SERIES ONE
EPISODE 4
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In this episode, Adam welcomes dancer, choreographer, and creative polymath Anthony Johns. From childhood tap shoes in Portsmouth to BBC studios, West End stages, Pinewood sets, and arena-scale royal spectaculars, Anthony’s life traces six decades of British variety at its most glittering and gritty. He shares priceless lessons from mentors, the power of ballet as the “maths and English” of dance, and the old-school craft of performing to the whole house - not the mirror.
EPISODE 7
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In this episode, Adam welcomes Reverend Bazil Meade, founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, widely recognised as a pioneering force in British gospel music. Bazil traces his path from a childhood on the Caribbean island of Montserrat to becoming one of the most influential figures in UK choral music. He shares moving and sometimes dramatic stories about migration, racism, faith, early musical mentorship, the formation of LCGC in the early 1980s and its rapid rise to performing on global stages and collaborating with major artists including Paul McCartney, George Martin, Luther Vandross, Foreigner and Madonna. Basil also breaks down the sound, history and emotional heart of gospel, the distinction between spirituals and modern gospel music, and how improvisation, movement and community inform the choir’s world-renowned style. We hear candid reflections on creativity, the transition to handing leadership to his children, unforgettable stage moments and a live lesson in singing that leads Adam to his first gospel duet.
EPISODE 1
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In this episode, Adam Sternberg sits down with Jolie Papillon, one of the UK's leading burlesque artists. Originally from Rimini, Italy, Jolie shares her journey from training at top theatre and dance schools in Europe to becoming a celebrated burlesque performer in the UK. Adam and Jolie delve into the variety of reactions from audiences, the misconceptions about burlesque, and the significance of embracing authenticity in performance.
EPISODE 5
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COMING SOON
EPISODE 8
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In this rich and entertaining conversation, Joe takes us through his musical upbringing—opera-singing mother, legendary father, and a Surrey childhood filled with sound—before charting his journey from university uncertainty to Disney cruise contracts, jazz education, and eventually the London scene. He dives into the craft of improvisation, the joys and dangers of live performance, his theatre work (including High Society at the Old Vic), and some unforgettable moments—like a royal gig where no one would shout out a song request. Joe also speaks passionately about the fragile state of UK jazz clubs and his campaign to support and protect them. Full of humour, stories, musical quirks, and heartfelt advocacy, this episode is a celebration of live performance and the vibrant, unpredictable world Joe Stilgoe inhabits.
EPISODE 9
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In this episode, they talk about how they fell in love with the Rolling Stones, why they think the Stones out-rock the Beatles, and what it really takes to “become” Mick and Keith on stage night after night. They share stories of massive gigs, weird audiences, fire alarms killing the PA mid-show, and one particularly drunk early gig where “Mick” fell off the stage and was rescued by the man who played Bungle from Rainbow. We hear how the Rolling Clones evolved from cabaret act to a high-energy modern live-Stones experience, why Aaron convinced Alex to stop drinking on stage, and why tribute work turned out to be a “golden ticket” to make a living in music without fame.
ePISODE 2
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In this episode, Adam Sternberg welcomes Pete Heat, one of the UK’s most exciting magicians and comedians. Known for his unique blend of sharp wit and astonishing sleight of hand, Pete has performed around the world, from intimate close-up shows to large-scale stage performances. He’s worked behind the scenes in television and even taught magic to Jude Law for his role as Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts films.
Adam and Pete explore how a childhood fascination turned into a global career, the fine balance between art and illusion, and why a good magic trick is as much about psychology as it is about skill. Pete also opens up about the creative process behind developing new tricks, handling unpredictable audiences, and how he accidentally became known as “the rock & roll magician.”
EPISODE 6
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In this episode, Adam welcomes circus artist, director and producer Katharine Arnold, an aerialist with two decades of experience who has performed with La Clique and Cirque du Soleil and appeared as Mary Poppins in the Olympic opening ceremony. Katharine traces her path from a Brixton childhood and early ballet training to discovering trapeze at university. She explains the decision to leave a sensible office job at Bloomberg for life on tour, the variety of company experiences from collaborative outdoor shows to large scale revue productions, and the creative process behind her own company show Sophie’s Surprise 29th Birthday Party. Katharine shares candid stories about major surgery, recovery and returning to performance, the thrill of live risk, a hilarious rigging mishap involving a cable tie and her hair, and her views on sexualisation, costume and creative freedom. We also hear about training routines, the practical differences between small cabaret shows and huge productions like Cirque du Soleil, the challenges facing the London cabaret scene, and why she believes showmanship, narrative and audience interaction matter.
EPISODE 3
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In this episode, Adam Sternberg welcomes Natalie Haverstock, internationally acclaimed balloon artist and performer, better known by her stage name Miss Ballooniverse.
A natural entertainer with roots in acting and comedy, Natalie has transformed the humble balloon into an art form blending creativity, humour, and craftsmanship into something truly extraordinary. From teaching balloon-making to global audiences online, to dazzling celebrity guests at high-end events, her story is as uplifting as her creations.
Adam and Natalie explore her colourful journey from the theatre stage to the balloon stage, the art behind every twist and fold, and the resilience required to reinvent oneself in an ever-changing creative industry.
EPISODE 1
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In this episode of Variety, host Adam Sternberg welcomes musical comedy duo Bounder & Cad for a wide-ranging conversation following a bold opening performance skewering Vladimir Putin. The pair trace their origins from university choirboys and jazz crooners to becoming a fully-fledged satirical act, sharing stories of May Balls, their first original parody song about Prince Harry, and a last-minute, near-missed debut gig at 10 Downing Street.
They unpack their approach to satire—why they prefer timeless absurdity over partisan politics, how they balance provocation with kindness, and why comedy works best when it releases tension rather than fuels anger. The episode also dives into creative partnership, disagreement, privilege, performance mishaps, and the importance of humor as a coping mechanism. It wraps with a playful operatic finale: a comic English-language take on La donna è mobile, featuring Adam joining them on stage.
EPISODE 10
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In this Christmas special of Variety, host Adam Sternberg chats with Andrew about his unusual route into panto: from choirboy beginnings and a brief detour as a chef, to musical theatre leading roles, and finally being thrust into dame duties at the last minute when another performer was injured. Andrew breaks down what makes pantomime unique—ad-libbing, timing, audience interaction, and relentless quick-changes—plus the character work, voice choices, slapstick, and how panto traditions are evolving (and enduring). The episode also features a playful spoken “duet” of Sonny Boy and wraps with details of Andrew’s upcoming run at Brick Lane Music Hall in Jack and His Giant Stalk (over-16s), followed by a family version later.
