One script. One actor. No rehearsal. Fifteen years on, White Rabbit Red Rabbit remains one of the most extraordinary theatrical experiences ever created.

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour, whose groundbreaking work has been performed more than 4,000 times in over 25 languages by thousands of actors across the globe.

Written while Nassim was unable to leave Iran, White Rabbit Red Rabbit transformed personal circumstance into a theatrical experiment that continues to challenge performers and audiences alike. As the play celebrates its 15th anniversary with a new West End run, we explore how its themes of trust, obedience, freedom and choice remain as powerful and relevant today as ever.

Beyond the play itself, Nassim reflects on his remarkable career, from creating internationally celebrated works including NASSIM and ECHO to leading workshops that bring strangers together through storytelling and shared experience.

We also discuss the role of theatre in an uncertain world, how his upbringing in Iran has shaped his voice as an artist, why unpredictability is at the heart of live performance, and what continues to inspire him to create work that connects people across cultures and languages.

This is a thoughtful, insightful and deeply human conversation with one of contemporary theatre's most original and influential voices.

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This episode, we're heading to Mount Olympus as we review Disney's Hercules, now lighting up the West End.

Has Disney finally found another stage musical to rival The Lion King? We discuss whether Hercules succeeds by reimagining the beloved 1997 animated classic, why Disney's live-action remakes continue to divide opinion, and what makes a great stage adaptation in the first place.

Natalie also sits down with Bradley Gibson, who stars as Hercules, for an exclusive conversation about taking on one of Disney's most iconic heroes. Bradley talks about the journey to the role, the demands of leading a major musical, and what audiences can expect from this fresh take on the legendary story.

Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or simply love big, spectacular musicals, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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In this episode, we're joined by Jordan Luke Gage to talk about one of our favourite new musicals of the year, Redcliffe.

Known for his incredible work on stage, Jordan has now turned his hand to writing, composing and lyric-writing, creating a show that feels both deeply personal and remarkably assured. After seeing Redcliffe, we had to sit down and chat about the journey behind it.

We discuss making the leap from performer to creator, the challenge of writing the book, music and lyrics yourself, and why telling a passionate, tragic and authentic queer love story was so important to him. Jordan also shares the inspirations behind the show, the realities of developing new musicals today, and what he's learned from years of performing in some of the industry's biggest productions.

Warm, funny and full of heart, this is a conversation with an artist entering an exciting new chapter - and one we can't wait to see more of.

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In this episode, we explore three powerful productions that tackle some of the biggest questions facing society today. From the dangers of deepfake technology and online voyeurism to supernatural terror during wartime Iran and an inspiring true story of ingenuity in Malawi, these are shows that challenge, move and ultimately stay with you long after the curtain falls.

Are You Watching?

What happens when technology blurs the line between reality and exploitation?

Georgie Dettmer makes an impressive professional playwriting debut with Are You Watching?, a bold new world premiere directed by Jess Edwards, whose acclaimed work includes Conversations After Sex. Exploring deepfakes, pornography, online voyeurism and the commodification of grief, the play asks difficult questions about consent, responsibility and our growing desensitisation to digital abuse.

As stories intertwine and perspectives shift, audiences are forced to confront their own relationship with the content they consume and the systems that profit from it. Timely, provocative and deeply unsettling, we discuss whether this powerful new work succeeds in holding a mirror up to our increasingly online world.

Under the Shadow

The horrors of war and the supernatural collide in this gripping stage adaptation of Babak Anvari's BAFTA-winning film.

Adapted by Carmen Nasr, Under the Shadow transports audiences to Tehran during the final years of the Iran-Iraq War, where Shideh is left to care for her young daughter as bombs rain down on the city. Yet alongside the very real threat of conflict lurks something far older and more sinister: a djinn carried on the wind between the missile strikes.

Featuring a remarkable central performance from Leila Farzad as Shideh, supported by Nadia Albina, Bijan Daneshmand, Souad Faress, Mona Goodwin, Nicholas Karimi and Rachid Sabitri, this atmospheric production feels especially resonant given current events in Iran. We discuss how the play balances psychological horror with a deeply human story about motherhood, identity and the impossible choices faced during times of war.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Based on William Kamkwamba's bestselling memoir and the acclaimed 2019 film directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind arrives in the West End as a moving and uplifting new musical full of heart, hope and extraordinary talent.

Directed by Lynette Linton, with book and lyrics by Richy Hughes and music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, the production tells the true story of a thirteen-year-old boy in drought-stricken Malawi who uses ingenuity, determination and a handful of library books to build a windmill that transforms his community.

We discuss the outstanding central performance from Alistair Nwachukwu as William, alongside Madeline Appiah as his mother Agnes and Sifiso Mazibuko as his father Trywell. The inventive use of puppetry, Frankie Bradshaw's vibrant set and costume design, Oliver Fenwick's lighting and George Dennis' soundscape combine to create a production that celebrates resilience, imagination and the power of education to change lives.

