Podcast
Up Close with Carlos Tseng
Hosted by Carlos Tseng · EN
A series of interviews led by Carlos Tseng with some of the most prominent figures in the world of theatre, arts & entertainment. The series offers an up close insight into the lives and work of our esteemed guests, often leading to surprising, poignant and humorous answers. Find out more by listening along!
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stuart Thompson: The Power of Sad Young Men
Mar 1500:35:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAhead of his return to Southwark Playhouse, multi-award winning actor Stuart Thompson sat down to discuss the world premiere of Theo Jamieson's new musical: Flyby. Stuart delves into the psychological complexities of his character, Daniel—an engineer and astronaut discovering himself in a cosmic world. He shares with us his initial reactions to the wondrous material as he returns to the world of musical theatre following on from his award-winning performance in Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre. We hear him talk about the different demands and expectations of doing a musical compared to doing a play as he prepares to take the stage opposite the likes of veteran actress Gina Beck and Poppy Gilbert. In this very special interview, Stuart Thompson opens up about his rapid ascent in the industry, from his stage debut in A Taste of Honey to winning the Jack Tinker Award for "Most Promising Newcomer" at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Stuart offers an introspective look at his conscious choices to play tragic figures, reflecting on his visceral performance as Osvald in the candlelit Ghosts at Sam Wannamaker Playhouse and his portrayal of Edmund in the affecting drama Romans. We hear him talk about the reaffirming nature of these roles which have helped further shape his worldview and deepen his capacity for empathy as both a human and as an actor. We reflect on these roles together and celebrate the magic of the theatre which continues to challenge and enthral him as an actor as he looks forward to new experiences as a performer.Flyby runs at Southwark Playhouse from 3 April - 16 May 2026.
Transcribe →
Laurie Kynaston: An Evolving Actor
Feb 2200:37:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAfter the recent opening of Man and Boy in the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, Laurie Kynaston sat down with us to talk about this rare revival, working with director Anthony Lau on this new production and sharing the stage with acting legends Ben Daniels and Malcolm Sinclair. Our discussion delves into the contemporary revival of Terence Rattigan’s plays and the reasons his character-driven stories remain relevant to modern audiences. Laurie himself made his debut in another Rattigan play: The Winslow Boy and tells us about the full-circle elements of his turn in this latest project. details the history of Man and Boy, noting its initial lack of success , and describes his first impressions of the script and the character of Basil Anthony. The conversation also addresses the technical challenges of performing in the round and the spatial awareness required to remain visible to a surrounding audience. Additionally, the interview examines Kynaston's history of portraying strained father-son dynamics , covering the emotional weight of The Son and the logistical process of joining the cast of Long Day’s Journey Into Night on short notice.In our new interview with Laurie Kynaston, he shares his personal outlook on the industry and reflections on his career progression. He addresses the socio-economic barriers currently facing the theatre, specifically the issues of rising ticket prices and classism. We hear him reflect on his own beginnings at Theatr Clwyd in North Wales, while expressing concern that potential audiences are being priced out of the arts. As he transitions into more prominent leading roles, he shares his optimism about the future as well as his gratitude to being welcomed in certain circles in the theatre world. It's a truly endearing conversation and as Laurie continues through his 30s, we look forward to seeing his shift from younger male parts to mature roles that reflect his already wise worldview.Man and Boy runs at Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre until 14 March.
Transcribe →
Dino Fetscher: The Light and the Weight of the Queer Experience
Feb 800:27:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this new interview, we sat down with the luminous Dino Fetscher as he continues his run in Oh, Mary! in the West End. Following his Olivier-nominated turn as Felix Turner in the National Theatre’s devastating revival of The Normal Heart, Dino has returned to the stage in a role that is as chaotic as it is brilliant: playing Mary Todd Lincoln's Teacher in Cole Escola’s subversive smash hit. The show has been received heartily by critics and audiences alike, with laughter erupting from the Trafalgar Theatre every night. In the show, he stars opposite Mason Alexander Park as Mary Todd Lincoln and Giles Terera as Abraham Lincoln. In a heartfelt conversation with us, Dino Fetscher opened about his journey from breakout star in Cucumber and Banana to becoming one of the most visible openly gay actors of his generation. We hear him talk about the transformative experience of playing Felix Turner in The Normal Heart where he describes the characters and those lost in the AIDS epidemic as being like "ancestors" - all part of a chosen family of LGBTQ+ individuals. With LGBTQ stories slowly becoming more mainstream, Dino also tells us about the importance of using anger in the right way to encourage positive change for the community. It's a truly endearing conversation and we look forward to seeing Dino continue to thrive as an actor and advocate.
