When HBO cast Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, the internet promptly fell into a state of operatic despair. But is there more going on than meets the eye (and X feed)?In this episode of Performance Anxiety, hosts Dr Maren Thom and Mr Alex Dale unpack the hidden class structures of JK Rowling's world, the myth of 'authenticity' in adaptation, and why appearance might matter far less than you'd think.Along the way: Alan Rickman’s shadow, the curious English obsession with social climbing, and the great question — can a handsome, decent chap really pull off being Hogwarts' grumpiest potions master?

Everyone is wrong – the Oscars are still relevant. Maren and Alex are back and kicking off season 3 in style! In this episode they explain why the Oscars, as a celebration of a populist art form, are the only game in town. They also ask why, in spite of everything, the Academy keeps rewarding films no-one has seen.

Maren and Alex ask why everyone is raving about Emma Stone's performance as Bella Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos's new film Poor Things and why its success is so hard to pin down. What does Emma Stone stand for as a performer? The team use Freud and Žižek to explain Stone's unique quality and appeal, and why her performance is bigger than the film itself.