NYMT Open House

About NYMT Open House

Open House is the official podcast from the National Youth Music Theatre, celebrating over 50 years of extraordinary musical theatre for young people. Across the series, we open the door to honest conversations with NYMT alumni, industry professionals, creative teams and friends of the organisation, exploring careers, creativity and the realities of life on and off stage. From first steps in youth theatre to the West End and beyond, Open House is packed with insight, inspiration and stories from across the musical theatre world.

Publisher

NYMT

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Apr 2026

Latest episode

31 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Oct 2026

   West Side Story Reimagined: How to Make a Classic Feel New

   How do you take one of the most iconic musicals ever written and make audiences feel like they're seeing it for the first time? In this episode of Open House, host David and co-host Millie go behind the scenes of NYMT's 2026 production of West Side Story at the Birmingham Hippodrome. They're joined by director Rupert Hands, choreographer George B and Latin cultural consultant and intimacy coordinator Andrea Pelaez, who joins us from Colombia. They discuss stripping away decades of "baggage" to rediscover what made the original so radical, and why its themes of male aggression, belonging and prejudice still hit hard today. They also cover choreographing huge dance numbers in just two weeks, bringing three young Colombian performers to the UK, and what intimacy coordination really looks like in a youth company. Plus: the white-box design, a show-stopping tap version of "Gee, Officer Krupke", and the reaction from Sondheim Society members that left the team speechless. Essential listening for musical theatre fans, aspiring performers, and anyone curious about how a classic gets reinvented. 📲 Follow the guests: Rupert Hands, Director: [@ruperthands] George Beet, Choreographer: [@georgebeetuk] Andrea Pelaez, Latin Cultural Consultant & Intimacy Coordinator: [@andreapelaezuk] 🎭 NYMT offers professional performance experience for young people aged 10–23. Find out about our 2027 season and how to get involved at nymt.org.uk 📲 Follow @NYMTuk 🎧 Enjoyed it? Follow, rate and share. It really helps more people find the show.

2. 

   29 Aug 2026

   Revivals, Olivier Awards & Stranger Things: When Does Bringing Back a Musical Really Work?

   Leave the audience wanting more — but sometimes a show deserves a second life. So when is a revival a revelation, and when is it just reheated nostalgia? In Episode 7 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David Grant and NYMT alumnus Maximus Mawle are joined by two Olivier Award-winning performers who between them have appeared in some of the most celebrated revivals in recent British theatre history. Rebecca Trehearn won the Olivier for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Julie LaVerne in Showboat, and has also appeared in City of Angels, Floyd Collins and Sweet Charity. Stewart Clarke received the Olivier for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Fiddler on the Roof, and is currently playing Dr. Brenner in the West End smash Stranger Things, having also appeared in Cabaret, Assassins and Ghost. Together they get candid about what makes a revival soar or fall flat, the chemistry required to make Ghost work on a year-long UK tour, the heartbreak of City of Angels being cut short by COVID, and why Cabaret felt more urgent and relevant with every passing week of its run. In this episode: * What makes a revival work — and when cynicism kills it * Stewart's origin story: auditioning for Little Shop of Horrors, ending up as Captain Von Trapp * How NYMT led directly to Stewart's first agent and his West End debut * Rebecca's pre-drama school life in a girl group managed by the team behind Steps * Playing roles historically not associated with you — and the freedom that comes with a blank slate * The reality of a year on tour: from brilliant digs to genuinely terrible ones * Why City of Angels remains Rebecca's greatest professional heartbreak * Stewart on life after having kids: why perspective changes everything about this industry * Honest advice for young performers on auditions, self-worth and running your own race Guests: Rebecca Trehearn – NYMT alumna, Olivier Award-winning actress Stewart Clarke – NYMT alumnus, Olivier Award-winning actor, currently in Stranger Things (West End) Hosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Maximus Mawle – NYMT alumnus and co-host Follow / find out more: NYMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk

3. 

   11 Jul 2026

   Olivier Nominations, Open Doors & Bringing Back the Boom Cat: Representation in Musical Theatre

