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Published by Amber Davies/W!ZARD Studios
This is Call To Stage, the podcast from Amber Davies, where musical theatre takes centre stage. From unforgettable backstage stories to exclusive news and insights, each week Strictly Come Dancing finalist and WhatsOnStage Award winning actress Amber is joined by stars of the stage (and sometimes just fans of it!) to chat, laugh… and maybe even sing. If one thing’s for sure, Amber and her guests will be leaving it all on the mic. New episodes every Wednesday.
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We're joined by an absolute icon of British music and theatre - the one, the only, the incomparable Beverley Knight MBE is on this episode of Call To Stage ! Beverley's career spans four decades and multiple industries. A self-described "born singer" who was performing by the age of four, she spent two decades as one of the UK's most celebrated soul and R&B artists before making a seamless - and Olivier Award -winning - transition into musical theatre as an adult. Beverley's theatre career includes the West End casts of The Bodyguard , Memphis , The Drifters Girls , Grizabella in Cats, Deloris in Sister Act and more. Along the way, she has earned three Olivier Award and WhatsOnStage nominations, including one Olivier win for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Sylvia . She currently stars as Emmeline Pankhurst in Sylvia, which tours the UK before culminating at the Royal Albert Hall. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Beverley talk about the decision to leave music behind and audition for the West End with no stage school training, getting an Olivier nom for Memphis and her tradition of 'Bev's Bomb Bom Fridays' which she's kept going across every show she's ever done. There are also stories from The Bodyguard, The Drifters Girl and Sylvia as well as a heartfelt conversation about keeping going in the face of rejection. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
We're joined by the warm and captivating Chumisa Dornford-May on this episode of Call To Stage ! Having grown up between Cape Town and England, Chumisa has rapidly established herself as one of the most exciting performers of her generation. Having made her mark originating the role of Natasha in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 , for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, she has gone on to play Christine in Phantom of the Opera , Cinderella in Into the Woods (Bridge Theatre), the Mistress in Evita (Curve), as well as Wednesday Addams Addams Family concert at the London Palladium. She is currently making her RSC debut in The Cherry Orchard at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Chumisa talk about the extraordinary experience of leading a show for the first time in The Great Comet at 22, the Olivier nomination she still can't quite explain and the pressure that came with it going into Into the Woods. There are also stories from Phantom of the Opera as well as a conversation about making her RSC debut in a straight play for the first time. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Thank You To Our Sponsor Every self-made person started somewhere. Your journey starts for free at shopify.co.uk Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by the hilarious Christian Edwards... who arrives straight from the reinvented production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Newbury to be with us! Christian has built one of the most eclectic and entertaining careers in British theatre, spanning straight plays, musicals and regional tours. Having established himself with major West End roles in Les Mise´rables and Oliver!, he has gone on to perform in plays at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre (including A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth ) as well as UK Tours of Rasputin , Emma , Cyrano and more. However, Christian also has one role unlike any other on Call To Stage - having played the anonymous satirical theatre personality West End Producer for 14 years; winding up, celebrating and gently skewering the British theatre industry, all while playing roles in the very shows he was tweeting about. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Christian talk about the birth of the West End Producer - the 14-year secret that had him lying to friends' faces, getting Cameron Mackintosh to follow him without ever revealing who he was, and the "I'm Spartacus" style reveal that had Beverley Knight, Rufus Hound and Reece Shearsmith all claiming to be him. There are also stories from Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , a relatable conversation about imposter syndrome and the two fish in the river outside the theatre that decide whether it's going to be a good show. