Best Theatre History Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 108: "Stirring Up Sheffield" with Tedd George 40:21

4d ago40:21

40:21

In the 1960s, the English city of Sheffield began work on a new theatre. The new venue, called the Crucible, became an important landmark in the development of theatre in the UK, as well as a point of contention nationwide. At the center of it all was Colin George, who spearheaded the building of the Crucible and fought for its then-unconventional …

1
The search for Richard 3rd: A Conversation with Mathew Morris 40:10

1d ago40:10

40:10

Episode 130: Mathew Morris talk to me about the archaeological dig that resulted in the discovery of the final remains of Richard 3rd, which serves as a prelude to the next episode which will be all about Shakespeare’s take on the final Yorkist king. Towards the end of our conversation, we spoke about the differences between the Richard of the play…

1
Nicol Williamson 1:16:51

6d ago1:16:51

1:16:51

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) discusses with Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell - playwrights of the new play "Dissonance" - the career highlights and pitfalls of the mercurial Scottish actor, Nicol Williamson. Dissonanceplay.com Dissonance - YouTube Dissonance - Facebook Dissonance - Instagram Dissonance - TikTok…

1
Henry 6th part 3: ‘How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown.’ 33:22

8d ago33:22

33:22

Episode 129: A brief recap on the dating and sources of the play A brief synopsis of the play The problem of multiple battlefield scenes and the depiction of violence How language in the play is used to underline the changing fortunes of the two sides. The depth of strong characterisation in the play Warwick, the would-be kingmaker Henry as an earl…

1
Episode 107: Tracing the Rise of the Professional Scenic Designer w/ Dr. David Bisaha 41:17

15d ago41:17

41:17

How did scenic designer become a job that people could pursue in the theatre? Dr. David Bisaha joins us to talk about his book, American Scenic Design and Freelance Professionalism. Correction for the episode: The correct number for the historical, segregated Washington, D.C. IATSE Local was 224-A, not 244-A.…

1
John Hall of Stratford-Upon-Avon: A Conversation with John Taplin 40:26

15d ago40:26

40:26

Episode 128: Author John Taplin discusses researching the Stratford families of Shakespeare's time and particularly the ancestry of John Hall, Shakespeare's son-in-law. John Taplin spent the majority of his career in management in the telecommunications industry until 2001 when he joined the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust at Hall’s Croft and Nash’s H…

1
Replay - Comstockery 1:05:53

23d ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) replays an episode with guest Dan Posluns, regarding the censorship efforts of US Postal Inspector Anthony Comstock, and just how much those efforts were ridiculed by the subject of the attempted censorship, playwright George Bernard Shaw.By Aaron Odom

1
Henry 6th part 2: ‘The Fox Barks Not When He Would Steal the Lamb’ 33:32

25d ago33:32

33:32

Episode 127: A recap of Henry VI part one and the potential involvement of Christopher Marlowe A word on methods of authorship attribution in the context of Shakespeare and Marlowe The dating and sources of the play A synopsis of Henry VI part two The characterisation of the War of the Roses The decline of England mapped out in the play The main ch…

1
Episode 106: Staging Latinx Shakespeares with Dr. Carla Della Gatta 34:20

29d ago34:20

34:20

Dr. Carla Della Gatta joins us to talk about Latinx Shakespeare productions and her book Latinx Shakespeares: Staging U.S. Intercultural Theater.

1
Shakespeare’s Borrowed Feathers: A Conversation with Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones 46:14

30d ago46:14

46:14

Episode 126: A conversation with Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones, author of 'Shakespeare’s Borrowed Feathers' about the influence of early modern playwrights on Shakespeare where we talk about Marlowe, Kyd, Greene and others and the role of data analytics in modern author attribution studies. Dr Darren Freebury-Jones is author of several works on early m…

1
The Fantasticks 1:15:35

1M ago1:15:35

1:15:35

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and returning guest Brittanie Chafe (@brittaniedoesbroadway on Instagram) discuss the longest running off-Broadway show ever: "The Fantasticks," and the troubles with producing the show today.By Aaron Odom

1
Henry 6th part 1: ‘My Thoughts Are Whirled Like a Potter's Wheel’ 32:33

1M ago32:33

32:33

Episode 125: A detailed look at the first Shakespearean history play 'Henry 6th part 1' The problems with dating 1 Henry VI How much of the play did Shakespeare write? The relationship of the play to parts 2 and 3 The sources of the play A brief summary of the play The play in relation to other history plays of the time Criticism of the battle scen…

