Opening Nights: Recent Episodes
Opening Nights
Experience at first-hand the nervous energy of cast and crew as they hurtle towards ‘curtain up’ with an access all areas podcast.
Join your hosts as they bring you behind-the-scenes interviews and the intoxicating thrill of Opening Nights.
In this episode, Jordan talks to the Creative Director of Old Fruit Jar Productions Alex Carr about their new play ‘The Incident Room’
In this episode, Megan talks to the cast of City Theatres ‘Warnock’. They talk about the run up to show day and what it takes to get cast and crew ready for an opening night performance.
In this episode, Amy talks to some of the team behind Likeminded Productions ‘The Timeline’ Exhibition. Director Zara Marie Brown & co-Writer Liz Redwood speak about the upcoming exhibition, the process of writing and directing for a short performance and bringing it all together at the Royal Standard.
We are On the Road with Live a Little Theatre Company covering their touring show, ‘Arcadia 87’ with your host Lauren Wooton. They talk about the concept of the show, how the audience are reacting to it and how different the show is compared to what's out there.
Your host Jordan Barkley had the opportunity to speak with local rapper and actor of ‘Who’s afraid of Mikey Garland’ Mikey Garland which will be performing at Hope Street Theatre 9th - 11th February.
We've got a double bill of our podcast. In the first part of this episode, our newest host- Megan talks to writer Rachel Clarke about her play ‘Dead Good Christmas’. In the second part our host Tracey talks with Ellie Thornhill, the director of Ste Mc’s ‘This Man’s Life’. These two plays are part of ‘What Happens Next’ writing competition!
Your host Lauren had the opportunity to speak with writer of 'Forte', Oliver Back. This play is part of Tip Trays new writing competition, 'What happens next?'
'Henry is the world’s second greatest pianist, the best being his brother who has been in a coma for fifteen years. When his brother wakes up, Henry’s life is thrown into disarray as he faces up to what he has done to achieve success and plots the seismic changes he plans to make to himself and humanity’
Your host Ellie had the opportunity to speak with writer of unaligned Yasmin Jenkins. This play is part of Tip Trays new writing competition, What happens next?
‘Unaligned is at its core, a play about chronic pain and relationships. Hattie had an operation to fix her wonky spine, many years ago. She is now left to deal with chronic pain and a variety of other symptoms. We watch her on her journey of accepting her disability and all that comes with it. We also see how this has affected all the relationships in her life. The main relationship focussed on is the romantic relationship with Daniel that she stumbles into at the start of the play, they need to find the balance between Daniel looking after her as he would do with any partner but not turning into her carer. Will they work it out or will Hattie's stubborn desperation for independence and Daniel's need to fix the ones he loves get in the way?’
Your newest host, Megan Brady had the opportunity to speak with writers of ‘Pink (Incorporated)’ Kayleigh Allan & Jessica Porter. This play is part of Tip Trays new writing competition, What happens next?
‘Aurora is a girl. Perfect, pampered and pretty. Or is she? When Aurora's childhood toys suddenly come to life, Aurora questions everything she thought she once knew. Featuring a blend of spoken word and physical theatre, 'Pink (incorporated) unearths the normalisation of misogynistic conditioning resulting in major consequences.
"A world that tells women they are going to have to fight. She was bound, no lock, sealed, airtight.
Until tonight..."
Your host Jordan Barkley had the opportunity to speak with writer of ‘Alien life’, Adam Gannon. This play is part of Tip Tray’s new writing competition, ‘What happens Next?’
‘Sam and Jamie set up camp in a field halfway between Ormskirk and Southport in search of a close encounter of the third kind. However, what they discover is far closer to home than they could ever imagine!’
Your host Adam Ward is back! Starting the new year with a fantastic interview with the team from All Things Considered. Their play, ‘Unsolicited’ will be performing at the Royal Court Studio on the 19th and 20th January.
Your newest host Sab had the opportunity to speak with writer of I Am Steven Gerrard, Sean McLoughlin. This play is part of Tip Trays new writing competition, What happens next?
’Football, friendships, and females are three things that Shane has never managed to quite grasp, leaving him with questions of who he is and what purpose he serves. With the world and people around Shane telling him that he’s got being a man all wrong, he takes matters into his own hands with the help of reality television and God (Steven Gerrard). I Am Steven Gerrard is an exploration into masculinity, and what it is to be a “lad” in our society today.’
