Before the Applause Podcast
Before the Applause Podcast – hosted by David Watson – is your backstage pass to the creative industries. This audio deep dive uncovers the real stories behind the arts and cultural experiences we all enjoy but rarely think about before the curtain rises.
Each episode brings you candid conversations with the people who make it happen—dancers, producers, designers, actors, DJs, photographers, costumers, marketers, publicists, data analysts, and many more. From the triumphs to the challenges, David lifts the lid on what it truly means to build a career in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Whether you’re an aspiring creative, a seasoned professional, or just curious about the work behind the magic, Before the Applause is here to celebrate the people who bring ideas to life.
Episodes
21 episodes
Ghostwriting the Greats: Legacy, Lights & the Language of Spectacle with Dan Shipton
Step behind the curtain with Dan Shipton, the visionary creative director whose spectacular work has dazzled millions worldwide. As co-founder of Black Skull Creative, Dan has crafted some of entertainment's most unforgettable moments—from Sam ...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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45:23
Midlands to Main Stage: Leaps, Lashes & Limitless Ambition with Harvey Bowen (aka Naya Thorn)
Meet Harvey Bowen – the 23-year-old creative force behind the fierce fashions and perfect paint of rising drag sensation Naya Thorn. In this intimate conversation, Harvey takes us from childhood in the Midlands to centre stage in the UK drag sc...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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1:03:04
Ballet to Bridgerton: A Life Beyond the Barre & Breaking Through with Max Westwell
When Max Westwell stepped away from a successful 12-year career with English National Ballet, many thought he was making a catastrophic mistake. But Max has always been driven by curiosity and evolution, refusing to be confined to a single arti...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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1:06:03
Blue Circles and Breaking Boundaries: The Art of Drag & Self-Discovery with Pip Doran / Sister Sister
Creativity blooms in unexpected places. For Pip Doran - better known to fans worldwide as the blue circle-wearing Scouse drag superstar Sister Sister - early inspiration came from a female-led household where art experimentation wasn't just all...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:02:52
Spectacle with Substance: Rooted in Community, Built on Vision with Niccy Hallifax
Meeting Niccy Hallifax feels like encountering a whirlwind of creative energy. This extraordinary producer and artistic director has shaped some of our most memorable cultural moments – from Olympic ceremonies to city-wide cultural celebrations...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:01:26
From Wishbone to World Stage: A Life in Performance, Purpose, and Passing It On with Helen Thom
What happens when your childhood wish on a chicken wishbone shapes your entire life? For Helen Thom, that wish for ballet lessons at age six sparked a journey from passionate young dancer to transformative educator who has touched hundreds, if ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:16:44
Storytellers Wanted: No Gatekeepers Allowed as the Stage Belongs to Everyone with Suzie Henderson
Meet Suzie Henderson, a fierce advocate for community-driven creative leadership who's helping rewrite the rules of cultural spaces as Creative Director at Storyhouse in Chester. With warmth and candour, Susie shares her unexpected journey from...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:01:59
Chaos Demon in a Tailcoat: When Illustration Meets Drag with Sev Heyn / Franz Genau
Step into the captivating world of Franz Genau, a self-described "German drag king chaos demon" whose white-faced, mustachioed persona has become a striking presence in Liverpool's vibrant drag scene. Behind this compelling character stands Sev...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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57:12
The Renegade Journey: From Digital Disruptor to Bestselling Author with Maya Gabrielle
Maya Gabrielle, better known to millions of young readers as bestselling children's author M.G Leonard, takes us on an exhilarating journey through her remarkably unconventional career. From managing The Divine Comedy band in the 90s to pioneer...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:19:00
From Darkness to Finding Light: Shooting Icons & Shaping Culture with Magnus Hastings
Magnus Hastings carries the rare distinction of being a photographer whose work you've likely seen even if you don't recognise his name. From capturing President Bill Clinton and pop icons like Demi Lovato to becoming the definitive visual chro...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:02:16
Crafting Characters: The Art & Business of Creative Partnerships with Shep & Chris
What makes the perfect creative partnership? How do character designers breathe life into the magical beings that captivate audiences? And how can creative professionals maintain their passion while navigating the harsh realities of the industr...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:40:41
When Hearts Synchronise: The Healing Power of the Arts with Emma Nowell
Emma Noel's creative journey reads like a masterclass in artistic resilience and reinvention. From backing vocals at Eurovision 2003 (with the infamous "nil points" Gemini entry) to West End stages, gritty British films, children's TV sensation...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:01:45
The Dance of Revolution: Resilience and Adaptability with Laura Harvey
What does it mean to choose fulfilment over happiness in a creative career? Laura Harvey, Head of Creative Programmes at English National Ballet, shares her powerful journey from dancer to industry change-maker in a conversation that challenges...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:21:48
When the World Is Watching: Creating Moments That Matter with Martin Green CBE
What does it really take to create cultural moments that captivate millions? Martin Green CBE pulls back the curtain on his extraordinary career spanning the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies, Hull City of Culture, Birmingham Commonwealth Games, a...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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54:38
Dance Like Everybody’s Watching: Community, Creativity and the realities of a dance career with Paul Doyle
What does it take to build a thriving dance career against the backdrop of dwindling arts funding and disappearing courses? Paul Doyle reveals exactly that, sharing his remarkable journey from a shy schoolboy choreographing cringeworthy dance r...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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47:52
Experiential marketing, innovation and empathy with Dawn Payne
Join us for an enlightening sit-down with marketing visionary, Dawn Payne. Dawn takes us from her modest beginnings in Bootle to her influential role at Nintendo, where she brought to life some of the most iconic gaming campaigns. She shares th...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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56:07
Pushing Boundaries in Costume Design and Igniting Creativity with Tahra Zafar
Get ready to journey into a world where creativity meets ergonomics as we chat with Tahra Zafar, a remarkable costume and creature puppet creator. Tahra's work has graced films like Star Wars VII and The Fifth Element, and her skillset has been...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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57:43
Exploring Community Engagement & Arts from Education to UK City of Culture with Louise Yates
We're thrilled to host the pint-sized powerhouse, Louise Yates, a luminary in the arts renowned for her pioneering approach to community engagement. Prepare to join us as we journey through her inspiring narrative, from the theatre-loving...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:10:56
Understanding Human Minds to Revolutionise Arts Marketing with Wesley Thistlethwaite
The glow of the chicken shop might seem worlds away from the grandeur of the box office, and audience insights and analysis, but not for our guest Wez Thistlethwaite, who credits his first job serving customers and juggling tasks for his deep u...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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59:25
Navigating the Evolving World of Creative Arts with Kate Scanlan
Have you ever wondered what it's like to navigate the constantly evolving world of the creative art sector? We spent a captivating hour with our guest, the multifaceted Kate Scanlan, who shares her unique journey. From her dance degree at Surre...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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54:03