🎭 What happens when compassion meets comedy—and good intentions get tested? In this inspiring new episode of The Martin Talk Show, I sit down with director Lucy Appleby, actress Emma Riches, and actor Peter Saracen to dive deep into Starfish — a darkly funny and thought-provoking play by Richard Fitchett, brought to life by Two Right Feet this November at The Bread & Roses Theatre. 🌟

Starfish follows a couple whose morals are challenged when they encounter an ABBA-loving homeless stranger — a meeting that uncovers uncomfortable truths and unexpected connections. 💫 Through laughter, tension, and raw honesty, this play asks: what would you do if kindness collided with your own comfort zone?

In this conversation, we explore the power of humour to reveal the human condition, the delicate art of balancing comedy and social commentary, and why theatre like Starfish is more vital than ever. 🎬 Together, Lucy, Emma, and Peter share their insights on collaboration, character, and the emotional layers that make this production truly unforgettable.

Tune in for an episode that celebrates theatre’s ability to provoke, entertain, and transform. ✨ Whether you’re an artist, actor, or lover of storytelling, this one’s for you — a reminder that art has the power to make us see ourselves differently.

🎧 Starfish runs 11th–15th November 2025 at The Bread & Roses Theatre. Don’t miss this heart-stirring exploration of home, loss, and conscience.

Tickets: https://www.breadandrosestheatre.co.uk/news/richard-fitchett-on-his-new-play-starfish

As always, connect with Martin via: 🌐 www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #StarfishPlay #TwoRightFeet #LucyAppleby #EmmaRiches #PeterSaracen #RichardFitchett #BreadAndRosesTheatre #LondonTheatre #BritishTheatre #IndieTheatre #DarkComedy #NewWriting #StageLife #ActorsLife #DirectorLife #TheatreLovers #PodcastInterview #BehindTheScenes #CreativeConversation #ArtMeetsLife #TheatreCommunity #ABBA #ComedyWithMeaning #HomelessnessAwareness #SocialCommentary #CreativeJourney #InspiringTalks #ArtsPodcast #MartinColton

🎭✨ Step into a world where imagination takes centre stage and creativity knows no bounds! In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton sits down with the legendary Ronnie Le Drew — the man behind Zippy from Rainbow — for an unforgettable conversation that celebrates the magic of puppetry, storytelling, and theatre’s power to inspire.

🎙️ Episode 432: “How Theatre Took Me Over the Rainbow” is recorded at and supported by the Little Angel Theatre, a world-renowned home of puppetry that has been sparking imaginations since 1961. Together, we explore how this historic theatre continues to push creative boundaries while preserving the heart and heritage of puppetry.

🧵 From his early days performing in his bedroom with toy theatres to working on beloved classics like Labyrinth, The Muppet Movies, and Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Ronnie shares a heartfelt journey filled with passion, artistry, and lifelong dedication. His story is a reminder that the art of puppetry is not just about strings and characters — it’s about human connection, imagination, and wonder.

🎨 Whether you’re a theatre lover, artist, or dreamer, this episode will remind you why creativity matters and how the power of storytelling continues to shape us all.

As always, connect with Martin via: 🌐 www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #Podcast #RonnieLeDrew #Zippy #RainbowTV #LittleAngelTheatre #Puppetry #TheatreArts #CreativeConversations #ArtAndCulture #PerformingArts #TheatreMagic #UKTheatre #BehindTheScenes #Muppets #HensonCompany #DarkCrystal #Labyrinth #Storytelling #ArtistsJourney #CreativeLife #InspiringStories #ArtsPodcast #CreativityMatters #BritishTheatre #ActingLife #ChildrenTheatre #ArtsEducation #CulturalHeritage #Imagination #PassionForArt

🎃 Get ready for a Halloween special like no other! In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton and his feathery co-host Jake the bird puppet take you on a curious adventure through the mysteries of creativity, courage, and curiosity itself. 🕵️‍♂️✨

Ever heard the phrase “Curiosity killed the cat”? Well, that’s not the whole story! The full saying — “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back” — is what this episode is all about: the power of exploring the unknown and finding joy in discovery. 🐱💫

Join us as we chat about the thrill of recording with Jake’s childhood hero Zippy, share a few ghostly stories from behind the scenes 👻, and even invent a brand-new word… Spang! 🪄 You’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even leave a little more curious than before.

