British Theatre Guide Podcast

Bolton Octagon artistic director David Thacker pays tribute to the theatre's founder Robin Pemberton-Billing, who died on 18 November 2012 at the age of 83. Also included are some memories of working at the theatre in its early days from actor Robert Powell, recorded in July 2011.

Jodie Prenger, who won the part of Nancy in Oliver! in TV reality show I'd Do Anything, is currently starring as Dolly in Richard Bean's One Man, Two Guvnors, the multi-award-winning comedy from the National Theatre based on Carlo Goldoni's The Servant of Two Masters directed by Nicholas Hytner, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London. Jodie will join the current tour of the production for a couple of its northern dates. David Chadderton talks to her about bringing the production to her home town of Blackpool.

At the Empty Space Peter Brook Awards on 6 November 2012, the Peter Brook / Mobius Award was presented to The Lowry in Salford for its support of new work and new practitioners in its Studio. The citation on the award stated that it was awarded for, "determined efforts to support early development of new companies offering continual showcasing to improve their growth and sharpen their abilities". David Chadderton talks to Porl Cooper, programmer for the Studio, about his and The Lowry's reaction to winning the award.

Paul Hendy launched Evolution Productions in 2005 with his wife Emily. Since then the business has grown from an initial four productions to seven and 2012 will mark the second year the Company has produced at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon. This year's production Jack and the Beanstalk boasts face of CBeebies Sid Sloane in the role of Jack and Laila Morse, Big Mo from EastEnders, in her pantomime debut as the Fairy. Simon Sladen speaks to Paul Hendy about his career, the pantomime industry and gains some valuable advice for those wishing to start out in the business.