Your host Amy Walsh had the opportunity to speak with the team behind 'Lesley at the Weekend', which is part of Tip Trays new writing competition, What happens next?
'Maggie is haunted by the loss of her husband, Nicky is fighting with her ex over the house, Cheryl is managing her husband’s grief and Moo is keeping a secret whilst listening to everyone else’s in her salon. All are members of the Book Club where problems are solved, men are bitched about and occasionally they talk books. When a male member joins the group, the dynamics change but he has a secret too. This kind man earns his spot and finally the secret is Released.'
In this episode, your host Jordan speaks with the cast of ‘The Fifth Guest’ coming to The Hope Street Theatre on 21st & 22nd October. They talk about the whole process of rehearsals and how exciting it is to work on this production with director, Zara Marie Brown.
In this episode, your host Lauren speaks with our good friend Margaret Connell and writer David Moorhead - writer and producer of ‘Forgotten Voices’. They talk about the inspiration behind the production, how the rehearsals are going and how excited they are touring with this hard hitting show.
In this episode, our host Stephen Hornby speaks to Director and Writer Ste Mc about his revival of ‘Death & All His Friends’. They talk about the inspiration behind the play, the changes that he's made in the script, what audience can expect and the overall excitement to finally get this play to the stage.
In this episode your host Lauren speaks with Francis Beckett about his up coming show, ‘Clement Attlee’ which will be at The Epstein Theatre on 26th - 27th September. They delve into what was the inspiration behind the show and what audience can expect. This was a very insightful interview behind Francis as a creative and also Clement Attlee.
In this episode your Host Amy talks to Mollie Kidd behind the new play, ‘Rust’ which will be at the John Fosters Drama Studio on the 21st & 22nd September. Mollie speaks about what inspired her to put on the show, how the journey to stage is going and what audience can take away from seeing the show. Tickets are available exclusively through Opening Nights.
In this episode Amy speaks with the creative minds behind the new play, ‘Go-st’ which will be performing at he John Fosters Drama Studio on the 21st & 22nd September. They speak about how they collaborated on this project, the inspirations behind ‘Go-st’, and what themes it delves into, such as emotional and physical violence, violent language and mental illness. This is not to be missed. Get your tickets exclusively from our Opening Nights.
In this episode, your host Lauren Wooton speaks to the cast of New Dawns Fade which is performing at The Epstein Theatre on 14th September. They speak about the show, how the tour is going, the rehearsal process, what audiences can expect and the overall final thoughts before show night.
This is an On the Road Edinburgh Fringe special where we catch up with creatives who have just recently finished up at the Fringe. In this episode your host Lauren Wooton is joined by Georgie Cunningham & Adam Gannon from the amazing Tenderfoot Theatre.
This is an On the Road Edinburgh Fringe Special, where we catch up with creatives who have just recently finished up at the Fringe. In this episode, your host Lauren Wooton is joined by Oliver Back and Ross Brodie talking about their time at the Fringe with the unusual and fantastic ‘Playtime’.
This is a On the Road Edinburgh Fringe special, where we catch up with creatives who have just recently finished up at the fringe. In this episode you are joined with your host Adam Ward with guests from the amazing Naughty Corner Productions and Ugly Bucket Theatre talking about their time at the Fringe and about their two sold out shows ‘Raves r us’ and ‘Good Grief’.
In this episode, host Jordan Barkley speaks to Director John Roberts on the latest Merseyside Academy of Drama (MAD) production of, Daisy Pulls It Off. They delve into what MAD is all about and what services they provide, The rehearsal process, what audiences will expect and the exciting journey from script to stage.
In this episode, our host Amy Walsh has the opportunity to sit down with Artistic Director of DBY Interactive, Becky Connell-Brooks and Actor Pea Lee. They talk about her upcoming production ‘Crown Duels - Gangs of Hope Street’ which will be performing at the Liverpool Theatre Festival on Tuesday 6th September. They speak about how the rehearsals have been, how excited they are to bring this to the Bombed out church and the overall process from rehearsal room to opening night.
This is a On the Road Edinburgh Fringe special, where we catch up with creatives who have just recently finished up at the fringe. In this episode you are joined with your newest host Megan Brady with guest Claire Bryan talking about her time at the fringe with her one woman show, 'Val from Anfield'
In this episode we have our guest Host, Tammi Rafferty speaks with the hosts and guests of our second Mixer event which was held on the 21st August at The Liverpool Arts Bar. Keep a look out for our next mixer event!
