Happy New Year and welcome back to the Standard Theatre Podcast.
This week, we review two of the biggest shows currently running in London: Stranger Things: The First Shadow and Macbeth, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo.
Both opened just before Christmas and continue to pack out audiences with both embracing technology and effects in fascinating ways.
The adaptation of the blockbuster Netflix show Stranger Things has proved a knock-out with audiences and critics but did Nick and Nick enjoy their journey into the upside down? Is it a live show that will appeal to die-hard fans of the original and newbies alike? Find out our view.
At the Donmar Warehouse, Tennant is back on stage and back in Shakespeare after star turns in Hamlet and Richard II. As Macbeth he is opposite the brilliant Cush Jumbo (who has also played Hamlet) as Lady Macbeth.
But can they pull it off as the Scottish Play’s gruesome twosome, and what about the use of 3D ‘binaural sound’ with audiences wearing headphones to get right into their heads? Opinions in the studio were split.
From the Noël Coward theatre, we are joined by Tuppence Middleton to chat about how she created the role of Elizabeth Taylor in The Motive and the Cue, which has transferred to the West End from the National Theatre and is directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes.
Middleton, who stars opposite Johnny Flynn and Mark Gatiss, tells us about being in a play about putting on a play (Hamlet on Broadway in the Sixties), her experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and her new memoir.
Plus, our hosts discuss the musicals they’re looking forward to see in London throughout this year: 2024 is looking to be a corker.
Listen above, or wherever you find your podcasts.
Also, for our interview with Stranger Things star Patrick Vaill click here - and to hear our chat with Gatiss, who plays John Gielgud in The Motive and the Cue, click here.
We love to hear from you, so please do get in touch with comments, questions and anything else that’s theatre related at theatrepod@standard.co.uk
