Episode 898: The Phantom of Tea Opera.

Well, how about that? MusicalTalk reaches its 900th episode (and it's 19th birthday)!  Not only that but we're Britain's oldest showbusiness podcast!  To celebrate, we've got a special bumper double-length episode of songs, songs, songs!  Join Thos as he looks into the history of British podcasting, and MusicalTalk's suprisingly important place in it, and then lie back and listen to twenty wonderful songs from some of the shows you could have seen at this year's EdFringe!  It's cheers all round!  

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 is dead! Long live the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026! But whilst we're waiting, it's time for MusicalTalk to begin its celebrated coverage of all the best musicals you could have seen this August at the world's largest arts festival.  In this episode, Thos and Colm begin with an in-depth appreciation and analysis of two very different but excellent new musicals - The Real Housewives of the Zombie Apocalypse, which is MusicalTalk's Pick of the Fringe 2025, and Hole!, an epic but impossible musical!  With zombies feasting on brains, and Hole! concentrating on an altogether different and opposite end of the body, this round-up really covers the Fringe from top to bottom!

This week, Nick and Hannah lift the silver cloches on a brand-new way to enjoy The Phantom of the Opera — in edible form! They take their seats at the Sofitel London St James’s Rose Room to sample the official Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea. Join them as they nibble their way through pastries inspired by characters, sandwiches worthy of the Paris Opera House and enough cakes to make even Carlotta hit the high notes. They'll discuss why more shows aren't doing themed teas and food and what possible creations could be done! 

Nick and Hannah sit down for a lively discussion spanning three landmark moments in musical theatre history. They celebrate the outrageous brilliance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on its 50th anniversary, reflect on a decade of Hamilton and share their delight at finally seeing Disney’s Frozen captured in a dazzling Pro Shot on Disney+. www.musicaltalk.co.uk  

With all the fun of EdFringe now in full swing, what better way to celebrate the world's biggest arts festival than with another delicious slice of conversation between Thos and Zach Burns, the multitalented perfomer, writer, actor, musician and Fringe veteran! In this fantastic episode, they discuss the eponymously named Fringe! The Musical, the nature of formal musical theatre training, and Zach's latest project, a brand new musical about the birth of the National Health Service called "For All Time".  All this and an exclusive recording of the title song, you'd be potty to miss it.  All together now:  "Tuesday?!"  

It's EdFringe 2025 time - and in this week's hilarious episode, Thos sits down with the multitalented and very funny Zach Burns to talk about some of his EdFringe experiences including his roles as actor and musical director for (hardy) perennial Fringe favourite, Potty the Plant! There's also insightful discussion on the differences between formal and informal musical training and all types of music from Anglican choral music to jazz!  With hands to match!

In this illuminating episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson sits down with esteemed theatre scholar Professor Robert Gordon to delve into his fascinating new book, The Theatre of Kander and Ebb. Together, they explore the groundbreaking legacy of one of Broadway’s most enduring and influential songwriting duos — the brilliant composer John Kander and the incisive lyricist Fred Ebb. From Cabaret to Chicago, Kander and Ebb’s daring approach to storytelling, their seamless blend of entertainment and social commentary, and their indelible contribution to the art of musical theatre are all put under the spotlight. Professor Gordon offers unique insights into their artistic process, thematic preoccupations, and the political and cultural contexts that shaped their iconic works. Also in this episode, Nick and Robert share thoughts on the West End’s current production of Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discussing its place in Disney’s stage canon and how it compares to its animated origins.

With the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe fast approaching, join Thos as he talks to the talented composer and performer, Richard Lewis, about his two hit shows, More Songs for a (Brave) New World and Liberace In His Own Words which are coming back to the Fringe this year after great success in 2024.  They also talk about Richard's role as musical director for other shows, and discuss the time Richard wrote a cabaret for Sir Ian McKellen, a man who needs no introduction - but got one anyway! 

Join Thos as he continues his in-depth conversation about the evergreen cult musical favourite, Potty the Plant which opens at the Wiltons Music Hall in East London this week.  With songs from the show and insights into this darkly hilarious musical, as well as more on its sister show, Fringe! the Musical, this is an episode that'll grow on you!

Join Thos as he talks to Ilona Sell, the director of the wonderful new show, Living With Sin – a thoroughly modern story with a contemporary take on the fabled Seven Deadly Sins.  There’s a chance to hear songs from the score and to hear a wonderful conversation about the sins being less deadly than you might think…