The Variety Show

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeMax Fulham is a comedian and ventriloquist who has been performing professionally since his teenage years. Known for his sharp improvisation, playful comedy and inventive use of puppets and everyday objects, Max has built a distinctive career on the comedy circuit and beyond.His work combines classic ventriloquism technique with modern stand-up, character comedy and a deep love of puppetry. From comedy clubs and Edinburgh Fringe to major theatre stages, Max brings a fresh, funny and highly skilled approach to one of variety entertainment’s most misunderstood art forms.Episode summaryIn this episode of The Variety Show Podcast, Adam Sternberg talks with comedian and ventriloquist Max Fulham about how a childhood Christmas puppet unexpectedly became the start of a career.Max reflects on growing up between East London, Essex, Scotland and Surrey, discovering performance through singing, dancing, magic and puppets, and teaching himself ventriloquism by watching videos online and practising in front of a bedroom mirror.The conversation explores the craft behind ventriloquism, from lip control and difficult sounds to character creation, puppetry, improvisation and the hidden acting involved in making a puppet feel alive. Max also introduces some of his puppets, including a restored vintage ventriloquist figure and his character Eugene.Adam and Max discuss comedy clubs, Edinburgh Fringe, surprise support slots for Engelbert Humperdinck, the importance of play, and the reality of turning a passion into a profession. They also talk about arts education, creativity in schools, and why live performance remains deeply human in an increasingly digital world.Funny, thoughtful and full of insight, this episode reveals the skill, discipline and joy behind modern ventriloquism.In this episodeGetting a first puppet at nine years oldGrowing up across East London, Essex, Scotland and SurreyDiscovering performance, comedy and puppetryTeaching himself ventriloquism through YouTubeChoosing performance over universityHow ventriloquism actually worksCreating puppet characters and voicesVintage ventriloquist figures and puppet historyComedy clubs, Edinburgh Fringe and support slotsArts education, AI and advice for performers

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeArtist bioLaura Wyatt O’Keeffe is a multi-award-nominated Irish theatre-maker, actor, drag king and DJ whose work spans theatre, cabaret, live art and immersive performance. Raised in Cork and trained at East 15 Acting School, she has built a career creating and performing work that blends storytelling, ritual, humour and audience interaction. Her practice moves between conventional acting, devised theatre and drag performance, often exploring identity, community, belief and connection. Through her drag king character Father Jesse, Laura reimagines Irish Catholic ritual through a queer, comic and deeply human lens, bringing performance into theatres, clubs and other unexpected spaces.Episode summaryIn this episode of The Variety Show, Adam Sternberg speaks with Laura Wyatt O’Keeffe about her path from childhood theatre in Cork to acting, theatre-making and drag performance. Surrounded by rehearsal rooms from an early age through her playwright and director aunt, Laura grew up watching stories being built from the inside and began performing herself while still very young. She reflects on how those early experiences shaped her understanding not only of acting, but of audience, structure and the wider world of performance.The conversation follows her journey through university and drama school, where she trained as an actor while also beginning to make her own work. Laura speaks candidly about ambition, fame, funding and the difficult balance between artistic vision and practical survival, as well as the privileges that time, money and access can bring to making great work.A major turning point came during and after the pandemic, when Laura found herself drawn more strongly to drag and cabaret than to traditional theatre. Through her drag king character Father Jesse, an Irish Catholic priest delivering mass in unexpected settings, she discovered a form that allowed for deeper audience interaction, humour, ritual and shared experience. Together, Adam and Laura explore religion, performance, community, queer identity and the power of art to help audiences recognise themselves in unfamiliar worlds. The episode closes with an Irish language lesson and a discussion of Laura’s work beyond performance, including an opera-based breathing programme supporting people with long Covid.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Father Jesse and the themes of ritual, identity and connection00:01 Laura Wyatt O’Keeffe’s career across theatre, drag and DJing00:02 Growing up in Cork and being surrounded by theatre from childhood00:04 Early performing experiences and learning by watching rehearsal rooms00:09 The Irish arts scene, cultural identity and support for artists00:11 University, East 15 and developing as an actor and maker00:17 Fame, resources and the realities of sustaining an artistic career00:19 The pandemic, drag, cabaret and discovering a new performance language00:23 Audience impact, live connection and why interaction matters00:26 Creating Father Jesse and using drag to explore religion, ritual and queerness00:31 Performing for different audiences and challenging assumptions00:38 Returning to acting and balancing long-form theatre with drag00:39 Irish language lesson and lighter moments00:40 Work beyond the stage, including opera and long Covid breathing sessions00:44 Artistic influences, storytelling and what performance can doIf you want, I can also reduce these timestamps to 10 to match the format you used for the other episode.

