MusicalTalk - The UK's Independent Musical Theatre Podcast

• 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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• Episode 878: Helen...of Savoy!

  At last, a musical about one of the unsung female heroes of musical theatre - Helen D'Oyly Carte!  Join Thos as he talkes to Susan Ellerby about her latest modern G&S show, Gilbert and Sullivan's Improbable New Musical....And Helen, about the accomplished, and even trailblazing, Victorian businesswoman, who was one of the four most important people in the Gilbert and Sullivan story, not least for her diplomatic skills in keeping the quarrelsome duo together creatively but also for forging their legacy into the twentieth century and beyond.  With songs aplenty, Thos and Sue talk about this delightful new show and its central character - Helen D'Oyly Carte! Unsung, no longer... 

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• Episode 877: I Got Rhythm - Crazy For You in London

  Was the recent barnstorming London revival of the 1992 Gershwin Brothers show, Crazy For You, one of the best things to hit the West End in years?  Thos certainly thinks so and in this week's episode you can hear him and Josh talking about what made it so delightful.  Was it the phenomenal, vital writing of the George Gershwin? Was it the seamless dancing, singing and comic talents of Charlie Stemp? Was it the almost overwhelming sensory overload of music, dance and choreography in harmony?  The simple answer is yes, and the more detailed answer is awaiting your eager ears in this swonderful episode! Listening to this converstation is nice work (and yes, you've got it!). You'd be k-ra-zy to miss it.

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