Backstage chat with Damon Gould

In the final episode of Season 5, Darren and Natalie look back on an extraordinary year in theatre, sharing the productions that moved them, thrilled them, and stayed with them long after the curtain fell. From bold new writing and immersive experiences to reimagined classics and unforgettable performances, this episode is a love letter to the shows that defined 2025.They revisit standout moments from Retrograde, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet, Grease Immersive Movie Musical, KENREX, This Bitter Earth, Daniel’s Husband, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Till The Stars Come Down, Evita, and The Midnight Bell -celebrating the artists, stories, and risks that made this theatrical year unforgettable.A fitting farewell to 2025 - and the perfect curtain call to Season 5. 🎭 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special stand-alone episode, Darren sits down with Damon Gould, currently starring as Noel in the cult musical Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse.Ride the Cyclone is a darkly comic, offbeat musical that has built a devoted global following. After six teenagers die in a freak roller-coaster accident, they find themselves in limbo, offered one final chance at life. Strange, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving, the show explores identity, longing, fantasy, and the versions of ourselves we wish the world could see.In this conversation, Damon talks about stepping into one of the show’s most iconic and complex roles, balancing comedy with vulnerability, audience reactions, and what draws him to bold, unconventional theatre. He also reflects on his career so far - from Cabaret in the West End to Newsies - and what continues to excite him about performing live.A thoughtful, funny, and insightful chat with one of theatre’s most exciting performers, diving deep into a truly singular musical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode celebrates two completely different - but equally exhilarating - nights at the theatre. From sweeping, cinematic dance storytelling to full-throttle historical chaos, we explore why live performance continues to thrill, surprise, and transport. One is a five-star festive classic - The Red Shoes -  that dazzles the senses; the other - Oh Mary! - is a riotously funny West End sensation that gleefully tears up the rulebook.The Red Shoes - New Adventures / Matthew BourneInspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s dark fairy tale and the legendary 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, The Red Shoes is a five-star triumph and the perfect Christmas theatre treat. Matthew Bourne’s visually sumptuous, emotionally sweeping production explores obsession, ambition, and the intoxicating cost of artistic perfection. We delve into the fascinating history behind the story, the revolutionary impact of the original film, and the legacy of Bourne and his company New Adventures — whose bold, narrative-driven approach has transformed dance theatre and brought new audiences flocking to ballet for decades.Oh Mary! - West EndFrom festive spectacle to feral farce, Oh Mary! is riotously funny, gloriously unhinged, and gleefully inaccurate. A cult New York hit turned Tony-winning Broadway smash, this West End transfer delivers relentless laughs under Sam Pinkleton’s razor-sharp direction, with Cole Escola’s anarchic writing skewering power, ego, and historical mythmaking. We discuss the play’s journey to the West End, its awards success, and why this fearless, five-star comedy has become one of the most talked-about nights out in town — all completely spoiler-free. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast, Darren is joined by trailblazing drag artist, actor and cabaret star Victoria Scone - a performer who made herstory on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and went on to wow audiences internationally on Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs the World. From redefining drag on screen to commanding stages across the UK, Victoria’s career is a joyful collision of theatre, comedy, music and fearless self-expression.Currently, Victoria is bringing full dame energy to the festive season as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk at the King’s Head Theatre, and in this chat she dives into the glorious tradition of panto, the art of playing a dame, audience chaos, and why drag and panto are such perfect bedfellows.The conversation also spans Victoria’s wider stage career. Along the way, Victoria talks cabaret, comedy, music, and creating new work - including sold-out solo shows Jam Packed.It’s a funny, generous and insightful conversation about performance, visibility, tradition, and carving out a career on your own terms - with plenty of laughs, warmth, and a little festive mischief along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three strikingly different productions - each asking big questions about love, belief, bravery and connection - from intimate relationship drama