The Greatest Show Woman

I chatted with Director of Shrek the Musical (2024) Juliet Gough about her beginnings as a dancer and actor. What kind of discipline does it take to commit to your artform and what she was like as a kid? Her 20+ years in the entertainment industry lends itself to many insightful stories and reflections.

Elisabeth gives insight into life as a high end escort in London. What do male clients ask for? Do they like going down on a woman? What are the weirdest requests she's received and how did she find herself working in the sex industry? In 2024 she released her debut novel based on her real life: Unashamed - why do people pay for sex. Unashamed is a no-holds-barred, taboo-busting account of the life of a sex worker, and what it's like to build a highly successful career in a multimillion-pound industry that exists largely in the shadows.

Olivia is probably most known for her role as Milla Jovovich's stunt double in the final instalment of the Resident Evil films due to sustaining a horrific motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of her left arm. Begging her career as an international model in South Africa ten migrating to Thailand to be a professional Muay Thai boxer, she is an undeniable force and an inpiration to hear her speak with honesty and openness about the drastic turn her life took after the accident. She discusses the perpetual pain she is in, the lack of compensation she has received and how she embraces meditation to maintain some sort of equilibrium and make it through each day.

How do you become a prima ballerina? What sort of dedication and training does one have to commit to? Charlotte Broom has enjoyed a 25-year career as a ballet and contemporary dancer. She was principal artist at Northern Ballet Theatre and Cullberg Ballet, Sweden, and also performed in numerous productions at the Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells and in the West End. Charlotte is co-founder and artistic director of HeadSpaceDance (Critic’s Circle National Dance Award for Best Independent Company 2017), rehearsal director for Ballet Black and movement director for the upcoming theatre production of The Hunger Games (2025). In this conversation she discusses what it takes to become a professional ballerina, juggling motherhood and her love of dance.

What's it like wearing the wonder woman costume or dancing in one of Paris's most renowned theatre shows?Whilst casually mentioning a childhood swimming in rivers infested with tiger sharks, one wonders if Aussie stunt women are even afraid of anything? Endearingly self-deprecating, suggesting she was a terrible dancer at a young age, Christiaan landed a job in Paris at the Moulin Rouge before embarking on a journey into stunt performing where she became Gal Gadot’s lead double in a series of films with Wonder Woman. This conversation reflects on the balance of motherhood and being a physical performer and the demands of travelling constantly for film work. @stannibombani

Known for her epic hula hooping skills, shoving paraphernalia up her nose such as drills and lollypops, and her untamed charisma on the stage. Australian circus queen Lilikoi reflects on her 20 years in circus, what it takes to get to a professional level, growing up in the circus with a circus performer mother, touring, headlining Vegas shows and her Hawaiian roots. @liliokoikaos @thegreatestshiowwomanpodcast

What does it take to become a professional dancer and choreographer? In this conversation, Emily reflects on her vast experience performing and choreographing for major artists and events such as the Brit awards, Nike, Glastonbury, Bring Me the Horizon to name a few. Emily set up “The Business Behind Dance” to assist the next generation of dancers by providing useful industry information and tips, remove gatekeeping and offer support where she never had in her evolution through dance. With a career that spans over a decade, Emily shares what it takes to make it as a dancer.

How does one outlast their peers and become one of dance music's most legendary legacies? Founding member of UK band Faithless, Sister Bliss is an enigmatic songwriter, music producer and performer. With over 50 million records sold, touring number 1 albums, and writing for film and TV, she draws on a wealth of experience from a career that has spanned three decades. In this conversation, "Blissy" gives insight into her creative process, being a woman in the "biz" and shares stories of being on some of the biggest stages in the world. Follow her on socials: @thesisterbliss @faithlessofficial

Do households of singing and music give rise to musically gifted children? In this conversation, Liz reflects on the influence of her upbringing in her singing development. With a voice as smooth as chocolate, she has done voice-over work for major brands and advertising and kindly indulges in a game of “read the most boring manual”. Having performed with the likes of Childish Gambino, Stormzy, Becky Hill and at the 2023 King Charles Coronation (to name a few), in this conversation Liz discusses what it’s like to be on some of the biggest stages in music in the world (Glastonbury, Coachella, International TV) and what it takes to be a vocal artist.

update* Amy won title of Commonwealth pro boxing champion 2024. What do you think it would be like to tell your loved ones that you've decided to leave your career in journalism to become a professional boxer in your 30s? At the time of this conversation, Amy is undefeated in her bouts of professional fighting. She reflects on her journey into boxing, female aggression and motherhood. She's slight and innocent-looking to talk to but an animal in the ring, don't be fooled by "AA" aka "The meeting". Instagram: @amyandrewboxing Amy's gym: @rivalboxinggymkingsx

Growing up as the only girl in a council estate full of boys, Eunice took a liking to fighting and climbing up high to hide. The UK Gladiator series of 1994, of which Eunice was the female champion, referred to her as a “scrapper”, someone who enjoys fighting. In this conversation, Eunice confirms her love of fighting, football and stunts. More starstruck by her favourite football players than the likes of Angelina Jolie whom she doubled in numerous films, Eunice reflects on regret, motherhood, and how the stunt industry has changed for women since she began nearly 30 years ago. Instagram: @thegreatestshowwomanpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNIWcvLoZdeWKgnPN25LHiA Sponsored by TYX studios, London