INTERVIEWS
Never miss an interview: Subscribe to Newsletter
Director Laura Killeen on developing multimedia storytelling-theatre DISTANT MEMORIES OF THE NEAR FUTURE by David Head
The show features projection, video, audio and puppetry to tell five interweaving tales about love, technology and artificial intelligence.
Writer/director Raffaella Sero on 5-star play IT'S OK, I STILL THINK YOU'RE GREAT at Barons Court Theatre 19 – 24 November
Raffaella gives insights into her three person play about friendship, friendship breakups, breakup breakups, being queer, being an immigrant, being rejected, and William Shakespeare
SARAH MCGUINNESS – GRIT, GLITTER & GASLIGHT
Irish singer, composer, producer, director, and screenwriter, Sarah McGuinness brings her cabaret musical to Etcetera Theatre 15 September – 4 October. This is no ordinary cabaret. Sarah has been the muse of industry legends for over two decades. She performs some of the best loved cabaret number re-contextualised to mean something else
HASENA BIBI on her role in TRUE SPIRIT PATHWAY by award-winning author Richard Toye at Golden Goose Theatre 11 - 14 September
True Spirit Pathway is a dark and tragic comedy about a woman who gets caught up in a love scam. Inspired by a real-world situation it tells the story of Jodi who is duped into believing that a relative stranger is her ‘true spirit match’.
BRYAN OLIVER on his award-winning Eco thriller SCAVENGERS playing at White Bear Theatre 10 – 14 September 2024
Bryan Oliver (Urban Wolves Theatre) is writer, director and actor having worked in Repertory Theatres, Touring Companies, and at the Tron and Edinburgh Festivals. His dystopian play Scavengers premiered in 2023 and won the OffFest Camden Fringe Award 2023.
Alexander Knott on LAMBETH FRINGE running 19 Sept - 20 Oct
The Lambeth Fringe (formerly The Clapham Fringe) is a four week Performing Arts festival from the team behind The Bread & Roses Theatre. Running since 2015, the 2024 festival reveals a multi-venue expansion including exciting venues across the borough with shows that reflect the rich tapestry of Lambeth's culture and history.
Bread and Roses team - Alexander Knott, Rebecca Pryle & Velenzia Spearpoint
BRENDAN MATTHEW on his role in musical comedy THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE at Upstairs at the Gatehouse 5 - 29 Sept
Matthew trained as a musical theatre actor at the Royal Academy of Music before an eleven year career with the crossover band 'Gregorian'. He is now returning to the UK after US tour (including a stint on Broadway) to play both Dromios in Rodgers and Hart's classic, based on Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors.
JUN NOH
Writer and performer Jun Noh brings his psychological thriller THINGS BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH to Camden Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe.
"Much of the tension in a psychological thriller comes from the gap between what characters say and what they actually think ... the real challenge is to maintain that sense of ambiguity while keeping the audience engaged."
THE HOPE THEATRE NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
TOBY HAMPTON & LAUREL MARKS
by Heather Jeffery
Toby and Laurel have a heart warming rapport with just a touch of conflict ... they are perfectly pitched to take over the running of this much loved theatre with a sense of fun and bountiful expertise.
Emma Riches and Lisa Minichiello, founders of Upper Hand Theatre Company, on championing women in theatre
The Company will be performing SPARKS by Simon Longman at Jack Studio Theatre in Lewisham 2nd-13th July 2024
Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Melissa Errico on her relationship with Stephen Sondheim and her upcoming show at Crazy Coqs with French singer Isabelle Georges
The show includes songs by Sondheim, and Errico chats about their relationship which began when she was cast as Dot in Sunday in the Park with George.
"I was so young and so impassioned by the play that I suggested a change in the script ... I didn’t quite understand that this was…Sondheim"
DEAN STALHAM and LIL WARREN on courtroom drama SO HELP ME DOG at Hen & Chickens Theatre 28 May – 15 June
"I was born in 1963 into a criminal family. A family that had no trust in education. A working -class family." Writer Dean Stalham
"It is a gladiatorial arena. It is theatre. There are clearly defined roles and of course the almost mystical language of the law. In Britain we have all the fancy costumes and wigs and one of the most complex systems of law in the world." Director Lil Warren
★★★★ “Nightmarishly comic…Pinter on speed” Time Out on previous work by Dean Stalham
Theatre Company QUID PRO QUO on their upcoming show THE HOUSE WE INHERIT at Bridge House Theatre, Penge 21 May – 1 June
The play focuses on three siblings who are forced to face their past when they reunite in their family home after their brother, Timmy, has an accident. The House We Inherit is a story about love, loss, family and the impact of the truth - and how we move on.
