This week, West End stalwart Jenna Russell, joins us to discuss her star role in a revival of the musical Flowers for Mrs Harris.
Jenna tells us about her close relationship with late composer Stephen Sondheim, her journey into the arts when her parents struggled with money, as well as memories of performing in Guys & Dolls and Sunday in the Park.
The star also discusses the importance of playing headline roles as an older woman and why actor Ewan McGregor told her to never see a show she loved performing in.
In this week’s reviews, Nick Curtis and Nancy Durrant discuss Penelope Skinner’s Lyonesse at the Harold Pinter Theatre – starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James. But was this star vehicle road-worthy or did it prove a bit of a car crash?
Our second review features The Confessions at the National Theatre. Based on conversations writer-director Alexander Zeldin had with his elderly mother and other women in their 80s, he weaved a story of a remarkable, yet unremarkable, life.
Nancy and Nick Curtis also reflect on their own conversations with relatives and the impact these stories have on them.
We discuss the Donmar's Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, given it's unusual decision to use so-called binaural sound – with audiences needing headphones – for a more ‘immersive’ experience in the production. The technology was previously used in Complicite's acclaimed show The Encounter, which ran at the Barbican.
You can also hear about our trips to see Elephant at the Bush Theatre and Meetings at the Orange Tree Theatre.
Please do get in touch with us at our brand, sparkling new email address with comments and questions at theatrepod@standard.co.uk
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