Podcast
Production Meetings
Hosted by Mark Shayle & Natasha Houghton · EN
Backstage theatre folk chatting. We asked Stage Managers, Producers, Directors, Production Managers, Technicians, and even a few lovely actors to come along to our "Production Meetings". Sharing pearls of wisdom, swapping comedy theatrical stories, and generally having a bit of a lark. Nothing too serious or time-consuming. With their tour off the road and the theatres shut due to COVID lockdown, two Stage Managers, Natasha Houghton and Mark Shayle, talk shop with invited guests ( *cough*, pals in fact, or people we would like to be pals with).
Episodes were released on Thursdays at 13:00 in the UK, coz that's when we do "Production Meetings".
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
014 - Curtain Call - The Bloopers
Aug 8, 202000:25:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailNo one asked for it, but here it is. Released without flourish or fanfare, just for the folk who subscribe, follow us on social media or stumble across it. Right, I really need to sit down and figure out how to do a Muggle CV now...Thanks for listening and stay safe everyoneParish Notices:You can keep up with our news on our Facebook page, on Instagram, or indeed our Website.Shayley, SIGNING OFF.Support the show
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013 - Jason Culverwell
Aug 6, 202000:30:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJason Culverwell, Technical Director for National Theatre Productions at the RNT, brings wealth knowledge and humour to our final season 1 episode. We talk about coming into the industry as a career changer, touring the world with productions like STOMP and Warhorse, plus fast cars and hasty getaways with stand-up comedians. Tash does an impression.Parish NoticesThis might be the last "official" episode for Season 1, but stay tuned for the outtakes episode "Curtain Call - The Bloopers", and one-off specials later in the year. You can keep up with our news on our Facebook page, on Instagram, or indeed our Website.Support the show
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012 - Georgia Bird
Jul 30, 202000:49:38Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailGeorgia Bird joins us to sprinkle some of her magic Stage Management dust over us all. Her enviable career has seen her go back and forth between London and Broadway on a number of landmark productions. She talks to us about being one of the first SM's to work on a high profile Zoom production, reflections on working in the States, theatre in times of COVID, lessons from college, and getting married in Las Vegas. It's a bit of a laugh...Support the show
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011 - Ali Wade
Jul 23, 202000:43:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAli Wade is someone who will be very familiar to backstage folk. The renowned West End CSM and current Chair of the UK Stage Management Association joins us to talk, Tea Breaks, ghosts at the Wyndham's, the madness of Glengarry Glen Ross, and Christmas dinners for goldfish. Oh, and there is some great advice for people looking to break into the West End.Ali Mentions that she is raising money for the Air Ambulance charity she volunteers for. If you can, please consider adding to her Just Giving page for this very worthy organisation.Parish NoticesWe love feedback and reviews. If you are enjoying the podcast please do share on your social media. Drop us a line if you have stories to tell too!Support the show
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010 - Philip Franks
Jul 16, 202000:32:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThis week someone that Tash and Shayley both know, and who we think you will love. The director of the last show we ever did Philip Franks joins us over Zoom. Folk of a certain generation will remember Philip ( Pip to his friends) for his roles in The Darling Buds of May and Heartbeat. More than a few of us will have seen him in his basque and fishnets as The Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show that toured a few years back.Parish Notices:Unbelievably we have made it into double figures as we reach the milestone of 10 shows! If you are enjoying Production Meetings we would really be grateful if you could give us a short review if you podcast platform allows it ( Apple does for instance). If you are Social Media savvy we have a Facebook page and as Tash is a whiz at these things and Instagram account ( apparently that's easy for you to find....) Do feel free to link to us, and leave comments. We are especially to keen to hear from you if you have guest suggestions, or ideas as to topics you would like us to natter about.Support the show
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009 - Lee Dennison
Jul 9, 202000:48:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailLee Dennison, Business Development Manager at White Light, and lovely chap keeps us thoroughly entertained switching between some grown-up topics, but mostly just giggling. We talk about brand building and networking; The skills of sound, the joy of splicing tape and we reminisce about clunky light stops on Revox's. Throw in a "Miss Saigon" story and we have an extended episode with one of the nicest fellas in show business.https://www.whitelight.ltd.uk/meet-the-team/lee-dennison/See Lee in action using the fabulous Smart Stage Technology, hosting a great Career advice session:https://www.whitelight.ltd.uk/white-light-careers-advice-session/( For the uber-geeky fan of our podcast you might like to check out our Production Meetings Page on Facebook, where we will post the full uncut roasting Shayley gets from Lee about the state of his beard.....)Support the show
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008 - Anthony Sammut
Jul 2, 202000:40:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHead of Productions for Rose Bruford College Anthony Sammut joins us this week. Before moving into the education sector, he was a "lifestyle" touring Company Manager. He still keeps his hand in each year as Company Managing his beloved pantos. Anthony is great fun, passionate about training, almost as much as he is about doughnuts. ( Donuts seems to be becoming a theme for Production Meetings...)."The Rest is History"Support the show
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007 - Jason Addison & Holly Ellis
Jun 25, 202000:34:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHolly meet Mark meet Jason meet Tash meet Holly, oh wait you already know Tash. Lighting Designers Holly Ellis and Jason Addison join us for our normal mixture of inquisition and silliness. We talk about becoming an LD, "emerging", working, and Dirty Donuts. Hull gets an unfair bashing.www.hollyellislighting.comwww.jasonaddison.comSupport the show
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006 - Sharon Hobden
Jun 18, 202000:36:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThink of a West End DSM. You've thought of Sharon Hobden, right? Sharon is one of those people with a hugely impressive backstage CV, well respected and always in demand. In her charming, self deprecating style she spends some time with us talking about her experiences and thoughts on the craft.We natter and giggle on subjects ranging from Creatives with a small "c", beauty parades for Show Callers, and shooting arrows at the ground plan.Support the show
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005 - Felicity Duncan and Jon Osbaldeston
Jun 11, 202000:34:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailFelicity Duncan and Jon Osbaldeston join us backstage on our little podcast for a chit chat about why they didn't opt for a Stage Management career and instead went into Acting. We hear their tales including thoughts on Post Shows, working on the other side of the pond and costume fittings gone a tad pear-shaped. Social Links: Across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @westenders5678Jon also has a brand new YouTube channel with selected episodes of the web series "Doctor Theatre!" (Yes the exclamation mark is deliberate!)Support the show
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