Before the Applause Podcast
David Watson
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About This 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.
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Recent Episodes
S2E15 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…
S2E14 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…
S2E13 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…
S2E12 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…
S2E11 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…
S2E10 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…
S2E9 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…
S2E8 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…
S2E7 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…
S2E6 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…
S2E5 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…
S2E4 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,…
S2E3 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…
S2E2 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…
S2E1 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…
S1E5 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…
S1E4 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…
S1E3 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…
S1E2 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…
S1E1 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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Before the Applause Podcast has published 21 episodes since July 2023, covering topics in Arts, Performing Arts.
Before the Applause Podcast is currently dormant with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 1h 1m.
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