Bridge Theatre Podcast

For the final episode of this special Into The Woods mini-series, Pauline Fallowell is joined by the man who led us there: director Jordan Fein.

Jordan reflects on the teachers who shaped him, the productions that prepared him, and the extraordinary chain of events that brought him to the Bridge Theatre to direct one of his most cherished shows. From first encountering Into The Woods as a child, to bringing Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical to life on stage, he shares the personal connection, creative ambition and deep sense of collaboration behind this Olivier Aw...

For the penultimate episode in the Into The Woods mini-series of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, Pauline Fallowell sits down with Jacob Fowler, standby, movement captain and one of the many vital moving parts behind the Bridge Theatre’s Olivier Award nominated production.

Jacob reflects on the remarkable full-circle journey that brought him here, from performing Into The Woods at school ten years ago, to now working on one of the most celebrated revivals of the musical. Along the way, he shares what it means to cover multiple roles, the pressure and thrill of be...

In this episode of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, Pauline Fallowell goes behind the scenes of Into The Woods with Associate Musical Director Alex Beetschen.

From the joys of conducting while also playing keys, to uncovering the intricate motifs woven through Sondheim’s score, Alex shares how the musical world of Into The Woods is created, shaped and kept alive night after night. They discuss his early love of music, his journey into musical direction, and why Into The Woods is a piece that rewards curiosity, collaboration and trust in the material.

Hosted by Pa...

This week, Pauline Fallowell is joined by Into The Woods’ Assistant Stage Manager, Coral Nelson.

Coral shares what it really means to be part of the backstage team on a show of this scale. With over 20 people working behind the scenes, she reflects on the precision, communication and quick thinking required to keep Into The Woods running smoothly eight times a week.

She discusses her journey into theatre, what drew her to stage management, and the unique challenges of working on a production where timing, coordination and being calm under pressure are everything. Fr...

Is it true you only notice good lighting on bad shows? Pauline Fallowell is joined by Lighting Designer Aideen Malone to explore how light shapes the emotional landscape of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s dazzling musical.

Aideen reflects on her creative journey in theatre and how light has become her storytelling language. For Into The Woods, the forest is shaped not just by the glorious tree-filled set designed by Tom Scutt, but by shadow and illumination – creating a world that subtly shifts as the characters move from hope to consequence.

She discuss...

The Bridge Theatre Podcast is back and this time we’re stepping Into The Woods, exploring The Bridge’s latest production of Stephen Sondheim’s complex and deeply human musical.

In our first episode, host Pauline Fallowell is joined by Tom Scutt, the Olivier award winning set and costume designer behind the production.

Tom reflects on his journey through theatre, music and live events, and how those experiences have shaped his approach to visual storytelling. For Into The Woods at The Bridge, the forest becomes not a literal setting, but a shifting inner landsc...

In the final episode of this series of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, host Pauline Fallowell sits down with legendary choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips – a woman whose life, as she says, has been “engaged as a choreographer” from the very start.

Arlene looks back on the moment that changed everything: seeing the Russian Ballet at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall as a child, watching The Dying Swan and walking out knowing that dance was all she ever wanted to do. She shares the now-iconic story of the bright green ballet shoes she could afford instead of pink ones – and how...

In the penultimate episode of this series of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, host Pauline Fallowell sits down with composer Grant Olding, whose music has been woven into The Bridge’s story since Young Marx first opened the building. Grant reflects on a lifetime spent in and around theatres – from dancing as a shy three-year-old, to appearing in Oliver! in the West End, The Dark Crystal with Jim Henson, and Hamlet at the National Theatre alongside Daniel Day-Lewis and Judi Dench.

He talks about how growing up backstage shaped the composer he is today, why theatre remains his...

In this episode of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, host Pauline Fallowell sits down with Lily Mollgaard, legendary props supervisor and long-time friend of The Bridge. Lily has been working in theatre for over 35 years, joining The Bridge in 2018 for Julius Caesar and returning for production after production, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Guys & Dolls, alongside an extraordinary career across the West End, dance, musicals and plays.