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by the effortlessly chic Bradley Gibson! Bradley is one of Broadway's most exciting leading men. Having grown up in North Carolina and training at the Boston Conservatory, he made his Broadway debut as a swing in Rocky before going on to play Simba in The Lion King on Broadway, Tyrone in the Original Broadcast Cast of A Bronx Tale (alongside Ariana DuBose) as well as roles in TV on Partner Track (Netflix) and Mozart In The Jungle (Amazon Prime). He is currently making his West End debut playing Hercules in the brand new production of Hercules . On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Bradley talk about the moment he discovered his voice, the full-circle moment of singing in The Lion King on Broadway and then at the Hollywood Bowl, and his experience making his Broadway debut in Rocky . He also shares stories from Hercules , his Netflix roles and the best way to sustain your voice across a long run. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by an absolute childhood icon! The irrepressibly warm, joyful and genuinely life-affirming KayCee Stroh. KayCee is best known and most beloved as Martha Cox in the High School Musical franchise - a role she booked straight from Salt Lake City having never been to LA before. The show became a worldwide cultural phenomenon and a safe place for a generation of fans, and Kaycee has spent the two decades since championing its message of being unapologetically yourself, both on screen and off. She has also featured in a string of Disney projects (including The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Andi Mack ), and she is now bringing High School Musical to the stage in the 20th Anniversary stage production coming to The Lowry and then London's West End. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and KayCee talk about the full-circle moment of returning to High School Musical twenty years on, the decision to uproot her whole family and move to London and the moving story of how a shy girl from Utah walked into a casting call and found the role that changed her life. There are also brilliant stories about the making of High School Musical , the tap moment with Corbin Blue that inspired Work This Out and the message from her work that KayCee wants to ensure is never missed... For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by the magnetic and completely irresistible Joy Woods! Joy Woods is one of the most exciting performers on Broadway and the West End right now. Having starred in the Broadway productions of Six The Musical , The Notebook and the most recent Gypsy revival (for which she was nominated for a Tony and GRAMMY Award), she recently made her West End debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret . Joy has earned rave reviews and is undoubtedly one of theatre's brightest starts. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Joy talk about the unexpected journey to saying yes to London after initially turning it down, being the first Black woman to play Louise in Gypsy on Broadway and the masterclass she received every single night watching Audra McDonald give 300% from the wings. There are also stories from The Notebook, Little Shop of Horrors and Six — including the song Joy has sworn never to sing again, the World Cup summer that turned her into a football fan and her journey from mock college audition to role originator. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
We're joined by a true legend of stage and screen and an undeniable multi-hyphenate - Adam Cooper! Having started his career creating one of the most iconic moments in dance history - playing the Swam in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake , a role that earned him a Tony nomination, Adam has gone on to star in the film adaptation of Billy Elliot as well as the West End productions of Singin' In The Rain and Guys and Dolls. Adam has also starred in the UK tour of A Chorus Line as well as Grand Hotel at the Donmar Warehouse, for which he received an Olivier nomination for Best Choreography. He currently plays Callahan in the UK Tour of Legally Blonde . On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Adam talk about the brutal reality of eight years in the Royal Ballet, the extraordinary Broadway adventure of Swan Lake , his love for Billy Elliot and his role in the film adaptation of Billy Elliot . There are also stories from Guys and Dolls , beer with Jack Nicholson in his dressing room on Broadway and the accidental Mel Brooks moment on stage in Dublin that left both of them completely unable to look each other in the eye. Thanks To Our Sponsors Every self-made person started somewhere. Your journey starts with a free trial at shopify.co.uk For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by her Legally Blonde tour co-star and resident director — the phenomenal Jocasta Almgill. Jocasta has worked on some of the most exciting musicals in the UK - from being in the original London production of In The Heights to the ensemble in Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre. Jocasta also starred in the Original West End cast of & Juliet, the West End production of Grease and the UK tour of A Chorus Line . She currently plays Brooke Wyndham, and serves as resident director, on the UK Tour of Legally Blonde . On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Jocasta talk about the deeply personal meaning of playing Brooke Wyndham, and how this updated casting marks a new era for representation on stage, how Dreamgirls helped her realise she could be a leading lady, and what it really means to be a resident director. There are also stories from Grease, & Juliet and A Chorus Line , the saga of lying about playing guitar on her CV, and a very large lurcher called Luna who has become the unofficial mascot of the Legally Blonde tour! For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we're joined by the funny and candid Dan Partridge — a man who, as Amber quickly discovers, she has somehow never properly met despite sharing half the same friendship group, the same agent and very nearly the same production of Hairspray ! Dan has performed in many of the UK's most beloved musicals, including the West End productions of Mamma Mia and Grease , the UK Tours of Hairspray, Kinky Boots and - most recently - Waitress as well as the international tour of Cats as the Rum Tum Tugger. He currently stars as Dr Pomatter in the UK Tour of Waitress. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Dan talk about being cast in Waitress the day before rehearsals began, the vocal and physical toll of playing Charlie Price across two tours and his unique take on pre-show rituals... There are also stories from Grease, Cats and Starlight Express, his experiences in quarantine in Korea, as well as an important conversation about the broken system for touring performers. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we are joined by an icon of British musical theatre — the incomparable Jenna Russell. Jenna's credits include many of the most iconic roles in theatre, including playing both Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables (West End), Mary Flynn in the Olivier Award winning production of Merrily We Roll Along (West End) as well as roles in the West End productions of Follies and Hello, Dolly. She has also performed on Broadway in Urinetown and Songs For A New World. Jenna won an Olivier Award for her performance in Sunday In The Park With George and has been nominated for Olivier's for her performances in Guys and Dolls , Merrily We Roll Along and, most recently, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry . On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Jenna talk about making the roles of Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables her own (and how she made the roles harder for everyone who followed), what it was like working with Stephen Sondheim himself and her audition story for Sinatra: The Musical . There are also stories from Broadway, Guys and Dolls and Into The Woods (alongside Hannah Waddingham!), as well as reflections on Sylvia Young's quiet generosity, the upcoming Sunday in the Park with George revival and Ariana Grande's casting. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we're joined by the effortlessly cool and funny Ryan Kopel. Ryan has established himself as one of the most exciting young leading men working in British musical theatre today. Having broken through playing the titular role in the UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen in 2024, Ryan has also starred in the acclaimed and Olivier Award nominated London production of Newsies as well as the West End production of Book of Mormon and The Addams Family concert at the London Palladium. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Ryan talk about the discipline and monk-like lifestyle required to sustain Evan Hansen eight shows a week, the surreal experience of landing a role in Newsies when dancing is firmly not his thing and the joy of discovering straight theatre after years of leading musical roles. There are also stories from Dear Evan Hansen , Book of Mormon, the Addams Family Palladium concert as well as a genuinely wonderful conversation about skincare routines, glow drops, and the unexpected price of a buccal massage! Thanks To Our Sponsors Every self-made person started somewhere. Your journey starts with a free trial at shopify.co.uk For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we're joined by the sparkling and joyously warm Natalie Kassanga. Natalie made her West End debut at the age of nine playing young Nala in The Lion King , before going on to train at Sylvia Young. Since then she has become one of the most exciting performers of her generation, with credits including Satine in Moulin Rouge! (West End), Dina in Dreamgirls (UK Tour), Irene in Crazy For You (West End), and understudying both Zoe and Alana in Dear Evan Hansen (West End). On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Natalie talk about the extraordinary experience of making your West End debut as a child, the physical and emotional toll of touring Dreamgirls and the unexpected joy of landing Satine in Moulin Rouge! and discovering a note she didn't know she had. There are also stories from Dear Evan Hansen, Crazy For You and The Lion King , as well as a candid conversation about the undervalued art of being a cover, the importance of hydration and the importance of looking after yourself as a performer. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we're joined by the brilliantly warm, sharp and versatile Annabelle Terry — Amber's Vivienne in Legally Blonde! Annabelle has starred in the Original Cast of "Get Down Tonight: The KC & The Sunshine Band Musical" in both London and at the Edinburgh Fringe, the London production of Scissorhandz' as well as multiple Shakespeare productions in the US and across the UK (including the National Theatre). On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Annabelle talk about the leap of faith from straight acting into musical theatre later in your career, the invisible string that connects Annabelle to her co-star Karen Mavundukure and the wonderful creative freedom of working opposite a scene partner you can truly play with. There are also stories from touring America performing Shakespeare, the philosophy of saying yes to things that excite you rather than things that are strategic as well as a heartfelt conversation about not writing yourself off, and why the worst that can happen in an audition really isn't that bad at all. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we're joined by the sensational Karen Mavundukure - Amber's Paulette, partner in on-stage comedy crime and self-described forever sister. Karen's journey into musical theatre came almost by accident. After moving to the UK from Zimbabwe as a child and studying straight music at LIPA with no intention of going into theatre, she stumbled into the industry via The X Factor and a chance audition, going on to play alternate Effie in the original West End cast of Dreamgirls. She has since starred in The Color Purple (UK Tour), Stranger Things: The First Shadow (West End), and now stars as Paulette in the UK Tour of Legally Blonde. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Karen talk about the unconventional route Karen took to landing Paulette, unique creative freedom of director Nikolai Foster's rehearsal room and the comedic chemistry between Paulette and Elle that has become one of the heart-and-soul moments of the show. There are also brilliant stories from Dreamgirls , The Color Purple and Stranger Things , as well as a candid conversation about the toll of pushing through illness on tour, touring digs gone wrong, and letting go of vocal-health rituals that had become more of a burden than a help. Thanks To Our Sponsors Sign up for your £1 a month free trial with Shopify and start selling today at shopify.co.uk For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is flying solo — and this time it's a full Q&A, straight from her Instagram. With a phone full of questions from her followers, Amber settles in for one of the most fun, frank and wide-ranging episodes she's ever recorded. This one covers everything! Amber opens up about the realities of touring in a leading role for the second time — how it compares to Pretty Woman, what she's learned about looking after herself, and why playing Elle Woods still genuinely doesn't feel like work. She gets candid about managing mental health on the road, dealing with drama (or choosing not to) and the hard-won wisdom that comes with doing this job for over a decade. There are behind-the-scenes moments too — including the story of the quick change that went spectacularly wrong on closing night in Sheffield — as well as heartfelt reflections on the co-stars who have shaped her most, from Louise Redknapp teaching her the ropes of the public eye on 9 to 5, to Corbin Blue showing her what it means to truly give in a scene, to the unspoken comedy rhythm she has found with her Legally Blonde co-star Karen. Amber also answers fan questions on her dream roles, her favourite theatres, Strictly, long distance relationships, blanking on stage, and — inevitably — which kind of potato she would be. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage, we're joined by the wonderfully warm and completely charming Laura Baldwin. Laura has built one of the most varied and impressive careers in British musical theatre. A natural comedienne with a voice to match, her credits include Lena Lamont in Singin' in the Rain (Royal Exchange Manchester), Dawn in the original West End cast of Waitress , Danielle in the London production of 101 Dalmatians and a stint in the original West End cast of Cinderella — where she found a lifelong soul sister in co-star Georgina Castle. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Laura talk about the surreal experience of landing Lena Lamont after a single audition, the door-flinging moment of being cast in Waitress and stepping into the West End for the first time, and the beautiful chaos of being bridesmaid at the wedding of the season. There are also brilliant stories from 101 Dalmatians, Shrek and Cinderella as well as an honest and funny conversation about imposter syndrome in the rehearsal room, the agony of first day read-throughs and the importance of learning to fill your own cup. Thanks To Our Sponsors Sign up for your £1 a month free trial with Shopify and start selling today at shopify.co.uk For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by the effortlessly charming, brilliantly funny and refreshingly down-to-earth Jacob Fowler. Jacob has had one of the most unconventional and exciting paths into musical theatre - after discovering a love of performing doing Into the Woods at school, he left drama school early to compete on Little Mix: The Search — the BBC talent show that changed the course of his life — before going on to win the competition and support Little Mix on their final arena tour at the O2. He made his professional theatre debut as JD in Heathers at the Other Palace, went on to play the Addams Family on tour alongside Alexandra Burke and Leslie Joseph, and most recently starred in in the eleven-time