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist bioAshley Luke Lloyd is a Blackpool-born actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and writer whose career began in childhood on major UK stages and has since spanned West End musicals, touring productions, film, teaching and choreography. He started performing professionally at a young age after being cast in Whistle Down the Wind, touring the UK for four years, and later joined the original cast of Billy Elliot as Michael. Since then, his theatre credits have included Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever and Legally Blonde, alongside screen work in films including I Could Never Be Your Woman, working with names such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Rudd, Sissy Spacek, Elton John and Tim Curry. Alongside performing, Ashley continues to teach young people in Blackpool and remains a passionate advocate for arts access, regional talent and the power of storytelling.Episode summaryIn this episode of The Variety Show, Adam Sternberg talks with Ashley Luke Lloyd about growing up in Blackpool, discovering theatre through sheer childhood energy, and building a career that has taken him from child stardom to West End productions, film sets and choreography. Ashley reflects on his first break in Whistle Down the Wind, the unusual realities of being a child performer, and what it was like to appear in the original stage production of Billy Elliot at a time when the show was reshaping conversations around masculinity, class and dance.He shares vivid stories from backstage life, including performing eight shows a week as a child, learning from theatre impresario Bill Kenwright, meeting Elton John, and later working on film projects with Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Rudd and Tim Curry. The conversation moves beyond career highlights into bigger questions about auditions, rejection, live performance, why theatre remains different from film, and why storytelling matters more to Ashley than fame.Ashley also speaks passionately about arts education, the class barriers facing young performers, and the need to keep creative opportunities open to children from working-class backgrounds and regional communities. The episode closes with a playful segment in which Ashley teaches Adam a small piece of Billy Elliot-inspired choreography and a dramatic line reading from one of his horror films.

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist bioRhys’ Pieces is an East London cabaret performer, drag artist, and host known for high-energy, genre-blending performances that combine lip sync, spoken word, movement, comedy, and political commentary. Born in Romford and raised in Hackney by a single mother, Rhys grew up navigating intersecting identities as a mixed-race, queer, working-class performer who also attended a more privileged school environment. Beginning with spoken word and rap performance before moving into drag and cabaret, Rhys became part of London’s alternative queer performance scene through institutions such as Duckie, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and The Glory. Over more than a decade on stage, they have performed across cabaret clubs, theatre venues, drag competitions, and community events, developing a distinctive style that plays with gender, identity, satire, and audience interaction.Episode summaryIn this episode of The Variety Show, Adam Sternberg talks with cabaret performer and drag artist Rhys’s Pieces about identity, performance, and finding a creative voice in London’s queer nightlife scene. Rhys shares their upbringing in East London, growing up mixed-race with a white mother and absent father, and how early interests in drama, literature, and performance helped shape their artistic outlook.The conversation traces Rhys’s unconventional journey into cabaret. After early ambitions in acting, struggles with auditions, and a period of feeling lost during university, a workshop with the legendary queer club night Duckie introduced them to the world of cabaret performance. From there Rhys began developing acts that mixed spoken word, rap, lip sync, dance, and performance art, eventually creating the persona Rhys’s Pieces as a way to express the many parts of their identity.They discuss the history and meaning of cabaret as an art form rooted in satire, community, and audience interaction, as well as the importance of spaces like the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in nurturing alternative performance scenes. The conversation also explores wider topics including class and opportunity in the arts, the impact of drag culture and shows like Drag Race, and how live performance remains uniquely human in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI.The episode closes with a light-hearted moment as Rhys attempts to teach Adam how to twerk, before offering advice to young performers about confidence, self-belief, and creating work that reflects who you truly are.Timestamps00:00 Intro and meeting Rhys’s Pieces00:01:24 Growing up in East London and early performance interests00:03:25 Identity, school life, and navigating race, class, and queerness00:05:22 Early cultural influences from Riverdance to pop music00:07:43 From acting ambitions to spoken word and rap performance00:12:49 Discovering cabaret through Duckie and London’s queer nightlife00:15:02 What cabaret means and its roots in satire and audience interaction00:18:18 The drag journey and creating the persona Rhys’s Pieces00:26:36 Class, identity, and opportunities in the arts00:32:01 Twerking lesson and advice for young performers

