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 today

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-us

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

Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event.
Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers

Special thanks
to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of the Two Brewers, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.

Queer Theatre
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

Follow Sir Ian McKellen
Instagram: @ianmckellen
Website: www.mckellen.com

Thank 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.

This episode features an extraordinary conversation with one of the world’s most celebrated actors: Sir Ian McKellen, a performer whose career spans over six decades, with more than sixty major awards across stage, screen and television, and whose voice in LGBTQ+ equality has inspired millions around the world.

Episode Highlights Include:
• Growing up in Burnley and Wigan during wartime Britain, and the family stories that shaped him, including the loss of his mother and sister.
• First memories of stepping into a theatre and discovering performance
• Life in repertory theatre at the Belgrade in 1961, and the reality of starting out
• The breakthrough of Richard II and Edward II at Edinburgh, and the political weight of portraying a queer monarch
• Originating the role of Max in Bent
• How he came out on the radio and why the UK had to pay attention.
• Advice for trans people during these impossible times.

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-us

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

Thanks to The Two Brewers and their wonderful team for hosting this event.
Connect at www.the2brewers.com/london. or Instagram: @the2brewers

Special thanks
to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, Sir Ian McKellen.

Queer Theatre
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

Follow Sir Ian McKellen
Instagram: @ianmckellen
Website: www.mckellen.com

Thank 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: @the2brewers

Special thanks
to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, JP McCue

Queer Theatre
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

Follow JP McCue
Instagram: @marymacofficial, TikTok: @marymacofficial, or
connect with him at www.marymacofficial.co.uk

Thank 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. This episode features an unmissable conversation with JP McCue, better known as Mary Mac - one of the UK’s most loved drag performers, famous for her tartan, powerhouse vocals, and infamous Mary Mac medley across theatres, cruise ships, and Queer venues worldwide.

Episode Highlights Include:
• How long it takes Mary Mac to get ready?
• First memories of The Two Brewers and why LGBTQ+ spaces matter
• Growing up in Glasgow, coming out in the 1990s, and the role family played in his life.
• Training at GAMTA: highs, struggles, survival jobs, and the teachers who inspired him.
• Early days of drag: the queens who lit the way, the toughest gigs, and his time with the Fabulettes.
• Balancing drag with musical theatre, and how queer audiences have changed over the years.
• Heroes, the future of drag, and whether RuPaul’s Drag Race has been a force for good.
• Advice for young drag artists starting out.

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

Special thanks
to Liam Chaplin, Adam Deamer, Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey, and of course, JP McCue

Queer Theatre
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

Follow JP McCue
Instagram: @marymacofficial, TikTok: @marymacofficial, or
connect with him at www.marymacofficial.co.uk

Thank 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.

The Show People Podcast is back! Join host Andrew Keates for 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:
- Has Stephen ever been to the Two Brewers before?
- Stephen’s formative years growing up, the first parts he played, how he discovered a love of language and how his Jewishness has shaped him.
- His passion for working with friends, including collaborating with Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Rowan Atkinson and his unforgettable experiences creating Blackadder, A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster.
- Advice for young actors. - How he prepared to play the role of Oscar Wilde and how the playwright, poet and essayist has inspired him throughout the years.
- How fame does no necessarily lead to happiness
- Frank and powerful discussions around mental health struggles, suicide, addiction and his advocacy for others.

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.

Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussions about mental health struggles, suicide and death. If you find yourself becoming upset during the episode, please contact the organisation or person you rely upon for support.

Andrew Keates chats with journalist, broadcaster and presenter Matthew Wright about his controversial comments about using outside spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic, the last two years of coping with multiple bereavements and PTSD and what it’s like to be second to Nick Knowles in the world of fly fishing.