Showtime with Andrew G | Theatre Podcast Australia

Award-Winning Director’s Take: Why Mamma Mia Has More Heart Than Anyone Expects

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with acclaimed Australian director Pip Mushen during rehearsals for Mamma Mia, ahead of its upcoming season at the National Theatre this February. Pip reflects on his early perceptions of the show and how, through rehearsal and close attention to the script, he discovered a depth of heart and emotional storytelling beneath its joyful, familiar surface.
The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the director’s role in shaping live theatre — from the invisible work audiences never notice to the delicate balance between spectacle and sincerity. Pip shares insights from a career spanning theatre, film, and television, unpacking what it really takes to lead a cast under pressure, collaborate with creative teams, and keep a production aligned around a shared goal.
Andrew and Pip also explore why Mamma Mia continues to resonate across generations. Beyond ABBA’s iconic music and infectious energy, the show endures because of its emotional accessibility, its focus on relationships, and its ability to move audiences without demanding analysis or explanation.
At its heart, this episode is a celebration of live theatre as a shared, immediate experience — joyful, demanding, and deeply human — and a reminder that the most powerful moments on stage are often the ones audiences feel rather than consciously see.

Inside the Rehearsal Room: The Place That Heals Bad Days and Builds Lifelong Friendships

In this episode, Andrew G sits down with Belle Parkinson, Ali Long, and Eleanor Atanofsky as they prepare to step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season this February. The cast reflect on the excitement, nerves, and privilege of working on a musical that holds such a special place in popular culture, and on the responsibility of bringing honesty and authenticity to a show so many audiences already love.
They share what life is like inside the rehearsal room as opening night draws closer — from the fast pace and constant momentum to the sense of trust, play, and belonging that forms when a cast comes together. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mamma Mia as a true ensemble piece, where every performer contributes to the energy of a show that never really stops moving.
The discussion also explores why Mamma Mia continues to resonate decades after its debut. From the timeless appeal of ABBA’s music to the show’s balance of humour, heart, and emotional relatability, the cast unpack why it works best when played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. Along the way, they reflect on their individual journeys into theatre — from early inspirations and training to uncertainty, growth, and learning to trust their instincts.
At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, how music can instantly lift a room, and why audiences keep returning to Mamma Mia — to laugh, to feel seen, and to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.

Stage to Soul: The Truth Behind Performing Mamma Mia

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Anderson, Shannon Foley, and Luke Stevens as they step into the world of Mamma Mia ahead of its National Theatre season in February 2026. The cast reflect on the excitement, pressure, and privilege of working on a show that continues to connect with audiences across generations, and on the responsibility of bringing truth and authenticity to such a beloved musical.
They share what it’s like inside the rehearsal room as opening night approaches—from the fast pace and constant momentum to the trust, play, and collaboration that make the process so rewarding. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Mamma Mia functions as a true ensemble piece, where every performer is part of a joyful, finely tuned machine.
The discussion explores why Mamma Mia still resonates decades on. From the timeless pull of ABBA’s music to the balance of humour, heart, and emotional honesty, the cast unpack why the show works best when it’s played sincerely rather than as pure spectacle. They also reflect on the different paths that led them here—training, setbacks, resilience, and the lessons learned along the way.
At its heart, this episode is about joy, connection, and shared experience. It’s a reminder of why live theatre matters, why music can lift people instantly, and why audiences keep coming back—to leave the theatre smiling, humming ABBA, and feeling just a little lighter than when they arrived.
 

Opera Veteran: The Show That Makes First-Timers Fall in Love With Opera Without Realising It

In this episode, we sit down with Stuart Maunder, Artistic Director of Victorian Opera, to explore the enduring magic of The Pirates of Penzance and the creative life that has grown alongside it. Stuart reflects on decades spent in rehearsal rooms and theatres, tracing how early encounters with pantomime and musical storytelling shaped his love of performance and his belief that theatre should be joyful, generous, and accessible to all.
He shares what it’s like to return to Pirates time and again—as a director, a storyteller, and a lifelong fan—unpacking why this famously “silly” operetta continues to resonate across generations. From the terror and exhilaration of stepping into a rehearsal room, to the energy that emerges when seasoned performers and early-career artists collaborate, Stuart offers an inside look at building a production designed to give audiences a genuinely great night out.
The conversation delves into why The Pirates of Penzance remains funny and moving more than a century after it was written. Stuart explores the balance between laughter and heartfelt emotion, the power of music to reach audiences beyond words, and the uniquely British humour that keeps the work fresh without losing its original spirit. He also challenges common misconceptions about opera, reframing it not as an elite art form, but as something driven by music, community, and shared human experience.
At its heart, this episode is about joy—why laughter matters, why silliness can carry real emotional weight, and why theatre that welcomes people in continues to endure. Whether you’re an opera devotee or a first-timer who’s never thought it was “for you,” this conversation is an invitation to give it a go—and to walk out of the theatre thinking, my God, that was a great night.

