Five Minute Call is a podcast that takes a deep dive into the stories of the people that make theatre happen. Hosted by Claire Underwood and Oren Boder, we pull...
Alice Afflick-Mensah: Head of Sound at Hamilton in the West End
This is Alice Afflick-Mensah
In this episode of The Five Minute Call, we delve into the world of theatre sound engineering with Alice Afflick-Mensah, who is currently the Head of Sound for Hamilton in the West End. Alice recounts her journey from studying classical music to working on one of the biggest shows in the world. She shares her experiences managing live mixes, her emotional connection with performers, handling performance anxiety, and her passion for DJing. Alice also discusses the importance of self-care and creating a supportive work environment.
🎧 Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to The 5 Minute Call01:01 Alice Afflick-Mensah's Journey into Sound Engineering02:53 From Classical Music to Theatre Sound09:00 The Role of a Front of House Mixer10:55 Challenges and Rewards of Mixing Hamilton21:34 The All-Female Sound Team22:42 Interviewing for a Sound Engineer24:48 Sponsorship Break: Vocalitea25:20 Backstage Roles and Responsibilities26:27 Handling On-Stage Mishaps28:20 Learning and Performing Under Pressure31:12 Sound Design vs. Sound Mixing34:24 Understanding the Impact of Theatre Acoustics35:36 Adapting Sound for Different Environments37:18 Giving Feedback to Performers39:57 Managing Focus and Off Days41:33 Creating a Supportive Team Environment45:25 Balancing Health and Work50:52 Exploring DJing and Performance Anxiety54:33 The Art of DJing58:43 Public Speaking and Emotional Intelligence01:02:30 Five Minute Call Rituals01:05:01 Inspiration and Final Thoughts
❤️ Support The Show
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications! Your support helps us bring you more amazing stories from the theatre world.
And you can listen to more episodes on your favourite podcasting platform. Links at: https://linkin.bio/fiveminutecall
🤝 Connect With Us
Follow us on social media - search "Five Minute Call"
https://www.instagram.com/FiveMinuteCall
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourfiveminutecall
Oren:
https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
https://www.orenboder.com
Claire:
https://www.instagram.com/showminds
https://www.showminds.co
Alice Afflick-Mensah:
https://www.instagram.com/lovealicedj/
☕️ Vocalitea
This episode is kindly sponsored by Vocalitea, the secret to vocal clarity in a cup.
Vocalitea is more than just a beverage; it's a holistic approach to vocal care. Developed by award-winning voice experts and master tea blenders, each ingredient has been carefully selected to help you soothe and take care of your voice.
Get yours at: https://vocalitea.co.uk
🎗️Get Help
If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.
In the first instance, helplines:
Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
https://www.applauseforthought.com
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
https://www.mind.org.uk
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1:09:41
Luke Bayer: from X-Factor to leading roles in the West End... It's not that deep!
This is Luke Bayer.
In this episode we're talking to Luke Bayer about his impressive career in theatre. Starting at age 14 as a contestant on The X Factor, Luke went on to tour China before performing as Jamie in "Everybody's Talking About Jamie". He also received acclaim for his one-man show "Diva Live From Hell" - winning multiple awards. Luke shares the highs and lows of his early start, his preparation methods for new roles, and the challenges of performing solo.