to festive comedy and razor-sharp contemporary writing. Daniel’s Husband, Gawain and the Green Knight and Most Favoured with backstage chat with actor Alexander Arnold.Daniel’s Husband – Marylebone TheatreDaniel and Mitchell appear to have it all: successful careers, a beautifully curated home, devoted friends, and a deep love for one another. But when an unexpected crisis threatens their future, their relationship is pushed to its limits. Tender, intelligent and quietly devastating, Daniel’s Husband is an unflinching exploration of love, morality and where our strongest convictions truly live - in our hearts, or in our minds.Gawain and the Green Knight – Park TheatreFrom the comedy writers behind The Nag’s Head and Sniff, this riotous reinvention of the classic legend swaps medieval castles for corporate Camelot. Meet Gawain: an office everyman hoping for a promotion and the courage to ask out his crush - until a mysterious green figure crashes the Christmas party and launches him into a quest of temptation, danger and destiny. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, multi-rolling madness, festive chaos and heroic silliness in equal measure.Most Favoured – Soho TheatreFrom award-winning playwright David Ireland (The Fifth Step, Cyprus Avenue), this sharp, funny and unexpectedly profound two-hander stars Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold. After a one-night stand in a Travelodge, Mary and Mike reveal the truths they’ve been hiding - leading to a bold exploration of faith, loneliness and vulnerability, with a twist you won’t see coming. Directed by Max Elton, Most Favoured proves that a short play can still pack a huge emotional punch.Backstage InterviewDarren goes backstage with Alexander Arnold, currently appearing in Most Favoured, to talk about tackling David Ireland’s writing, holding a tight two-hander, navigating that unexpected twist, and why risk, faith and short plays can still leave a lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the most theatrical time of the year, and Theatre Audience Podcast is celebrating the festive season with a Christmas Show Special packed full of pantomime, parody and seasonal spectacle. Darren and Natalie discuss their views on; Beauty and the Beast at Churchill Theatre, Ebony Scrooge at Sadler’s Wells East, The Fit Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk - both at King’s Head Theatre and Cinderella at the Rose Theatre. Beauty and the Beast – Churchill TheatreThis lavish festive spectacular brings fairy-tale magic to Bromley, starring national treasure Su Pollard alongside Samantha Womack. With dazzling sets, big laughs and all the traditional panto ingredients audiences love, Beauty and the Beast delivers festive fun for the whole family, led by two powerhouse performers who know exactly how to work a crowd.Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells EastA bold, brilliant reimagining of Dickens’ classic, Ebony Scrooge fuses spoken word, music and movement to tell a fresh, culturally resonant version of A Christmas Carol. Set to a vibrant soundtrack and staged with Sadler’s Wells flair, this production offers a soulful, contemporary take on redemption, generosity and community.The Fit Prince – King’s Head TheatreFresh from its Fringe success, this adults-only festive hit delivers outrageous laughs, filthy innuendo and fearless audience interaction. Created by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, The Fit Prince gleefully dismantles fairy-tale tropes with camp abandon, proving once again that King’s Head Theatre is the home of festive mischief.Cinderella – Rose Theatre, KingstonA sparkling, family-friendly panto packed with heart, humour and high production values. Cinderella at the Rose Theatre delivers classic storytelling with modern wit, bringing magic, romance and plenty of laughs to audiences of all ages in this beautifully staged festive favourite.Jack and the Beanstalk – King’s Head TheatreIslington’s favourite naughty panto returns, starring Victoria Scone as a sensational Dame. Expect filthy jokes, fabulous guest appearances and full-throttle camp chaos in this adults-only version that has become a festive institution in its own right.Join Darren and Natalie as they celebrate the joy, variety and sheer brilliance of Christmas theatre - from family pantos to boundary-pushing festive reinventions - proving there’s truly something for everyone this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive backstage-with session, Darren sits down with award-winning composer, producer, and performer John Patrick Elliott. Originally from West Yorkshire, John has done everything from touring across Europe with his project The Little Unsaid to creating live electronic scores for major theatre productions. He won “Best Composer” at the Stage Debut Awards 2022 for his work on Cruise - and he’s also composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company and has a whole catalogue of genre-hopping, boundary pushing music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore