S3 Ep22: Charley Marlowe: Red Carpets, Rachel Zegler & the Comic Relief Fart Nobody Knew About

S3 Ep26: Solo Ep: Your Questions Answered - Surviving Tour, Covering Roles & Smiling Through the Pain

Jul 2, 202625 minSummary

In this solo episode of How Very Hannah, Hannah takes listeners on a candid journey through the realities of life as a musical theatre performer. Balancing the chaos of travel mishaps with the demands of a hectic performance schedule, she answers a variety of listener questions that peel back the curtain on the industry. The discussion explores the personal insights gained from various roles, ranging from the technical challenges of playing a computer in SpongeBob to the vital importance of female camaraderie in Legally Blonde. Hannah shares her practical advice for performers, including systems for learning multiple tracks, the importance of rest and hydration, and managing one’s mental health during high-pressure rehearsal periods. She also addresses the common anxiety of feeling "behind" in one’s career, offering a grounded perspective on the individual nature of professional paths. Between thoughts on dream dinner guests and her preferred way to eat eggs, she provides an honest look at what it takes to "smile through the pain," maintaining professionalism even on the toughest days, and finding joy in the craft despite the exhausting nature of tour life.

S3 Ep25: George Crawford: Emmett Forrest, Covering Corbin Bleu & His Real Life Waitress Love Story

Jun 25, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of How Very Hannah, host Hannah welcomes her friend and co-star George Crawford for an engaging conversation about life in the theatre industry. George, who currently plays Emmett Forrest in the UK tour of Legally Blonde, shares the hilarious reality of their on-stage dynamic, including the challenges of performing with cold, clammy hands and maintaining professionalism while dealing with the physical demands of touring. The discussion shifts to their personal career paths, with George detailing his journey through drama school auditions and his professional debut. He reflects on how he landed roles in major productions like The Book of Mormon and Waitress, emphasizing that there is no singular or stereotypical route into the industry. The duo also touches on the unique, close-knit nature of theatre families, exploring how performers balance their personal lives with the intense emotional requirements of their roles. Finally, they discuss the complexities of the stage door experience, sharing insights on how they balance connecting with audience members while prioritizing their own well-being and recovery after exhausting performances.

S3 Ep24: Dani Harmer: Tracy Beaker, 30 Years of Panto & the Role She Still Hasn't Read the Book For

Jun 18, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of How Very Hannah, host Hannah welcomes actor Dani Harmer for a nostalgic and candid conversation. Best known as the iconic Tracy Beaker, Harmer reflects on her journey as a child actor, from her West End debut at age six to navigating the unique pressures of growing up on a television set. The two discuss the enduring legacy of Jacqueline Wilson’s characters, the surreal experience of becoming a pop-culture staple, and the challenges of balancing professional commitments with a normal childhood. Beyond the nostalgia, Harmer shares insightful advice for aspiring performers, emphasizing the importance of drama training, maintaining a sense of play, and viewing acting as a creative outlet rather than just a job. The conversation also touches on Harmer’s transition into directing and her perspective on handling criticism, famously noting that "embarrassment is a choice." The episode is rounded out by a lively listener advice segment, where Harmer offers practical, grounded guidance on navigating friendship dynamics in the competitive world of theatre. It is an engaging look at a life spent in the spotlight and the lessons learned along the way.

S3 Ep23: Tosh Wanogho-Maud: Kinky Boots, the Pros & Cons of Being an Alternate & Training at RADA Mid-Career

Jun 11, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of How Very Hannah, host Hannah sits down with musical theatre performer Tosh Wanogho-Maud to discuss his career, his experience as an alternate Lola in the recent production of Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum, and the realities of working in the West End. The conversation offers a deep dive into the specific dynamics of being an alternate, with both performers sharing their personal lists of pros and cons. They touch on the importance of self-ownership in a role, the pressure to prove one’s value, and the necessity of shifting one’s perspective to appreciate the unique opportunities that come with sharing a character. Tosh reflects on his journey—from his debut as a child performer in The Lion King to working on original premieres like The Drifters Girl—and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy ego as armor in a competitive industry. The two also share anecdotes about the camaraderie found backstage, the joy of performing in shows that allow for spontaneity, and the vital advice of focusing on one's own progress rather than comparing oneself to others. The episode is an insightful look into the resilience and collaborative spirit required to sustain a career in professional theatre.

S3 Ep21: How Very Hannah Live: The Garrick Theatre Special with Marisha Wallace & Daisy Twells!!

May 28, 20261h 5mSummary

In this special live episode recorded at the Garrick Theatre, host Hannah brings her podcast to the stage for an evening of theatre-focused fun and audience interaction. After a lighthearted introduction reflecting on her own journey from working at Tesco to landing roles in major West End productions, Hannah invites the iconic Marisha Wallace to join her. The conversation dives deep into Marisha’s impressive career, covering her training at East Carolina University, her big break in the first national tour of Book of Mormon, and her dramatic move to London to join the cast of Dream Girls. The pair also discusses the realities of life as a professional performer, including the challenges of quick character transitions, the nuances of maintaining a career as a principal actor, and the importance of resilience when facing harsh criticism from directors. Throughout the show, the live audience participates in impromptu challenges prompted by surprise phone calls from other theatre performers, adding a spontaneous energy to the evening. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the highs and lows of the industry and a powerful performance that showcases the talent and dedication defining both guests.

S3 Ep20: Sydnie Christmas: Winning Britain's Got Talent, Starlight Express & Brand New Music

May 21, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of How Very Hannah, host Hannah welcomes Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas for an engaging conversation about her career, resilience in the arts, and navigating the entertainment industry. The pair bond over their shared experiences in musical theatre and the realities of life behind the scenes at drama school. Sydnie opens up about the "mental" and transformative experience of competing on Britain’s Got Talent, noting that she views every challenge, including online criticism, as a vital learning curve that built her resilience. The discussion shifts to her professional journey, covering her time performing in Starlight Express in Germany, the physical demands of being a swing, and her decade-long hustle auditioning for various roles before her big break. Both Hannah and Sydnie touch on the importance of maintaining perspective, reflecting on their past "side hustles"—from working at egg farms to cleaning jobs—and how those experiences keep them grounded. The episode also features a lighthearted "Confessions" segment where the host and guest offer advice to a listener navigating a difficult casting situation, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal ambition with friendship.