My ipod is my favourite gadget. It’s filled almost to the brim with many a cast recording of various shows from London and Broadway, film scores and classic rock mostly, on the music side. I’m also fond of audiobooks, though I do still love to read actual ones!
Lately, I’ve been discovering podcasts, and just wanted to give a little time and love here to one of my favourites: The Show People Podcast with Andrew Keates.
Andrew is a multi award winning theatre director, and founder/artistic director of Arion Productions- a theatre company passionate about presenting high quality work regardless of form, often with the focus on tackling difficult subject matter,and representing marginalised members of society. Some of their previous work includes: A Winter’s Tale, As Is, Dessa Rose, and Rooms: A Rock Romance.
Since 2016, Arion have run a series of Portfolio Masterclasses: a chance for theatremakers or those considering a career in the industry to learn from some of its best and brightest.
The Show People Podcast launched in September 2017 and “shines a light on the UK performing arts industry and those dedicated to their craft”, always with the premise being to inform, educate and entertain. One of the things I enjoy most is the variety of guests – they’ve spoken to actors, agents, artistic directors, casting directors and so on. For me as a fan of theatre, I’ve found it really interesting developing my understanding and appreciation for every aspect of the work that’s involved bringing a production to the stage for the audience to see. The topics discussed are many and varied too – thoughts on celebrity casting, representation of women in the industry, regional theatre to name a few…
As someone whose circumstances mean they don’t get to see as much new theatre as I’d like but wholeheartedly champions it, I love that a segment in the podcast is dedicated to emerging artists and composers to have a platform to showcase their work. I’m learning so much about the work and talent out there and it’s inspired me to keep on seeking and supporting it when I can. Being a blogger who aspires to write for a career and perhaps bring my love of theatre into that somehow, I’m also learning how important it is to persevere in putting yourself out there, and that you should never lose sight of why you love what you do!
It’s also interesting to me as a theatregoer with a disability: I love hearing about the work being done to continue making the arts more open and inclusive to everyone.
Sadly, I’ve yet to see an Arion production, but I love its ethos and Andrew’s passion for the industry – it comes across so well on the podcast and he’s so warm, funny and engaging. Each episode features the latest theatre news, what to see and do as well as interviewing his special guests all about their lives and careers. This also includes setting them some infamous Show People Podcast challenges: my favourites being Funny Five Minutes – most obscure, random and off the wall questions (For the record, I’d rather fight one horse sized duck rather than one hundred duck sized horses) and where the guest is stranded in their digs and can have with them their favourite: book, film, play, musical and luxury item. Other categories were added in later episodes, too!
Guest wise – my favourites so far have been Simon Lipkin and David Bedella – I haven’t seen either of them onstage yet but really enjoyed their stories and witty banter!
As I write this, I’m a teensy bit behind on listening, but will catch up and look forward to everything to come in 2019, and if any of my readers love theatre like I do, this might just be the podcast for you!
Find The Show People Podcast on Facebook
Tweet them @ShowPeopleUK #ShowPeoplePodcast
Wheelie Stagey 