If you love deep conversations that celebrate imagination, art, and a sprinkle of spooky fun — this one’s for you! 🎭🔥

As always, connect with Martin via: www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #HalloweenPodcast #PodcastCommunity #CuriosityKilledTheCat #Zippy #JakeTheBird #Spang #CreativeConversation #HalloweenSpecial #InspiringPodcast #ArtistsTalk #BehindTheScenes #CreativityUnleashed #UKPodcaster #MartinColton #PodcastLife #GhostStories #Puppetry #TheatreArts #MusicAndFilm #CreativeSpirit #IndependentPodcast #MotivationalTalk #ArtisticJourney #CuriousMind #HalloweenFun #BritishPodcast #TalkShow #ImaginationMatters #Storytelling

🎭 Step inside the world where music, storytelling, and raw truth collide. In this latest episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton sits down with the incredible Stacie Burrows — a Texas-born, NYC-trained, LA-based writer, performer, and unapologetically bold voice in musical comedy and theatre. This conversation will take you deep into the creative spirit behind her critically acclaimed solo musical drama “No Good Drunk.” 🍷✨

Stacie opens up about her journey from Broadway’s bright lights to the shadowy heart of West Texas dive bars, exploring the darkly poetic themes of family, addiction, and resilience that shape her latest work. 🎶 With honesty and humor, she shares what it means to turn pain into art — and why telling the truth on stage is one of the most powerful acts a performer can do.

Having earned 4⭐ reviews from Theatre Weekly and The Derek Awards, and hailed by The Scotsman as “Good Company,” Stacie is no stranger to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From Bulletproof Unicorn to Laughable, her work blends music, storytelling, and grit — reminding us that laughter and heartbreak often dance hand in hand. ❤️

🎤 Tune in to discover how Stacie’s Southern Gothic storytelling, her love of live performance, and her fearless approach to creativity can inspire you to dig deeper, write braver, and create without apology.

🎟️ Get tickets for “No Good Drunk” here: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/no-good-drunk/
💸 Use code: 20HOWGOOD for 20% off tickets!

As always, connect with Martin via: 🌐 www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #PodcastInterview #CreativeConversation #StacieBurrows #NoGoodDrunk #EdinburghFringe #MusicalTheatre #ComedyPodcast #WomenInTheArts #TheatreLovers #PerformingArts #TexasArtist #LosAngelesTheatre #Storytelling #DarkComedy #MusicalComedy #CreativeJourney #Inspiration #BehindTheScenes #ArtsCulture #FringeFestival #WomenCreatives #ActorLife #IndieTheatre #ComedyLife #SingerSongwriter #ArtAndSoul #CourageToCreate #MartinColton #MusebelleProductions #CreativeMindset

✨ What if giving up was the very thing that helped you grow? In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton dives deep with the hilarious and heartfelt Meg Chizek to explore the surprising beauty of changing course, chasing authenticity, and rediscovering your purpose when the spotlight shifts. 🎭💫

🎙️ Episode 429 – “How to Give Up On Your Dreams” – takes us behind the curtain of Meg’s hit solo show, a sold-out success at both the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and New York City Fringe Festival. With rave reviews like “Chizek knows how to work her audience and make us laugh through the pain” (Young-Howze Theatre Journal), this conversation is raw, funny, and deeply human. ❤️

Meg opens up about her journey from dancer to comedian, her experiences in the world of performance, and how letting go of old dreams made room for something far greater. 🌈 Whether you’re a creative searching for meaning, an artist reinventing yourself, or simply someone navigating life’s plot twists, this episode is your reminder that surrendering can be the ultimate act of courage. ✨

🎤 From comedy to catharsis, Martin and Meg unpack the messy, magical process of becoming who you’re meant to be. You’ll laugh, you’ll reflect, and you might just find yourself a little more inspired to embrace your own creative evolution. 🌟

As always, connect with Martin via: www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #MartinColton #MegChizek #HowToGiveUpOnYourDreams #Podcast #CreativeConversations #ArtistsJourney #Comedian #Performer #Actor #Producer #Creativity #Inspiration #Motivation #Theatre #Comedy #Dance #Film #Music #ArtsPodcast #FringeFestival #EdinburghFringe #NYCFringe #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons #ArtisticJourney #Passion #Purpose #SelfDiscovery #CreativeMindset

🌈 What does it take to bring a community together in the face of division? In this heartfelt episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton sits down with two of Harlow’s inspiring community heroes — Rev’d Jokey Poyntz, Team Vicar & Missioner at The Church of England, and Cllr James Griggs, Leader of the Harlow Labour Party — to explore the story behind “Flags & Community.” 💬✨

This moving conversation dives deep into unity, compassion, and the power of action when people come together for a shared cause. Following reports of racial abuse and division in Harlow, Rev’d Jokey and Cllr Griggs launched the Community Colours Project at St Paul’s Church — a symbol of solidarity and hope. 🌍 Residents were invited to tie multicoloured ribbons on a peace wall, each one representing love, support, and belonging. 💖

Recorded as part of the Amplify Harlow Series, this episode shines a light on the everyday heroes who are working tirelessly to make Harlow a more inclusive, welcoming place for everyone. Whether you’re an artist, activist, or someone passionate about building bridges in your own community, this conversation will inspire you to take action — and believe in the power of people coming together. 💪🏽🎙️

🎧 Tune in now to hear how faith, leadership, and creativity intersect in a story of unity that Harlow — and the world — needs to hear.

