The Show People Podcast With Andrew Keates

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.This is part one of an-depth conversation with West End and Broadway star Kerry Ellis.Widely recognised as one of the great leading ladies of British musical theatre, Kerry Ellis has played some of the most iconic roles in the West End, on Broadway and beyond. Best known for becoming the first British Elphaba in Wicked, Kerry’s extraordinary career includes originating Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You, playing Fantine in Les Misérables, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Nancy in Oliver!, Grizabella in Cats, and appearing in My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, Chess, The War of the Worlds and many more.In this conversation, Kerry discusses her journey from training at Laine Theatre Arts to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in musical theatre, her life-changing collaboration with Queen legend Brian May, the demands of leading major West End and Broadway shows, and what it takes to sustain a career at the very top of the industry, as well as a touching conversation between Andrew and Kerry about their shared ADHD diagnosis.Episode Highlights Include:• How Kerry’s childhood and training shaped the performer she became• Her early days at Laine Theatre Arts and breaking into the West End• Being discovered by Brian May while understudying Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady at the National Theatre.• Her early experiences of being thrown on-stage with little to no rehearsal.• Originating Meat in the original London cast of We Will Rock You• Playing Fantine in Les Misérables and other major musical theatre roles• Playing Grizabella in Cats and the pressure of singing Memory night after night.• Her long-running creative partnership with Brian May• The discipline required to lead major shows• How ADHD affects both the lives of Andrew Keates and Kerry Ellis.• And many stories from both Andrew and Kerry about life, theatre, resilience and working in the performing arts.Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts.Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_Photography by Sean Lindsell@skl.photog on InstagramAudio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin@djliamchaplin on InstagramSpecial ThanksAdam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases and events. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukFollow Kerry EllisInstagram: @kerryellis79www.kerryellis.comThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an in-depth conversation with now, Olivier Award winning actor and writer Jack Holden. Recorded just before Jack travelled to America for the Off-Broadway transfer of Kenrex, and before he went on to win the Olivier Award for Best Actor, this conversation captures him at a thrilling turning point in his career. Best known for writing and performing Cruise, his acclaimed one-man play about Soho and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, Jack discusses the creation of Kenrex, the true-crime thriller he co-wrote with Ed Stambollouian, in which he delivers a virtuosic solo performance playing multiple characters. Just some of the credits dicscussed include Marriage for BBC One, Ten Percent for Amazon, the RSC’s Oppenheimer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, James Graham’s Ink at the Almeida and in the West End, War Horse for National Theatre and much, much more.Episode Highlights Include:• How Jack’s childhood shaped his career today• Discovering his sexuality at a young age• His experience of Bristol Old Vic theatre school• How he came to meet and collaborate with Kenrex director, Ed Stambollouian.• Starring in War Horse in the West End and working with Handspring’s puppets• How he has survived between jobs as an actor• Working with the RSC on Oppenheimer and A Midsummer Night’s Dream• The lesson’s he’s learned to be a great writer.• And many stories from both Andrew and Jack about working in the performing arts.Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts.Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_Photography by Paul Madeleypaulmadeleystudio.com | @paulmadeleystudioSpecial Thanksto Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukFollow Jack Holden & KenrexInstagram: @1jackholden, @kenrextheplayThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an in-depth conversation with legendary gay playwright, screen-writer and author - Martin Sherman. Perhaps best known for writing landmark gay play, Bent, As well as other stunning plays such as When She Danced, Messiah, Cracks, Gently Down The Stream and many, many others. On screen, his credits include Mrs Henderson Presents (BAFTA-nominated), The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, Callas Forever, Alive and Kicking, and The Clothes in the Wardrobe. Across theatre and film, Martin has been nominated for two Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and two BAFTA Awards, and he has crafted queer stories thoughtout the decades.Episode Highlights Include:• Martin Sherman on writing his memoir and why prose felt possible where theatre did not. • Growing up in the shadow of Huntington’s disease and the fear of inheritance. • A haunting childhood memory of his mother on the Atlantic City boardwalk. • The silence, mystery and influence of a mother who gave him Shakespeare and theatre. • How illness, family history and survival shaped his understanding of life and art. • Theatre as escape: seeing major productions in Philadelphia as a child. • The performances and actors that formed his artistic eye. • Martin’s father, charisma, narcissism and the performance of power. • A striking comparison between his father and Donald Trump. • What Martin learned from the Actors Studio and Lee Strasberg. • Why craft matters as much as emotional truth. • Realising he was not meant to be an actor, but a writer. • Passing By and the challenge of casting unapologetically gay characters in the 1970s. • Finding artistic and political community in London through Gay Sweatshop. • The origins of Bent and the image that unlocked the play.Like and SubscribeMake sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support UsIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters:Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts.Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_Photography by Paul Madeleypaulmadeleystudio.com | @paulmadeleystudioSpecial Thanksto Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Pearl Mackie.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukOn The Boardwalk by Martin Sherman, published by Inkandescentincandescent.co.uk | @inkandescentThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.This episode features part two of our extraordinary conversation with actor and activist, Pearl Mackie.Episode Highlights Include: • Her memories and lessons learned travelling in the TARDIS with Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who • How fame changed her life when appearing in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. • Working with great actors in the West End and the advice she has been given by them • Appearing in her many other roles in film and television, including The Diplomat.Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Pearl Mackie.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow The Show People PodcastInstagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast, X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.ukFollow Andrew KeatesInstagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @andrewkeates, X: @andrewkeateswww.andrewkeates.co.ukFollow Pearl MackieInstagram: @therealpearlmackieThank you for your support.Until next time - love always, Ax

