Category: The Spotlight Podcast

  • Comedy and Social Media: Jonny Weldon’s Acting Story

    Comedy and Social Media: Jonny Weldon’s Acting Story

    In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, we chat to actor and comedian Jonny Weldon about auditions, comedy, making your own work and social media. Spotlight member Jonny Weldon is an actor, writer, comedian, and content creator who has performed on stage and screen from a young age. He can be seen in Sneakerhead, Stath Lets Flats,…

  • Breaking Down Barriers: Tommy Jessop Talks about his Journey

    Breaking Down Barriers: Tommy Jessop Talks about his Journey

    Tommy Jessop is the first actor with Down Syndrome to play the lead in a primetime TV drama, he’s also been in Line of Duty and is the first actor with Down Syndrome to be professionally cast as Hamlet, and become a full voting member of BAFTA. 16 minute listen or a full transcript of the…

  • Transgender, Non-Binary & Gender Non-Conforming – Let’s Talk About It

    Transgender, Non-Binary & Gender Non-Conforming – Let’s Talk About It

    We speak to Aitch Wylie (they/them), who is an actor, singer, and trans inclusivity consultant in the performing arts.  In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we cover some of the basic definitions and language used when talking about gender constructs and challenging them. We also discuss the importance of the arts in driving social change…

  • The Spotlight Podcast: Drag as an Art Form

    The Spotlight Podcast: Drag as an Art Form

    This month we’re talking to Kevin Grogan, the triple threat performer behind the Drag Queen persona, Veronica Green, who you might know from Season’s 2 and 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.  Kevin talks about his experiences of performing drag and offers some wisdom for those considering giving it a go. We also talk about…

  • Making and Performing Comedic Work with Dave Hearn from Mischief Theatre

    Making and Performing Comedic Work with Dave Hearn from Mischief Theatre

    In this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, we speak to Dave Hearn, actor and co-founder of Olivier Award winning theatre company, Mischief Theatre. We discuss Dave’s journey with Mischief Theatre, from the early days of performing in rooms above pubs, right through to the West End transfers and TV commissions that followed. 54 minute listen…

  • Casting and Acting on Screen

    Casting and Acting on Screen

    Actor Billy Barratt, his mum Carolyn Owlett and casting director Daniel Edwards CDG join us for a chat about working on screen. In this episode, we speak to Billy Barratt, a 13-year-old performer who won the International Emmy for Best Performance by an Actor for his role as Ray in Responsible Child, a factual drama about…

  • Mental Health and Self-care

    Mental Health and Self-care

    In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we focus on self-care including tips for managing anxiety and stress. We’re joined by Bea Grist, Spotlight’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager who shares practical self-care tips and information about how you can sign up for The Wellbeing Series, which is available to members. 45 minute listen or…

  • How a Director and Writer Collaborate in Theatre

    How a Director and Writer Collaborate in Theatre

    In this episode of the Spotlight podcast, we talk to playwright Ella Hickson and director Natalie Abrahami about collaboration in theatre Natalie and Ella have worked on some hugely successful projects together including Anna at the National Theatre and Swive (Elizabeth) at The Globe. In this podcast they chat to us about working in theatre, their…

  • The Spotlight Podcast: Should You Have Multiple Agents as a Young Performer?

    The Spotlight Podcast: Should You Have Multiple Agents as a Young Performer?

    Young Performers Consultant, Ellie Samuels, talks about whether it is ever beneficial to have more than one agent. Young Performers need an agent to sign up for Spotlight, but what could having more than one agent offer, if anything? What are the pros and cons? Spotlight’s Ellie Samuels talks us through it. 19 minute listen…

  • How Parents and Agents Work Together for Young Performers

    How Parents and Agents Work Together for Young Performers

    Spotlight talks to Michelle Kirby and Diane Zetterstrom about how they work together for their young performer, Oliver. In this episode, Spotlight talks to Michelle Kirby of Daisy and Dukes Agency, along with the parent of a performer she represents, Diane Zetterstrom. Diane’s son Oliver is a young performer on Spotlight, exploring his passion for performing. We…