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist bioRichard Enion is a Midlands-based drummer and entrepreneur who blends live percussion with facilitation and business. Raised in a small village near Burton on Trent, he started drumming after being inspired by a school assembly performance and later trained formally for several years in Derby. Alongside playing drum kit in bands, Richard built a career delivering large-scale drumming workshops for companies, using rhythm as a tool for connection, stress relief, and shared achievement. He appeared on Dragon’s Den, accepted an on-air offer, and later chose not to take the deal, while still benefiting from the experience and exposure.Episode summaryIn this episode of The Variety Show, Adam Sternberg talks with drummer and entrepreneur Richard Enion about how rhythm became both a musical path and a business. Richard shares his early life near Burton on Trent, his first drum kit at 12, and the school assembly moment that sparked everything. He explains how he moved from playing in bands to running corporate drumming workshops, building sessions that take groups from zero to a full performance and helping people feel safe, energised, and present. Richard also tells the story of travelling in the Caribbean, trusting a gut instinct that landed him a drumming gig, and how that period led directly to buying djembe drums and launching the team-building side of his work. The conversation covers why drumming can feel meditative and communal, what happens when participants are hesitant or have been drinking, and why arts access in schools matters. Richard then talks through his Dragon’s Den journey, including pushing back after being told there was no slot, the eventual pitch, the offer, and the decision not to sign. The episode ends with Richard teaching Adam basic stick rudiments and sharing advice for young musicians on starting with whatever you have, then doing the practice that builds real skill.00:00 Intro and Richard’s background near Burton on Trent00:02 First drum kit and the school assembly inspiration00:04 Lessons, rudiments, and learning the fundamentals00:08 Caribbean drumming detour and trusting the instinct to ask00:10 From bands to djembe workshops and the start of team building00:11 What a corporate drumming session looks like and why it works00:14 Handling reluctant participants and the alcohol factor00:15 Drumming as focus, stress relief, and shared “medicine”00:21 Arts in schools and inspiring young people through music00:21 Dragon’s Den, the offer, and why Richard walked away00:27 Adam learns stick basics: singles, doubles, and paradiddles00:33 Human energy vs electronic tools and AI concerns00:36 Advice for young drummers: start anywhere, then practice hard

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist bioLaura London is a Westminster-born magician and close-up performer known for sharp sleight of hand, storytelling-led shows, and deep knowledge of magic history. Diagnosed with ADD (now ADHD) as a child, she found focus through performance—first inspired by a kids’ party trick at eight, then shaped by formative mentorships including Hungarian legend George Kovari, iconic British magician Fay Presto, and manager Jenny Dunster. A former youngest female member of The Magic Circle at the time of her admission, Laura works internationally across theatres, private events, and corporate settings, and is passionate about advancing magic through study, practice, and respect for the craft rather than labels or shortcuts.Episode summaryIn this episode of Variety, Adam Sternberg meets magician Laura London at The Magician’s Table in Bermondsey for a candid, funny, and wide-ranging conversation about how a chaotic childhood in London’s nightlife world led to a life in magic. Laura talks about being born in Westminster, spending early years around entertainers and rock ’n’ roll energy through her mum’s nightclub, and the shock of losing that world as a child. Diagnosed young with ADD/ADHD and told she might struggle in conventional school and work, Laura explains how creativity became her anchor—after seeing the classic “Run Rabbit Run” at age eight and realizing it wasn’t the trick that mattered, but the joy it created.Laura traces the path from magic-shop afternoons at Davenports to meeting George Kovari, across the road, then leaving school and home at 15 and using magic to survive—sometimes literally trading performances for food. She shares what it felt like entering The Magic Circle as a young punk-looking newcomer, and the moment