MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

• Episode 883: From Fishnets to Flappers - Rocky Horror Vs The Great Gatsby

  This week on MusicalTalk, Nick returns to The Rocky Horror Show for the first time in 25 years and shares his reflections on the cult classic’s enduring appeal, high camp, and raucous audience participation. Then, it’s off to the London Coliseum, where Nick and Hannah experience The Great Gatsby — but in a rare twist, it’s Nick who walks in knowing nothing about the show, while Hannah holds all the insight! Join them for a lively discussion of this ambitious new production, the surprises it held, and how it reimagines F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic world for the stage.

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• Episode 882: Top Marx for Animal Crackers - Part 2

  In this week's episode, Thos takes a close look at the 1930 Marx Brothers musical comedy film, Animal Crackers, and its place against the backdrop of a number of transitions - the move from stage to screen for the madcap quartet, the loss of popularity of Hollywood film musicals at the end of the 1920s, the move from prosperity to economic slump following the Wall Street Crash, and how the film industry was learning to adapt stage shows for the silver screen after only four years of talkies!  And we take an additional look at Margaret Dumont, dubbed by Groucho himself as the "fifth Marx Brother", who began with opera and ended in rock 'n' roll and who worked with Laurel and Hardy, and WC Fields along the way. As Groucho said "Blessed are the crack(er)ed, for they shall let in the light!"

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• Episode 881: Top Marx for Animal Crackers - Part 1

  It's a century since Minnie's Boys, better known as the Marx Brothers, appeared on Broadway in their first fully fledged musical, and to mark the occasion, MusicalTalk is taking a close look at their 1930 musical comedy film, Animal Crackers. In this week's episode, Thos investigates what makes the Marx Brothers so remarkable and timeless, and takes a close look at the difference between the stage version of the story from 1928 and the post-Wall Street Crash film made in 1930.  There's also a brief comparison with the now forgotten Ritz Brothers who were a different kind of crackers! So it's Hooray for Captain Spalding!

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• Episode 880: Shear Talent: Emma Williams Cuts to the Chase

  In this insightful episode of MusicalTalk, Nick Hutson catches up with West End star and friend of the show, Emma Williams, for an honest chat about her remarkable 20-year journey in the theatre industry. From her breakout role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to her recent work on the innovative production Scissorhandz at the Southwark Playhouse, Emma reflects on how the landscape of musical theatre has evolved—and how becoming a parent has shifted her perspective both on and off stage. Expect laughter, wisdom, and a touch of nostalgia in this illuminating conversation between two industry friends. Tune in for a blend of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, industry insight, and a look at what it really means to balance artistry with real life.

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• Episode 879: Fairest of Them All? Snow White Remake Vs Alan Menken’s Magic Concert

  In this episode of MusicalTalk, Nick and Hannah dive into the enchanted (and controversial) world of Disney’s Snow White remake. With reimagined characters, missing dwarfs, and a whole lot of internet debate, they share their thoughts on whether this new take is a poisoned apple or a fresh perspective. They also recount their experience at A Whole New World of Alan Menken at the London Palladium, celebrating the legendary composer’s timeless contributions to musical theatre and film. Is Disney rewriting history for better or worse? And just how dazzling was Menken’s showcase of musical brilliance? Tune in for a lively discussion filled with insight, humor, and a dash of Disney magic!

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