Transcribe →
Oli Higginson: The Evolution of a Modern Leading Man
Jan 2300:31:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailOver the last few years, Oli Higginson has proved himself to be a real force on both stage and screen, starring in major revivals of The Last 5 Years, Measure For Measure and won the Ian Charleson Award for his Cassio in Othello. Now he returns to the world of musical theatre in the Almeida Theatre's revival of American Psycho the Musical, taking on the role of Timothy Price in what will be Rupert Goold's last directing outing at the theatre as Artistic Director. Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's adaptation of Bret Easton-Ellis' novel won huge acclaim during its 2012-13 run at the Almeida and is returning at a time that feels more relevant than ever.In this brand new interview with Oli Higginson, he sits down to share his insights into a career that has taken him from Southwark Playhouse to the West End to the world of Bridgerton. In recent months, we have also seen the emergence of Modern Oli, a musician exploring themes of love, childhood and overcoming challenges. As an actor though, Oli remains committed to giving audiences memorable characters and exploring a range of shows - both classics and contemporary pieces. There's always a rich authenticity to his performances and it looks like he'll continue to be a strong presence on stage in the years to come. As American Psycho prepares to open, audiences can again look forward to his detailed and sensitive acting, but also gorgeous vocals that made him a star to watch out for in the musical theatre world.American Psycho runs at the Almeida Theatre from 30 January - 14 March.
Transcribe →
Holly Godliman: Confidence, Curiosity, and Chloë Coverly
Jan 1900:22:39Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sat down with the luminous Holly Godliman as she prepares to take the stage at the Old Vic in Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece, Arcadia. As the production approaches its February 4th opening, Holly delves into the "brilliant machinery" of Stoppard’s writing and her role as the spirited Chloë Coverly—the modern-day character who famously suggests that sex is the one force capable of upsetting Newton’s deterministic universe. From the technical rigors of mastering chaos theory dialogue to the unique energy of performing "in the round" under Carrie Cracknell’s direction, Holly offers a rare, intellectual glimpse into the rehearsal room of what is widely considered the greatest play of the late 20th century.Beyond the gardens of Sidley Park, the conversation explores Holly’s meteoric rise following her "startlingly assured" professional debut in Doubt: A Parable. Carlos and Holly revisit the high-stakes atmosphere of that production in Bath, reflecting on the lessons she carried from acting alongside Maxine Peake into her current collaboration with friends like Isis Hainsworth. It is a warm, deeply personal exploration of an actress finding her footing on the world's most historic stages, balancing the disciplined curiosity of a researcher with the raw confidence of a natural-born performer.
Transcribe →
Rosie Sheehy: Championing “Misunderstood” Women
Jan 1400:28:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailOver the last few years, Rosie Sheehy has established herself as a force to reckon with. Her latest role sees her making her Royal Court Theatre debut in Luke Norris' Guess How Much I Love You? The new play explores what it means to be in a long term relationship and the difficult choices that come with being in love. She'll be starring opposite Robert Aramayo and Lena Kaur, and we hear her talk affectionately about Luke's writing as well as Jeremy Herrin's masterful direction. Having previously performed at the Old Vic, the National Theatre and the RSC, we hear Rosie share her excitement at being at the Royal Court to debut what is expected to be a searing drama from Luke Norris.In this brand new interview, Rosie Sheehy discusses with us how she balances the light and shade in all her roles and how it's been a joy to develop her character in Guess How Much I Love You? We talk about her Port Talbot roots and look back on some of her recent roles such as her Olivier Award nominated performance as the young woman in Machinal and her heartbreaking role as Julie in Gary Owen's Romeo and Julie. During our conversation, we also talk about Oleanna and her recent reunion with Harry Lighton on his acclaimed new film: Pillion. During our conversation, Rosie tells us how a lot of these dark stories are often still about love and how it can be presented in so many different forms. It's a fascinating conversation as she prepares to begin performances for her latest project which is expected to be another emotional ride.Guess How Much I Love You? runs at the Royal Court Theatre from 16 January - 21 February.