Fay Presto intervened, mentored her, and opened doors to her first serious paid work. The conversation turns to women in magic: the long history of overlooked pioneers, why Laura avoids the label “female magician,” and how representation is shifting through TV, the internet, and changing expectations for what girls can do.They also dig into the difference between close-up and stage magic, why presentation matters more than method, and the idea of “real magic”—not supernatural belief, but the rare performance moment that stays with someone forever. Laura describes performing internationally and how audiences vary by culture, why reading a room matters at corporate events, and how a nightmare Edinburgh Fringe malfunction forced her to improvise in front of some of the world’s best magicians. The episode ends with Adam attempting a card spring under Laura’s instruction, followed by a tease of Laura’s upcoming new show (not all cards this time), developed with Jonathan Goodwin.

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist bio Kevin Bishop is a veteran television producer and director whose career spans decades at the BBC. Starting behind the scenes in theatre and variety, he went on to work with some of Britain’s most iconic performers, directing and producing shows including French and Saunders, A Bit of Fry and Laurie, The Kenny Everett Show, Wogan, the Royal Variety Show, and the Eurovision Song Contest. Across his career, he has overseen hundreds of live broadcasts and worked closely with stars ranging from Victoria Wood and Elton John to Liza Minnelli, Terry Wogan, and Shirley Bassey.Episode summary In this episode of Variety, Adam Sternberg sits down with legendary TV producer and director Kevin Bishop for a rare behind-the-scenes look at British television history. Kevin reflects on his early love of theatre, his first backstage jobs, and the winding path that led him to the BBC, where he helped shape some of the most influential comedy and variety shows of the last 50 years.The conversation covers Kevin’s experiences working with comedy greats like Victoria Wood, French and Saunders, Fry and Laurie, Roy Bremner, and Larry Grayson, as well as producing and directing ten Royal Variety Shows. Kevin breaks down how acts were chosen, how running orders were built, and why egos were rarely a problem. He also shares memorable moments involving Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Shirley Bassey, Rowan Atkinson, and Bob Monkhouse.Adam and Kevin then turn to Eurovision, including the UK’s 1997 win, the challenge of hosting the contest in Birmingham in 1998, the last-ever Eurovision with a live orchestra, and the night Dana International won in a moment that helped redefine representation on the world stage. The episode wraps with reflections on the BBC, the meaning of variety entertainment, and Kevin’s question for a future guest.00:00 Introduction and Kevin Bishop’s career overview01:00 Working with comedy legends and spotting future stars02:25 Early passion for theatre and first backstage jobs04:00 Breaking into television and first producing roles06:08 Queen Mother’s 90th birthday gala and Royal Variety Shows07:56 Booking acts and running order decisions10:07 Rehearsals, live orchestras, and handling big stars11:31 Starstruck moments and working with Larry Grayson13:54 Live TV pressure, mistakes, and editing fixes15:37 Wogan, Eurovision, the BBC, and the meaning of variety

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist bio Bounder & Cad are a London-based musical comedy duo known for sharp, lyrical satire set to classic crooner, jazz, and operatic styles. Formed at the University of Cambridge, the pair blend close harmony singing with original parody songs that skewer politics, power, culture, and modern absurdities—always punching up. Regular performers at venues including Crazy Coqs, they draw inspiration from Noël Coward, Flanders & Swann, Dudley Moore, and Kit & The Widow, combining musical virtuosity with wit, warmth, and theatrical flair.Episode summary In this episode of Variety, host Adam Sternberg welcomes musical comedy duo Bounder & Cad for a wide-ranging conversation following a bold opening performance skewering Vladimir Putin. The pair trace their origins from university choirboys and jazz crooners to becoming a fully-fledged satirical act, sharing stories of May Balls, their first original parody song about Prince Harry, and a last-minute, near-missed debut gig at 10 Downing Street.They unpack their approach to satire—why they prefer timeless absurdity over partisan politics, how they balance provocation with kindness, and why comedy works best when it releases tension rather than fuels anger. The episode also dives into creative partnership, disagreement, privilege, performance mishaps, and the importance of humor as a coping mechanism. It wraps with a playful operatic finale: a comic English-language take on La donna è mobile, featuring Adam joining them on stage.Don’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess.Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.

