Guest Blog: Mark Curry on His Podcast, BACKSTAGE CURRY

The Apollo Victoria Theatre is a theatre that has hosted Wicked since 2006, and a theatre I know all too well having played The Wizard during the UK’s 10th anniversary in 2016 and returned in 2023. On this second return I discovered podcasts. The 1 hour 20-minute wait before my first entrance was made easier by listening, and this inspired me to create a series of my own.

I have always been fascinated by other performers preparation process and by how shows or events are created.  I believed that listeners could be fascinated too. Behind the scenes detail can be so interesting, hence the title, Backstage Curry. It was important to me that the podcast would include creatives – from directors, producers to choreographers – each having their unique ways of working.

I support the excellent work Acting For Others does in supporting, both financially and emotionally, when needed, ALL theatre workers and decided that my series should be a potential fundraiser for the organisation. Acting For Others backed my idea and my good friend (ex-performer and West End Stage Manager, now a Life and Business Coach!), Andy Barker, became my technical supervisor and producer. His assistance in setting up the Zoom link interviews for each podcast conversation, then recording and editing, to name but a few! I’m no technical expert and I’ve really needed Andy’s help!

Every podcast episode lasts roughly 45 minutes, and each guest focuses on a certain subject. Bonnie Langford talks about her approach to work, Debbie McGee describes her Strictly experience, Jane Deitch takes us into the casting world, Lee Proud tells us how he staged a musical at Kilworth House Theatre, Yvette Fielding shares her Most Haunted filming experiences, singer Sonia recalls losing Eurovision by 1 point, Emmerdale series regular Louise Jameson reveals details of life in a soap, Daniel Martinez opens up about the world of Flamenco, actor Mark Farrelly discusses his one man shows and the UK Associate Director of Wicked Petra Siniawski details casting and rehearsing the hit show.

These are just a few of my guests, but there are more ‘in the can’, with many more interviews planned.

As the episodes are audio only, I think it is key in keeping the interview casual and conversational, as if we are chatting over dinner or coffee. Without video recording the guest can feel more relaxed and not concerned about how they look. For each episode I record the intro to each episode before my guest joins the Zoom link so when they appear we can get right to it!

I really want to concentrate on the subject we’re going to discuss, I don’t think listeners want to hear too much small talk…! I try to gently move the conversation along and make sure that we focus on a specific conversation topic, not necessarily revolve it around their life or career. Through this, I and my audiences, can learn more about each of these guests who have each had their success in the entertainment industry.

Backstage Curry is available from Acast or wherever you get your podcasts.