As always, connect with Martin via: 👉 www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #AmplifyHarlow #CommunityColours #FlagsAndCommunity #Harlow #HarlowCommunity #RevJokeyPoyntz #JamesGriggs #HarlowLabourParty #ChurchOfEngland #StPaulsHarlow #PeaceWall #TogetherWeRise #UnityInDiversity #EndRacism #LoveOverHate #HopeInAction #FaithAndCommunity #CreativityForChange #ArtsAndHumanity #LocalHeroes #CommunityVoices #Inspiration #HumanConnection #SocialImpact #Storytelling #PodcastSeries #MartinColton #UKPodcast #AmplifyCommunity

🌿✨ Step into a world where storytelling meets nature, and imagination takes flight! In this inspiring episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton takes you on a captivating walk through Church Langley Woods in Harlow, Essex, alongside the wonderfully creative Caroline Petherbridge — a former primary school teacher, LAMDA examiner, published author, and educational innovator whose passion for drama and phonics has inspired children for over two decades. 🎭📚🎙️ Together, we explore Caroline’s enchanting new book series — The Enchanted Nature Series — beginning with The Robin’s Year. Follow one of the UK’s favourite garden birds through the changing seasons in this beautifully illustrated, fully decodable phonics reader for children aged 5–7. From snowy garden perches to springtime nest-building, Caroline’s storytelling helps young readers develop literacy skills while falling in love with the magic of nature. 🐦❄️🌸💬 Along the way, Caroline shares insights from her 20+ years of teaching and writing for leading educational publishers including Scholastic, TTS Group, Jolly Learning, and Sparkle Education — revealing how creativity, literacy, and a touch of wonder can spark lifelong learning.If you love education, creativity, or stories that connect us to the world around us, this episode is a must-listen. 🌍❤️🎧 Subscribe to The Martin Talk Show for more in-depth conversations with artists, educators, and changemakers redefining creativity across theatre, arts, music, dance, and film.

As always, connect with Martin via: 🌐 www.themartintalkshow.com

Carolines Books: https://onecs.co.uk

#TheMartinTalkShow #Podcast #CreativeConversation #Education #Teaching #DramaEducation #CarolinePetherbridge #LAMDA #Phonics #EarlyYearsEducation #EnchantedNatureSeries #TheRobinsYear #NatureBooks #ChildrensBooks #ReadingConfidence #UKAuthors #IllustratedBooks #OutdoorLearning #Creativity #Storytelling #ArtsInEducation #Inspiration #Authors #BookSeries #TeacherLife #Harlow #NatureWalks #MartinColton #LearningThroughPlay #TeachPrimaryAwards

What if food could heal the soul, reconnect you with your past, and create a whole new community in a strange land? 🍲✨ In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, I, Martin Colton, sit down with my incredible guests — the brilliant actress Isabella Nefar and the original author Atoosa Sepehr — to explore the remarkable journey that inspired the hit play My English Persian Kitchen. Written by award-winning Hannah Khalil, directed by Chris White, and brought to life on stage by Isabella, this story is rooted in Atoosa’s own life and her search for belonging after losing everything. 🌍💫This is not just theatre, it’s life transformed into art. A woman forced to flee her home, silenced by violence, finds strength in the kitchen — recreating the tastes and aromas of her childhood while cooking live on stage. Through these dishes, she forges new connections, inviting audiences to share in her memories as if they were guests in her own home. 🥘💐 The result is a feast of theatre that blends the sensory with the emotional, showing us how creativity, resilience, and community can rise even from the most painful experiences.Join me, Isabella, and Atoosa as we unpack the heart of this production, the role of food as memory, and what it means to create identity and belonging when the world has stripped everything else away. This conversation goes beyond art — it’s about survival, resilience, and the universal human need to connect. ❤️🔥

With Thanks to The Soho Theatre: https://sohotheatre.com

Isabella Nefar: https://www.instagram.com/isabellanefar

Atoosa Sepehr: https://www.atoosasepehr.com

As always, connect with Martin via: www.themartintalkshow.com

#TheMartinTalkShow #Podcast #Creativity #Arts #Theatre #Dance #Music #Film #Storytelling #Creatives #Artists #InDepthConversations #Culture #Performance #Stage #Community #Inspiration #Innovation #MyEnglishPersianKitchen #HannahKhalil #AtoosaSepehr #ChrisWhite #IsabellaNefar #SohoTheatre #TraverseTheatre #EdinburghFringe #Cooking #Food #Immigration #Resilience #Identity #Belonging