Stephen Mear: Dancing Through Dyslexia into the Spotlight

About this episode

Stephen Mear CBE discusses his career in choreography and the challenges of the theatre industry.

Stephen Mear CBE joins Steve Otis Gunn for a wide-ranging chat about a career that’s taken him from small-town beginnings to the biggest stages in the world. Along the way, he shares how a love of classic movie musicals and an instinct for movement shaped his path — and how life on the road, from Broadway to LA, brings its own mix of glamour, pressure, and the occasional chaos. The conversation moves backstage and beyond, with stories of working across continents, navigating the madness of COVID-era productions, and the realities of staging huge shows under intense pressure. From music videos with Oasis to rehearsals at the Royal Albert Hall, it’s a candid, funny look at the unpredictable world behind the curtain — and the moments that stick long after the spotlight fades. Originally released under the podcast's former name: Television Times. 🎭 About Stephen Stephen Mear CBE is an Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director celebrated for his work on Mary Poppins , Hello, Dolly! , Crazy for You , and Gypsy . With a career spanning theatre, television, and film, Stephen is known for his impeccable musicality, inclusive approach to casting, and ability to make choreography…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Otis Gunn

Guest: Stephen Mear

Topics covered

• dyslexia
• choreography
• theatre
• musicals
• COVID-era productions
• career journey

Keywords

• dyslexia
• choreographer
• musicals
• theatre
• COVID
• Broadway
• Oasis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oasis

Books & works: Mary Poppins, Hello, Dolly!, Crazy for You, Gypsy

Places: Broadway, LA, Royal Albert Hall

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