   Who gets to tell the stories? And who gets to be in them? In Episode 6 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David Grant and NYMT Young Company member Tochi Arinze are joined by two extraordinary artists who are actively shaping what the future of musical theatre looks and feels like. Georgina Onuorah is a two-time Olivier Award-nominated actress, recognised for her performances in Shucked and Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, as well as her landmark portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the Leicester Curve and the London Palladium. Christopher Tendai is a choreographer, movement director and founder of CTC Dance Company, whose work spans the West End, the RSC and beyond — most recently as Associate Choreographer on All Is But A Fantasy at the Other Place. Together, they talk candidly about representation, tokenism, the stories that still aren't being told, and what it really takes to feel seen on stage — and behind the scenes. In this episode: * Georgina's double Olivier nomination — and the screaming in a Kings Cross coffee shop that followed * Playing Dorothy as a young Black woman, and the messages from young girls who felt seen * The real conversations about hair, wigs and what it means to bring your whole self to a role * Christopher's journey from drama school to choreographer — and why he founded his own dance company * Why diversity on stage isn't enough without diversity in the creative team * What stories we need to be telling more of — including forgotten Black-led musicals from the 1940s and 50s * Tochi's powerful reflection on representation, belonging and what NYMT has meant to her journey * Why, in Chris's words: "It's not that hard" Guests: Georgina Onuorah – NYMT alumna, two-time Olivier Award-nominated actress Christopher Tendai – choreographer, movement director and founder of CTC Dance Company Hosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Tochi Arinze – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more:N YMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk

4. 

   30 May 2026

   Beyond the Stage: The Careers You Never Expected Musical Theatre to Lead To

   What if the skills you build in youth theatre don't just prepare you for the stage — but for a life you never saw coming? In this episode of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Tash Werblow are joined by three NYMT alumni who've each carved out a remarkable path beyond performance. Robin Franklin is completing his PhD in American history at Princeton University, where his love of musical theatre led him to specialise in the cultural history of LGBT life. Adam Hepworth is the Singing Physio — a professional performer turned vocal physiotherapist who has just completed a year on the Mary Poppins UK tour. And Cathy Tate is a wardrobe and costume designer with decades of experience across theatre, film and television, including work on the Matilda film. Together, they explore the crossroads that so many young performers face — and why following more than one passion might just be the best decision you ever make. In this episode: * How Robin went from NYMT stages to Princeton's lecture halls — via American musical theatre * Adam's journey from performer to specialist vocal physiotherapist, and why he retrained at 30 * Cathy's 40+ years in theatrical costume and what the industry has lost since she started * Why the skills you build in theatre — resilience, empathy, collaboration — travel further than you think * The impact of COVID on backstage careers and the freelance workforce * Why theatre isn't just for performers, and the huge range of roles that surround a production * Honest advice for young people at a career crossroads Guests: Robin Franklin – NYMT alumnus and PhD candidate in American history at Princeton University Adam Hepworth – NYMT alumnus, performer and specialist vocal physiotherapist (The Singing Physio) Cathy Tate – NYMT alumna, wardrobe and costume designer across theatre, film and TV Hosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Tash Werblow – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more: NYMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk Tash: @tashwerblow David: @david.z.uk Adam: @singingphysio

5. 

   16 May 2026

   Open House Ep. 4: Social Media and Musical Theatre with Lois Chapman and John Richmond

   What happens when musical theatre meets social media, and suddenly your self-tapes, songs and creative ideas are being watched by thousands of people online? In Episode 4 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David is joined by NYMT alumni Lois Chapman and John Richmond to explore the world of social media and musical theatre. From building an online audience and creating content as a performer to balancing training, creativity and public visibility, Lois and John share their experiences of growing platforms while finding their place in the industry. They reflect on the opportunities social media can create, the pressures that come with it, and how it can be used to inspire, connect and open doors for young performers. They also look back on their time with NYMT, how youth theatre shaped their confidence and creativity, and why having the right support around you can make such a difference both online and off. A must-listen for aspiring performers, NYMT members, theatre lovers and anyone interested in how social media is changing the musical theatre world. In this episode: What social media can offer young performers and creatives How Lois built a large online platform through performance-based content Why John created The Drama School Podcast The challenges of balancing training, performing and content creation How social media can make theatre feel more accessible The pressures, negativity and mental health side of posting online Advice on sharing rehearsal, class and behind-the-scenes content How NYMT helped shape their confidence and creative journeys Guests: Lois Chapman – NYMT alumna, performer and content creator John Richmond – NYMT alumnus, drama school student and creator of The Drama School Podcast Host: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Follow / find out more: NYMT: nymt.org.uk Instagram: @NYMTuk TikTok: @nymtuk Lois: @loismiaa John: @itsjohnrichmond The Drama School Podcast: @dramaschoolpodcast David: @david.z.uk Urdang Drama School: urdang.citystgeorges.ac.uk/

6. 

