plays eight times a week. Thank you Olivia! Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 47 countries in 2025. In the same year streams grew by 29%, listeners increased by 24%, brand new listeners were up by 999%, received more shares than 85% of other shows in the performing arts category and followers were up 58%. The podcast is a top 10 show for more than 200 people, top 5 for over 140, number 1 for more than 50 and has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2025. 

The return of Sarah Spring!Sarah returns to the show to dissect more Shakespeare, this time we look at the most famous speech in the world, “To be, or not to be” and the brilliant dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing. We look at what makes “To be, or not to be” so famous as well as so beautiful. In Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet, the young Danish prince tormented by the suspicious death of his father and his mother’s quick remarriage to his uncle Claudius, contemplates whether to face his “sea of troubles” or remove himself from the face of the planet. Hamlet asks is it worth facing this awful situation in his family or should he take his own life and be free of the burden? Begging the question, is it worth facing our demons or do we risk flying to an “undiscovered country” that we can’t return from and know nothing about in the hope it will relieve us from our torments? Special mention to Benedict Cumberbatch and his interpretation at the Barbican in 2015 which we look at in a lot of detail!Done so many different ways with actors of both genders and a multitude of life experiences, this soliloquy speaks to every human being before us, right now and for those to come. Hence why it is so famous!Sarah and I take a deep dive into the speech and find what it means to us individually and the many ways it can be interpreted. As well as the emotional connection she has to Much Ado about Nothing and why it means so much to her. Check out her socials for more information and how to get in touch!Pleasure as always Sarah thank you!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Sam’s journey started at the Hackett-Kyne Academy of Irish Dancing, inspired by a VHS copy of My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison that ignited his passion for the arts!He graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 2012 with a BA in Musical Theatre and his parts there included:Mr Sherlock in “Billy”Aegisthus in “Oresteia”Egeon in “Comedy of Errors”Captain Cook/Dr Chambers in “Robert and Elizabeth”In the business his credits include:Ibsen’s Lady FingerSongs from the Shower - Guildford Fringe Singing in the RainWind in the WillowsGrease - Scandanavian TourSpamalot - English Theatre FrankfurtSchool of Rock - Tours of the UK and KoreaWish List - in partnership with the “Make a Wish” FoundationPhantom of the Opera, Monsieur André/Ensemble, West End Sam is also a skilled performance coach offering lessons in acting and voice work which he runs with Lucinda Allen, as well as the “PowerHour” Zoom sessions that he co-hosts with Mildred Yuan on Patreon.To get in touch and know more check out his website and instagram, link is below. Website: samuelhaughton.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/next-power-hour-143947446Sam and I discuss his early years as a dancer then becoming an actor, his time in Phantom and how shows such as this have a global impact on their audiences. In addition, from his discussions with upcoming actors, how to keep the faith during dry spells and how to keep going!Thanks Sam, really enjoyed it!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Laura trained at the Guildford School of Acting and Tring Park Performing Arts (partnered with Arts Educational Schools, London). She has performed in many capacities (instrumentalist, actor and musician) across the world, from West End shows, actor-musician Shakespeare to playing on the world’s stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, 2022. She plays a multitude of instruments including saxophone, piano, flute, clarinet and guitar. Being also a skilled  loop system user (like the one Ed Sheeran uses), she can create any song in the catalogue from the drum beat, the bass line to the main guitar riff in no time at all! Check out her website and instagram for performances, one being a looped version of Seven Nation Army. On top of this she is a teacher and director having led workshops at GSA, LAMDA and Tring Park, helping people from all backgrounds nurture their talent and boost their confidence. Lastly, she offers private tuition for acting and saxophone playing, from practice sessions to advice on drama school preparation, she’s got you covered! Her website is below for you to get in touch as well as her instagram. Website: lauraag.infoInstagram: @Laura.ag_Laura and I discuss her passion for music, learning the saxophone, acting and her time training at GSA both before and during the lockdown years. As well as her time in Othello at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury where for one show she had to perform Desdemona at a moment’s notice! Furthermore, her demanding schedule in Qatar for the recent World Cup and serenading the public with her sax on stage, in the London underground after dark and by the famous piano in St Pancras station. Watch one of those performances below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTlGV0LMs10&list=RDhTlGV0LMs10&start_radio=1Obrigado Laura! Até à próxima 🎼Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Siobhan has training in voice work from a number of sources and organisations such as:Gravy for the BrainThe ShowreelCity AcademyShe works as a voice artist across many different mediums, from commercials, video games, audiobooks, column commentary and with weekly updates on her instagram series “Thoughts while Running”. Some of her collaborations have been with some of the most well-known companies around the Globe including:The EconomistSainsbury’sToyota Netflix - where she did the audio commentary for “Steven” starring Cillian Murphy, directed by Tim MielantsNetwork RailIndeedOther credits include voicing:BBC’s Einstein and The Bomb DocumentarySpotify Streaming AdsShakespeare Sonnets AudiobookEmergency Services Operator - an adaptation of the poem “Night Before Christmas”Newcast - The Economist - Daily BriefingWe discuss her career in voice, how we moderate the use of AI, looking after your voice during long recording sessions, approaching commercial voiceovers and you get to know your voice and unique sound. For more information visit her website:siobhandowd.comThank you Siobhan!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Jayne trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and has gone on to appear in some of the biggest shows to date. For Theatre:Kiss Me Kate - Lyric BelfastAladdin - Belfast Grand Opera HouseParade - Donmar WarehouseNotes to Future Self - Birmingham RepDear Arabella - Lyric Belfast, recently finished. TV:Misfits - E4Brave New World - Amblin and DreamworksLondon Irish - BBCThe Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby - BBC The Inbetweeners - E4 - “Lauren” on the geography field trip S2 E1!Film:The HeiressJane EyreLife Just IsSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter and Timothy Spall with music and lyrics from the late great Stephen SondheimJayne and I discuss her early years in the business, from leaving drama school after her first year when she landed the role of Johanna in Burton’s Sweeney Todd. To still being heckled in the streets with “feisty one you are” from her appearance in The Inbetweeners! A great chat for many reasons, one of which being, you don’t have to follow the ‘typical’ route into the industry, via drama school for example, in order to have a successful career. Thank you Jayne!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Genevieve is a former Team GB artistic swimmer turned actress. Her work has been seen in short and feature films, music videos, commercials and on TV. Genevieve talks about her early years working with Team GB, and the dedication, craft and motivation that goes into being an professional athlete. In addition how the years in the water supported her early jobs as an actor. Including Calum Scott’s Biblical music video and Trigonometry for BBC 2. Including the short film Diary of a Ghost currently available on YouTube, a beautiful yet tricky story about grief and how it manifests itself when her character tries to come to terms with the loss of her boyfriend. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y-_bYL8khc&t=1sShe talks about the process of making short films, looking after herself playing an emotionally demanding part, and how art can speak to all of us when he have experienced grief in one form or another. Not to mention working on Bridgerton, the long shooting days and the communal vibe the cast and crew shared every day. As well as her poetry writing and how actors can self-manage their contracts to make sure they’re not signing up for anything they weren’t told about or was undisclosed in principle. Along with one crazy story when her agent told her to board a plane to South Africa from London that same day as they needed a stunt double on set as soon as possible!All this and much more in the full episode.Thank you Genevieve!, here’s to next time!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