Artistic Director SHARON WILLEMS and Company Manager LEO BACICA (KIBO Productions) at BARONS COURT THEATRE
The pair chat about the current programming policy, the current play THREE QUEENS (running 23 Apr - 11 May) and their ambitions for the future
OWEN LINDSAY on THE DAYLIGHT ATHEIST at OLD RED LION 18 Apr – 4 Mar
Written by award-winning satirist and author Tom Scott, THE DAYLIGHT ATHEIST, was an instant hit when it premiered in New Zealand 2002. The multi-talented OWEN LINDSAY is bringing this one man play to London with himself in the title role. There are some nice parallels as Owen is also an Irish emigrant to New Zealand, which is exactly the dynamic the show explores.
JAMES WREN: Celebrating 25 years of running THE HEN AND CHICKENS THEATRE
James chats about the early days at the theatre, through to Camden fringe festival, Edinburgh Fringe shows and the extraordinary development of the film festivals.
CAMDEN FRINGE FESTIVAL PODCAST aimed at FRINGE ENTHUSIASTS and THEATRE MAKERS
Editor of LPT magazine HEATHER JEFFERY chats with founders and curators, Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower. Heather talks about pub theatre, writing press releases, contacting the press and how to become a reviewer.
STAGE DOOR THEATRE on DRURY LANE
Exciting new pub theatre, STAGE DOOR THEATRE is enviably located in the West End of London, a few moments’ walk from Covent Garden tube station. It offers a combined theatre dining experience as well as regular theatre tickets. Artistic Director Robert McWhir and Managing Director Richard Lambert chat about their new venture.
Writer Nina Atesh and director Chloe Cattin on HORNE'S DESCENT coming to Old Red Lion Theatre 2 - 13 April 2024
Nina and Chloe chat about dark new drama, Horne's Descent, exploring the destruction of man, set against the backdrop of a broken England, trying desperately to pull itself out of the shadow of war.
Celebrated actor JEFFREY HOLLAND on his role in AFTER ALL THESE YEARS by Giles Cole at Theatre at the Tabard, Chiswick 7 - 24 February 2024
Holland stars with his wife, Judy Buxton, as man and wife in this award winning play. Holland also speaks about his experience of playing comedy in the great BBC sitcoms spanning back to the 1980s (including Hi-De-Hi! & You Rang M’Lord?).
Award winning writer FARAH NAJIB and director JESS BARTON on MAGGOTS showing at LION AND UNICORN THEATRE 30 Jan – 10 Feb
"The creatures are said to represent decay, rot, misfortune, loss, corruption, and also, interestingly, renewal. That all felt very fitting to the themes of the text ..."
Directors KATE BANNISTER and KARL SWINYARD on their much loved theatre in Lewisham, JACK STUDIO THEATRE
The shows, keeping the doors open and working with other creatives
On DOUBLE ACT playing at The Lion & Unicorn Theatre 9 – 13 January
International director Jef Hall-Flavin is working alongside talented young writer and actor Nick Hyde to bring this redemptive play about male mental health to the stage. This interview delves into the story behind the story.
Michael Kingsbury on how theatre works today by Heather Jeffery
Michael Kingsbury is founder and Artistic director of White Bear theatre in Kennington. In our interview, Michael talks about how theatre works today, from getting that first opportunity to getting a number one tour, with reference to four shows which started at White Bear Theatre.
Read here >
New management at UPSTAIRS AT THE GATEHOUSE
Incoming management team, Annlouise Butt and her partner Isaac Bernier-Doyle give insights into the present and future plans for the theatre.
