On The Show People Podcast, host Andrew Keates is joined by West End leading man, Liam Tamne shortly before he appeared on Eurovision: You Decide. Sadly, Liam didn’t win the opportunity to represent the UK in Eurovision 2018, however he’ll always be a winner to all of us at the Show People Podcast. Andrew and Liam have a natter about Liam’s early days as a non-white, young, gay, lad in Coventry and the prejudices he’s faced and his remarkable relationship with his father. Liam remembers his training at Laine Theatre Arts, leaving early to cover and play Fiyero in the London production of Wicked, going on to play roles such as Jordan Jones in Departure Lounge, Enjolras in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre (and coping with the loss of his Nan), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Link Larkin in Hairspray, Frank N Further in the UK tour of the Rocky Horror Show and many other productions including Working at the Southwark Playhouse and his time spent with Gavin Creel and the Broadway cast of Hair. Liam explains what Eurovision means to him, why he wanted to enter and shares his passionate views about diversity and the many special relationships he’s built with Sir. Cameron Mackintosh, Hal Prince, Stephen Schwartz and Sir. Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Episode features include:

The Soapbox: Andrew and Liam discuss reality TV shows and in particular when Liam appearing on The Voice and his decision to enter Eurovision and discuss whether it’s worth a performer risking their reputation.

Dramatic News: Andrew covers the latest dramatic news including stories about the Guildford School of Acting, Ian McKellen, The War Of The Worlds and The Ferryman. The Platform: Todays platform is given to Liam Tamne and composers Ashley Hicklin, Jacob Pedersen, Jeanette Bonde & Rune Braager. We play Liam’s entry for Eurovision You Decide called Astronaut.

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.