He’s the Tony and Olivier-winning producer behind some of the most extraordinary theatre of our time — renowned for bold mega-casting, powerful storytelling and ground-breaking productions. With War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, People, Places and Things, Cock, Othello, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Roommate, Death of a Salesman and, of course, Company, to name but a few. 

Now, in his latest adventure, he brings Rachel Joyce’s beloved novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to the stage — directed by Katy Rudd, with music by chart-topping songwriter Passenger, and led by theatre icons Jenna Russell and Mark Addy.

In this exclusive conversation, recorded just days after the show began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London, we dive into the journey of Harold Fry and why this story had to become a musical — not a play, as one hilarious meeting with author Rachel Joyce confirmed.

We also uncover the joyful and unexpected connection between Curious Incident and this new show, and hear how returning to the original material became a deeply personal experience, helping him process grief following the loss of his mother when re-visiting the novel.  

We also talk candidly about the realities of producing in the West End and Broadway — why success is never guaranteed, even with a hit on your hands — and the major productions that very nearly didn’t happened.

And yes, we go deep on Company: the genesis of that now-iconic revival, the bold changes made along the way, how you persuade Stephen Sondheim to update a masterpiece, working with artists like Jonathan Bailey and Patti LuPone — and why, for him, a life in theatre is really just one long journey of joyful, fearless experimentation

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

haroldfrymusical.com

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She’s belted her way through SIX, Rent, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots — and now she’s taking the wheel in the final chapter of Alicia Keys’ smash-hit, semi-autobiographical mega-musical, Hell’s Kitchen. But how do you sum up a journey that’s taken her from standby to leading role — stepping into the spotlight after stars like Shoshana Bean and Jessica Vosk?

In this exclusive conversation direct from her New York home, we talk stepping into “the hardest role” of her life, the pure joy of going full throttle with a “loud and high” character like Jersey, and why stretching her voice and emotional bandwidth eight shows a week is something she’s leaning into — even when it’s tough!

We talk the musical’s deep connection with young women, why “Pawn It All” is the moment she gets to completely “unleash” every night, and what it meant to receive validation from actual Alicia Keys — including that now-iconic curtain-call performance together — in a true full-circle moment.

Plus, we celebrate the power of swings and standbys, the importance of being honest about when your instrument isn’t at its best and why sharing the stage with co-stars like Ne-Yo and Yolanda Adams meant everything.

And those backstage guests? Patti LaBelle? Michelle Obama? Shania Twain? Dionne Warwick? Susan Sarandon? Cynthia Erivo? Casual.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

hellskitchen.com

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For this Olivier winner and Tony nominee, theatre isn’t a career choice — it’s survival. It’s the place that held her when nothing else could, the place that quite literally saved her.
From her time outside theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue to seeing her own face illuminated above their very doors, it’s a career of absolute dedication to her craft matched with a showering of recognition from both industry and audiences alike.
And now, as she steps into a new world – a kinder and more generous one to her soul, albeit still putting her work first – she takes to the stage in the premiere of High Noon, opposite the Billy Crudup.
In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about becoming Amy in Thea Sharrock and Eric Roth’s new play High Noon — the power of inhabiting a character not driven by trauma, grounding herself in peace, and finding her voice again through singing for the first time in 30 years.
We also return to her seismic performance as Emma in People, Places and Things — “the work of my life,” in her own words — and why theatre will always be a place of profound healing for her. Plus, how she draws inspiration from the fearless brilliance of industry peers like now Oscar-nominee, Jessie Buckley.
And in a raw, breathtaking final moment, she shares how the nightly ritual of live theatre “continues to save my life daily.”
The Gough Theatre? We should all be so honoured.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

highnoontheplay.com

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As Titanique marks its milestone first anniversary in London’s West End and Broadway sets sail this Spring, the Olivier-winning director and co-writer invites us inside his brilliantly unhinged mind to reveal how his love for the ultimate Canadian music icon helped build a global theatrical phenomenon.

We dive into the show’s key development stages — from cut songs and jokes that didn’t survive the final draft to the iconic leading ladies who’ve steered the production around the world — and why no two performances aboard the Ship of Dreams are ever the same.

He also unpacks the joyful chaos of the improv section, shares some of his favourite outrageous moments from the original Céline and co-creator Marla Mindelle, and explains why “punching up” is essential when making a show of this style — including how Titanique always honours the lives lost on the infamous ship.

Plus: how a bottle of wine and a “what if?” launched Broadway dreams, the alternate titles that nearly happened, and what he thinks Céline herself would make of it all.

Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Titanique setting sail on Broadway this Spring.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

titaniquemusical.com

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Meet one of Australia’s finest leading ladies taking on the title role in the UK and Ireland’s touring production of Mary Poppins, reprising her practically perfect role having been lauded with praise for her portrayal down under. 

We dive into the welcomed pressures of continuing the legacy of “absolute queen” Julie Andrews, fast approaching 1,000 performers globally and why nothing can compare the feeling of taking flight at the end of each performance and seeing small audience members smiling back - and maybe some rather tearful parents, too! Plus we there’s good in everyone, as Mary is determined to teach each and every show. 

Playing the most famous nanny in history? “A perfect, wonderful experience!”

Spit, spot!

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

marypoppins.co.uk

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Meet the Olivier and Tony-winning genius director and choreographer turning his hand to the official stage adaptation of 50 First Dates: The Musical – which is now playing a limited run at The Other Palace in London.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

theotherpalace.co.uk/50-first-dates-the-musical

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To celebrate their official opening back in London… the Kit Kat Club’s newest dream pairing of Sally Bowles and the Emcee on the “exhilarating task” of joining the West End production of Cabaret, the power and vitality of a story like this for a 2025/26 audience and why they continue to be inspired by each other's performances each and every day. 

We also dive into their return to the world of Hadestown earlier this year to record the live captured recording in London - and the welcomed creative task of not replicating their performances of Orpheus and Eurydice, but expanding it. 

Plus, we uplift the celebration of difference in live performance, dismissing the false demands for note-perfect singing and why they believe “art always meets the moment”.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

kitkat.club/cabaret-london

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The Tony nominee and Broadway leading star on heading to UK shores to star in Songs For A New World: The 30th Anniversary Concert - conducted by none other than Jason Robert Brown. 

We also talk all things Gypsy on Broadway, her history-making, Tony-celebrated time as Louise in that production (including a special guest question from actual Laura Benanti!) and the “honour” of having a front row seat to Audra McDonald’s performance as Rose. 

We also dive into the hard reality of fierce expectation thanks to her global virtual moments and how crippling that can really be, why the phenomenon of “the hardest song I’ve ever sung” with My Days in The Notebook wasn’t as easy ride as you’d first expect - and why she wants to move past the need for “pretty” vocals and focus on both heart and story, together. 

Plus, why showing up and doing your best counts for everything!

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

lambertjackson.co.uk

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The history-making Olivier winner and London stage star on bringing his own touch of magic to fashion icon Nigel in The Devil Wears Prada stage adaption, collaborating with musical legends like Sir Elton John, Jerry Mitchell and Vanessa Williams, and why life at Runway is anything but a bore. 

Plus we celebrate the release of the Original West End Cast Recording, transferring his moving song Seen from stage to studio and why the importance of that very song isn’t ever lost on him. 

We also revisit his historic Olivier win, how Not My Fathers Son from Kinky Boots opened up a conversation between audience and artist about the power of difference - and why The Actors House remains one of his proudest achievements. 

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

devilwearspradamusical.com

theactorshouse.co

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The West End leading man and genius of the acting world on leading the new West End production of The Producers as Max Bialystock, the vitality of the show to a 2025 audience and the honour of joining a league of legends that have played Max before.

Plus, we explore the unmatched brilliance of Mel Brooks, why the joy of this world - and his time in Hello, Dolly! Last summer at the Palladium - was and remains a tonic to him, as much as he knows it does for the audience.

And, we explore his standout role in Fiddler on the Roof, crediting an audience with intelligence and - thanks to his star-turn in the Wicked movie – he’s Hot 100.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

theproducersmusical.com

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The Tony-winner and our favourite funny soprano on why “Mother is Marmee” in Jo - The Little Women Musical and its thrilling new album recording, the upcoming 20th anniversary of The Wedding Singer and her legendary star-turn as Louise in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone.

We also dive into making dreams a reality when leading in My Fair Lady, her exquisite run at the Edinburgh Fringe with Nobody Cares (including upcoming US dates!) and the one piece of advice the late Stephen Sondheim shared, that stays with her even today.

Plus, why living in a world that is looking constant external validation isn’t good for any of us, how cast albums help keep the legacy of her work alive often decades after the final curtain has fallen – and why all might seem one great laugh for the world's best Melania Trump impersonator, but it comes with a side dose of uncomfortable reality, too.

Funny sopranos, assemble!

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

laurabenanti.com

jothemusical.com

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