Podcasts are an incredible way to immerse yourself in the realm of theatre, even when you are not physically inside of one. There are lots of amazing options out there, but these five in particular truly are standouts if you are looking to learn more about theatre, listen to some captivating interviews with industry professionals, or simply to be entertained on your commute to work.

Mischief Makers

If you have visited the West End in the last decade then you will know about the phenomenon that is ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. The hilarious comedy premiered in 2012, created by Mischief theatre company. The premise of the play is that the Cornley Drama Society are putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but the accident-prone performers find it increasingly difficult as the play goes on to stay on script. The theatre company specialises in side-splitting farce and slap-stick style comedy and have made waves across the UK. This podcast is a weekly chat hosted by Dave Hearn, delving into the land of all things Mischief. The podcast is recorded in a single take, guaranteeing hilarious spontaneity in line with the Mischief style of theatre! ‘Mischief Makers’ is a brilliant way to learn more about the ways of Mischief theatre company and to get in your daily dose of laughter along the way. Now you don’t need to wait for your trip to the theatre to have a giggle with these incredible creatives who have since created ‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong’, ‘The Comedy about a Bank Robbery’, ‘A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong’ and ‘Groan Ups’ too.

Backstage with Disney Theatrical

Have you ever wondered about how your favourite Disney shows made it onto the stage in front of you? ‘Backstage with Disney Theatrical’ is a magical podcast giving you insider knowledge about how London’s West End creates incredible theatre. The podcast features various guests, from stage managers to costume designers to makeup artists. With fairly short episodes of twenty to thirty minutes, ‘Backstage with Disney Theatrical’ is the perfect way to absorb nuggets of wisdom about the theatre world. Offering an insight as to how the West End works, the podcast is as fascinating as it is entertaining. The wide variety of guests keeps every episode engaging, covering all aspects of theatre that you could possibly be curious about. The podcast is hosted by actress Chiara Lari as she asks the questions that you want to know the answers to, to guests such as the Deputy Stage Manager of Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ to Gary Jordan on playing Zazu in the West End production of ‘The Lion King’. You can hear all about props, scenery, cast, crew and so much more. There is so much to discover about your favorite Disney musicals and you might not even know it yet – ‘Backstage with Disney Theatrical’ is certainly for you if you want to know more!

Click here to listen to Backstage with Disney Theatrical.

The Musicals and Theatre Podcast

Hosted by Magic Radio’s Alice Arnold, ‘The Musicals and Theatre Podcast’ is a series of interviews with theatre legends. This particular podcast is more focused on specifically musical theatre than theatre generally, so this one is for all of the musical fans out there wanting to know more about their favourite shows and performers. From Matthew Morrison, to Stephen Schwartz, to Ruthie Henshall, this podcast has every interviewee that a theatre lover could possibly dream of. The chats that Alice has are fun and entertaining whilst being insightful and a highly interesting way to learn more about your favourite theatre stars. The podcast focuses on musicals of both stage and screen – so you can learn more about your favourite film musicals as well as those on stage. When you listen to ‘The Musicals and Theatre Podcast’ you will genuinely feel like you are in the room having a catch up with some of your idols. These industry professionals have a profound insight and complex opinions about the theatre world that will have you engaged for the entire episode – a do not miss for any and all musical theatre lovers. Anyone musical theatre artist that you could imagine wanting to have a conversation with has probably been on this podcast, talking to Alice Arnold about their life and career.

Off Book – a podcast by the Young Vic

The Young Vic is a beautiful theatre in London and the home of endless phenomenal shows. ‘Off Book’ is a podcast by the Young Vic theatre, featuring interviews with many of the exciting artists that have visited them. The guests on this podcast vary from emerging artists to highly successful and incredibly well-renowned names. They have interviewed directors, performers and writers, revealing all about their success stories and inspirations, giving you a peek inside the lives of the Young Vic’s guests. As a theatre, The Young Vic aims to tell stories that can change the way that we all see the world around us. For that reason precisely, this podcast truly is for anyone and everyone with a love of theatre. Each episode offers a new perspective on theatre, life and everything in between. Listening to the ‘Off Book’ podcast is a wonderful way to enter the world of the Young Vic and London theatre without needing to be in the building. In the uncertainty of today’s society, there is no better time to become immersed in conversations about our love of theatre together.

Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast

Are you an aspiring playwright? If you are, then this podcast is 100% for you. ‘Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast’ is hosted by the Olivier Award-winning writer Simon Stephens as he chats with other playwrights and members of the theatre community. Even if you aren’t keen to become a West End playwright, this podcast produces some fascinating, engaging and compelling content for any theatre lover. Simon Stephens gives us all the inside scoop of the lives of the people he speaks to. The podcast lets you know about the work and relationships of some of your favourite playwrights. With guests like Jude Christian, Sam Max, Jez Butterworth and Enda Walsh amongst so many mote, the ‘Royal Court Playwright’s Podcast’ is a must for UK theatre fans. You will definitely want the opportunity to hear these stories, secrets and anecdotes from some of the most successful writers around today. Based upon Royal Court Theatre and its guests, this London-based theatre podcast gives you a fascinating look into the life and thought process of a West End playwright.