Join host Andrew Keates ‪for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from the Two Brewers in Clapham. In this second half of an extraordinary conversation, Sir Ian McKellen reflects on some of the most iconic roles of his career; from Richard III to Gods and Monsters, Gandalf, Magneto, and his legendary collaborations with Patrick Stewart. He also dives into grassroots theatre, sitcoms, Shakespeare, queer representation, and the roles he still hopes to play. Essential listening for fans of The Lord of the Rings, X-Men, Vicious, Shakespeare lovers, and anyone who cherishes Sir Ian’s extraordinary legacy.Episode Highlights Include: • His breakthrough with Richard III and how the film almost didn’t get made • The impact of Gods and Monsters and receiving his Oscar nomination • Gandalf’s legacy, the joy of filming The Lord of the Rings, and what it means to younger generations • Magneto, the political power of the X-Men universe, and why he nearly said no to the role • His friendship and collaborations with Patrick Stewart: Waiting for Godot, No Man’s Land, and their performances in South Africa • His passion for grassroots and Queer theatre, and why local repertory still matters • Working on The Dresser with Anthony Hopkins, and a hilarious encounter with Sir Tom Courtenay • Filming Vicious, performing for a live audience, and the importance of older queer characters on TV • Saying yes to Cats, his experience on set, and the unexpected joy of the project • Taking on Coriolanus, the physical challenge, and the depth of Shakespeare’s most complicated characters • The Shakespeare roles he still wants to play, including Antonio in The Merchant of Venice • His favourite speech from Thomas More, and why its message still resonates todayLike and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released!Support Us If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-usSponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.Queer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates orconnect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow Sir Ian McKellenInstagram: @ianmckellen Website: www.mckellen.comThank you for your support - until next time, love always x

Join host ‪Andrew Keates‬ for The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham.In Part Two of this unmissable conversation, Andrew welcomes back JP McCue – better known as Mary Mac – one of the UK’s most beloved drag performers, celebrated for her tartan, powerhouse vocals, and infamous Mary Mac medley across theatres, cruise ships, and queer venues worldwide.Episode Highlights Include: • Touring in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – backstage antics, challenges, and why it continues to inspire young audiences.• Life at sea – the realities of performing on cruise ships and the sacrifices behind a career in drag.• La Cage Aux Folles at Regent’s Park – memories from one of the UK’s most joyful open-air productions.• Panto life – writing, starring, and sometimes directing your own!• Thoughts on RuPaul’s Drag Race – is it a force for good?• Friendship with Bianca Del Rio and reflections on today’s drag scene.Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment our next episode is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewersSpecial thanks to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, JP McCueQueer TheatreThis podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates orconnect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Follow JP McCueInstagram: @marymacofficial, TikTok: @marymacofficial, orconnect with him at www.marymacofficial.co.ukThank you for your support - until next time, love always x