   2 May 2026

   From NYMT to Britain's Got Talent: Magic, Musical Comedy & Making Your Own Lane with Rafferty Coope and Anna Hale

   What do you get when a golden buzzer magician and a sell-out musical comedian walk into a podcast? This week's Open House. In Episode 3 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Toby are joined by two exceptional NYMT alumni who have carved out truly unique paths in the performing arts. Rafferty Coope recently received KSI's Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent 2026 for his jaw-dropping fusion of magic and live music — and he's just been invited to perform in Las Vegas this August. Anna Hale is a musical comedian and songwriter whose debut solo show Control Freak sold out, and who has co-written material for RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World. Together, they talk about breaking out of the box, combining unexpected skill sets, and why following your curiosity might just be the most important thing a young performer can do. In this episode: * Rafferty's behind-the-scenes story of the BGT Golden Buzzer moment * How Anna found her voice as a musical comedian and songwriter * Why performers are often pressured to "pick a lane" — and why you shouldn't * The art of keeping an audience on their toes with music and comedy * Collaborating with Kate Butch and writing for RuPaul's Drag Race * What it really takes to produce your own solo show * How NYMT helped both guests build the confidence and professionalism to reach these moments * A Vegas exclusive — heard here first Guests: Rafferty Coope – NYMT alumnus, magician, musician and BGT 2026 Golden Buzzer act Anna Hale – NYMT alumna, musical comedian, songwriter and creator of Control Freak Hosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Toby – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more:NYMT: nymt.org.uk | Instagram & TikTok: @NYMTuk Rafferty: @raffertycoope Anna: @allhaleanna

7. 

   18 Apr 2026

   Why Youth Theatre Matters with Craig Randle and Matthew Hawksworh

   What role does youth theatre play in shaping us, not just as performers, but as people? In Episode 2 of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Abbie Palliser Kehoe are joined by Craig Randle from Birmingham Hippodrome and Matthew Hawksworth from Chichester Festival Theatre to explore the impact of regional youth theatre. From school productions and first performances to local youth theatre groups and professional arts venues, Craig and Matthew reflect on their own journeys into theatre and the role youth theatre plays in building confidence, creativity, friendships and life skills. They also discuss accessibility, training, community, and the many different pathways young people can take into the arts, both on stage and behind the scenes. They also share how youth theatre can open doors, support personal growth and help young people find a sense of belonging, whether or not they go on to work professionally in the industry. A must-listen for young performers, parents, youth theatre members, educators and anyone passionate about the importance of creative opportunities for young people. In this episode: How Craig and Matthew first discovered theatre and youth performance The difference youth theatre can make in a young person's life How to find and join a local youth theatre Why youth theatre is about more than just performing The life skills, confidence and friendships it can build How Birmingham Hippodrome and Chichester Festival Theatre support young people Why accessibility and bursaries matter in youth theatre The different theatre careers young people can explore beyond performing Guests: Craig Randle – Education Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome Matthew Hawksworth – Head of Children and Young People's Programme at Chichester Festival Theatre Hosts: David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer Abbie Palliser Kehoe – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more: NYMT: nymt.org.uk Instagram: @NYMTuk TikTok: @nymtUK David: @david.z.uk Abbie: @palliserabbie Birmingham Hippodrome: birminghamhippodrome.com Chichester Festival Theatre: cft.org.uk

8. 

   4 Apr 2026

   Open House Ep. 1: Swings, Standbys and West End Covers with Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí

   What happens when the show has started, the audience is in, and suddenly you're told you're going on in a completely different role? In the first episode of Open House, the official NYMT podcast, host David and NYMT Young Company member Hannah Stobart are joined by NYMT alumni Cliona Flynn and Brian Ó Muirí to explore the fast-paced world of swings, standbys and West End covers. From Mean Girls and Back to the Future to Cats, Book of Mormon and 42nd Street, Cliona and Brian share what it takes to stay performance-ready, cover multiple tracks, handle last-minute changes, and protect your confidence, voice and mental resilience in the world of musical theatre. They also look back on their time with NYMT, how youth theatre helped prepare them for professional life, and why the people around you can make all the difference in building a career on stage. A must-listen for aspiring performers, NYMT members, theatre lovers and anyone curious about what really happens behind the scenes in the West End. In this episode: * What swings and standbys actually do * How performers prepare for emergency covers * The difference between ensemble tracks, cover roles and principal covers * Cliona's experience covering Katie and Regina in Mean Girls * Brian's experience swinging in Back to the Future, Cats and beyond * How NYMT helped shape their careers * Advice for young performers entering the industry Guests: * Cliona Flynn – NYMT alumna and former standby in Mean Girls * Brian Ó Muirí – NYMT alumnus and currently swing in Back to the Future Hosts: * David Grant – NYMT Associate Producer * Hannah Stobart – NYMT Young Company member and co-host Follow / find out more: * NYMT: nymt.org.uk * Instagram: @NYMTuk * TikTok: @nymtUK * David: @david.z.uk * Hannah: @hannah_stobart * Twain socials: @TwainTwins * Brian: @itsbrianmurray * Cliona: @clionaflynn01 * CADA: cadaperformingarts.ie

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