Regina Botros talks with the best theatre makers of our times about their life on and off the stage.
Theatre, Dance, Comedy and Performing Arts.
Theme music by Dave Wray
Image by Tuo
Rebecca Massey joins me on Backstage to discuss Belvoir's revival of The Book of Everything, returning to the stage for the first time in more than a decade. An acclaimed actor, writer and director, Massey was also part of the original cast, giving her a unique insight into a production that has become one of Belvoir's most cherished works. We talk about revisiting the play years later, reuniting with director Neil Armfield, and why this remarkable story continues to resonate with audiences today.
The Book of Everything runs at Belvoir St Theatre from 22 August to 20 September.
7 Jul 2026
140. Pamela Rabe and Doubt: A Parable
On this episode of Backstage, Regina Botros is joined by Trisha Starrs and Roderick Chambers for a compelling conversation with one of Australia's most celebrated actors, Pamela Rabe.
Currently starring as Sister Aloysius in John Patrick Shanley's Doubt: A Parable, Rabe brings her formidable intelligence, emotional depth and commanding stage presence to a role that sits at the heart of one of modern theatre's most gripping dramas. Together, we explore the play's enduring themes of certainty, suspicion, faith and power, and discusses why this Pulitzer Prize-winning work continues to resonate so strongly with contemporary audiences.
Insightful, erudite and endlessly engaging a remarkable production—this is an episode not to miss.
2 Jul 2026
139. Yve Blake and Mackenzie
Yve Blake's new play Mackenzie takes Shakespeare's Macbeth and gives it a gloriously camp, darkly comic makeover. Best known as the award-winning creator of FANGIRLS, Blake turns her attention to the cut-throat world of child stardom, stage parents and celebrity obsession.
Mackenzie is 13 and has just landed her first television role. It's only a small part, but her ambitious mother is convinced greatness awaits. When a make-up artist delivers a prophecy that Mackenzie will become the world's biggest pop star, a chain of events is set in motion that echoes Shakespeare's classic tragedy. Directed by Virginia Gay, the play mixes comedy, music and horror to explore what happens when ambition takes hold.
In this conversation, Yve Blake joins Backstage to discuss the origins of the work, her decision to reimagine Macbeth through the lens of early 2000s celebrity culture, and the themes of ambition, power and corruption that continue to make Shakespeare's play resonate today. She also reflects on balancing comedy with darkness, and why Mackenzie might leave audiences laughing one moment and deeply unsettled the next.
Yve Blake is a writer, composer, lyricist and performer whose hit musical FANGIRLS has become one of Australia's most acclaimed new theatre works. Her latest play, Mackenzie, is a hilarious and macabre exploration of fame, family and the costs of getting exactly what you wish for.
Who has been a guest on Backstage
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Peter Evans
Jessica Arthur
Pamela Rabe
Alexander Berlage
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
62
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
Contact Backstage
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Backstage
Who hosts Backstage?
Regina Botros host the show. Published by Regina Botros.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Backstage take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Backstage?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
