Overstudies

What makes a man want to fly in a lawn chair? What makes two podcasters fall in love with a musical? On this week's episode of Overstudies we have our first repeat musical review as we talk about the brand new musical 42 Balloons running at The Lowry in Salford until 19th May.

After falling in love with 42 Balloons following the staged concert in 2022, we revisit the story of Larry Walters - the man brave enough to fly in a lawn chair in 1982 - in the first fully staged production of the show by Jack Godfrey.

Attend the tale of the Overstudies this week as we dive into the dark but hilariously camp Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. In November 2023 we took a trip over to New York and managed to catch the Broadway production running at the Lunt-Fontanne theatre for our first Broadway experience as a duo.

In this episode we chat about the history of the show, what stood out to us about this production, and the joy of the Sondheim Comedy Moment.

We take a slightly different approach on the podcast this week with our first topic of the season: our Jukebox Musical Wishlist. We strip down some of our favourite albums and delve into how they could translate to the stage, as well as get a rather intriguing look into each other's psyches... we'll give you a clue, it's all a bit apocalyptic.

Come with us the long way round as we go down to Hadestown. Spring has come again which means it's time to finally delve into the folk musical that everyone can't stop talking about. We can't even pretend we didn't love it, but tune in to find out just why this show tickled our senses, and why we firmly believe it's one of the greatest new shows of recent times.

The Overstudies have risen again for an in-depth exploration into one of the most iconic musicals of all time: Jesus Christ Superstar. Despite our Lloyd-Webber aversions, Superstar is firmly the exception to the rule, and we discuss our recent experience of the show at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley.

We get out onto the picket line this week as we join the women of Ford Dagenham in their fight for equal pay. It's 10 years since Made In Dagenham first came to the London stage, and following an anniversary concert at the Palladium it's time to give this show the Overstudies treatment.

We also take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about the show's original run, and question whether the musical is still relevant against a backdrop of increasing industrial unrest in 2024.

Saturday 13 July 1985. Wembley Stadium. One of the biggest and most ambitious cultural music moments of the 20th Century.

We are of course talking about Live Aid, the latest historical event to be turned into a musical masterpiece. Just For One Day focuses on the cause, planning and execution of the Live Aid fundraising concert to a soundtrack of all your favourite 80s pop hits. This show certainly took us by surprise and is something we couldn't wait to give the Overstudies treatment to.

This week on Overstudies we’re Defying Gravity and spending One Short Day in the Emerald City talking about long running classic musical Wicked. We talk about the musical’s lengthy history, the upcoming feature film release, and our thoughts on the show from the perspective of a lifelong fan and someone who saw the show for the first time earlier this year. Most importantly, we talk about if we’re Team Elphaba or Team Glinda (or a secret third option).

We go Over The Top this week as we step into the world of Jamie New, no ordinary sixteen year old who's dream is to step out to their high school prom as a drag queen. We talk about the history of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, our own past experiences of the show, and our thoughts on the 2024 UK tour as it steps into London.

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.

What do you get when you combine a travelling cowboy show with a candy heiress running for her life? The chaotic tale of Bronco Billy! We were recently invited along to the Wild West to review the new musical based on the 1980s comedy of the same name. With some of the most spectacular special effects we’ve seen in a long time, did the book and music bring the same exciting energy

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.

Our name is the Overstudies podcast, and we are a massive deal...

This week on the show we're taking a deep dive into Mean Girls (2024) and unpack the latest addition to the Mean Girls Universe. We chat about the costuming choices, the cinematography, our favourite musical numbers and of course how it's Reneé Rapp's world and we are simply all living in it.

The real question is however, does this film live up to expectations? Listen to our equivalent of a Burn Book to find out.

We’re back for season four of the Overstudies podcast celebrating two years of theatre chat and general chaos. Over the years we’ve had the chance to interview some really fun and exciting guests, with this episode’s stars being no exception … we’re interviewing each other!

Join us this week to find out more about the brains and beauty behind the Overstudies podcast, our favourite composers and our musical theatre desert island discs!

It's our season 3 finale and how else could we celebrate but to invite on the phenomenal Evelyn Hoskins to have a chat about her career spanning stage and screen! From iconic shows such as Gypsy and Waitress and British television institutions like Casualty, through to brand new musical - you guessed it - 42 Balloons, we find out more about Evie's experiences and the differences between working on television and stage.

We've also got the answers to the important questions such as those musical moments that Evie loves, as well as their go-to coffee order and dream theatre roles.

Kin - A New Musical follows the story of a controversial cult who move into a small town in North America and threaten to disrupt the status quo.

The show been taking social media by storm over the last couple of years. From a lengthy development process to a recently released concept album, this brand new musical had been hotly anticipated by the theatre community. But does it live up to the expectations and tick all of the Overstudies boxes? Tune in to find out.

Content warning: grief, depression, trauma, and other mental illnesses.

