This podcast got me through the thickest bit of the pandemic, when, holed up in an apartment in Brooklyn, I dreamed nightly of labyrinthine backstages and under-rehearsed productions of massive classics. Once, returning from a trip to the grocery store (how anxiety-inducing those trips were, back in 2020/2021), I inadvertently burst into tears upon hearing the all-male warbling of “Sweet Lovers Love the Spring” in the “As You Like It” episode. I was so moved by the poignant sound of people joyfully and seriously playing pretend. I missed it so - missed witnessing it, and participating in it. I now listen to old episodes whenever I’m preparing to go onstage. In each episode, there’s always a piece of very useful wisdom that guides me towards the truth in my craft. Please, can we have more? We still need it.

This is such a rich resource for theatre practitioners, particularly for those curious about cheek by Jowl’s work. Declan Donnellan provides the antidote to “getting it right” — a sickness endemic to contemporary theatre.

Conversations that deserve more time attention and space. Thank you for making this and please keep it up!

I love Declan’s fascinating interpretations of the plays, especially Shakespeare - insightful and thought provoking. Not true, but useful indeed. One of my faves.

I can’t believe what a wealth of information is just sitting here in the Podcast App. People would be fighting for a ticket to see these shows or to listen to these two give a lecture and I truly hope people do take advantage of these episodes. Please keep making them.