Behind the Curtain: Why This Regional Production of & Juliet Hits Harder Than the Big City Versions

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Rogers-Bredin and Madidi McKenzie to explore the making of & Juliet in Warrnambool and the journeys that have shaped them as young theatre-makers within regional communities. Ashley reflects on growing up in local theatre, stepping into his first full-scale directing role at just 23, and what it means to lead a company he once performed alongside. Madidi shares her path as a performer and the challenge of inhabiting the role of Anne Hathaway—one that demands maturity, reflection, and a deep commitment to truth.
They speak candidly about the rehearsal process behind a major musical, from casting and collaboration to the emotional impact of hearing the full band and cast come together for the first time. The conversation unpacks why & Juliet resonates so strongly with today’s audiences, blending pop music and humour with themes of female empowerment, identity, self-worth, and the importance of being heard.
At its heart, this episode is about community, voice, and possibility. Ashley and Madidi reflect on the power of regional theatre to nurture talent, build confidence, and create meaningful stories that challenge expectations. Whether you’re a performer, director, educator, or theatre-lover, this episode is a reminder that powerful, relevant theatre can grow anywhere—and that chasing what makes you happy is always worth the risk.

Glenn Elston on Live Theatre: Why Nothing Digital Can Replace Its Magic

In this episode, we sit down with Glenn Elston, Artistic Director of the Australian Shakespeare Company, to explore a life shaped by live performance and a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare. Glenn reflects on how returning to the plays again and again deepens his understanding of human nature, creativity, and why theatre remains a living art form.
He speaks candidly about sustaining a large independent theatre company—from overlapping productions and touring to the physical and creative demands of back-to-back seasons. Glenn also shares the unique power of outdoor theatre, where shared space, weather, and audience connection break down barriers. He reflects on keeping Shakespeare accessible and funny through bold comedy, physical storytelling, and a strong sense of play for families and first-timers.
At its heart, this conversation is about community and why theatre still matters. Glenn offers a thoughtful perspective on live performance as a tool for connection, wellbeing, and kindness in a digital world. Whether you’re a theatre-maker, educator, performer, or audience member, this episode is a reminder of theatre’s power to bring people together, night after night, under the open sky.

Saturday Night Fever Star: Why Starting Late Didn’t Stop Ayril Borce

In this episode, we sit down with Ayril Borce, a rising performer in Melbourne’s musical theatre scene, to explore the deeply human journey behind his life in performance. Ayril opens up about where it all began, from street dancing and community celebrations to navigating family expectations, self-belief, and the winding path that led him onto the professional stage.
He speaks candidly about the realities of choosing an artistic life, including changing careers later than most, stepping into formal training for the first time in his mid-twenties, and confronting the fear of not feeling “ready enough.” Ayril reflects on the discipline of dance, the vulnerability of learning to sing in front of others, and the resilience required to keep going through rejection, uncertainty, and constant growth. Along the way, he shares the moments that affirmed his choices, from getting into NIDA to making his professional debut and finding his place in large-scale musical theatre productions.
At its heart, this conversation is about community, belonging, and the power of shared movement and storytelling. Ayril offers a heartfelt perspective on why disco, dance, and musical theatre still matter: they allow people to let go, feel seen, and connect with one another. Whether you are a performer, a creative considering a career shift, or someone searching for the courage to take a leap, this episode is an honest, encouraging reminder that there is no single path into the arts and that showing up, again and again, is where the real work begins.

Ella Caldwell: What 25 Years of Pressure Taught Me About Resilience

In this episode, we sit down with Ella Caldwell, one of the driving creative forces at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, to explore the deeply human journey behind her life in the arts. Ella opens up about her beginnings, the moments that shaped her, and the unexpected turns that led her to become a core part of one of Australia’s most respected independent theatre companies.
She talks candidly about the struggles that come with a life on stage, from self doubt to burnout to the emotional cost of throwing yourself fully into every role. Ella’s reflections are honest and vulnerable, sharing not just the highlights but the parts of the journey that often go unseen. She also tells the stories behind some of her biggest creative breakthroughs, those powerful moments in rehearsal or performance that reminded her why she chose this path in the first place.
Ella offers a heartfelt look into what theatre really means to her the community, the connection, and the belief that stories have the power to shift people at their core. Whether you are an actor, director, theatre lover, or someone finding your way creatively, this conversation feels grounding, comforting, and deeply inspiring. It is a beautiful reminder of why the arts matter and why the people who make them matter just as much.