To stay updated on future episodes, follow us on:TikTokInstagramYouTubeIf you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.ukArtist BioAaron Clark (“Keith Ripoff”) and Alex Larke (“Mock Jagger”) are the long-time twin engines of premier Rolling Stones tribute act The Rolling Clones. Growing up in neighboring Hertfordshire towns, both were shaped by early musical influences: Aaron gigging from age 11 with a Stones riff book smuggled into lessons, Alex trading a teenage go-kart racing career (he once raced Jenson Button) for frontman life after being dubbed a “modern-day Mick Jagger” in the local press. United by a deep love of the Stones’ catalogue, obsessive attention to detail, and a shared refusal to live the actual Stones’ lifestyle (these days it’s post-gig tea, not Jack Daniel’s), they’ve spent well over a decade touring the world, from French town squares to theatres and Middle Eastern stages, bringing Mick-and-Keith swagger to audiences of every age.For more on The Rolling Clones visit:👉https://www.instagram.com/rollingclonesEpisode SummaryIn this episode, they talk about how they fell in love with the Rolling Stones, why they think the Stones out-rock the Beatles, and what it really takes to “become” Mick and Keith on stage night after night. They share stories of massive gigs, weird audiences, fire alarms killing the PA mid-show, and one particularly drunk early gig where “Mick” fell off the stage and was rescued by the man who played Bungle from Rainbow. We hear how the Rolling Clones evolved from cabaret act to a high-energy modern live-Stones experience, why Aaron convinced Alex to stop drinking on stage, and why tribute work turned out to be a “golden ticket” to make a living in music without fame. Don’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess.Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.

Join us on this captivating journey into the fascinating world of live entertainment. Host Adam Sternberg brings you engaging conversations with remarkable entertainers, from magicians and jugglers to aerial artists and contortionists. Discover the unique stories behind their extraordinary careers, the challenges they have faced, and the motivations that drive them. If you are passionate about live entertainment or simply curious about the lives of extraordinary performers, this podcast is a must-listen.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Adam welcomes Reverend Bazil Meade, founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, widely recognised as a pioneering force in British gospel music. Bazil traces his path from a childhood on the Caribbean island of Montserrat to becoming one of the most influential figures in UK choral music. He shares moving and sometimes dramatic stories about migration, racism, faith, early musical mentorship, the formation of LCGC in the early 1980s and its rapid rise to performing on global stages and collaborating with major artists including Paul McCartney, George Martin, Luther Vandross, Foreigner and Madonna. Basil also breaks down the sound, history and emotional heart of gospel, the distinction between spirituals and modern gospel music, and how improvisation, movement and community inform the choir’s world-renowned style. We hear candid reflections on creativity, the transition to handing leadership to his children, unforgettable stage moments and a live lesson in singing that leads Adam to his first gospel duet.Key Discussion PointsOrigins and Early Life in Montserrat: Born in Montserrat in the Caribbean, raised in a small wooden house and living largely off the land and the sea.Migration to the UK and Culture Shock: Travelled alone at age nine on a two week boat journey to Southampton, experiencing seasickness, unfamiliar food and the tight communal conditions typical of early Windrush-era ships.Early Musical Influences and Church Community: Grew into music through church life in Hackney and Dalston Lane.A Dramatic Escape and New Beginnings: Recounted a frightening confrontation with his stepfather that led him to flee the house, land in Leicester Square and impulsively leave for Germany with a group selling encyclopedias to US bases.Founding the London Community Gospel Choir: Co founded LCGC in 1982 with Lawrence Johnson, John Francis and Delroy Powell.Weekly Rehearsals and National