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eleven

eleven

By: Broadway Podcast Network
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 The official theatre podcast that brings the biggest stars and creatives together in one place to discuss life in the arts. Hosted by William J Connolly. elevenpodcast.com @elevenPodcast147695 Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Politics & Government
Episodes
  • S12 Ep9: Rebecca Trehearn

    S12 Ep9: Rebecca Trehearn
    Mar 7 2026
    She’s the Olivier Award-winning theatre star with a voice powerful enough to rival the greats. From her show-stopping turn in Ghost to her acclaimed performance in Show Boat, she’s built a career defined by fearless choices, constant evolution and a commitment to sharpening her craft. Now, she’s stepping into something entirely new with the heart-opening musical Ballad Lines, playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Just moments before she heads on stage, we dive into the emotional power of stepping into a brand-new world with Ballad Lines, why this project feels unlike anything she’s done before, and the beauty that comes from embracing the chaos of constantly pushing yourself as an artist. We talk about the importance of centring female stories in mainstream theatre, the thrilling risk of performing in intimate spaces, and why she’s proudly made a habit of “emotionally destroying” audiences — something that might become her niche. There’s also time for camp costumes in Cinderella, discovering the richness of the warmer tones in her voice, and the unexpected — and rarely discussed — realities that can follow an Olivier win, including the surprising stretches of not working. Plus, she reflects on the “beautiful” experience of Becoming Nancy in Birmingham and why theatre should belong to audiences everywhere — not just those in London. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell southwarkplayhouse.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • S12 Ep8: Mark Addy

    S12 Ep8: Mark Addy
    Mar 5 2026
    He is an Olivier-nominated stage and screen actor currently captivating audiences in the title role of the brand-new West End musical The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry — a production that explores the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on oneself. In this exclusive conversation, its leading star reflects on what it means to take on a project as meaningful as Harold Fry, the powerful emotional response from audiences and why he describes himself as feeling both “honoured and blessed” by the very raw and emotive reception from audiences. We also celebrate his “extraordinary” co-star Jenna Russell and the inspiration of collaborating with creatives including chart-topping singer-songwriter, Passenger. Plus, we explore how this project had penetrated into her personal life, having a profound impact on his life beyond the stage, encouraging him to approach others — and the world around him — with greater empathy and love. And he reveals his unexpected favourite musical, recalls some of his favourite memories from filming The Full Monty in South Yorkshire — including the famously revealing strip-tease scene — and reflects on his long-standing connection with York Theatre Royal. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell haroldfrymusical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • S12 Ep7: Chris Harper

    S12 Ep7: Chris Harper
    Feb 10 2026
    He’s the Tony and Olivier-winning producer behind some of the most extraordinary theatre of our time — renowned for bold mega-casting, powerful storytelling and ground-breaking productions. With War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, People, Places and Things, Cock, Othello, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Roommate, Death of a Salesman and, of course, Company, to name but a few. Now, in his latest adventure, he brings Rachel Joyce’s beloved novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to the stage — directed by Katy Rudd, with music by chart-topping songwriter Passenger, and led by theatre icons Jenna Russell and Mark Addy. In this exclusive conversation, recorded just days after the show began previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London, we dive into the journey of Harold Fry and why this story had to become a musical — not a play, as one hilarious meeting with author Rachel Joyce confirmed. We also uncover the joyful and unexpected connection between Curious Incident and this new show, and hear how returning to the original material became a deeply personal experience, helping him process grief following the loss of his mother when re-visiting the novel. We also talk candidly about the realities of producing in the West End and Broadway — why success is never guaranteed, even with a hit on your hands — and the major productions that very nearly didn’t happened. And yes, we go deep on Company: the genesis of that now-iconic revival, the bold changes made along the way, how you persuade Stephen Sondheim to update a masterpiece, working with artists like Jonathan Bailey and Patti LuPone — and why, for him, a life in theatre is really just one long journey of joyful, fearless experimentation Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell haroldfrymusical.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins
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