1
'To Gender or Not to Gender': A Conversation With Margaret Oakes 34:15

1M ago34:15

34:15

Episode 124: A conversation with Margaret Oakes about the book 'To Gender or Not to Gender: Casting and Characters for 21st Century Shakespeare’ which explores ways in which gender is being reinterpreted by British and North American productions since the turn of the millennium. After an initial chapter outlining recent gender theory, which is very…

1
Stephen King's "Misery" on Stage 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and returning guest Micah Wyatt discuss the film and stage adaptations "Misery," the novel by master of horror and suspense, Stephen King.By Aaron Odom

1
Hunt, Grenfell and the Satyr Play 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

Bonus Episode 36: Sometimes things conspire against the podcaster, as has happened to me in the last couple of weeks, meaning that I have not been able to get the promised episode up to scratch in time. To make up for this and fill the gap I have created an episode that goes back to Greek theatre. It looks at that most mysterious of the ancient Gre…

1
William of Stratford, a Coda: The History of New Place 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Episode 123: The Origins of New Place The Clopton’s of Stratford-Upon-Avon The first house at New Place Hugh Clopton and his support for Stratford William Clopton William Bott and murder at New Place (maybe) William Underhill sells New Place to Shakespeare William Underhill and his son Faulk (another murder) The New Place of Shakespeare’s time The …

1
Ivor Novello in Prison 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) welcomes guest Doug Reitinger to discuss a legal infraction of one of the UK's most prolific theatre artists of the 20th century: Ivor Novello. "1944: Home Fires" by Homo Promos on YouTubeBy Aaron Odom

1
William of Stratford part 4: ‘With Mirth and Laughter Let Old Wrinkles Come.’ 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

Episode 122: The fourth and final part of the biography of Shakespeare. The rise of Shakespeare as actor and playwright for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. ‘The Comedy of Errors’ performed at Grey’s Inn, ‘the night of errors.’ The influence of the inns of court. Plays for special occasions. Francis Meres’ comments on Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s involvem…

1
The Afterlife of Anne Hathaway: A Conversation with Prof Katherine Scheil 26:42

2M ago26:42

26:42

Episode 121: For this episode I’m very pleased to welcome Katherine Sheil, Professor of English at the University of Minnesota for the second part of our conversation about Anne Hathaway, based around her book ‘Imagining Shakespeare’s Wife: The Afterlife of Anne Hathaway’. In this part we went on to talk about the different views of Anne in fiction…

1
The Old Price Riots of 1809 1:15:44

3M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and returning guest Dustin Hebert discuss a series of riots in London in 1809 to protest a new pricing structure at Theatre Royal Covent Garden.By Aaron Odom

1
William of Stratford Part 3: ‘Would I Were in an Alehouse in London’ 33:44

3M ago33:44

33:44

Episode 120: The lost years of Shakespeare’s early life have given space for some myths and legends to grow over the centuries, before we can trace a few facts of his early life in London. The myth of Shakespeare and the Crab-tree. The myth of Shakespeare the deer slayer. Nicholas Rowe – the first editor of Shakespeare. The Queen’s men in Stratford…

1
Imagining Shakespeare’s Wife: A Conversation with Prof Katherine Scheil 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

Episode 119: For this episode I’m very pleased to welcome Katherine Sheil, Professor of English at the University of Minnesota. Katherine is Author of several books about Shakespeare, but today we particularly talk about her book about Shakespeare’s wife called ‘Imagining Shakespeare’s Wife: The Afterlife of Anne Hathaway’. It is a fascinating exam…

1
Theatre Audience Etiquette Throughout the Years 1:23:56

3M ago1:23:56

1:23:56

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and actor/producer/stunt performer Devin Sanchez discuss the expectations for theatre audiences, and just how those expectations have changed over the years.By Aaron Odom

1
William of Stratford Part 2: 'He Wears The Rose of Youth Upon Him' 35:13

3M ago35:13

35:13

Episode 118: Shakespeare's youth, his school days, religious life and marriage. A couple of corrections to the last episode on John Shakespeare The Shakespeare family's domestic set up. Religion and the life of a child in the late 1500's Examples of how William's education in Stratford may have looked. Anne Hathaway and her family history. William …

