MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

On this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson experiences a cultural phenomenon for the very first time: High School Musical. Joining him is Hannah, a devoted fan who knows every beat, lyric, and basketball move.
As the film unfolds, Nick reacts in real time—questioning, analysing, and occasionally surrendering to the infectious charm—while Hannah offers insight, enthusiasm, and gentle (or not-so-gentle) persuasion. Expect sharp musical observations, affectionate debate, and plenty of laughter as newcomer meets superfan.

Nick revisits Avenue Q at the Shaftesbury Theatre for its 20th anniversary—and discovers a show that's traded shock value for something warmer, wiser, and unexpectedly nostalgic.
In this episode, he explores how Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx's irreverent musical holds up in 2026, from updated references (AI, Trump, and Spotify playlists) to subtle staging tweaks and musical refreshes. There's discussion of what still lands, what's softened with time, and whether the show's once-edgy humour can—or should—still provoke.
Along the way, Nick reflects on seeing the show through a different lens two decades on, highlights standout performances (including an impressive turn from Emily Benjamin), and considers why Avenue Q continues to resonate with both returning fans and a brand-new audience.

Nick, Chris and Nikki fire up the flux capacitor one last time as they attend the final performance of the London production of Back to the Future: The Musical. What makes this farewell especially poignant is their unique full-circle journey with the show — having been there at the very beginning during its early Manchester run in 2020, just before the world changed forever.
In this reflective and heartfelt episode, they explore how the themes of Back to the Future — time, change, and second chances — have mirrored real life in unexpected ways. They discuss the turbulent road (or lack thereof…) the production has travelled, from uncertainty and global shutdowns to becoming a vibrant, beloved destination for theatre fans.

Join Thos for more about Mad About The Boys - A Marvellous Party, Wela Kapela Productions' five star EdFringe Cabaret that tells the tales, and sings the songs, of those three titans of musical theatre in the the first half of the twentieth century - Cole Porter, Noel Coward and Ivor Novello.  From Mrs Worthington and Nina from Argentina, to I've Got You Under My Skin and Keep the Home Fires Burning via Every Time We Say Goodbye, the Great American and British Songbooks have never been so interesting!

MusicalTalk marks the 75th anniversary of the death of Ivor Novello, one of the greatest British musical theatre writers of the 20th Century in opulant style!  Join Thos for the first half of a fascinating conversation with the people behind the 2025 EdFringe Cabaret Show, Mad About the Boys, which looks at the lives of those three friends, rivals and contemporaries, Cole Porter, Noel Coward and Ivor Novello.  Seasoned with a pinch of Seigfried Sassoon, and insights into some of the great songs of the period (Keep the Home Fires Burning for one), you'll feel you've been to a marvellous party!