After earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Cassie in Leicester Curve's production of A Chorus Line, Carly Mercedes-Dyer is about to return to the iconic role two and a half years later. This time, the production will also head on a UK tour visiting various cities around the country including a run at Sadler's Wells in London. Since her Oliver nominated performance in Anything Goes, Carly has become one of the most sought after performers on the UK Theatre stage. Last year, she took on the role of Lynette Fromme in Assassins at Chichester and most recently also led the UK tour of The Drifters Girl.

In this brand new interview, Carly Mercedes-Dyer talks to us about her experience returning to Leicester and to the role of Cassie. We hear her talk about her experience working in the ensemble of shows like Dreamgirls and Chicago before going on to play principal roles like Anita in West Side Story and Cassie in A Chorus Line. We also talk about her collaboration process with the rest of the cast and she speaks openly for her admiration for Nikolai Foster and Ellen Kane, acknowledging their generosity in the room when reimagining such beloved classics. As she begins to prepare to head back out on the road, she also tells us about the importance of looking after yourself especially when doing such a physically demanding show. It's a lovely conversation, listening to Carly look back over various milestones in her career and we look forward to seeing A Chorus Line too.

Over the last year. Joaquin Pedro Valdes has proved himself to be one of the most sought after West End performers. Last year, he starred in the sold out concerts of Death Note, made his Menier Chocolate Factory debut in the highly acclaimed revival of Pacific Overtures and is now about to return to the Menier for an eagerly anticipated revival of The Baker's Wife. Originally hailing from the Philippines, Joaquin takes time to talk to us about his move to London to make his career here after already establishing a successful career in his home country before joining the international tours of The Lion King and The King & I. Since arriving in London, he also starred in the premiere productions of Killing the Cat and Then, Now & Next and we can expect more exciting projects from Joaquin going forwards.

In this special interview, Joaquin Pedro Valdes tells us about the journey he's made over the last few years and the joy he's found since arriving in London. He acknowledges the renowned talent that's based in the UK and the competition he's found himself facing whilst remaining inspired by his peers. He also pays tribute to his wife and his loved ones for continuing to support him in his career advancements. Now as he approaches the role of Dominique, Joaquin also tells us about his personal approach to tackling characters and why it feels like a masterclass working with this company at the Menier. Indeed, the show will see him starring opposite the likes of West End veterans: Clive Rowe, Josefina Gabrielle and Finty Williams. Composer Stephen Schwartz has also been in rehearsals to talk about the show and Joaquin shares his excitement at getting to continue working with so many great talents. It’s a very candid interview too and we hear Joaquin speak openly with heartfelt candour throughout our conversation.

The Baker’s Wife runs at Menier Chocolate Factory from 6 July - 14 September.

Joshua James is one of the most ravishing actors on the UK Theatre scene, taking on principal roles at the National Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe and the Royal Court Theatre. He is about to make his Arcola Theatre debut in Laura Walden's new play Some Demon, as a nurse working in an institution for people with eating disorders. Laura Waldren's won the prestigious Papatango Prize for her first play which Joshua calls one of the best pieces of new writing that he's read in many years. Following on from the run at the Arcola Theatre, the show will also transfer to the studio at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre where Joshua will also be making his debut there.

In our interview, Joshua James talks to us about the challenges of performing new writing and how to deal with sensitive subject matters such as eating disorders. He goes on to talk about the joy of getting to work on classic texts too having recently performed in landmark revivals of The Glass Menagerie and also The Vortex, where he starred opposite his real-life mother: Lia Williams. It's fascinating to hear him compare the experiences of working on existing texts compared to new work but he also tells us that it's important to approach classics afresh without holding them up with any particular reverence. We hear him share his hopes for the future too as he continues to tackle thought-provoking work both in London and in the regions.

Some Demon runs at Arcola Theatre until 6th July and runs at Bristol Old Vic Theatre from from 9 - 13 July.