1
That Shakespeare Life: A Conversation with Cassidy Cash 25:39

3M ago25:39

25:39

Bonus Episode 35: A conversation with Cassidy Cash, producer and host of 'That Shakespeare Life', the podcast that interviews expert historians to explore people, events, and objects that were living or happening in Shakespeare’s lifetime. Cassidy Cash is a Shakespeare historian, historical map illustrator, and host of That Shakespeare Life, That S…

1
"Death of a Salesman" and Playing Willy Loman on Broadway, Pt. 2 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and guest Tracy Burns continue their conversation about Arthur Miller's most well-known play, its central character, and the many actors who have played him on Broadway.By Aaron Odom

1
William of Stratford Part 1: 'To You Your Father Should Be As a God’ 33:20

4M ago33:20

33:20

Episode 117: ‘To you your father should be as a God’. - A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Act 1 Scene 1 The first of a series of episodes covering the biography of William of Stratford. Richard Shakespeare – William’s grandfather Richard Shakespeare – William’s uncle John Shakespeare – William’s father His move to Stratford Upon Avon His trade as a glove…

1
Polish Theatre Revisited: A Conversation with Dr Agata Luksza 50:04

4M ago50:04

50:04

Bonus Episode 34: Guest Dr Agata Luksza discusses her book 'Polish Theatre Revisited' where she examines theatre fan culture in Warsaw in the late 19th century. Dr Agata Luksza is an assistant professor at the Institute of Polish Culture, University of Warsaw. She graduated with honors from the University of Warsaw in cultural studies and journalis…

1
"Death of a Salesman" and Playing Willy Loman on Broadway, Pt. 1 50:55

4M ago50:55

50:55

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and Instructor Tracy Burns discuss the origins of Willy Loman on Broadway, and the many actors who have played the role on Broadway since.By Aaron Odom

1
Shakespeare In His Time 35:57

4M ago35:57

35:57

Episode 116: As an introduction to the season on Shakespeare this episode gives a timeline of events in Shakespeare's life. The focus is on the best estimates for the dates of all his plays and the reasons for those estimates, but also includes the milestones of his life and other significant events of the time that occurred in England. Support to …

1
Dionysus and Xanthias: The First Double Act 29:11

4M ago29:11

29:11

Episode 115: A dive back into Ancient Greek theatre with a look at 'The Frogs' by Aristophanes. A recap on the life and plays of Aristophanes. A summary of the plot of the play. Analysis of the main points raised by the play. A short word on a recent production of the play by 'Spymonkey' played at the Kiln Theatre, London in February and March 2024…

1
Play Spotlight - "The Homecoming" by Harold Pinter 1:06:42

4M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and actor Suzanne Cotsakos study and dissect the truly enigmatic play "The Homecoming" by Harold Pinter.By Aaron Odom

1
From the English Renaissance to Shakespeare and Jonson 33:16

5M ago33:16

33:16

Episode 114: As an introduction to season six of the podcast in the first part of this episode I lay out the aims for the next season and the approach I will be taking to the monoliths of early English theatre tha tare Shakespeare and Jonson. In the second part of the Episode I give a quick recap of Season Five to get you and I back in the zone for…

1
"Chimes at Midnight" - Orson Welles and Falstaff 1:06:06

5M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) welcomes back returning Guest, LA-Based TV and Film Producer Brand Birtwistle, to discuss Orson Welles' love letter to possibly his favorite Shakespeare character Falstaff with his epic film "Chimes at Midnight." **SPOILERS AHEAD** thebrand.productionsBy Aaron Odom

1
Actor-Managers in the UK 58:10

5M ago58:10

58:10

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and friend Aaron Linden discuss the history of the Actor-Manager system of theatre management in the UK.By Aaron Odom

1
RHPS '23, Pt. 2 1:09:28

6M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) meets the remaining members from the cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show '23: Michael Sandvig - Riff Raff David Britton - Eddie Asia Stockwell - Janet Taly Duenow - Dr. Scott Serena Laird & Jeremiah Young - Frank's party attendantsBy Aaron Odom

1
RHPS '23, Pt. 1 1:08:27

6M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) meets with several members from the cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show '23: JJ Reign - Brad Valeri Hovland - Columbia Laura Thorne - Magenta Rachael Trueblood - Rocky Dan Richard - Criminologist Breahna Jackman - Dr. Frank-N-Furter Aristele Johnson & Kristina Sharpski - Frank's party attendants…

