Robert Emery talks to Jodie Prenger, actress and singer best known for winning the ‘I’d Do Anything’ TV programme in 2008, giving her the opportunity to play Nancy in the West End revival of ‘Oliver!’ at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Jodie talks about her work on stage, and the influence the National Theatre had on her. She of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Oliver or Annie?
Robert Emery talks to David Miller, American Tenor who is a member of the successful classical crossover group Il Divo, who has sold over 28 million copies worldwide. David talks about the challenges of being on tour, recording albums and how he believes that living 'in the now' is the biggest factor of his success and happiness.
Robert Emery talks to Willemijn Verkaik, the singer and actress best known for her stage role in Wicked and singing the voice of Elsa for the German and Dutch versions of Disney's Frozen. Willemijn talks about how she keeps on top form, her experience of playing Elphaba on Broadway, the West-End, in Germany and in the Netherlands, and how her stage confidence doesn't always translate to real life.
In this special episode of the ‘Backstage with Robert Emery’ podcast, RDCE takes you through what a Musical Director actually does; and it involves a lot more than arm waving...
Discussing everything from conducting technique through to some scary real life stories in theatre; he covers it all with the odd funny story along the way.
In part one, we covered my standard day almost up until the start of the show. I’ve made sure the now infamous ‘click’ is working, and now after all my preflight checks, my podium phone rings. Read on to find out who is on the other end of the line…
Working in a Gordon Ramsay restaurant is the culinary equivalent to a jukebox musical. When you are eating your white truffle and gold pizza, you know full well that the King of TV bleeps didn't actually cook it; but it's his name above the door, and that's probably the reason you chose that establishment over the independent restaurant next door. So when you go to see Bat out of Hell, you shouldn't expect Meatloaf to be acting, singing and dancing, nor it's creator Jim Steinman conducting the band. No. That bit is my job.
So, since May 2010 I’ve been living, breathing and working in Switzerland on a fantastic new production called Dallebach Kari das Musical. Since my time here, I’ve rehearsed in the cast of 60, conducted the 12 hour click-track session, written the songbook to be printed and published in all good bookshops and music stores, played 28 shows, organised the recording of the rhythm section, created new click-tracks for the production in Zurich 2011...
Well, here I am in Switzerland, Thun to be specific, working on the world premier of Dallebach Kari, das Musical. The idea being that every year, Thun builds a huge stage on their beautiful lake and have summer performances where people from all over Switzerland visit...
So I’m now back in London after a highly successful workshop for the new musical I’m involved with...
Well we are currently in the middle of creating the workshop for the World Premier of Dallebach Kari, das Musical. I’m in a beautiful town in Switzerland called Thun. The snow is on the mountains, and everyday life continues; totally unlike the UK...
Have just finished Greenwich Theatre’s 10 Minute Musical Challenge. I had a great team, and an interesting composer