Episode 294. The Arts Theatre

LIVE! From backstage at this smallest of West End venues where theatrical milestones abound (including the English-language premiere of Waiting For Godot), we tell tales and share reminiscences about our two visits to this perfect “reduced theatre”. Featuring changes and differences, a special appearance from Rosie & Jessica’s Day of Read more…

Episode 288. York Theatre Royal

The Reduced Shakespeare Company PodcastWe get a backstage tour of York Theatre Royal, site of the European premiere of The Complete World of Sports (abridged), and the 268-year-old center of theatrical life in this ancient city. Featuring guidance from YTR Artistic Director Damian Cruden, advice on the proper way to play a pantomime dame, live antics from our time at BBC Radio York, and warnings about the theatre’s Grey Lady. (Length 20:03) (more…)

Episode 259. Backstage at ‘Spiderman’

Veteran actor Ken Marks talks about creating the role of Uncle Ben in the infamous musical Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark. Ken talks about the dangers and the adventure of not only surviving the huge technical spectacle that is the physical production of Spiderman, but the creation of the musical as well. Featuring important backstage safety tips and a special holiday appearance from jazz guitarist Eric Essix. (Length 19:55)

Episode 256. We Review ‘Anonymous’

During a break from our successful run of The Complete World of Sports (abridged) at the New Victory Theatre in New York City, we aim our satirical guns at the much-debated film “Anonymous” and the theories that underlie it. Joined by theatrical pundit and raconteur Howard Sherman, the members of the RSC (Reed Martin, Matt Rippy, Austin Tichenor, and office manager Alli Bostedt) improvised their review and analysis in the offices of the New Victory Theater immediately after the film. Featuring differing opinions, much benefit of the doubt, unabridged wig appreciation, a perfect critical response from NPR’s Bob Mondello — and zero convincing. For a definitive rebuttal to the so-called Authorship Question, download the entirely free PDF “Shakespeare Bites Back: Not So Anonymous,” by Rev. Dr. Paul Edmondson and Prof. Stanley Wells, CBE of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. (Length 26:53)