In this episode, your host Adam Ward had the opportunity to talk with writer Ian Salmon and Actor Nick Sheedy about their upcoming play ‘Venus Rising’. This play is part of the Liverpool Theatre Festival which will be performing at the Bombed out Church on Monday 5th September. They discuss how the rehearsals are going, how exciting it is to bring back this play with a few changes and the overall inspiration behind it.
In this episode, Stephan Hornby talks to Writer and Actor Jordan Kennedy about ‘Wander’, a new musical which will be performing at The Hope Street Theatre from 1st - 3rd September. They talk about the rehearsal process, the inspirations behind the music, how exciting it is to bring this Musical to life and not forgetting their favourite transport.
We’re On the Road with your host Lauren Wootton. This week we caught up with our friends Helen Webster and Oliver Back from Silent Gutter. They spoke of how the preparations are going with their show ‘Playtime’ which is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe next week.
This week we are on the road with your host Lauren Wooton speaking with Tony O’Keefe from ‘This is Merseybeat’ which is touring the UK. Tony gave us an amazing insight into this incredible show.
In this episode, Jordan has the opportunity to sit down with artistic director of Old Fruit Jar Productions - Alex Carr, to talk about their upcoming show, ‘Twelfth Night’ coming to The Royal Court Studio from 16th to 20th August . They speak about the origins of Old Fruit Jar, how the rehearsals are going, the whole process from page to stage and most importantly what inspired this different approach.
We are On the Road with Jazz Hands Productions covering their touring show, ‘Persephone’ with your host Lauren Wootton. They talk about how they started the company, the concept of the whole show and how the journey to stage has been from auditions and rehearsals.
We are on the road with Claire Bryan covering her show, ‘Val from Anfield’ which will be heading to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. Your host Lauren Wootton talk With Claire about how Val got created, why Val is heading to Edinburgh and the whole concept of the one-woman play. A great episode with a lot of laughs.
In this episode, Lauren has the opportunity to sit down with the writer Ashley Ali of ‘The Moondogs'. In this final special episode, they talk about the different take of The Beatles story which will be performing on 23rd & 24th July 2022 at The Epstein Theatre. They speak about how the rehearsals going, the whole process from page to stage and most importantly what inspired the script.
In this episode, our hosts Ellie and Tracey had the opportunity to sit down with with Actor & writer, Yasmin Jenkins. They talk about her upcoming night of Poetry and Spoken Word, ‘Words! Words! Words!’ which will be on at at The Competent Cellar inside Liverpool Arts Bar on 5th August. They talk about her creative journey, how this night came about with the guys from competent productions and the overall excitement to have this night run monthly.
In this episode, our hosts Ellie and Tracey sit down with the creative team behind Make it Write’s upcoming production, ‘Strained’. They talk about the inspiration behind the two plays, the rehearsal process, the directors vision, how they all came to collaborate on this hard hitting project and the excitement to get this production to stage.
We are On the Road with Live a Little Theatre Company covering their touring show, ‘Arcadia 87’ with your host Lauren Wooton. They talk about how they started the company, the concept of the show, how the audience are reacting to it and how different the show is compared to what's out there. A great episode and a very insightful discussion.
In this episode, Tracey speaks with Ellie Thornhill, director of Likeminded Productions new play ‘The Moondogs’. They talk about the overall journey to stage, the obstacles they’ve faced along the way, the rehearsal process with the cast and gives a bit of insight on what the play is about, a Beatles story but with a twist.
In this episode our host Adam Ward talk to the cast of Silent Gutters, ‘Playtime’ which will be performing at The Hope Street Theatre 13th-15th July. They talk about the rehearsal process, what they think of being part of such a great play and how they find playing the characters that Oliver has created.
In this episode, our host Amy Walsh has the opportunity to sit down with Artistic Director of Roots Theatre, Bex Culshaw. They talk about her upcoming hard hitting Drama blackbird which will be performing at the Royal Court studio on 13th -15th July. They speak about the overall journey to get this play to stage , what's it like to be artistic Director of roots, the change in the team, rehearsals and the overall excitement to finally bringing this production to stage after a long wait.
In this episode, Tracey has the opportunity to sit down with the cast of 'The Moondogs'. They talk about this different take of the Beatles story by Likeminded Productions writer, Ashley Ali which will be performing on 23rd & 24th July 2022 at The Epstein Theatre. They speak about how the rehearsals going, what techniques they use to play their characters and the overall excitement to perform. This is not to be missed.
