In this episode, Andrew G sits down with performer, writer and creator Olivia Mitchell for an honest conversation about the realities of life on stage and the passion that keeps artists returning to the theatre. As she prepares for an outdoor production of The Tempest, Olivia reflects on how her love for performing began and the strange mix of anxiety and excitement that comes with stepping in front of a live audience.

They explore the myth that acting is simply memorising lines, and the deeper work involved in building a character — creating a full human life through voice, movement and relationships. Olivia also shares what it feels like to perform your own writing, why creating opportunities is often essential in the arts, and how everyday moments often become the seeds of future stories.

At its core, this episode is about connection — between performers and audiences, between story and experience — and the unique magic of live theatre that can only happen when people gather together in the same space.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed director and arts leader Sam Strong for an insightful conversation on creativity, leadership and the future of live performance. From his early days as a theatre maker to leading a bold new vision at Gasworks Arts Park as it marks 40 years, Sam reflects on what continues to drive his work.

They explore why theatre still matters in a streaming world, the importance of accessibility and authentic storytelling, and the courage required to back bold, sometimes divisive work. Sam shares why managing fear is central to creative leadership — and why the collective, in-room experience of live performance remains irreplaceable.

At its core, this episode is a celebration of participation, risk, and the shared human connection that keeps theatre alive.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Mamma Mia leading lady Bek Chapman during rehearsals at the National Theatre ahead of the show’s February season. From the surprise birthday call that moved her from understudy to Donna Sheridan, Bek reflects on stepping into an iconic role at exactly the right moment in her life.

The conversation explores the heart beneath the disco sparkle — the strength and vulnerability within Donna, the emotional impact of Slipping Through My Fingers, and why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Andrew and Bek also discuss the unique energy of live theatre and the powerful connection between performers and audiences.

At its core, this episode is a celebration of joy, friendship, and the deeply human magic that makes theatre unforgettable.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed Australian director Pip Mushen during rehearsals for Mamma Mia, ahead of its upcoming season at the National Theatre this February. Pip reflects on his early perceptions of the show and how, through rehearsal and close attention to the script, he discovered a depth of heart and emotional storytelling beneath its joyful, familiar surface.

The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the director’s role in shaping live theatre — from the invisible work audiences never notice to the delicate balance between spectacle and sincerity. Pip shares insights from a career spanning theatre, film, and television, unpacking what it really takes to lead a cast under pressure, collaborate with creative teams, and keep a production aligned around a shared goal.

Andrew and Pip also explore why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Beyond ABBA’s iconic music and infectious energy, the show endures because of its emotional accessibility, its focus on relationships, and its ability to move audiences without demanding analysis or explanation.

At its heart, this episode is a celebration of live theatre as a shared, immediate experience — joyful, demanding, and deeply human — and a reminder that the most powerful moments on stage are often the ones audiences feel rather than consciously see.

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Belle Parkinson, Ali Long, and Eleanor Atanofsky as they prepare to step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season this February. The cast reflect on the excitement, nerves, and privilege of working on a musical that holds such a special place in popular culture, and on the responsibility of bringing honesty and authenticity to a show so many audiences already love.

They share what life is like inside the rehearsal room as opening night draws closer — from the fast pace and constant momentum to the sense of trust, play, and belonging that forms when a cast comes together. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mamma Mia as a true ensemble piece, where every performer contributes to the energy of a show that never really stops moving.

The discussion also explores why Mamma Mia continues to resonate decades after its debut. From the timeless appeal of ABBA’s music to the show’s balance of humour, heart, and emotional relatability, the cast unpack why it works best when played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. Along the way, they reflect on their individual journeys into theatre — from early inspirations and training to uncertainty, growth, and learning to trust their instincts.

At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, how music can instantly lift a room, and why audiences keep returning to Mamma Mia — to laugh, to feel seen, and to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Anderson, Shannon Foley, and Luke Stevens as they step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season in February 2026. The cast reflect on the excitement, pressure, and privilege of working on a show that continues to connect with audiences across generations, and on the responsibility of bringing truth and authenticity to such a beloved musical.

They share what it’s like inside the rehearsal room as opening night approaches—from the fast pace and constant momentum to the trust, play, and collaboration that make the process so rewarding. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Mamma Mia functions as a true ensemble piece, where every performer is part of a joyful, finely tuned machine.

The discussion explores why Mamma Mia still resonates decades on. From the timeless pull of ABBA’s music to the balance of humour, heart, and emotional honesty, the cast unpack why the show works best when it’s played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. They also reflect on the different paths that led them here—training, setbacks, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way.

At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, why music can lift people instantly, and why audiences keep coming back—to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart Maunder, Artistic Director of Victorian Opera, to explore the enduring magic of The Pirates of Penzance and the creative life that has grown alongside it. Stuart reflects on decades spent in rehearsal rooms and theatres, tracing how early encounters with pantomime and musical storytelling shaped his love of performance and his belief that theatre should be joyful, generous, and accessible to all.

He shares what it’s like to return to Pirates time and again—as a director, a storyteller, and a lifelong fan—unpacking why this famously “silly” operetta continues to resonate across generations. From the terror and exhilaration of stepping into a rehearsal room, to the energy that emerges when seasoned performers and early-career artists collaborate, Stuart offers an inside look at building a production designed to give audiences a genuinely great night out.

The conversation delves into why The Pirates of Penzance remains funny and moving more than a century after it was written. Stuart explores the balance between laughter and heartfelt emotion, the power of music to reach audiences beyond words, and the uniquely British humour that keeps the work fresh without losing its original spirit. He also challenges common misconceptions about opera, reframing it not as an elite art form, but as something driven by music, community, and shared human experience.

At its heart, this episode is about joy—why laughter matters, why silliness can carry real emotional weight, and why theatre that welcomes people in continues to endure. Whether you’re an opera devotee or a first-timer who’s never thought it was “for you,” this conversation is an invitation to give it a go—and to walk out of the theatre thinking, my God, that was a great night.

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Rogers-Bredin and Madidi McKenzie to explore the making of & Juliet in Warrnambool and the journeys that have shaped them as young theatre-makers within regional communities. Ashley reflects on growing up in local theatre, stepping into his first full-scale directing role at just 23, and what it means to lead a company he once performed alongside. Madidi shares her path as a performer and the challenge of inhabiting the role of Anne Hathaway—one that demands maturity, reflection, and a deep commitment to truth.

They speak candidly about the rehearsal process behind a major musical, from casting and collaboration to the emotional impact of hearing the full band and cast come together for the first time. The conversation unpacks why & Juliet resonates so strongly with today’s audiences, blending pop music and humour with themes of female empowerment, identity, self-worth, and the importance of being heard.

At its heart, this episode is about community, voice, and possibility. Ashley and Madidi reflect on the power of regional theatre to nurture talent, build confidence, and create meaningful stories that challenge expectations. Whether you’re a performer, director, educator, or theatre-lover, this episode is a reminder that powerful, relevant theatre can grow anywhere—and that chasing what makes you happy is always worth the risk.