Episode 904: Songs of the People

Join Thos as he revisits a conversation with celebrated songwriter Sue Casson about her seminal musical masterwork, Dreams of Peace and Freedom, currently on a national tour, and learn how this piece has become part of a multiplatform experience entitled Songs of the People.  From Magna Carta to Victorian Scottish land clearances, via the Nuremburg War Trials to Southwark Cathedral in 2025, Songs of the People encompasses international history, philosophy and democracy in a breadth of exciting and thoughtful ways - but always with achingly beautiful music at its core. Songs of the People is an epic entertainment for the generations. Don't miss this bumper episode!

In this reflective episode of MusicalTalk, Nick sits down with Thos to revisit his musical adaptation of Richmal Crompton's classic British short stories: Just William, first written as his examination piece twenty years ago. Together, they explore how two decades of experience — and a world of new technology (along with nearly 20 years of MusicalTalk!) — have transformed Nick's process as a composer and writer. From song ideas that have stayed with him since his student days to the tools that now bring them to life, it's a warm and insightful look at artistic growth and rediscovery. Plus, listeners will get to hear three of Nick's original demo recordings from the show, offering a rare glimpse into his creative evolution.

A digital disaster leads Thos to dig out his old CD collection — and rediscover a world of musicals he'd long forgotten. Nick joins him for a nostalgic spin through the golden age of discs, cassettes and vinyl, celebrating the physical joy of pressing play, turning pages, and uncovering songs that time almost buried. It's a charming conversation about rediscovery, memory, and the music that never really leaves you — they just wait patiently in the loft.

Join Colm and Thos as they again look at some of the shows you could have seen at this year's EdFringe - including the Queen is Mad, Hot Mess, Annie, High School Musical and Sense - A New Musical About Dementia to name but a few.  With two fabulous songs from the brand new original Edinburgh Cast Recording of the five-star musical The Queen is Mad, you'd be mad to miss it!

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!