In this episode, Lauren speaks to Patsy the Frenchie and Siobhan Noble - Senior Producer at Shakespeare North Playhouse which will be opening their doors with an amazing open weekend 16-17th July. They talk about her days at The legendary Lantern Theatre, how she came about in being part of Shakespeare North and what plans they have for opening weekend.
In this episode, Conor is back with the great team behind Ink & Curtain Theatre - Faye Draper and Maz Hedgehog. He talks about their upcoming play ‘Closure’ which will be heading to Edinburgh Fringe. They talk how the rehearsals are going, the importance of this play and the overall excitement to get this piece out to audiences.
We are on the road with Adam and Georgie from Tenderfoot Theatre covering their touring show, ‘Stop the World, We’re Getting off. Lauren talks to them about how the tour is going, how audiences reactions have been, the overall experience of touring and the excitement in finally bringing this production to life.
In this episode, our host Amy Walsh has the opportunity to sit down with the creative minds behind Tip Tray Theatre. They talk about their upcoming show, ‘Sunny Side Up’ which will be performing 28-30th July. They hit on the idea behind the show, the creative process and the overall theme of the show. This is not to be missed.
In part two, Lauren talks to two cast member of The Great Gatsby, Jessie Turton & Jordan Barkley. They talk about how they came about working on the show, working with Producer Liv Grace & Director Tom Martin, how the rehearsal process is going and what audience will expect when they come and see the new adaption of a classic.
In this episode, Bob talks to the creative team at Silent Gutter about their upcoming production, ‘Playtime’ - coming to The Hope Street Theatre on 13th - 15th July. They talk about what inspired the script, how the rehearsal process is going, and how excited they are bring Playtime to the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
We are on the road with Stephen Smith from Threedumb Theatre covering their touring show, Dog/Actor with your host Bob Towers. They talk about the history and foundations of the company, what it’s like directing himself and how 1 man can play 2 different characters in 2 different plays change costume without leaving the stage.
In this episode, Adam talks to half the cast of ‘Blood’s Thicker’ - coming to The Casa on 23rd June. They talk about how the rehearsal process is going, how they find working on such a powerful piece and how they can relate to characters they are playing.
In this episode, Ellie talks to Writer Joe Morris of ‘Offered Up’ which will be performing at the Royal Court Studio between 22nd June - 9th July. They talk about what inspired him to write this piece, how the rehearsals are going, the last minute changes and how it all came together. They also touch on how Joe got approached by the Royal Court to put on Offered Up.
In this episode, Ellie talks to the lads from Competent Productions about their upcoming events that they have coming up in their own space, The Competent cellar. They talk about how they first started, the days at LIPA, the ideas behind their weekly pub quiz and working towards their monthly events they will be doing down in the Competent Cellar.
In this episode, Amy talks to Writer Liz Redwood & Director Zara Marie Brown about the upcoming production of ‘Blood’s Thicker’ - a piece of new writing coming to The Casa on 23rd June. They talk about how rehearsals are going, what was Liz’s inspiration behind the writing and the casting process.
Mikey talks to Shaun Connor Bentley, the Writer and Actor of ‘Get Rich or Nicked Tryin’' - a one man show coming to The Hope Street Theatre on 16th & 18th June. Shaun & Mikey talk about how he got the inspiration for the play, what the plays about and how preparations are going ahead of opening night.
In this episode, a new host Tracey talk to the some of the talent behind Grin Theatres’, ‘The Return of the Rainbow Monologues’ - coming to the Royal Court Studio on 10th June. The show comprises of 6 monologues performed by 6 actors that individually portray different aspects of what it means to be queer and their individual voices. They talk about how the rehearsals are progressing, the pre-show nerves and preparations for Opening Night.
Bob talks to Writer Debra Redcliffe and Director Margaret Connell about the upcoming production of new writing 'Tick Tock' - a play about couples leaving it to late to have children and the struggle to become pregnant later in life, coming to The Hope Street Theatre from 23rd to 25th June 2022. They talk about where the idea for the play came from, how the staging and planning is going and what they want the audience to get from the production.
In this episode, Adam talks to Producer Liv Grace and Director Tom Martin about the upcoming production of ‘The Great Gatsby’ with a twist - coming to The Hope Street Theatre on 9th & 10th July 2022 . They talk about the story of Gatsby, the injection of Burlesque into the production and how the preparations for opening night are progressing.