Influence: Wednesday rehearsals began in the early years and continue to this day.Gospel: History, Sound and Soul: Explains the origins of Negro spirituals in slavery, the emotional weight of songs reflecting suffering, longing and coded expressions of hope.Improvisation, Movement and Choir Culture: Contrasts gospel with classical choral traditions, emphasising freedom, spontaneity and connection.Collaborations with Major Artists: Shares vivid stories from working with Paul McCartney on Give My Regards to Broad Street and with producer George Martin who had Montserrat ties.Recounts multiple recording and rehearsal sessions with Madonna, describing her intense focus, high standards and direct creative involvement.Reflects on an unforgettable collaboration with Luther Vandross, praising his warmth, respect and genuine connection with the choir.Passing the Baton to the Next Generation: Bazil’s children, Leon and Venetta, now lead LCGC. He speaks honestly about the challenge of stepping back after four decades, learning to let go and trusting a new creative vision.New Music and British Gospel Identity: Previews tracks from the upcoming LCGC album written by Leon and collaborators.Live Performance Moments and Things Going Wrong: Reflects on the occasional onstage mishaps, including brain fog during complex a cappella sections and how professionalism lies in carrying on seamlessly.Interactive SegmentBazil demonstrates vocal lines from God Has Smiled On Me, explaining how he teaches gospel phrasing, why certain keys colour the music differently and how singers follow emotional cues rather than written notation.Get in TouchFor more on Bazil Meade visit: 👉https://www.instagram.com/bazil.meade/?hl=enTo stay updated on future episodes, follow @ItsTheVarietyShow on: TikTok InstagramYouTubeDon’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess. Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.

Join us on this captivating journey into the fascinating world of live entertainment. Host Adam Sternberg brings you engaging conversations with remarkable entertainers, from magicians and jugglers to aerial artists and contortionists. Discover the unique stories behind their extraordinary careers, the challenges they've faced, and the motivations that drive them. If you're passionate about live entertainment or simply curious about the lives of these extraordinary performers, this podcast is a must-listen.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Adam welcomes silhouette artist Charles Burns a performer–artist whose entire show fits into a pocket: paper and scissors. From a bruising boarding-school experience to art college and the Covent Garden piazza, Charles charts how drawing led him to live silhouette cutting, why imperfection makes entertainment memorable, and what it felt like to interrupt Queen Elizabeth II (successfully!) to cut Her Majesty’s profile. He explains his mirror-free, one-line cutting technique, the psychology of likeness, why some people “don’t look like themselves” in profile, and how lockdown sparked his global Zoom silhouette studio. We also hear about AI silhouettes, Disney’s influence on the American style, and an 18th-century automaton “artist” with a human under the table.Key Discussion PointsOrigins & Early Training: Growing up in Somerset; boarding at Ampleforth; bullying; sanctuary in the art room with sculptor-teacher John Bunting; discovering that drawing was the foundation.Art Education: Foundation at Exeter; time at the École des Beaux-Arts (Lyon); degree at Wolverhampton; art as communication vs. art-therapy.Artist vs Performer: Why most artists perform (and most performers create art); Charles sits “on the cusp,” literally performing portraits in front of an audience.Covent Garden Beginnings: Late-1980s street portraitist; a visiting Spanish cutter inspires the switch to silhouettes.Technique & Tools: Pocketed papers, white backing sheet, cutting largely in one continuous line; right-profile preference for a right-handed cutter; rotating the paper, not the scissors.Work & Temperament: “One of nature’s self-employed”; office life felt like returning to school politics.Neurodiversity: Son’s diagnosis led to Charles’s own autism-spectrum diagnosis in his 40s; reframing meticulous preparation as a strength.Everyone Can Draw: Fear often comes from bad