🎧 Chapters & Timestamps
00:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:00:05 – 5 Minute Call Announcement
00:00:17 – Introducing Luke Bayer
00:00:59 – Luke’s Theatre Beginnings
00:03:00 – Family Influence on Luke’s Singing Journey
00:04:05 – Early Confidence & X Factor Audition
00:05:58 – Life as a 14-Year-Old on X Factor
00:12:10 – Learning to Accept the Voice You Have
00:16:00 – Drama School Challenges
00:20:49 – First Job Abroad: Touring with 12 Tenors in China
00:22:49 – Jamie: Landing the Role & Preparation
00:27:03 – Being an Alternate in a West End Show
00:29:40 – Funny Backstage Stories
00:33:35 – Dealing with Adrenaline & Performance Pressure
00:38:00 – Performing Solo: Diva Live From Hell
00:45:10 – Handling Mishaps During Live Performances
00:50:20 – Building Resilience as a Performer
00:53:30 – Reflecting on Personal Growth & Awareness
00:57:00 – Finding Joy in Performance
01:00:00 – 5 Minute Call Rituals
01:01:50 – Guest Question: Dream Job for a Week
01:03:17 – Luke’s Titanic Obsession
01:04:30 – Outro & Next Episode Teaser
❤️ Support The Show
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications! Your support helps us bring you more amazing stories from the theatre world.
And you can listen to more episodes on your favourite podcasting platform. Links at: https://linkin.bio/fiveminutecall
🤝 Connect With Us
Follow us on social media - search "Five Minute Call"
https://www.instagram.com/FiveMinuteCall
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourfiveminutecall
Oren:
https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
https://www.orenboder.com
Claire:
https://www.instagram.com/showminds
https://www.showminds.co
Luke:
https://www.instagram.com/lukebayer/
☕️ Vocalitea
This episode is kindly sponsored by Vocalitea, the secret to vocal clarity in a cup. Vocalitea is more than just a beverage; it's a holistic approach to vocal care. Developed by award-winning voice experts and master tea blenders, each ingredient has been carefully selected to help you soothe and take care of your voice.
Get yours at: https://vocalitea.co.uk
🎗️Get Help
If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.
In the first instance, helplines:
Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
https://www.applauseforthought.com
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
https://www.mind.org.uk
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1:04:46
Charlie Stemp: from Monkey no.3 in Wicked to Bert in Mary Poppins, and Panto at the Palladium
This is Charlie Stemp.
Join us for a very special Christmas episode of The Five Minute Call! This week, we’re on location at the London Palladium’s Robin Hood rehearsals to chat with one of musical theatre’s brightest stars, Charlie Stemp. From his award-winning performance in Half a Sixpence to Broadway’s Hello, Dolly!, and now starring in Crazy For You and Robin Hood, Charlie shares his incredible journey, career-defining moments, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
🎧 Chapters & Timestamps
00:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:00:53 – Meet Charlie Stemp
00:01:20 – Charlie’s Theatre Beginnings
00:10:47 – Overcoming Challenges
00:21:50 – Sponsor: Vocalitea
00:22:50 – Life in Wicked and Touring
00:34:12 – Broadway Adventures
00:51:00 – Teaching & Giving Back
01:00:10 – Mary Poppins & Crazy For You
01:14:10 – All About Panto
01:20:25 – Five Minute Call Question
01:21:45 – Diary Question
01:23:25 – Outro
❤️ Support The Show
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for notifications! Your support helps us bring you more amazing stories from the theatre world.
And you can listen to more episodes on your favourite podcasting platform. Links at: https://linkin.bio/fiveminutecall
🤝 Connect With Us
Follow us on social media - search "Five Minute Call"
https://www.instagram.com/FiveMinuteCall
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourfiveminutecall
Oren:
https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
https://www.orenboder.com
Claire:
https://www.instagram.com/showminds
https://www.showminds.co
Charlie:
https://www.instagram.com/charlie.stemp/
☕️ Vocalitea
This episode is kindly sponsored by Vocalitea, the secret to vocal clarity in a cup.
Vocalitea is more than just a beverage; it's a holistic approach to vocal care. Developed by award-winning voice experts and master tea blenders, each ingredient has been carefully selected to help you soothe and take care of your voice.
Get yours at: https://vocalitea.co.uk
🎗️Get Help
If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.
In the first instance, helplines:
Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
https://www.applauseforthought.com
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
https://www.mind.org.uk
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1:24:26
Gillyanne Kayes: World renown voice teacher and author, and co-founder of Vocal Process
This is Gillyanne Kayes.
