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Podcasts and TED talks

There are numerous podcasts that you could listen to which have a theatrical, musical theatre or drama theme. Here are just a few examples but let me know if you find any others to recommend!

You might also want to watch a couple of TED talks about Drama.

Perhaps after listening/ watching you could write a brief review?

Podcasts

National Theatre

David Tennant does a podcast with...

National Theatre Talks

Hamilcast

The Musicals & Theatre Podcast

Every Musical Ever

Mischief Makers

From the makers of 'The Play That Goes Wrong'

Backstage with Disney Theatricals

Wise Children

Podcast from Emma Rice's company covering the development of their most recent shows

Frantic Assembly

Physical theatre company has podcasts from Artistic Directors, writers & actors

The Stage

Seven Stages, the latest podcast series from The Stage, asks leading performers and creatives about the seven productions that are closest to them.

The British Theatre Guide

The 98%

Named after the damning statistic that 98% of performers don’t earn enough to support themselves through acting alone, hosts Alexa Morden and Katie Elin-Salt have created a podcast that is part series and part community. Perfect for young performers who want to know the reality of drama schools, auditioning, and getting by, the pair also take a deep dive into issues such as non-binary actors, being a performer with dyslexia, and the dos and don’ts of self-tapes. Highlights include Mike the Hamley’s Elf, a two-parter on ageing, and a world-renowned performance coach giving tips on resilience. Read this article about the podcast

The Honest Actor

Jonathan Harden’s series was a reaction to the lack of content for actors a few years back. But even now that it has plenty of competition, it stands out for being a frank and personal look at the experience of working as an actor without any “how I made it” stories or luvviness. Highlights include Denise Gough (both times), Noma Dumezweni, the mini-series with emerging actors, and spin-off project Talking Taboos with actor Helen Vine.

In the Envelope

This podcast from 'Backstage.com' has some great variety. There’s Rocketman star Taron Egerton on preparing for auditions, Jonathan Van Ness on making your own web series, Hayley Atwell on breaking into America, Gary Oldman on recovering from rejection, and the one and only Patrick Stewart on the similarities between Shakespeare and sci-fi. Host Jack Smart holds intimate, inspirational, career-spanning interviews with some of the world’s most talented stars. And the whole back catalogue is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Off Book

The Young Vic’s brilliant but sporadic podcast isn’t one to rely on for a new episode every week. Presenting quality over quantity, it’s been slowly but surely building up a catalogue of interviews with a range of leading artists during their time at the theatre. Using what’s on stage as a springboard for wider conversations, it’s one for theatre nerds and those looking to get inside the nitty-gritty of a production. Highlights include Juliet Stephenson on theatre and activism, Sharon D. Clarke on her journey to the stage, and Gbolahan Obisesan talking representation in the arts.

The Filmmakers Podcast

A podcast for anyone interested in making their own film, The Filmmakers Podcast features a mix of hosts talking with directors, producers and actors about every stage and budget of filmmaking, mixing practical advice with thoughtful interviews from some of the best voices out there. Highlights include actor, writer and director Jim Cummings (Thunder Road), how to make a feature film for £45 and Mark Strong on auditioning for Bond.

The Irrelevant Actor

Actor Amy Worthington has aimed her podcast squarely at the realities of the acting profession: the “pressures and strains of breaking into an ever-growing, ever-changing, ever-demanding industry and how we may maybe one day become relevant.” As well as her fellow actors, she hosts casting directors, talent agents, writers, and producers.