Georgina trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and has gone on to tackle the musical theatre scene in London’s West End with great effect. Her credits include, for TV:DoctorsNew TrialsRadio:Featured vocalist on Magic Radio’s “Magic at the Musicals” at the Royal Albert HallRecordings:An Evening at the Musicals Zoovolution for DisneyAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Original Cast Recording of Cinderella - Nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album 2022, where she played MarieTheatre/MT:Antigone - Belsize Park Arts FestivalDirty Dancing - UK & Ireland Tour and Dominion TheatreMamma Mia! - playing Sophie - Novello Theatre 9-5: The Musical - Savoy and UK & Ireland TourElf: The Musical - Dominion Mean Girls - SavoyCurrently starring in 50 First Dates: The Musical playing Lucy at the Other Palace Theatre, running until 16th November get your tickets now!!Georgina and I discuss her time at Central, starring in popular musicals currently playing in London and the rewards and challenges that come with a career in musical theatre. From looking after your voice eight shows a week to watching what you’re eating and making sure you rest, recover and drink plenty of water between shows! Catch her now in 50 First Dates: The Musical running until next Sunday 16th November! Thank you Georgie, here’s to next time!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024. 

⚠️Trigger warning: This episode contains references to self-harm and physical abuse⚠️Ellie is an entrepreneur, business tycoon and podcaster, host of her own show “On A Mission 2.0”.Her conversations are a deep dive into someone’s story, a no holds barred experience that gets to know the person at their core and not what just lies on the surface. From ex-drug dealers turned investigators, survivors of some of the most horrific trafficking, healing from trauma, rebuilding your life, negotiating personal transformation and how you can come back from rock bottom.  A special mention to her episode with Sara Al Madani, former housewife of Dubai turned spiritual healer, offering insights into what happens when you put yourself first. Ellie and myself take a journey through the early days of her podcast, interviewing the likes of the late great Ricky Hatton, to rebuilding the show and her life following a tough separation. As well as some of her guest’s stories that show how tremendously strong the human spirit can be even when faced with the direst of consequences. Another mention to her episode with Lorata Lyon. Like in the arts, we love a great story and her guests and her give us that in bucket loads!Check out her show via her instagram and website below:onamissionpodcast.comThank you so much Ellie, here’s to next time!Oliver GowerSpotlight Link: https://www.spotlight.com/9097-9058-5261Instagram: @ollietheuncensoredcriticFor enquiries and requests: [email protected] Like, Download and Subscribe ✍️Thank you all for your support!Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name. Early Morning The Uncensored Critic Podcast was heard in over 34 countries in 2024. In the same year streams grew by 39%, listeners increased by 30%, brand new listeners were up by 88% and followers were up 136%. The show has an average rating of 5/5 Stars. Official stats from #SpotifyWrapped 2024.