Simon Reilly and Louise Haddington on THE SECRET GARDEN coming to Theatre at the Tabard 7 – 31 December
By Heather Jeffery
Which child has not been delighted by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story set in Yorkshire, of a secret garden with almost magical healing powers. The original novel has been seen as a BBC adaptation and now, writer Louise Haddington has adapted the novel for the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick, to be directed by Simon Reilly.
Writer Peter Hamilton & Director Ken McClymont on THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM at THEATRE AT THE TABARD in Chiswick 8 Nov - 2 Dec
"the fourth stage of life, where people leave their lives behind and pursue a pilgrim’s path - a spiritual path."
Playwright SAM WENT on
RED PILL at Lion and Unicorn Theatre, Kentish Town, 7 – 25 November
Sam Went chats about his upcoming play 'Red Pill' and about the broader role of the arts in addressing complex and challenging political issues.
RONAN DEMPSEY on his play THE WORDS ARE THERE at The Hope Theatre 14 – 24 November
Transferring from Edinburgh where it received multiple 5 star reviews, Dempsey brings his play which powerfully explores a modern day taboo, male victims of domestic abuse.
NEWLY APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, JACK ROBERTSON on the future of OLD RED LION THEATRE
Grimfest, Residency, Edinburgh previews and new writing. "... in a little theatre, you can witness something brand new, you could get to see an amazing thing you wouldn’t see elsewhere”.
Playwright JOHN MCKAY on his double bill of plays at the Finborough 3 – 28 October
“Why the soor face - did somebody die? Or not die quick enough?”
John McKay is returning to theatre 35 years after his critically acclaimed play DEAD DAD DOG stormed stages in Edinburgh and London. He’s reviving DEAD DAD DOG at Finborough theatre, along with his sequel SUNNY BOY
Royal Court Playwright CHRIS SALT chats about his moving two-hander 'fell' -
"It's 75min packed with drama, comedy and weather, it’s about growing up and all that that involves. It’s moving and sweet and it’s brilliantly acted. So, yes, I hope it will leave you smiling, and I hope it stays with you."
Actor and playwright ÁINE RYAN on KITTY IN THE LANE by Harry Conway
"I wanted there to be this complex, flawed but powerful young Irish heroine on stage."
THEATRE AT THE TABARD RETURNS
Producers Simon Reilly and Sarah Reilly on the re-opening of the Tabard, their current shows and their plans for the future.
KEITH STRACHAN on 'stunning' musical ABOUT BILL at Tabard Theatre 30 Aug - 9 Sept 2023
This one-woman, one-act musical starring Kim Ismay will be directed by Keith Strachan. Keith has worked extensively in theatre and television as director, musical director, arranger and composer.
COLLETTE COOPER on TOMORROW MAY BE MY LAST The Janis Joplin Story at Old Red Lion Theatre
The multi-talented Collette Cooper talks about her award winning show and her portrayal of musical genius Janis Joplin: from being an outcast in her hometown, to superstardom and championing equal rights.
Read here >
Focus on CANAL CAFÉ THEATRE
The home of Award winning NewsRevue
Artistic Director EMMA TAYLOR on returning from the pandemic with new developments for NewsRevue, resident companies and innovative shows at this celebrated cabaret style venue.
FOCUS ON DRAYTON ARMS THEATRE
Artistic Director Audrey Thayer on the international theatre scene, upcoming shows and ... nudity ...
BARONS COURT THEATRE
Interview with incoming Artistic Director Sharon Willems
"I’m proud of the shows I’ve made and relationships I’ve built, and now I’m in a position to help other artists."
BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE
Luke Adamson talks about his new role as Artistic Director of the Bridge House Theatre, the sacrifices made, the artistic policy and ambitions for the future.
GRIMFEST comes to haunted pub theatre THE OLD RED LION 17 Oct - 4 Nov
Curator JACK ROBERTSON spills the beans on all things GRIM / with the full line up of comedy, horror, ghost stories and much, much more ...
JAN NOBLE on his verse drama, BODY 115, which returns to The Hope Theatre for Camden Fringe
Following sold out performances and critical acclaim earlier this year, BODY 115 returns to The Hope Theatre 20 - 26 August.
