This week on the podcast, we journey through the bold, inventive, and utterly captivating theatre that’s lighting up London and beyond. From revolutionary silence to scandalous sisters and chaotic coming-of-age, we explore three productions that are pushing boundaries, thrilling audiences, and reminding us why live theatre matters.

Deaf Republic

We’ll start with the Royal Court’s production of Deaf Republic, Dead Centre and Zoë McWhinney’s adaptation of Ilya Kaminsky’s poetry collection. It’s set in a fictional town where silence itself becomes an act of protest. With BSL, spoken word, creative captions, puppetry, and video all woven into the storytelling, it’s a production that challenges what theatre can be.

The Party Girls

Then we head over to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury with The Party Girls, Amy Rosenthal’s new play directed by Richard Beecham, which dives headfirst into the lives of the infamous Mitford sisters. It’s a family saga that mixes politics, glamour, and deep fractures, all brought to life with stunning design by Simon Kenny and lighting by Aideen Malone, plus some terrific performances from the ensemble.

The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return

And finally, we’re at Southwark Playhouse in The Little for Sam Edmunds’s The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return. This one’s a stomping 80 minutes of full-on theatrical energy - a coming-of-age comedy with a dark twist, performed by a cast of three who bring a whole community to life, including terrific multi-rolling from Leanne Henlon.

Plus, a nod to the Fringe Awards summer gathering - celebrating the incredible creativity, risk-taking, and sheer talent across the festival.

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This week Natalie and Darren review Eireann A Taste of Ireland and Till The Stars Come Down. Darren goes back stage with Sam Edmunds co-AD of Chalk Line Theatre company

Eireann: A Taste of Ireland

Journey through the sights, sounds, and flavours of Ireland in this vibrant, celebratory production. Darren delves into the music, storytelling, and energy that make this show a true feast for the senses.

Till The Stars Come Down

Set against the highs and lows of a chaotic wedding day, this sharply comic and deeply touching drama follows a family gathering where love, loyalty, and long-held secrets are tested. Darren shares his thoughts on the performances, humour, and heartfelt moments that make the show unforgettable.

Interview – Sam Edmunds, Co-AD of Chalk Line Theatre Company

Darren sits down with Sam Edmunds to discuss the company’s groundbreaking work, their approach to storytelling, and the inspiration behind their latest productions.

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This week we review two very different productions, each bringing their own magic to the stage.

Brigadoon – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Return to the misty Scottish Highlands in this enchanting revival of Lerner & Loewe’s classic musical. Darren explores the sweeping romance, unforgettable songs, and Olivier Award-winning choreography and direction by Drew McOnie, as well as the immersive experience of Regent’s Park’s iconic open-air staging.

Club NVRLND – Edinburgh Fringe 2025

Step into the imaginative, high-energy world of Club NVRLND, a new work from the Edinburgh Fringe created by Jack Holden and Steven Kunis with choreography by Ashley Nottingham that fuses music, comedy, and spectacle. Darren shares his thoughts on the show’s creativity, performance, and standout moments.

Interview – Solomon Davy in The Code

Darren goes backstage to speak with rising star Solomon Davy about his role in the provocative new play The Code, exploring Hollywood’s unspoken rules, identity, and the pressures of the spotlight.

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