Transcribe →
Nia Roberts: From the Valleys to the Vanguard of Welsh Drama
Jan 900:25:16Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAhead of the launch of the Welsh National Theatre, BAFTA Cymru award-winning actress Nia Roberts sat down with us for a wide-ranging conversation. Nia is widely recognised for her breakthrough in the Academy Award-nominated Solomon & Gaenor and for her haunting performances in Hidden and The Feast. In the inaugural production from Welsh National Theatre, she portrays Mrs. Webb in a brand new reimagining of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. The staging features an all-Welsh cast and creative team for the first time in the play's history. It explores the universalities of life and community through a distinctly Celtic lens, rooted in the concept of Hiraeth.In this brand new interview, Nia Roberts tells us about the importance of sharing Welsh stories. Conversations span from her early days with the National Youth Theatre of Wales to her recent acclaimed role in Tree on a Hill. Roberts offers critical insights into the necessity of a dedicated national stage and the preservation of Welsh-language narratives. The dialogue also addresses the technical demands of minimalist theatre and her outlook on the industry today. It concludes with a forward-looking analysis of the future for Welsh storytelling on the global stage.
Transcribe →
Louis Gaunt: The Triple Threat
Jan 400:25:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailLouis Gaunt has solidified his reputation as one of the most charismatic and technically gifted triple-threat performers in the musical theatre today. After earning a Stage Debut Award for his breakout performance as Will Parker in Oklahoma!, he's earned further acclaim for his roles as Bert in Mary Poppins and more recently in the role of Tommy in Brigadoon. His latest role sees him returning to the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester to play Don Lockwood in a five star rated production of Singin in the Rain. The show also sees him reuniting with Danny Collins and Carly Mercedes Dyer who he worked with on Sweet Charity at Nottingham Playhouse. In this brand new interview with Louis Gaunt, we reflect on his recent successes as one of the industry's most exciting leading men. Here, Louis provides candid insights into the physical rigors of performing in Singin in the Rain —including the nightly challenge of performing the iconic title number under 14,000 litres of water—and the artistic responsibility of bringing the Golden Age of Hollywood to a modern audience. Since the production opened in Manchester, his performance has been hailed by critics and audiences as a masterclass in showmanship. We also talk about why this era of musical continues to resonate with audiences and what keeps drawing him to pieces like Brigadoon and Gypsy which demand so much him physically.Singin in the Rain runs at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester until 25 January 2026.
Transcribe →
Fred Woodley Evans: Shaping a Performance
Dec 2900:28:44Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs Fred Woodley Evans prepares to return to the Jermyn Street Theatre for a high-stakes run in Lyle Kessler’s Orphans, he sat down with us to talk about this eagerly anticipated revival. A visceral drama exploring the raw edges of family and survival, this production marks a significant homecoming for Fred. After making waves in Outlying Islands at the start of 2025, his return is something audiences are very much looking forward to. Alongside Fred, he will be starring opposite Olivier Award winner Chris Walley and fellow Jermyn Street favourite Forbes Masson.In this candid conversation, Fred reflects on the journey from his professional debut in Outlying Islands to the "Neverland magic" of his recent turn in Wendy and Peter Pan at the Barbican. We take a deep into his RADA days and his professional reunion with fellow actor Jonathan Rubin after graduating at Edinburgh Fringe. From the intensity of world-class training to the realities of navigating his first steps as a professional actor, this interview offers an insightful look into the rise of one of the most exciting young actors of his generation.Orphans runs at Jermyn Street Theatre from 5 January - 24 January 2026 with tickets on sale now!
Transcribe →
Norman Bowman: Finding the Music in Shakespeare
Dec 1700:29:50Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs the RSC's Twelfth Night heads to the Barbican Theatre for a festive run, we are joined by veteran actor Norman Bowman. Known for seamlessly bridging the worlds of musicals and plays, Norman’s career has taken him from the West End to the Donmar Warehouse to the RSC. Hailing from Arbroath, his journey is one of continuous growth and reinvention, tackling everything from tap shoes to the complexities of Shakespearean verse. As he continues to play Antonio, he shares with us his experience working with actor / director / doctor Prassana Puwanarajah and also about welcoming in new actors such as Daniel Monks to the rehearsal room for the Barbican run.In our interview with Norman Bowman, we discuss his return to the role of Antonio in the RSC's transfer of Twelfth Night to the Barbican. Having previously played Curio in a previous production, Norman tells us about his love for this show and the various characters within the world that Shakespeare has created. Having started off his career in musicals, we also talk about his recent turn as Archie in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's landmark revival of Brigadoon. Throughout our conversation, Norman is humble about the longevity of his career which has taken him from the like of Les Miserables and Guys and Dolls to Twelfth Night which sees him reunite with Samuel West and Freema Agyeman following last year's acclaimed Stratford run.Twelfth Night runs at Barbican Theatre until 17 January 2026
Transcribe →