Olivier Award-nominated production of Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Jacob talk about the surreal bubble of filming Little Mix: The Search during lockdown, the unexpected joy of being a standby and the unconventional routes into the industry. There are also brilliant stories from Heathers, the Olivier Awards and life with the Into the Woods company, as well as a lively debate about touring versus the West End and Jacob's dream role... Thanks To Our Sponsors Sign up for your £1 a month free trial with Shopify and start selling today at shopify.co.uk For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber is joined by the extraordinarily talented, endlessly wise and brilliantly warm Killian Donnelly. Killian is one of the most decorated and versatile performers of his generation. A GRAMMY Award nominee and two-time Olivier Award nominee, his remarkable career began — with no formal training — as a swing in Les Misérables in the West End, a show he has returned to time and again, eventually playing Jean Valjean in the West End, World Arena Tour and the iconic 40th Anniversary Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall. His other landmark credits include Charlie Price in Kinky Boots in the West End and on Broadway, Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera , Hughie Calhoun in Memphis The Musical , Tony in Billy Elliot , and Deco in The Commitments under the direction of Jamie Lloyd. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Killian talk about the extraordinary moment he performed at the Academy Awards in LA, what it was like standing on the Royal Albert Hall stage surrounded by 400 amateur theatre performers for the Les Misérables 40th Anniversary Royal Variety Performance and how he went from no training to becoming one of the most sought-after leading men in British musical theatre. There are also brilliant stories from Kinky Boots, Memphis, Billy Elliot and his time on Broadway, as well as a masterclass in acting — the power of the pause, honouring the most important thing in the room, and why banging a table always means you've lost the argument. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
On this episode of Call To Stage , we're joined by the gloriously warm, funny and brilliantly candid Helen Woolf. Helen has become one of the most beloved Glinda's in the history of Wicked , accumulating an extraordinary six contracts with the show across more than a decade — including the first UK Tour and multiple West End runs — before bringing her time with the show to a close alongside Lucy St. Louis, playing the role over 1,000 times in total. Her career also includes performing in the West Side Story Arena Tour, as well as concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, Royal Festival Hall and many more. On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Helen talk about the long and winding journey to landing Glinda, the terrifying reality of being thrown in at the deep end as an emergency cover in week one of the first UK Tour, and the extraordinary experience of attending the Wicked film premiere surrounded by an array of Glinda's past and present. There are also brilliant stories from the bubble as well as a deeply honest and moving conversation about the realities of returning to eight shows a week as a new mum and why the industry urgently needs more job-sharing options for working mothers. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
We're joined by a true legend of the British stage on this episode of Call To Stage - the endlessly charming, irrepressible, genre-defining Michael Ball. With over four decades in the industry, two Olivier Awards for Best Actor in a Musical , two BRIT Awards and GRAMMY nomination - Michael is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the industry. Having made his West End debut originating the role of Marius in Les Mise´rables (a show he has returned to multiple times in his career), he has gone on to define such iconic roles as Edna Turnblad in the West End production of Hairspray , Sweeney Todd in the revival of Sweeney Todd and Alex in Aspects of Love (which led to him charting in the Top 5 UK Singles Charts). Michael has also had renowned starring roles in The Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , released numerous albums and has sold out every venue from the Royal Albert Hall to Radio City in New York. Michael Ball's new album Glow is out on May 22nd. You can order it here: https://michaelball.tmstor.es/ On this episode of Call To Stage , Amber and Michael talk about the advice that has underpinned his four decade career, his experiences performing in front of royalty, why he keeps returning to Les Mise´rables and how he asked Imelda Staunton to star in Sweeney Todd alongside him... There are also stories from Hairspray and Aspects of Love as well as a masterclass in nerves, superstition and what it means to savour the rare perfect moments. For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage Follow Call To Stage Instagram: @calltostagepod TikTok: @calltostagepod YouTube: @calltostage See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
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Observed September 20, 2026.
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