On the Show People Podcast, host and director Andrew Keates is joined by actor, comedian, presenter and polymath Rufus Hound. Rufus discusses how impactful his school life was to his career, including an extraordinary relationship he had with his controversial drama teacher, David Proudlock. Rufus explains his journey from the comedy circuit to panel shows, the Soho Theatre to One Man, Two Guvnors. Rufus also talks about his recent successes in West End Musicals Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Wind In The Willows and how he went from stand-up comedian to West End leading man. Andrew and Rufus are good friends and both are men who are fans of tangents. So expect all sorts of subjects from the Muppet Show to Groundhog Day, Adam Woodyatt to KFC. In short, expect a mixed bucket (minus some chicken wings).

Episode features include: The Soapbox: Andrew and Rufus discuss the value of the BBC and the public outrage surrounding the high salaries that some performers have been reported to receive at the corporation, compared to private networks such as ITV and Netflix and why television seemed so much better when we were younger. Oh and they talk a little bit about Brexit.

Theatrical Tips: Andrew’s theatrical tips for February include There or Here at the Park Theatre (Park 90) and Eugenius! The Musical at The Other Palace.

The Platform: Today’s platform is given to Rob Winlow and his is latest work, Austen – The Musical – which explores Jane Austen’s struggle to have her work published in a male dominated environment, her romances and her vow to reject a woman’s lifestyle in Georgian England. It is the story of Jane Austen’s transition from a country parson’s daughter to one of the most read writers in English Literature. The songs in Austen The Musical have moments of joy, despair and heart-wrenching sadness. Austen – the Musical is currently on its nationwide tour, playing to sell-out audiences until March 2018. Todays song is The Snow Outside, performed by Annie Kirkman, Emily Hayles, Oliver J Brooke and Rob Winlow from the original production. For more information please visit www.austenthemusical.co.uk.