In this episode of The 5 Minute Call, we dive deep into the life and career of Dr. Gillyanne Kayes of Vocal Process. Gillyanne shares her journey from childhood singing to teaching, the challenges faced with a significant voice problem, and her current mission to inspire and influence vocal trainers. She talks about her transformative experiences at the East 15 acting school, her influential relationships with mentors, and the path that led her back to academia to pursue a PhD. Gillyanne also discusses the importance of collaboration, the impact of her early singing teachers, and her perspective on adapting to different singing genres. This is an inspiring conversation packed with insights for anyone passionate about voice and performance.
00:00 Introduction to The 5 Minute Call Podcast
00:54 Gillyanne Kayes' Early Influences and Childhood
04:35 Musical Training and Early Career
09:44 University Years and Challenges
14:12 Transition to Teaching and Methodology
30:45 Voice Problems and Personal Struggles
32:03 A Struggle with Vocal Issues
33:20 The Turning Point: A Concert Gone Wrong
33:56 Coping with Shame and Seeking Help
36:15 The Journey to Understanding Vocal Mechanics
40:27 Discovering Jo Estill and Vocal Anatomy
44:29 Pursuing a PhD and Overcoming Challenges
47:52 Embracing Mistakes and Continuous Learning
50:51 The Importance of Collaboration and Sharing Knowledge
53:20 Exploring Comfort Zones in Singing
58:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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FOLLOW ►
https://www.instagram.com/FiveMinuteCall
Oren:
https://www.instagram.com/OrenBoder
https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenboder
Claire:
https://www.instagram.com/showminds
https://www.showminds.co
Gillyanne:
https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess
LISTEN ►
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8fb3a694-7799-4062-8607-16a120d5db12/five-minute-call
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xNC5y4sno1FSsTp8bjyd3
----
If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful.
In the first instance, helplines:
Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)
Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)
Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)
If you work in the theatre industry here are some organisations who can help you to find the right help:
https://www.applauseforthought.com
https://www.industryminds.co.uk
https://www.bapam.org
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk
https://www.artsandminds.org.uk
https://www.artsminds.co.uk
https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk
https://www.mind.org.uk
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1:02:11
Mark Hedges: on Skates in Starlight Express to Resident Director at Phantom, and Everything In-Between
This is Mark Hedges.
Mark shares his captivating journey from school shows to playing major roles in productions like 'Les Misérables' and 'Starlight Express,' to becoming a resident director for iconic shows like 'The Bodyguard,' 'Mary Poppins,' and 'Phantom of the Opera.' He offers a deep dive into his transition from performing to directing, the challenges and rewards of a resident director's role, and his unique perspective on auditions. Mark also talks about the importance of collaboration, creativity, and maintaining calm in high-pressure situations. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring story of a life dedicated to theatre.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:48 Mark Hedges' Early Theatre Journey
01:43 First Big Break: Starlight Express
05:09 Life in the West End
08:00 Mentorship and Growth
13:09 Unexpected Opportunities
22:53 Transition to Resident Director
29:47 Role of a Resident Director
32:34 Balancing Multiple Roles in Production
33:18 Staying Calm Under Pressure
33:53 Connecting with People
35:21 Learning from Mentors
36:40 Dealing with Stress
38:08 The Importance of Collaboration
39:55 Maintaining Creativity in Repetitive Roles
42:57 The Role of a Resident Director
54:38 Navigating Auditions
57:50 The Casting Process
01:02:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Five Minute Call is a podcast that takes a deep dive into the stories of the people that make theatre happen. Hosted by Claire Underwood and Oren Boder, we pull back the curtain to explore their truths, life lessons, inspiring narratives, and hard-earned wisdom from our guests. Enjoy a unique peek behind the glitz and glamour of the stage, screen, and studio as we sit down with some of the most influential figures in the arts world - from groundbreaking performers and visionary directors, to astute casting agents, crew, and everyone in between.
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