Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - "You can see Mickey-Jo on stage this weekend! | MickeyJoTheatre LIVE / The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey Jo)
Platform: YouTube (MickeyJoTheatre Channel)

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the MickeyJoTheatre podcast, host Mickey Jo shares exciting updates about upcoming live events taking place over the Easter bank holiday weekend in the UK. As a passionate theatre critic with a substantial online following, Mickey Jo leverages his platform to not only review performances but also to host live shows that celebrate and support the theatre community.

Upcoming Events Overview

Mickey Jo announces two major events scheduled for the Easter bank holiday weekend:

1. Mickey Jo Theatre Live – April 20th at Phoenix Arts Club
2. Talkback Session – April 21st at Ambassadors Theatre with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

He emphasizes the uniqueness of appearing on stage on two separate occasions within the same weekend, highlighting the significance for his audience and the theatre community.

"I'm going to be appearing on the London stage on two separate occasions, which is very unusual and so I wanted to make sure that you were aware." [00:00]

Mickey Jo Theatre Live

Event Details

Mickey Jo Theatre Live is described as a monthly live cabaret show that has been running for nearly a year. Originating from an initial collaboration with the Phoenix Arts Club for a podcast recording, the show has evolved into a vibrant West End chat show format.

Guests and Performances

This month's lineup includes:

• Ali Daniel: A talented performer currently starring as one of the Fates in the West End production of Hadestown. Ali will discuss her roles and experiences, including insights from the pro-shot recording of Hadestown filmed in February. Though she won't be performing solo songs, attendees can expect special musical renditions related to the show.

  "Ali is not going to be singing from that, but we are going to get some delicious musical theatre renditions that I am very excited about." [Transcript Reference]

• Lewis Cornay: An accomplished actor known for roles such as SpongeBob SquarePants in the UK Tour and performances in Whistle Down the Wind, She Loves Me, and John and Jen. Lewis is also a musical theatre composer who will perform his original compositions, emphasizing the importance of new musical theatre writing.

  "Lewis is also going to be performing some of his own work for us as well, and that's a really important part of these live shows." [Transcript Reference]

• Fabian Aloise: A rising star choreographer and Olivier Award nominee, known for his choreography in Sunset Boulevard and collaborations with Jamie Lloyd on productions like Evita. This marks Mickey Jo's first interview with a choreographer, promising an insightful discussion on dance in theatre.

  "We can dig into his other influences in the dance world, which I'm sure is going to be a really exciting conversation." [Transcript Reference]

Interactive Elements and Prizes

The live show features a musical theatre trivia quiz, led by Mickey Jo and guest Ellie Talks Theatre, with audience participation. Prizes include Easter eggs, musical theatre memorabilia, and other collectibles from Broadway.

"I give away some Easter eggs as quiz prizes. That's a part of the quiz as well." [Transcript Reference]

Live vs. Livestream Experience

Mickey Jo offers both in-person and livestream ticket options, catering to international fans. He ensures that non-attendees can access parts of the show through subsequent uploads, though musical performances remain exclusive to ticket holders.

"If you are listening to me right now from somewhere internationally, you can get a 10 pound livestream ticket." [Transcript Reference]

Social and Cultural Discussions

Beyond entertainment, the show will delve into important topics such as the experiences of queer and trans performers in today’s political climate, aiming to foster supportive conversations within the community.

"We also talk about what it's like to be a queer performer, to be a trans performer in the current political climate." [Transcript Reference]

Talkback Session: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Show Overview

The second event is a talkback session following the Olivier Award-winning musical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This production reimagines the classic story in an early 20th-century Cornwall fishing village, with folk-based, lively music performed by a company of actor-musicians.

"It's a wonderful little show that retains the basic idea of the Benjamin Button story about a man aging in reverse." [Transcript Reference]

Host and Guests

Mickey Jo will engage with:

• Jethro Compton: Writer, director, and set designer of the show.
• Darren CL: Co-lyricist and composer.

Together, they will discuss the show's journey from its original version at Southwark Playhouse to its current success in the West End, including the recent Olivier Award win.

"Jethro and Darren have now become Olivier Award winners and I am very excited to get to speak to them again." [Transcript Reference]

Unique Aspects of the Production

The musical features a dynamic approach where actors not only perform but also handle multiple roles and instruments, creating a rich and varied musical landscape. This collaborative method allows for numerous versions of the show’s score, depending on the instruments and roles.

"The tracks don't necessarily change in the way that they would in more traditional musicals." [Transcript Reference]

Exclusive Access and Engagement

Tickets for the talkback are encouraged, with Mickey Jo highlighting the immediate opportunity to see the show and participate in the discussion with its creators. While there’s potential for future content sharing, the initial session remains exclusive to attendees.

"What's better than actually getting to see that show before the talkback? We might make reference to things that have happened at that evening's performance." [Transcript Reference]

Additional Updates and Future Plans

Mickey Jo hints at upcoming initiatives, including a free email newsletter aimed at consolidating content across his YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok platforms. This newsletter will provide weekly updates, upcoming reviews, and information on future performances.

"We're trying to put together a simple free email newsletter that you can sign up to that will just let you know everything that I've shared that week." [Transcript Reference]

Closing Remarks

Mickey Jo wraps up the episode by expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming events and encouraging listeners to subscribe, follow on social media, and engage with his content. He reiterates his commitment to both critical review and celebrating the vibrancy of the theatre community.

"I hope that everyone has a lovely Easter weekend, regardless of what it is that you're up to. And I hope, as always, that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day." [Transcript Reference]

Notable Quotes Highlighted with Timestamps

• Introduction to Events:

  "I'm going to be appearing on the London stage on two separate occasions, which is very unusual and so I wanted to make sure that you were aware." [00:00]

• On Ali Daniel’s Performance:

  "Ali is not going to be singing from that, but we are going to get some delicious musical theatre renditions that I am very excited about."

• On Lewis Cornay’s Contributions:

  "Lewis is also going to be performing some of his own work for us as well, and that's a really important part of these live shows."

• Discussing Fabian Aloise:

  "We can dig into his other influences in the dance world, which I'm sure is going to be a really exciting conversation."

• Interactive Quiz and Prizes:

  "I give away some Easter eggs as quiz prizes. That's a part of the quiz as well."

• On the Talkback with Benjamin Button:

  "It's a wonderful little show that retains the basic idea of the Benjamin Button story about a man aging in reverse."

• Exclusive Access for Talkback Session:

  "What's better than actually getting to see that show before the talkback? We might make reference to things that have happened at that evening's performance."

• Newsletter Announcement:

  "We're trying to put together a simple free email newsletter that you can sign up to that will just let you know everything that I've shared that week."

• Final Well-Wishes:

  "I hope that everyone has a lovely Easter weekend, regardless of what it is that you're up to. And I hope, as always, that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day."

Conclusion

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre serves as an informative and enthusiastic preview of Mickey Jo’s live engagements over the Easter bank holiday. By blending announcements with personal insights and a touch of humor, Mickey Jo effectively invites his audience to participate in and support the vibrant theatre scene. Whether attending in person or tuning in via livestream, listeners are incentivized to engage with the live shows, connect through various social platforms, and stay updated through forthcoming newsletters.