Join host Andrew Keates for the second part of a very special relaunch of The Show People Podcast, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This episode features an intimate, wide-ranging conversation with national treasure, Sir Stephen Fry, celebrated writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, and recent knight for his contributions to mental health awareness and environmental causes. Episode Highlights Include: - Views on JK Rowling and radicalised she has become and his current relatioship with her. - The benefits of re-writign the Greek myths and the universal human truths that come with doing so. - Why he is one of the most recognisable voices in the UK - The facts which still haunt him from QI - How he prepared to play roles such as Jeeves in Jeeves and Wooster, Oscar Wilde in Wilde and the interesting aspects of playing historic, iconic roles. - A very special letter he received from P.G. Wodehouse. - The worst audition he's ever had. - And just what is Claudia Winkleman's fringe like... Like and Subscribe Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment part two is released! Sponsors & Supporters: Theataccounts: The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. Jake Waby Productions: London’s experts in theatre and live-performance videography, capturing your stories just the way you want them. From West End shows to global content, their experienced team delivers exceptional cinematic storytelling. Connect at jw.productions or Instagram: @jwproductions Boyan Georgiev: The Show People Podcast offical photographer. Connect at boyangeorgiev.com or on Instagram: @boyangeorgiev Special thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event. Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers 🌈 This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQ+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about their acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, and event. Connect at www.queertheatre.co.uk, Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK, TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK, @Threads @QueerTheatreUK. Follow Andrew Keates: Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates, TikTok: @AndrewKeates, X: @andrewkeates Or connect with him at www.andrewkeates.co.uk Thank you for your support—until next time, love always.

This episode was recorded in January 2020 - before Covid-19 changed everything. Andrew shares an explanation about where The Show People Podcast has been for most of 2020 and celebrates the podcast’s fourth anniversary.Andrew and Peter Polycarpou two discuss Peter’s childhood, his relationship with his sister Eve Polycarpou and their Greek heritage and representation within the industry. Peter explains his passion for teaching (including teaching Andrew when he was a teenager!) and playing his many roles in iconic productions including Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, Mike Bartlett’s Artefacts and his roles in film and television, including De Lovely, Evita and Birds of a Feather.Plus the two play Funny Five Minutes and Peter shares what he would need to survive if he was stranded on tour in Whitley Bay.

Andrew chats with Alex Dyer, who runs Theataccounts - a specialist accountancy firm looking after performers and theatremakers in the performing arts industry and advising them on tax and their accounts.In this special episode, Alex takes Andrew through all of the various financial measures and schemes created by the government open to theatremakers during these unprecedented times in a simple and understandable way, including the grants for self-employed people, universal credit, VAT and many other things you may not know you could be eligible for.Also, we hear from Harry Francis, Drew Colby and Charlie Keable.

We open up the Show People Podcast answering machine and we hear from and AJ O’Neill and Emily Clare about what they’re doing to use their craft to benefit the theatre industry. Andrew chats with West End leading man and teacher George Ure about what it’s like swapping the West End for Tesco Express and we hear a song by Flloyd Kennedy all about social distancing.

Merry Christmas from The Show People Podcast! Listen to our Christmas special and last episode of 2019 with actor and author Pauline Mclynn. We make fun listening whilst stuffing a turkey, or of course, if you're having a nice cup of tea.Pauline is best known for playing Mrs. Doyle in the iconic sitcom Father Ted, not to mention roles in Shameless, EastEnders and the acclaimed film Gyypo, of which she was nominated as Best Actress in the Irish Film And Television Awards. She’s recently graced our stages playing Mephistofeles in Doctor Faustus at the Globe, Mother Courage at Leeds Playhouse and Trixie in Daisy Pulls It Off.Thanks to two bottles of Malbec and a lot of Christmas spirit, the two amble around our usual format and have a good natter about Pauline’s life, career and Christmas.Merry Christmas and have a very happy new year.

Andrew is joined by Rosalind James just before she performs a showcase of her new musical Stigma – a piece about HIV/AIDS. In one of the most emotional episodes we’ve ever produced, Rosalind discusses some very difficult times in her life as well as her experiences training at Sylvia Young Theatre School and performing in shows such as Les Miserables (where she was the first black Eponine), Hair, Ragtime, Little Shop Of Horrors and more. Rosalind split one of her vocal chord whilst working on a show; an event she found totally disabling, both mentally and physically and she opens up about her fight to regain her reputation and quash the industry’s misconceptions about her.Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussions about abuse, mental health struggles, suicide and abortion. If you find yourself becoming upset during the episode, please contact the organisation or person you rely upon for support.Episode Features:Act Hacks: Andrew gives some great tips to save money this Christmas.The Platform: We hear a song written and performed by Rosalind from her new musical Stigma. 

Happy Halloween from The Show People Podcast! Today’s guest may be best known for being the Marmite judge on the BBC reality series All Together Now – however there’s more to judge Paulus than meets the eye. We discover the truth about the man behind the mascara, including his upbringing in Kent, his 30 year career in cabaret and why Paul L. Martin is a very different person to who you may have watched on television. Act Hacks: Andrew delivers another ‘Act Hack’ to help you look after the pennies, so the pounds can look after themselves.The Platform: We hear a song called Tribe from Paul L. Martin and Jordan Clarke’s new musical in development, performed by Paul himself.