1
Women on the British Restoration Stage 1:09:18

7M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) and returning guest Karen Knappenberger describe the ensuing events after women were first allowed to publicly perform on stage in England in 1660.By Aaron Odom

1
Shakespeare Adapted - Romeo and Juliet 1:13:04

7M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) invites 3 guests to discuss modern adaptations of Shakespeare's popular tragedy, Romeo and Juliet: First guest: Aaron's son Ethan, to discuss the plot of R&J Second guest: Dr. Paul Gagliardi, to discuss if R&J is the grand love story it's hyped to be Third guest: Lindsay Robert, to discuss two successful major moti…

1
Adventures In Theatre History Philadelphia with Peter Schmitz 49:20

7M ago49:20

49:20

A bonus episode where Peter Schmitz of the 'Adventures In Theatre History - Philadelphia' podcast takes us through an overview of the development of theatre in Philadelphia. Peter Schmitz is an actor, dialect coach, and teacher of Theater History who lives in the Philadelphia area. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, he got his BA in History from …

1
Schedule Announcement 3:15

8M ago3:15

3:15

A short New Year message and about the timing for the start of season six of the podcast. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.By Philip Rowe

1
”All Play and No Work” - The Comic Plays of the Federal Theatre Project 1:14:45

8M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) invites author Dr. Paul Gagliardi to discuss some entries in Paul's new book, "All Play and No Work," all about the comedies presented by the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s. Buy "All Play and No Work" from Temple University Press Buy "Gas Money for Austin" by The Barefoot Band, including the "Euripides, Eumen…

1
Coda: The Life of Augustine Phillips 29:49

8M ago29:49

29:49

Episode 113: As a coda to season 5 this episode is a potted history of the life of Augustine Phillips, player in the Lord Chamberlin's Men, with the details taken from documented records. Support the podcast at: www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com www.ko-fi.com/thoetp www.patreon.com/thoetp This podcast uses the following third-party services for a…

1
King Kong - The Musical 1:09:22

8M ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) welcomes back returning guest David Britton, and the two discuss the successes and shortcomings of King Kong - The Musical.By Aaron Odom

1
English Renaissance Conclusions (sort of) 32:13

8M ago32:13

32:13

Episode 112: To close season five of the podcast I pick up three items I dropped in the previous narrative and then offer some concluding thoughts: Thomas Watson – the life and works of the possible co-author of ‘Arden of Faversham. Henry Chettle – the life and works of the prolific collaborator. Thomas Heywood – the life and works of a playwright …

1
The Seattle Federal Theatre Project and ”Spirochete” 1:16:38

9M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) welcomes back returning guest Seattle-based Theatre artist Robert Bogue to discuss a Seattle production designed to curb a lurid epidemic.By Aaron Odom

1
Arden of Faversham and the Domestic Tragedy 34:10

9M ago34:10

34:10

Episode 111: The true story behind 'Arden of Faversham' The plot outline of the play Is the domestic tragedy really tragedy? The main themes of the play The domestic eating of the play The low characters The role of destiny in the play Questions of authorship Other surviving domestic tragedies - 'A Warning for Faire Women' 'Two Tragedies' 'A Yorksh…

1
Episode 105: The Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama with Professor Fiona Macintosh 50:42

9M ago50:42

50:42

Ancient Greek and Roman drama has influenced theatre for millennia, and playwrights and other artists from around the world continue to draw inspiration from these works. Professor Fiona Macintosh joins us to talk about the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama at Oxford University and how it's been a resource for those who want to learn…

1
Broadway Street Performers 1:20:19

9M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

Host Aaron Odom (@TridentTheatre) welcomes back guest Brian Michael Jones to discuss some of the street performers seen on the Great White Way.By Aaron Odom

1
The Play’s the Thing: Elizabethan Acting Style and Stage Conventions 34:10

9M ago34:10

34:10

Episode 110: The problems of the lack of evidence about conventions and acting style. How a player learned his craft. The rhetorical or performance style of acting. Theatre as a poetic form. The rhetorical style is overtaken by a more naturalistic style. Stage sets and costume. Thomas Hayward’s thoughts on a player’s skills. Hayward on players as s…

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