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Backstage Curry

Backstage Curry

By: Andy Barker
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This podcast series finds Mark Curry in conversation with a range of guests with a view to asking the main questions - How did you do it? What’s it really like? What’s it like to play a leading role in a West End musical? What’s it like to represent the UK at The Eurovision Song Contest? What’s it like being on Strictly Come Dancing? What does it feel like to become famous? How is your event organised? What’s it like to play on Centre Court?


In each episode, Mark delves into the detail. The process. The discipline required. The challenges and the rewards. These unique, peering under the bonnet conversations give honest authentic insights to the questions we’d all love to ask our fantasy dinner party guests.


Actor and presenter, Mark Curry, has created this Podcast series called, “Backstage Curry”. Episodes feature, “behind the scenes” chat with performers, broadcasters and creatives. The series is raising funds for, “Acting For Others”, by providing listeners with an opportunity to donate via the charity’s website or donations link.


Mark, who amongst his many other TV and theatre appearances, completed two 16 month runs as "The Wizard" in the London production of "Wicked", and a 9 month run in "The Woman in Black" in the West End says, “I am fascinated about how other performers prepare for shows and how shows or events are put together. I’m hoping listeners will be interested too and, after listening, will be inspired to donate to, “Acting For Others”, thereby supporting any industry professionals currently facing financial or emotional challenges”. So far, “Backstage Curry”, includes conversations with the current, “Wicked”, leading lady, Alexia Khadime, West End and Doctor Who star, Bonnie Langford. Plus, Debbie McGee talking about her, “Strictly”, experience and singer, Sonia, reminiscing about Eurovision and losing by an agonising one point! Other guests include Harriet Thorpe, Jenny Seagrove, Ruth Langsford, Yvette Fielding, Cheryl Baker, Shakatak and tennis legend Margaret Court.


The Podcast is available wherever you download your podcasts and is produced by Andy Barker.


If you'd like to support my charity of choice, Acting for Others, who support all those working in theatrical professions, please follow the link below.

https://actingforothers.co.uk/donate/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Barker
Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • COURT ON CENTRE COURT with Margaret Smith Court
    Jun 20 2025

    The highs and lows of playing at Wimbledon with tennis legend Margaret Smith Court.


    After her first appearance on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 1961, Margaret Court, (nee Smith), went on to claim 10 titles at The Championships including 3 singles, 2 doubles and 5 mixed.

    Her Grand Slam total of 64 titles will probably never be beaten and she was often invincible. Playing at Wimbledon was always very special for Margaret but sometimes she found that Centre Court atmosphere a little overwhelming.

    Mark takes her through the 12 different years she played there as she remembers her wins and losses on the hallowed turf of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 mins
  • ORDER OF PLAY with Denise Parnell
    Jun 13 2025

    Wimbledon Championships referee, Denise Parnell, talks about being the boss of the fortnight.


    Former tennis pro, Denise Parnell became the first female Wimbledon Championships referee in 2024. One of only 13 women to hold the Gold Badge referee qualification, Denise is the top official and responsible for making the most important decisions…managing the tournament draw, scheduling matches, whether to stop play due to rain, when to close the Centre or No1 Court roof and generally ensuring that the most famous tennis event in the world runs smoothly and efficiently. Her discussion with Mark includes how the job came her way and what each day entails.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    59 mins
  • WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES. How the new Kings Head Theatre in Islington happened.
    May 9 2025

    Last orders was called at the very well established Kings Head pub theatre in 2023. Now, around the corner from that venue, in Islington Square, London N1, is the bigger, purpose built 200 seater Kings Head Theatre. The current executive producer is Sofi Berenger and in this episode, Sofi tells Mark how the new space was created and why, as well as describing what audiences and performers can experience there.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    47 mins

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