This week on Overstudies we're taking a step back from in-depth show analysis and looking at theatre and it's relationship with the concept of 'community'. We chat about shows that demonstrate the concept of community, shows that have helped us build a community, and the value of finding people who share similar interests as yourself.

Talking about shows like Les Miserables, Come From Away and The Choir of Man, we'd love to hear what shows spring to mind when you think about theatre and community.

Come take our hand as we welcome you to the Land of Lola this week to chat all things Kinky Boots! We dissect one of our favourite shows, looking at how the show has impacted musical theatre but also how it has left a lasting impact on us as people.

We wanna welcome you to Hawkins with this week's episode, talking about all things Stranger Sings. This parody musical takes the good, the bad and the ugly from the hit Netflix series and turns them into a hilarious 90 minutes of theatre. We look at the show through multiple lenses, dissecting if Stranger Sings is for fans of Stranger Things for fans of musicals, all while trying to stop Charley from diving into too much detail about why she's checked out of the television series. And remember, nothing bad ever happens in small towns!

This time we chat to songwriter and librettist Neil Bastian - who is also our first Welsh guest! Neil is the author of work-in-progress musical The Rise and Fall of Vinnie & Paul, a show following the life of famous painter Vincent van Gogh and his friend, housemate and fellow-painter Paul Gauguin. We got the chance to see some snippets of this show earlier in 2023, and now we dive into more of its inception and creative process with Neil.

We also talk about the 'new British musical' (including, of course, the "next big thing" [Overstudies, 2022] 42 Balloons). the composition of Bubble Tea and the inextricable links between those in the musical theatre world.

We're throwing it back to the start of the summer this week and chatting all things West End Live! This free festival of musical theatre comes to London's Trafalgar Square every June, and we look back at some of our highlights of 2023's event as well as stand out moments from years past.

Will we see you there next year?

Calling all film fans – this week is for you. What do you get when you mix the films of Quentin Tarantino with cabaret theatre? Tarantino Live: Fox Force Five and the Tyranny of Evil Men to be precise. This week on Overstudies we discuss a recent unique show that we were invited to see at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, chatting about the performance and the iconic venue in Hammersmith where it took place.

It's time to raise the curtain on Act Three of the Overstudies podcast! This season we reflect on what we've been up to over the last few months, including shows such as Rocky Horror, Newsies and the UK tour of Six, West End Live and an exciting workshop of a brand new musical! We're also looking forward to what's coming up in this series, as well shows on the horizon that can't come soon enough!

It's the final episode of season two of the Overstudies, so we've decided to finally answer ourselves the question we ask our guests: what's a moment from a musical that fills your brain with serotonin? From Hamilton to LIFT and everything in between, some of these will be no surprise to our regular listeners whilst there's at least one curveball to keep you on your toes! Plus, we take a trip down memory lane and hear favourite moments from past guests May Tether, Kayleigh McKnight and Chesney Fawkes-Porter, and a special treat from the 2022/23 West End cast of The Choir of Man!

This week's episode of Overstudies requires a bit of imagination, as we pretend that we both have musical theatre talent and talk about the roles that we'd love to have the opportunity to play on stage. From Blood Brothers to Legally Blonde, we talk about some of the roles that we find most interesting on the theatre stage.

Dear Diary... In this week's episode we're taking a trip to Westerberg High in Sherwood, Ohio and shining a light on one of our favourite shows: Heathers! It was only a matter of time before this show was in line for the Overstudies treatment, as we talk about our thoughts on the show and what it means to us. Join us for a trip to 1989 and get ready for some Big Fun!

We've talked a lot about the shows that we've seen, but now it's time to talk about the show's we'd love to see in the UK! In this episode we both pick three shows that we would adore to bring to the West End, whether that be for the first time or as a revival, including some film to stage adaptations and a show with rollerskates.

We've had the time of our lives and we owe it all to Dirty Dancing. This week we're deep diving into the stage adaptation of the hit 1987 film talking fancy footwork and summer romance, as well as the divisive topic of the value of commercial theatre.

He's flown in a lawn chair, he's raised a little hell and now he's on the Overstudies podcast! Our guest this week is the sensational Charlie McCullagh, star of 'the next big thing' (Overstudies, 2022) 42 Balloons and the original London cast of Bonnie & Clyde! We dive into the details of originating roles, covering multiple parts and, of course, Charlie's go-to coffee order in this week's show.

London's most wanted couple have arrived at the Garrick Theatre. No, it's not Bekki & Charley, but another B&C duo - Bonnie & Clyde! We take a look at the history of this production, as well as sharing our thoughts on both the 2022 run at the Arts Theatre and the 2023 transfer to London's West End. With an extended production corner, there's plenty to love about this wicked duo.

"What would happen if Juliet didn't die?" - a simple question answered by one of the most beautiful and groundbreaking productions of - in our opinion - all time. Getting the Overstudies treatment is this week is the sensational & Juliet, which sadly closed in the West End on 25 March 2023. We take an in depth look at why we love this show so much, as well as how the West End will be worse off without it. Buckle up for an emotional ride - we're Confident you're going to love this one.