early teaching; skill = motivation + hard work; drawing as the base of all visual art.Royal Encounter: Cutting Queen Elizabeth II at a Ritz Golden Jubilee party—nerves, etiquette, and simply stepping in; other high-profile sitters mentioned by Adam include Nelson Mandela and President Clinton.Capturing Likeness: Children who won’t sit still; poor lighting at events; self-image vs. profile reality; audiences often “rescue” a likeness because they see you as others do.Entertainment Over Perfection: Some silhouettes are better than others—human variability is part of the show; the joy of imperfection and the retelling (magicians’ lesson).Live Demonstration: Charles cuts Adam’s silhouette on-air—narrating chest→chin→nose→glasses→hair; occasional “back-cutting” fixes; speed builds with warm-up.Human vs. Machine: Low-tech authenticity matters; guests often expect equipment and are astonished it’s “just scissors.”AI & Automation: Experiments with AI-generated silhouettes; yes, a laser could cut them—but the human performance is the art; tale of an 18th-century “automaton” secretly powered by a cutter under the table.Styles & Scenes: Why the U.S. has many more cutters (thanks to Disneyland’s Main Street silhouette studios); “American style” vs Charles’s “ruthless realism.”Essence Over Flattery: Beyond likeness to the sitter’s essence—portraiture as communication.Audience Reactions: Some find silhouettes slightly “sinister” (shadow, black paper); consent matters—not everyone wants one.Interactive SegmentLive Silhouette Cut: Charles performs a full, narrated silhouette of Adam, demonstrating one-line cutting, paper rotation, and quick on-the-fly corrections.Get in TouchFor more on Charles Burns, visit: 👉https://www.instagram.com/silhouettist/?hl=enTo stay updated on future episodes, follow @ItsTheVarietyShow on: TikTok InstagramYouTubeDon’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess. Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.

Join us on this captivating journey into the fascinating world of live entertainment. Host Adam Sternberg brings you engaging conversations with remarkable entertainers, from magicians and jugglers to aerial artists and contortionists. Discover the unique stories behind their extraordinary careers, the challenges they've faced, and the motivations that drive them. If you're passionate about live entertainment or simply curious about the lives of these extraordinary performers, this podcast is a must-listen.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Adam Sternberg welcomes Natalie Haverstock, internationally acclaimed balloon artist and performer, better known by her stage name Miss Ballooniverse. A natural entertainer with roots in acting and comedy, Natalie has transformed the humble balloon into an art form blending creativity, humour, and craftsmanship into something truly extraordinary. From teaching balloon-making to global audiences online, to dazzling celebrity guests at high-end events, her story is as uplifting as her creations.Adam and Natalie explore her colourful journey from the theatre stage to the balloon stage, the art behind every twist and fold, and the resilience required to reinvent oneself in an ever-changing creative industry.Key Discussion PointsA Musical Start: Growing up in North West London, Natalie was surrounded by creativity, her father was a violinist who even appeared in Fiddler on the Roof. Though she trained in classical acting at Rose Bruford College, comedy and improvisation soon became her passion.Improvisation & Performance: As the former Artistic Director of London Theatre Sports, Natalie honed her quick wit and stage presence, tools that would later prove essential to her success as a performer.Discovering Balloons: A chance introduction to a balloon agency in 2008 sparked her unexpected new career. What began as a side hustle quickly became a full-fledged art form as Natalie discovered the power of balloons to connect, amuse, and amaze audiences.From Beginner to Master: Her trip to Belgium’s Millennium Jam convention transformed her skills and inspired her signature style from wearable balloon dresses to Jeff Koons-inspired creations.Art Meets Psychology: Natalie shares how balloon modelling, like acting or magic, is all about reading the room and evoking emotion proving that every squeal of