London based theatre company QUID PRO QUO
Alumni of East 15 Acting School chat about forming their company, their 5-star debut show and their follow up play A WOMAN ON FIRE coming to BARONS COURT THEATRE 7 - 11 November
Award winning actor BETH BURROWS starring in THE LADY WITH A DOG
The Chekhov story that the writer Vladimir Nabokov called ‘one of the greatest stories ever written’ comes to The Gatehouse in Highgate 13 Sept - 8 Oct
DAVID BRADY on dystopian play THE SHATTER BOX coming to THE LION AND UNICORN THEATRE 5 - 15 September
"We live in a world where we never can be too sure about what we’re told ... The Shatter Box for me is an examination of the truths people tell themselves and what they tell others ... "
SAMMY TROTMAN on anti-psychiatric satire THAT’S NOT MY NAME touring London & Brighton
"It’s not a sit-down-get-comfy-vino-in-hand 75 minutes, because as much as I’ve tried to stop being such a riot, turns out that sociopaths don’t (can’t) do what they’re told."
Read here >
LISA SPIRLING on THE BOYS ARE KISSING at THEATRE503
Lisa Spirling on directing this comedy by Zak Zarafshan who is writing about his experiences in a heteronormative society, from the point of view of a queer person of dual heritage.
MARI LLOYD on STILL HERE at Jack Studio Theatre 7 - 25 March
Mari Lloyd chats about her route into theatre after a career in NHS, and her new play: a sharply funny and compelling drama about Rhys & Yasmin, two young people who meet in a small ex-mining town in Wales.
Read here >
LEE LOMAS and DEMI LEIGH on their revival of Simon Stephens’ ONE MINUTE at King's Head Theatre 20 - 26 March
The play which focuses on a missing girl, explores with great tenderness & unflinching honesty what it's like to live in London in times of terror, change & uncertainty.
"There is immense beauty in the simplicity of the dialogue"
RUSSELL LUCAS / 300 THOUGHTS FOR THEATREMAKERS
Theatremaker Russell Lucas talks about his timely book, 300 Thoughts for Theatremakers, exploring the eclectic opportunities that the independent UK theatre scene offers to self-supported artists.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOHN PLEWS on his passion for MUSICAL THEATRE
Artistic Director of Upstairs at the Gatehouse, JOHN PLEWS on his passion for musical theatre and his new sixties musical - SUMMER IN THE CITY co-written with journalist and Sunday Express columnist Jennifer Selway.
SARAH LAWRIE
Offie-nominated actress and theatre maker Sarah Lawrie keeps cropping up in credits for shows in pub theatres. We find out more about her work and the secrets of her success.
PHIL BARTLETT
Director PHIL BARTLETT on gripping gothic drama THE MOORS by Jen Silverman at The Hope Theatre 11 October – 5 November 2022
LEE LOMAS
on the social realism of new play O LITTLE TOWN at Etcetera Theatre in Camden 15 December and his work with The Working Actors Studio.
MATTHEW PARKER
Director and actor MATTHEW PARKER on his role in hilarious new comedy THE PLAY WITH SPEECHES at Jack Studio Theatre 11 - 22 October / and he also gives his best advice on how to audition well.
MENOPAUSE PARTY
Real life landlady and actor DEBBIE BAISDEN on her taboo smashing show touring Edinburgh Fringe Aug / Canal Cafe Theatre 22-23 Sept
Meet Dolly Slatemen, the working wo-man’s Pub Landlady (alias of real-life Essex Pub Landlady Debbie Baisden)
DEMI LEIGH
Actor and playwright Demi Leigh on her haunting play THE SEA BETWEEN at Barons Court Theatre until 17 September
FARINE CLARKE
Farine Clarke on how her work in General Practice and her high profile career in publishing, fed into writing her Award-winning play LONDON ZOO which returns to Bread & Roses 23 August.
DOUGLAS BAKER on his multi-media adaptation of TEN DAYS IN A MADHOUSE at Jack Studio 14 June to 2 July 2022
“it’s a direct piece of journalism we’re adapting, we’re taking a piece of public service information and turning it into a drama.”
Writer SAFAA BENSON-EFFIOM and director JUSTINA KEHINDE on the inside story to TIL DEATH DO US PART opening at Theatre503 3 – 21 MAY 2022
MARK RAVENHILL and DAVID EATON on Puccini’s La Bohème at King’s Head Theatre 26 APRIL – 28 MAY 2022.