three thrilling productions shaking up London’s stages -  from the dark corners of digital desire with Porn Play, to an eternal whodunnit – The Mousetrap and a macabre new comedy with a supernatural twist – The Grim.Porn PlayA sell-out world premiere that’s as provocative as it is powerful. Ambika Mod (One Day, This Is Going to Hurt) stars as Ani, a rising academic whose secret addiction to violent pornography threatens to unravel her entire world. Directed by Josie Rourke (Donmar Warehouse, Bush Theatre) and written by Sophia Chetin-Leuner (This Might Not Be It), this funny, unsettling and fearless new play dives deep into shame, desire and the digital age of intimacy. Featuring Will Close, Lizzy Connolly and Asif Khan, with design by Yimei Zhao and movement by Wayne McGregor.The MousetrapA cultural institution that needs no introduction. Agatha Christie’s legendary The Mousetrap has kept audiences guessing for over 73 years - making it the world’s longest-running play. When seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a countryside guesthouse after a shocking London murder, suspicion turns to panic as they realise the killer might be among them. With twists, secrets and surprises at every turn, this iconic whodunnit remains as gripping as ever. Millions have seen it - have you?The GrimFollowing sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Old Red Lion Theatre, Edmund Morris’s (You’re Dead, Mate) spine-tingling dark comedy The Grim lands at Southwark Playhouse. It’s 1964, and undertaker Shaun (played by Morris) is just trying to get through another day with his hapless assistant Robert (Louis Davison). But when the body of notorious gangster Jackie Gallagher (Harry Carter) refuses to stay dead, chaos - and comedy - ensue. A fast-paced, supernatural farce that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie explore two masterful productions that examine ambition, morality, and the price of desire - from the glittering privilege of 1980s Britain to the guilt and grief of post-war America.The Line of BeautyStep into Thatcher’s Britain through the eyes of Nick Guest, a young man seduced by a world of wealth, politics and sensuality. Moving into the lavish Notting Hill home of his university friend Toby, Nick finds himself drawn into the lives of Toby’s ambitious father, Tory MP Gerald, his graceful wife Rachel, and their troubled daughter Cat. From decadent dinner parties to clandestine encounters, Nick’s pursuit of beauty leads to revelations about class, power, and the cost of belonging.Adapted by Olivier Award nominee Jack Holden (Cruise, Kenrex) from Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prize-winning novel and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Grandage, The Line of Beauty is a visually stunning, emotionally charged portrait of privilege and longing in a society on the brink of transformation.All My SonsAcross the Atlantic, Arthur Miller’s devastating classic receives a dazzling revival from visionary director Ivo van Hove. Starring an extraordinary ensemble - Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Paapa Essiedu, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Hayley Squires.Set in post-war America, self-made businessman Joe Keller’s success hides a dark secret. As his family unravels under the weight of wartime profiteering and personal loss, All My Sons delivers two gripping hours of moral reckoning, exposing the fragile façade of the American Dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Darren and Natalie dive into two powerhouse productions lighting up the West End - the electrifying MJ The Musical and Mary Page Marlowe, starring screen legends Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough.MJ The MusicalThe smash-hit Broadway production moonwalks into the West End! With a book by Lynn Nottageand direction/choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, this spectacular show takes audiences behind the scenes of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Featuring over 25 of his biggest hits - including Beat It, Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal - the show explores the creative mind and personal struggles of one of the world’s most iconic performers. Dynamic, dazzling and driven by astonishing choreography, it’s a musical event that captures both the genius and the vulnerability behind the legend.Mary Page MarloweFrom Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts comes this deeply human and haunting portrait of an ordinary woman’s extraordinary life. Starring Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking) and Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie, Birdman), this stunning revival unfolds in a series of nonlinear vignettes that piece together Mary’s complex journey through love, loss, motherhood and self-discovery. Directed with precision and compassion, the production reveals the beauty and pain of a life seen in fragments - and how every choice, large or small, leaves its mark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.