He Never Meant to Build a Theatre… But Fate Had Other Plans for Chris Mitchell

In this episode, we chat with Chris Mitchell, a kid who grew up obsessed with movies and somehow ended up building a theatre that’s changing the creative scene in his city. Chris gets real about the messy, confusing, and unexpected moments that shaped him, the times he didn’t know which path to take, the pull of creativity that wouldn’t let go, and the experiences that pushed him toward something he never saw coming. What starts as a personal journey of figuring things out turns into a story about creating something bigger than himself, a space for artists, storytellers, and audiences to come together.
 
Chris shares the highs, the funny missteps, and the lessons that only theatre life can teach,  all with honesty and heart. It’s the kind of conversation that will make anyone in the arts nod, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little, remembering why they fell in love with this crazy, creative world.
 
Whether you’re an actor, director, designer, writer, or just chasing your own creative dream, Chris’s story is a reminder that following your passion isn’t always easy, but it can lead to something truly extraordinary, a place, a purpose, and a community that makes it all worth it.
 

How Belinda Jenkin turns Christmas chaos into comedy gold

Talking with Belinda Jenkin on Showtime was a reminder of how much passion and imagination sit behind great musical theatre. Belinda is an actor, singer, writer and composer who has spent more than a decade creating, performing and teaching across Australia and New York. Her path began in primary school when she choreographed routines for her friends, and grew through community theatre, visual arts studies, contemporary music training and ultimately NIDA and CAP21 in New York.
 
Belinda spoke about the feeling of flow she experiences on stage, a sense of pure presence where everything else disappears. That connection anchors her work, especially in parody musicals. She has performed in Top Gun, Gilligan’s Island, Fifty Shades, Friends and Thrones, and explained how parody relies on balancing sincerity with playful exaggeration. Audience interaction is crucial, and each performance shifts based on the energy in the room.
 
In Love Actually the musical parody she plays nine characters, using specific physical and vocal markers to switch roles quickly and cleanly. She loves the humour of the show, which celebrates everything people adore and debate about the original film. Whether audiences love the movie or have never seen it, the parody offers nostalgia, surprise and plenty of laughs.
 
🎭 Love Actually? The Musical Parody🗓️ 5 Dec to 23 Dec📍 Athenaeum Theatre One🎟️ loveactuallymusicalparody.com/melbourne
 
Love Actually the musical parody is a fast paced, laugh out loud send up of the beloved Christmas movie. It reimagines nine chaotic stories of love, heartbreak and festive madness through clever comedy, original songs and cheeky twists on the film’s most iconic moments. The show follows the Prime Minister falling for his secretary, the best friend confessing his love with cue cards, the husband in trouble with Emma Thompson, and a collection of wonderfully odd characters who stumble through the holiday season with questionable judgment and even more questionable grand gestures.
 
The parody heightens everything people adore and roll their eyes at from the movie, leaning into nostalgia while adding new jokes, surprises and pop culture nods. It celebrates the messy, sentimental and ridiculous spirit of Christmas, offering a night of festive fun for those who love the film, love to hate it, or have never seen it at all.
 
BELINDA JENKIN is an accomplished actor, singer, writer and composer with a career that spans musical theatre, parody, cabaret and screen. A graduate of NIDA’s Diploma of Musical Theatre and CAP21 in New York, she has become a versatile and well loved performer known for her sharp comedic timing and expressive storytelling. Her stage credits include Friends the Musical Parody, Thrones, Top Gun the Musical, Gilligan’s Island the Musical, Fifty Shades the Musical Parody, Motor Mouth Loves Suck Face, Anyone Can Whistle, Chronic at La Mama and The Musical of Musicals. On screen she has appeared in Summer Heights High, the Space Jam Experience, Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and educational sketches for NTC.
 
As a writer she has created original cabarets and co written musicals such as Until Tomorrow and The Gathering with William Hannagan. Belinda also teaches acting and musical theatre, sharing more than a decade of professional experience with emerging performers.