Opera gets an overhaul in this contemporary queer reinvention of Puccini's classic opera.
Writer and actor JACK CONDON on his play IF.DESTROYED.STILL.TRUE. at THE HOPE THEATRE 26 Apr - 14 May
"What’s vitally important to me is presenting a truthful representation of the working class experience in contemporary Britain on stage."
ALICE BIRD on performing her show UNHOOKED at Etcetera Theatre 18 – 23 April 2022
Alice Bird is winner of three best actress awards. She is also a poet and is presenting her work in this unique show.
Writer James Woolf on JO AND SAM FIND THEMSELVES IN WOKING at the Hen and Chickens Theatre 5 - 23 April 2022
A romantic comedy with real concerns about the world we’re handing to our young people written entirely in rhyming couplets.
ON FRIDGE WHICH IS SET IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN NORFOLK
The director, writer and actors chat about FRIDGE being performed at The Hope Theatre 15 March - 2 April 2022.
WE ARE ANIMATE ON SHAKESPEARE'S RICHARD II
Founder/lead actor MICHAEL RIVERS and director LEWIS BROWN on We Are Animate and their interpretation of Richard II coming to Jack Studio Theatre 22 February - 5 March 2022
DAVID PERSIVA ON HIS PLAY 'US'
Writer and performer David Persiva gives us insights to his play 'US' exploring the start and end of a relationship, interrogating love. Playing at White Bear Theatre 1 - 19 February 2022
ARCHIVE INTERVIEWS
ARCHIVE INTERVIEWS
(To read most of these you will be redirected to our tumblr account)
- Playwrights
- Directors
- Actors
- Theatre companies
- Artistic Director
- Choreographers
More being added from the Archive each week
- PLAYWRIGHTS
BRIAN COOKE on MEN FROM THE MINISTRY
AMY ROSENTHAL on writing comedy (HENNA NIGHT, ON THE ROCKS)
ATHENA STEVENS on LATE NIGHT STARING AT HIGH RES PIXELS
2. DIRECTORS
HARRY BURTON on his association with Harold Pinter
PAUL CLAYTON on JOE ORTON (THE RUFFIAN ON THE STAIR)
MATTHEW PARKER on THE HOUSE OF YES
GRAHAM WATTS on LOST LADIES OF THEATRE (Rediscoveries from 1600 to 1900s)
GRAHAM WATTS on GARRY by Sophie Treadwell
3. ACTORS
JESSICA INNES on multi-rolling in TRAINSPOTTING (King's Head Theatre 2017)
RACHEL IZEN on being the first female SCROOGE in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Bridge House Theatre December 2019)
CHRISTOPHER TESTER on finding his feet as an actor, voice overs and his work with ARROW AND TRAPS THEATRE COMPANY (2018)
CHRISTOPHER TAJAH on his play DREAM OF A KING
4. COMPANIES
ARROWS AND TRAPS THEATRE COMPANY, Artistic Director ROSS MCGREGOR on ONE GIANT LEAP
FAT RASCAL THEATRE Artistic Director Robyn Grant on VULVARINE
OVATION Artistic Director John Plews and Producer Katie Plews on their production of 42ND STREET
5. ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
THE BREAD AND ROSES THEATRE, Clapham VELENZIA SPEARPOINT (Artistic Director) Also on this page interviews with Tessa Hart (Executive Director) and Rebecca Pryle (Managing Director)
THE BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, Penge LUKE ADAMSON (2022)
THE HOPE THEATRE, Islington PHIL BARTLETT (2021) Also on this page interviews former AD Matthew Parker
KING'S HEAD THEATRE, Islington MARK RAVENHILL and HANNAH PRICE (2021) Also on this page interviews with former AD Adam Spreadbury Maher
ROSEMARY BRANCH THEATRE LAURA KILLEEN (2021)
THE SPACE THEATRE, The Isle of Dogs ADAM HEMMING
6. CHOREOGRAPHERS
CHRIS WHITTAKER on I WISH MY LIFE WERE LIKE A MUSICAL
We are very proud to announce that LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE is now an OFFIE AWARD WINNING publication
A ONEOFF Special Award has been awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs, with sensitive editing, and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre