S2.4 Toby Miles: West End Star

Having interviewed many Hurtwood West End stars, James finds out what it is like to have a career behind the scenes in stage management. In this episode, he discusses technical theatre with Lucy Mason-Lockett, currently Deputy Stage Manager at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, working on Disney's new musical extravaganza 'Hercules'. James and Lucy discuss RADA and the productions she has worked on including '9 to 5: The Musical' at the Savoy Theatre, 'Pretty Woman' on Tour and the Secret Cinema production of 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. It's a small world for Hurtwood alumni as she has worked alongside many other ex-Hurtwood students such as Katie Buchholz (see Episode 2 Series 1) star of 'Witness for the Prosecution' and now Luke Brady (see Episode 5 Series 1) who is playing the lead role of 'Hercules'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award winning composer and sound designer Alex Baranowski chats all things music with James Gaffney. In this episode Alex discusses the songwriting process and composing for different genres from major Netflix films and television shows to theatre productions and commercials. Known for his versatility, Alex has been nominated for a Tony Award on Broadway and has composed soundtracks for 'The Kitchen' (Film 4/Netflix) and the multi-award winning Warner Bros film 'The Windermere Children'. Most recently he scored 'Brides' which premiered at Sundance Film Festival directed by Young Vic artistic director Nadia Fall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josie Ferguson, best-selling author of 'The Silence In Between' returns to Hurtwood. In this episode Josie talks to James about the process of writing her novel and being shortlisted for Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. They discuss her initial career in publishing and how training as a clinical psychologist gave her an understanding of the complexity of human nature which she now explores as a writer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you set up your own AI company? Our next guest, recently named on the 'Forbes 30 under 30' Europe 2025 list, has done just that, launching 'Maiven' last year securing £1.8 million from investors. In this episode, Georgina reflects on how her remarkable career has developed since studying Engineering at Cambridge University, telling James all about designing Formula 1 racing cars for McLaren and the many ways in which her new AI company helps businesses.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to be a lead role in the biggest musical in the West End? James sits down with Toby Miles, who was cast as Marius in 'Les Misérables' for his West End debut. In this episode, Toby comes back to Hurtwood to discuss auditions, Drama School and the many different leading roles that he has played. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James meets Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt (recently in the 'Forbes 30 under 30' list) who founded her colourful jewellery brand 'Bijoux de Mimi' straight after leaving Hurtwood. They discuss design, marketing and turning TikTok's favourite jewellery brand into a million-pound business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zara Brownless is probably the most dynamic student we have ever had at Hurtwood. Winner of ‘The Young Apprentice’ before she stepped through our doors, we had high hopes for Zara. She surpassed all expectations! In this episode James finds out about reading ‘Experimental Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics’ at Oxford University, giving TED Talks,   interviewing the CEO of TED and working as a Behavioural Scientist at Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to be the Head of Performing Arts at the most creative school in England? Series 2 starts with James chatting to Doug Quinn who has been the busiest man at Hurtwood for two decades. Everything you want to know about the Performing Arts at the school, in this episode, Doug discusses what makes Hurtwood productions so famous, the rewards of a teaching career, being a housemaster and the successful alumni he has directed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Country music is more popular than ever. In this episode, James speaks to country duo Ward Thomas who made chart history in 2016 by becoming the first UK country act to score a number one album. Twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas discuss their journey from song writing at Hurtwood, to releasing a single with music legend James Blunt and ultimately to country music fame in Nashville and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our next guest, Ebiye Alaibe, is arguably the most charismatic student we have ever had at Hurtwood. Supremely talented academically, he was nothing short of a legend on both the stage and the sports fields. Ebiye talks with James about everything from working as a barrister, acting in films and his subsequent career in Maritime Logistics in Nigeria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.