delight is part of the performance.The Celebrity Connection: From Britain’s Got Talent to private charity galas, Natalie’s balloon caricatures of famous faces have charmed stars like Simon Cowell and delighted crowds around the world.Adapting Through Adversity: During the pandemic, Natalie pivoted to virtual workshops, teaching balloon art to teams and families across continents proving that joy is still possible through a screen.Balloons Without Borders: From Dubai to London, her craft transcends language and culture. As she puts it, “Laughter is the same in every language and balloons are a universal symbol of fun.”The Aztec Connection: Ever the curious creator, Natalie even shares how ancient civilizations inflated animal intestines as early balloon art connecting history, humour, and creativity.Performance Over Perfection: While technique matters, Natalie insists her real art lies in the performance: “It’s 60% entertainment, 40% balloons.”Interactive SegmentThe Balloon Dog Lesson: Natalie gives Adam a hilarious hands-on crash course in balloon art, guiding him through the twists and turns of crafting the classic balloon dog. The result may not win awards, but it brings laughter and lessons in equal measure.Behind the Tools: In a moment of trademark eccentricity, Natalie reveals one of her most unusual tools, a veterinary castration device repurposed to stuff confetti and toys into balloons. Her accountant, she jokes, still hasn’t recovered.Get in TouchFor more on Miss Ballooniverse’s live shows and workshops, visit: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/missballooniverseTo stay updated on future episodes, follow @ItsTheVarietyShow on: TikTok Instagram YouTubeDon’t miss out on how we plan to bring this podcast to life with Variety Live shows.🎵 Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess. Join Adam Sternberg next time for another captivating glimpse into the world of live entertainment.

Welcome to episode 1 of the Variety podcast. I have been lucky enough to have worked with some amazing acts over many years. But for me, what has always been fascinating are the stories they have told me before they went on stage - what led them to be a performer, the difficulties they have faced, the hilarious situations they have faced when the act goes badly wrong. I always thought that a peek behind the curtain was as interesting as what went on the stage - that’s why I’ve worked hard to bring this podcast to you today. I hope you enjoy it and let us know your thoughts below.– Adam SternbergEpisode HighlightsIn this episode, Adam Sternberg sits down with Jolie Papillon, one of the UK's leading burlesque artists. Originally from Rimini, Italy, Jolie shares her journey from training at top theatre and dance schools in Europe to becoming a celebrated burlesque performer in the UK. Adam and Jolie delve into the variety of reactions from audiences, the misconceptions about burlesque, and the significance of embracing authenticity in performance.Key Discussion Points:• Early Inspirations: Jolie talks about her upbringing in Rimini, her musical family background, and her early experiences in performance.• Discovering Burlesque: Learn how Jolie stumbled upon the world of burlesque and cabaret, and how she created her stage persona, Jolie Papillon, for a burlesque competition.• The Art of Striptease: Jolie discusses the artistry involved in burlesque, from choreography and costume design to the importance of performance and audience interaction.• Challenges and Triumphs: Hear Jolie's stories of overcoming stage mishaps, dealing with audience reactions, and performing in diverse cultural settings, including in Saudi Arabia.• Evolving Perceptions: Explore how burlesque is viewed today and the impact of mainstream influences, such as Taylor Swift's "Life of a Showgirl" album.Interactive Segment:Glove Peeling 101: Jolie shares a playful demonstration of the art of glove peeling, highlighting the intricacies involved in this classic burlesque move.Get in touch:For more insights into Jolie's world visit : Jolie’s InstagramStay updated on future episodes! Find us at @VarietyPodcastOfficial on:TikTokInstagram YouTube Join Adam Sternberg next time for another episode of Variety. Thank you for tuning in!Original title music written by Peter O'Donnell and produced by Chris Burgess.