Category: News & Advice

  • My Casting Story: Luke Brady in Disney’s ‘Hercules the Musical’

    My Casting Story: Luke Brady in Disney’s ‘Hercules the Musical’

    Performer Luke Brady’s on landing his Hercules role, how he takes care of his voice, and the differences between stage and screen acting. Luke Brady makes a heroic return to the West End stage in the iconic leading role of ‘Hercules’ in Disney’s latest London-based musical.  First he captivated audiences with his powerful performances as…

  • Karen Dunbar: From ‘Chewin’ the Fat’ to ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ BAFTA Win

    Karen Dunbar: From ‘Chewin’ the Fat’ to ‘Still Wakes the Deep’ BAFTA Win

    We talk to Karen Dunbar about her recent BAFTA win for her video gaming debut and the 30+ year performing career that took her to that moment.  Interview Summary: Karen Dunbar discusses her career from hosting pub karaoke, working on comedy shows like Chewin’ the Fat, playing three roles in Phyllida Lloyd’s all-female Shakespeare trilogy,…

  • Alyssa Thabisile Sibanda: A Year of Growth and Gratitude

    Alyssa Thabisile Sibanda: A Year of Growth and Gratitude

    Spotlight Prize winner Alyssa reflects on her acting journey and shares insights and advice for drama school graduates. Since winning the Stage Award at the Spotlight Prize 2024 for her performance of Many Moons, Alyssa has quickly become one to watch in the world of theatre. But her journey from an enthusiastic young performer to…

  • What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland in June 2025

    What’s Filming in the UK and Ireland in June 2025

    Take a look at some of the films and TV shows currently being filmed in the UK and Ireland, including ‘Rivals’ (Season 2), ‘Vision Quest’ and Bella Ramsey’s new film. From Joan Collins’ return to screen as ‘Wallis Simpson’ to Steve Coogan’s new Netflix drama, we look at some of the exciting productions filming around…

  • Getting Started in Audiobook Narration

    Getting Started in Audiobook Narration

    Practical advice for actors and voice performers aspiring to break into audiobook narration with Stefan Szwarc from 2020 Recordings. In this episode we’re joined in the Spotlight Voice Booth by Stefan Szwarc, Head of Production at 2020 Recordings. 2020 Recordings produce a broad range of audio content and are an industry leader in audiobook production,…

  • How the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is Supporting Performers

    How the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is Supporting Performers

    What the Actors’ Benevolent Fund is, how performers can receive financial and wellbeing support from them, and why performers should have their say in their survey. The performing arts industry is known for its creativity and vibrancy, but behind the scenes, many actors and stage managers face challenges like financial difficulty and social isolation. Thankfully,…

  • Building Resilience to Stress

    Building Resilience to Stress

    Use these seven daily practices to help build up your resilience to stress and help you understand it. Since I started my coaching business, one of my greatest missions has been to share with others the importance of getting ahead of stress by taking a preventative and proactive approach. By doing so, people (hopefully) won’t…

  • Senam Akpokavi: Navigating Post-Drama School Success

    Senam Akpokavi: Navigating Post-Drama School Success

    Senam Akpokavi talks about his acting career since winning the Spotlight Prize in 2024, including landing a regular role in a BBC series and adapting to life after drama school. In 2024, Senam Akpokavi’s excellent performance of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy saw him win the Screen…

  • Impact of Fast Foods Ad Restrictions for Performers

    Impact of Fast Foods Ad Restrictions for Performers

    The High in Fat, Sugar and Salt Advertisements Restrictions for food and drink commercials and what it means for the creative industry. On 15 May 2025, Spotlight sent the Secretaries of State a letter on behalf of the creative industries urging them to delay implementation of the High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS) Advertisement…

  • Performer Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Arts

    Performer Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Arts

    Wellbeing in the Arts founder and former West End performer Adam Bambrough discusses mental health in the industry and his own experience with audition anxiety and self-care. We’re joined in the Spotlight Voiceover Booth by Adam Bambrough, founder of Wellbeing in the Arts, to talk about mental health in the creative industries.  Adam is a…