Our guest this week is the soon-to-be Queen Laura Dawn Pyatt! Shortly heading out with the Six the Musical Tour as Anne Boleyn, Laura has also starred in a revival of Ordinary Days and in 'the next big thing' 42 Balloons. We talk to Laura about her inspirations and development as a musical theatre performer, including how the martial arts have had such a big impact on her profession. We also learn about some of Laura's greatest musical theatre moments as well as - of course - her go to coffee order.

We're jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire this week, as we talk all things Bat Out of Hell! Jim Steinman and Meatloaf's rock opera has come to London, giving Bekki the chance to finally see (and fall in love with) the show, whilst Charley asks the very important question of 'Where has the first act gone?!'. We would do anything for podcasting... but we won't do that if you don't tune in.

Stop the clocks and take time out for the latest episode of the Overstudies podcast. This week it's all about Jonathan Larson's tick, tick... BOOM!, his autobiographical musical looking at his life in the build up to RENT. Adapted into a Netflix movie in 2021, it's a staple favourite of the Overstudies - we put on not just our theatre nerd hats, but also dust off our film backgrounds with a in depth look at the production. Now, we just have one question - when are we getting a Superbia staged concert?!

Content warning: Strong language, adult themes. Ad - press invitation.

The brand new song cycle No Limits is the topic of this week's podcast. Playing at the Turbine Theatre during February, the Overstudies explore how this show describes the Millennial experience, with all the usual chaos and good vibes that you'd expect.

This week we're joined by Tight Lad Abi O'Neill - completing our set of Tight Lads! We chat all things about the Tight Lads, including the incredible Tight Lads Live! shows, as well as finding out more about how the Tight Lads came to be and Abi's experiences whilst in training. Abi also tells us about her experiences working at a musical theatre-themed speakeasy, and, of course, we find out the answer to our standard question: what is Abi's go-to coffee order?

Content Warning: 9/11, Grief and Loss.

Something's been missing from the West End since January and that is Come From Away. This week we're doing a deep dive into what is one of the best shows we've seen in the last twelve months, telling the story of the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the 38 planes that were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. We talk about what makes this show so special and how excited we are that it's heading out on its first UK tour in 2024, all while asking the most important question of all: would you kiss the fish to become a Newfoundlander?

Lights up! Season two of the Overstudies podcast is here. We're back to talk all things theatre and beyond, kicking off with a little reprise. We take a look back on our 2022 theatre experiences whilst also discussing which shows we're most looking forward to in 2023.

It's the end of season one of Overstudies 2.0, and what better way than to finish with a large party - they're so intimate! We sat down with Immersive Gatsby's Euan Wilson (Tom Buchanan) and Jessica Hern (Jordan Baker) to explore more about one of our favourite productions of the year! We hear about some of the pair's highlights of the show's run, as well as get a few interesting details of some of the behind-the-scenes secrets that keeps the show running smoothly. 

Immersive Everywhere's production of The Great Gatsby runs until 7 January - don't miss your last chance to catch the hottest party in town, old sport!

Disclaimer: Press invite. Gifted.

A Christmas mystery is the topic of this week's podcast, as we learn about the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers, the Wickies, from the Scottish isle of Eilean Mor. Was this a freak accident, or is something more sinister - or even supernatural - at play? This brand new production at the Park Theatre is a delightful thriller-mystery, so tune in to hear all of our thoughts.

Disclaimer: Press invite. Gifted.

Content warning: Conversion therapy

We're seeing new colours this week as we lift the lid on the Turbine Theatre's But I'm a Cheerleader. Based on the cult 90s film of the same name, the show follows cheerleader Megan as she is sent to a conversion therapy camp, True Directions, after her family and friends suspect her of being gay. We touch on both the Spring and Autumn 2022 runs of the show, including some of the differences between the two of them and how our views couldn't have differed more, as well as considering the appeal and importance of teen coming-of-age shows and the impact they can have on theatre as a whole.

What makes a man write a musical about 42 weather balloons? In this bonus episode, we find out! We sat down with writer of 42 Balloons Jack Godfrey, to find out more about the inspiration and creative process of the show. If you haven't checked out our main podcast of the show, now is the time to do so!

What makes a man want to fly in a lawn chair? In a tale of following your dreams despite the consequences, the Overstudies launch into brand new musical 42 Balloons, which had its world premiere in stage concert form in London recently. We fly through the plot, the music and the staging of what we're dubbing 'the next big thing'; a musical that truly could have been written for us with a score that's delightfully fresh yet delightfully retro.

You're the one that we want this week, as we talk all things Rydell High! That's right, we're opening up Grease the Musical to the Overstudies treatment, chatting about the recent West End run, our histories with the show and, of course, the classic 1978 film. We also touch on Grease: Live!, decide who is the problem out of Sandy and Danny and are in full agreement that Frenchy deserves her own solo.