Tag: theatre
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Spotlight on Casting Directors: Heather Basten
Casting director Heather Basten discusses her award-winning career and shares expert advice for actors navigating the stage and screen. We’re thrilled to put the spotlight on one of the industry’s most dynamic and celebrated figures, casting director Heather Basten, CDG, CSA. Known for her exceptional eye for talent, Heather’s career spans film, TV, commercial and…
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Oh, Yes, It Is! Pantomime as a Cultural and Financial Powerhouse
The enduring great British pantomime is much more than just festive fun: discover the history, essential characters and the £60 million economic power of panto. For many of us, the annual trip to the panto is a core part of the Christmas season, forming a treasured family memory and often sparking a lifelong passion for…
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What’s on the West End Christmas 2025?
Ready for some festive viewing? Enjoy some of the West End’s biggest shows like ‘Elf the Musical’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘The Snowman’. The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to the theatre! London’s glittering West End has a huge amount of shows on offer…
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Dealing with the Unexpected in Live Theatre
When the curtain rises, anything can happen. Discover how professional stage actors handle the unpredictable nature of live theatre. When it comes to live theatre, every performance is a unique event. The audience expects a compelling story, but what happens when the unexpected strikes? How do actors keep the show going when lines are forgotten,…
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Spotlight on Welsh Culture: An Interview with Minister Jack Sargeant
Culture Minister Sargeant on £50M investment, AI’s impact and the crucial work needed to boost diversity in the arts sector. In this insightful episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Jack Sargeant, the Welsh Labour Party’s Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, as he pulls back the curtain on the demanding, fast-paced…
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The Winners of the Black British Theatre Awards 2025
Shanay Holmes, Beverley Knight and The Lion King among winners at the Black British Theatre Awards. The 2025 Black British Theatre Awards took centre stage last night at the Piccadilly Theatre, delivering a powerful evening that celebrated Black excellence, artistry and legacy across UK theatre. The evening was filled with memorable moments – from dazzling…
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Performing Arts Charities
The performing arts industry can be tough and sometimes you may need some support during your career or beyond. We’ve gathered a list of fantastic charities who can offer help should you ever need it. Last updated on 11 June 2026 Whether you need help to make ends meet, support your child in education or…
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My Casting Story: Nathaniel Parker in ‘Ragdoll’
From his Olivier Award-winning role in ‘Wolf Hall’ to working with Ridley Scott, Nathaniel Parker shares his career highlights and details about his new play, ‘Ragdoll’. Nathaniel Parker is an actor with a career spanning over four decades, instantly recognisable to millions as ‘Inspector Lynley’ from the long-running BBC series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. His…
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RepresentAsian: Championing Asian Talent
RepresentAsian’s Ben Armstrong and Aixa Amarante Naranjo reveal how passion drives their mission to champion Asian talent and create lasting change for diversity in theatre. In an industry where meaningful representation remains a challenge, the story of RepresentAsian shows what happens when a community comes together to give a platform to performers and creatives who…
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Who’s Really Deciding the Future of the Arts? Lord Chris Smith Explains
The UK’s first Culture Secretary, Lord Chris Smith, offers a candid look behind the government’s closed doors. In this episode of The Spotlight Podcast, we discuss how policy decisions directly impact careers and outline the crucial steps artists must take to make their voices heard and shape the future of the arts. For many performers,…