Mikey talks to Actors Adam Gannon and Georgie Cunningham about the upcoming production and UK tour of ‘Stop the World, We're Getting Off’ - Starting in Camden and coming to The Arts Centre in Ormskirk on 6th October 2022. They talk about how the company formed, the lead up to the production, the story behind the show and preparations for the tour.
Amy & Lucy talk to Director Carly Fisher, Writer Joe Gordon and cast members Leo Hewitson and Vicky Stedman about ‘The Killer’s Conscience’ - coming to The Black-E on 25th & 26th March 2022. They talk about the lead up to the production, they story behind the show and all the inner workings before curtain up on opening night.
In this episode, Lauren talks to Dora Colquhoun - the creator of ‘ADHD The Musical: Can I have your attention please?’ coming to Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio on Wednesday 9th March 2022. The discuss what the musical is about, the reasons for making the musical after Dora’s ADHD diagnosis and how the project is progressing with help from all of the team around her.
Amy & Lauren talk to Producer Callum O'Rourke about ‘Coming Home: Theatre Unplugged’ - a Musical Theatre Cabaret coming to Hope Street Theatre on 4th & 5th March 2022. They talk about the lead up to the production, they story behind the show and all the inner workings before curtain up on opening night.
Bob Towers is joined by the cast of ‘Professional’ to talk about the fast approaching opening night production by Silent Gutter. They talk about what attracted them to the play, the process that has gone into the rehearsals and how they’ve brought the characters to life.
Bob & Lucy host a slightly different episode of the podcast They talk to Dr Lorna Brookes, Founder of Time-Matters UK - an organisation with a focus on helping children impacted by parental imprisonment. They discuss the work of Time-Matters UK and the collaboration with theatre company All Things Considered to bring the production of ‘8 Hours There and Back’ to the stage.
Amy & Conor talk to the other parts of Tip Tray Theatre about their upcoming production, 'TBC'. The talk about the origins of Tip Tray, where the name came from, what's this couch about and the whole process of getting the show to where it is now.
Adam & Lauren talk to Oliver Back and Emma Turner from Silent Gutter about their new production 'Professional'. They talk about the origins of the play being a radio drama and it being adapted to a stage show, the drive they have to make the show happen and how the pre-production has been going.
In this episode, Conor & Amy talk to the creative team at Tip Tray Theatre. They talk about starting a theatre company out of the frustration of wanting to and not being able to create, their first production 'is this show Vegan?' and what it's been like writing, casting, producing and directing their new show 'TBC'.
Adam and Bob talk to the cast of Atom Improv. They talk about the foundations of Atom Improve and where it started, Chicago style long form, there new shows and improv workshops!
Adam and Lauren talk to the cast of the sold out show ‘Orton: Fallen Angel’, a few days before opening night. They talk about getting back into acting after the countless lockdowns, the characters, relationships and the tangibility of the play being based on real characters in the 1970’s.
Bob and Caitlin are back for part two! They talk to the 6 actors staring in ‘The Esteemed Dr Barry’, a few days before opening night. They talk about the audition process, what its like performing in the Liverpool Medical Institution & some weird pre-show rituals.
In this episode, you'll hear writer Carol Maginn and director Zara Marie Brown talking about their production, ‘The Esteemed Dr Barry’ part of the Liverpool Irish Festival. They talk about the last minute preparations for cast and crew and the history of the story.
In part two, Caitlin and Andrew talk to the 5 actors staring in ‘Sheep’, a few days before a nerve-racking curtain up. They talk about the nerves before a sold out run, what it’s been like woking with director Mike Dickinson & writer Oliver Back and what the show is all about.
In this episode, you'll hear writer Oliver Back and director Mike Dickinson talking about their sold out production, ‘Sheep’. They talk about the writing process, the pressures of lockdown on the production and the last minute preparations for cast and crew.
In part two, Lauren and Adam talk to the actors staring in Broken Biscuits; Catherine Rice, Leanne Martin and Louise Garcia - just before they start their last rehearsal before curtain up. They talk about the pre-show nerves, how rehearsals are going and how they got the roles in the play.
In this the very first episode, you'll hear writer Trisha Duffy and director Margaret Connell talking about Broken Biscuits. They talk about the run up to show day and what it takes to get cast and crew ready for an opening night performance.