Three remarkable stories. Three very different worlds. One episode about the courage to confront fear, challenge injustice and dream beyond the impossible.

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This episode, Darren sits down with acclaimed stage and screen actor JJ Feild.

Currently starring in the world premiere of Ben Ockrent's darkly comic family drama Relics at the Lyric Hammersmith, JJ discusses the appeal of the play, its exploration of family dynamics and the secrets we inherit.

The conversation also takes a broader look at his remarkable career, from returning to the stage as Oberon and Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Bridge Theatre to his work on major screen productions including Jack Ryan, Captain America: The First Avenger, Telstar and Lost in Space.

JJ reflects on the roles that have shaped him, what he looks for in a script, the differences between theatre and screen acting, and the importance of continuing to challenge himself as a performer.

A warm, thoughtful and insightful conversation with one of Britain's most versatile actors.

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This episode, we're talking horses - but in two very different theatrical experiences. Natalie reviews Peter Shaffer's psychological masterpiece Equus at the Menier Chocolate Factory, while Darren heads to the National Theatre for the long-awaited homecoming of the global phenomenon War Horse.

Equus

What could drive a seemingly ordinary seventeen-year-old boy to commit an act of shocking violence against six horses?

That's the question at the heart of Peter Shaffer's modern classic Equus, now revived at the Menier Chocolate Factory in a gripping new production directed by Lindsay Posner. As psychiatrist Martin Dysart attempts to understand his young patient Alan Strang, the investigation becomes something far more profound than a search for motive. The deeper Dysart digs, the more he is forced to confront his own beliefs about passion, normality, worship and what it truly means to live a fulfilled life.

Natalie discusses whether this powerful revival still packs the same psychological punch that has made Equus one of the most celebrated plays of the twentieth century, and why its questions remain as provocative today as when it first premiered.

War Horse

Nearly twenty years after it first changed the landscape of British theatre, War Horse returns home to the National Theatre.

Based on Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel, the production follows young Albert and his horse Joey, whose bond is tested when the First World War tears them apart. As Joey is shipped to the battlefields of France, Albert embarks on a dangerous journey to bring his beloved companion home.

Featuring the extraordinary puppetry of Handspring Puppet Company, a soaring score and some of the most breathtaking stagecraft ever created, War Horse remains one of the defining theatrical productions of the modern era. Darren reflects on experiencing the show for the first time, discussing whether its emotional storytelling and revolutionary puppetry still have the power to captivate audiences in an era shaped by productions such as Life of Pi and My Neighbour Totoro.

Two acclaimed productions. Two unforgettable relationships between humans and horses. One explores obsession and psychology; the other love, loyalty and survival against the backdrop of war.

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This episode, Darren sits down with actor, writer and co-creator Joshua Poole to discuss Monarchs Anonymous, the riotous new historical farce arriving at The Other Palace.

What began as a lockdown YouTube project has evolved into a full-scale stage production, bringing together some of history's most famous rulers for a chaotic group therapy session. Joshua talks about the origins of the show, balancing his roles as both writer and performer, and stepping into the shoes of the notoriously flamboyant Charles II.

Along the way, the conversation explores the challenge of finding comedy in history, what happens when historical figures are judged by modern standards, and why audiences continue to be fascinated by the personalities behind the crowns.

Packed with humour, insight and a healthy dose of royal scandal, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of London's most original new comedies.

Monarchs Anonymous plays at The Other Palace from 23–28 June.

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This episode, we're joined by writer-director Ellie Coote and composer-lyricist Jack Godfrey, the award-winning creative team behind the smash-hit new musical Hot Mess.

Following acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Southwark Playhouse, Hot Mess returns this summer for an extended London season at The Other Palace. The high-energy original romcom reimagines the climate crisis as the ultimate relationship drama, turning Earth and Humanity into star-crossed lovers whose billion-year romance may finally be heading for a messy break-up.

During our conversation, Ellie and Jack discuss the journey of creating one of the most exciting new British musicals of recent years, from its Fringe First Award-winning beginnings to becoming a multi-award-winning audience favourite. They talk about writing comedy around such a huge global issue, why hope sits at the heart of the story, and how they balance big ideas with infectious pop songs and laugh-out-loud humour.

We also explore their creative partnership, the success of 42 Balloons, the challenges of developing original musical theatre in the UK, and what they've learned from watching audiences connect with the show's environmental message in unexpected ways.

Plus, we discuss the show's exciting new London cast, with Danielle Steers returning as Earth and Morgan Gregory joining the company as Humanity for what promises to be a bigger, bolder and even more spectacular production at The Other Palace.

If you've ever wondered how to turn climate change into a hilarious, heartfelt and surprisingly romantic musical, this conversation is for you.

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