Lily talks about falling in love with theatre as a child on trips with her dad to see shows like Oliver! and Peter Pan, discovering the magic of ba...

In this episode of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, host Pauline Fallowell sits down with Terri Hammond, The Bridge's wonderful House Operations Manager. Terri has been with The Bridge since day one and is at the heart of everything that keeps the building running smoothly – from audience experience and customer service to stage door, security, and ensuring everyone is safe once the show begins.

Terri shares how childhood trips to panto – and a memorable Fireman Sam live show – sparked her love of theatre, leading her through school drama, circus arts and fire performance before an MA and a part...

In this episode of the Bridge Theatre Podcast, host Pauline Fallowell sits down with Anna Bliss Scully, the Bridge Theatre's brilliant Head of Costume. Anna is at the heart of so much that happens at The Bridge – from helping put together the productions on stage, to photoshoots, fittings, quick-changes, and leading a team that keeps the show running night after night.

Anna shares how she first fell in love with theatre while growing up near Cardiff, the school trip that changed everything, and the unexpected work-experience placement that set her on a path into costume, design, an...

In this week’s episode, Joe Burridge-Mitchell, Box Office Manager at the Bridge Theatre, explains the craft of guiding thousands of audience members through their journey, from the rush of tickets going on sale, right up until the moment they eagerly take their seats. He also delves into the running of a small, responsive team, maintaining crystal clear customer communication, and the strategy behind ticket pricing.

Beyond the day-to-day, Joe shares his standout Bridge memories – from the whirlwind that was Guys & Dolls during awards-season, to the legendary presence of Dame Maggie Smith.

And for...

This week, associate director Lily Dyble talks about the art of supporting big shows – the sensitivity, timing and trust that let a creative team do its best work. She reflects on a pathway that spans lighting desks and rehearsal rooms, from early music-soaked beginnings in Manchester to recent projects at The Bridge and beyond, and why scale only works when the rooms are humane.

Lily unpacks what it really means to be an associate director – protecting the director’s focus, translating between departments, and turning logistics into momentum – and shares a few favourite memories from Bridge productions wher...

In our third episode of the series, Head of Stage James Edwards takes us behind the scenes of The Bridge – a theatre that transforms dramatically between productions thanks to the ingenuity of his team. James reveals what it takes to rebuild entire seating blocks, manage the unseen choreography of stagecraft, and keep complex productions running smoothly no matter how ambitious the vision.

He reflects on a life spent backstage – from growing up in a theatre family to leading one of London’s most adaptable stages – and hints at a favourite moment when the line between crew and cast brief...

In our second episode of the series, fight director Kate Waters (Kombat Kate) reveals how an instinct for physical storytelling led her to choreograph the moments that make us gasp at The Bridge. She reflects on why the story must always lead the movement, the quiet, invisible work that builds confidence in the room, and the simple truth that the most important part of any day is the first minute – when trust is won.

She takes us inside Julius Caesar’s street-level brutality and the electric brawl in Guys & Dolls – right down to the sound that sells a s...

In our first episode of the series, actor David Moorst – Puck in The Bridge’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream – shares how an unlikely school musical led to his first spark with theatre, and how that thrill of connection still drives him today.

He reflects on making Shakespeare feel new and accessible, the joy (and terror) of performing “with” an audience, and the quiet beauty of that moment when a room of strangers becomes a company.

And when it comes to imagining his fantasy production, David’s vision is as warm and witty as he is – roo...

Welcome to the Bridge Theatre Podcast where we meet the people who make the magic happen — on stage, backstage, and everywhere in between.

Presented by Pauline Fallowell, Director of Marketing and Audiences at the Bridge Theatre, we explore their first spark with theatre, the moments that shaped them, and their ultimate fantasy production — from dream casts and legendary creative teams to the perfect stage to bring it all to life.

In this 10-part series, we sit down with members of The Bridge Theatre family including A Midsummer Night’s Dream actor David Moorst, Richar...