ENCORE
The buzz from Australia’s theatre capital, Melbourne! Join Jack Ward & Eden Hayes as they go behind the scenes, discuss the latest productions, and interview the brightest stars gracing Melbourne's stages.
Episodes
Joining Jack and Eden is Sydney writer and actor Rob Johnson, known for his roles in Calamity Jane, The Boomkak Panto, and award-winning short fiction work.
He is now joining the cast of Beetlejuice as Adam Maitland!
They also discuss the new Australian production A Wake to Remember with writer Samantha Wong, and share their thoughts on the full cast announcement for Cats.
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Joining Jack and Eden is Michael Paynter, an Australian singer-songwriter who has toured with major acts like Miley Cyrus and Seal, while also performing as a member of Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes' band.
Michael is now taking a leap outside his comfort zone to play Jesus in the Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
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Fresh from the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar, Jack and Eden are still buzzing!
This week, they're joined by the incredible Lauren McKenna - musical theatre performer, director, and artistic leader .
Lauren has starred in arena spectaculars like Hairspray (as Tracy Turnblad) and Grease (as Jan), worked as associate director for Courtney Act’s Fluid, and directed showcases featuring icons like Rhonda Burchmore and Marina...
Joining Jack and Eden this episode is Mia Morrissey, an accomplished actor, singer, and writer.
Mia has an impressive resume, having portrayed Mimi in RENT, Jade Lennox on Home and Away, and Nadyiah Zammit in the global sensation Deadloch.
Currently, she is captivating audiences as Vera Claythorne in Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
In this episode, they also discuss Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's Oscar performance, an...
Jack and Eden dive into some audience horror stories and chat all things theatre etiquette.
They also discuss Beetlejuice's cast, react to a sneak peek of Hadestown, and reveal some thrilling 'shoppe' news.
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Joining Jack and Eden is the talented Natalie Bassingthwaighte, a singer and actress with an impressive background in both stage and television.
She is currently captivating audiences in her one-woman show, Shirley Valentine, at the Athenaeum Theatre.
They also dive into the enchanting world of Disney in Concert with artistic director and vocalist Amy Manford, who has previously taken on the role of Christine in the West End...
Joining Jack and Eden for their first episode of 2025 are Carmel Rodrigues and Lawrence Hawkins, who are currently starring in the Australian tour of Dear Evan Hansen.
Plus, director and choreographer of Beauty and the Beast, Matt West, drops in while visiting from New York to discuss the show and his remarkable career with Disney.
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Joining Jack and Eden in the last episode of 2024 is Raphael Wong, who is currently playing Eddie Souther, the respected police officer in Sister Act.
Raph made his debut with Opera Australia in 2012 and has performed as Passarino in Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella’s father in Midnight, and Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods.
They also chat with Sophie Loughlin and Belinda Jenkin about Love Actually? The Musical Parody being per...
Joining Jack and Eden for the ENCORE Christmas Special is Sarah Morrison and Kaya Byrne who are currently playing Belle and Fred in A Christmas Carol, performing at the Comedy Theatre.
They also chat all things A Very Naughty Christmas with Asmara Soekotjo, and have a laugh while playing Hum that Tune.
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Joining Jack & Eden is Jayde Westaby who is currently playing Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, having previously performed in roles such as Mrs. Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Donna in Mamma Mia.
They also discuss the highly anticipated release of the Wicked movie, including their favourite moments throughout the film.
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Joining Jack and Eden is Mackenzie Dunn, the talented producer and choreographer behind the new Australian show, One Day in September. Alongside Keanu Gonzalez, who is gearing up to take on the lead role of Sam Thompson.
Continuing their focus on Australian productions, they also speak with Holly Mouat, the creator and director of Shimmery Burlesque.
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Joining Jack & Eden is Jayme-Lee Hanekom who is currently playing Alline Bullock and understudying Tina in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
They also touch on the Hadestown cast announcement, new Australian musical One Day in September, and Australia's Wicked movie premiere.
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Joining Jack & Eden is Katrina Retallick and Lisa Callingham who are playing Housewife and Soap Star in Menopause the Musical at the Athenaeum Theatre.
They also touch on CLOC's non-professional premiere of Come From Away, MDMS’s Sweet Charity production and share some BREAKING theatre news.
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Joining Jack & Eden is actor, model, athlete and disability advocate Oli Pizzey Stratford who is currently playing John in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Cost of Living.
They also touch on inclusion in theatre, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the opening night of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
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Joining Jack & Eden is Matt Hearne who recently received a standing ovation following his blind audition on The Voice, and just performed in the ensemble of Carousel: A Concert at the Princess Theatre.
They also chat to Cooper Prize winner Chris Stollery, share details about Annie's return to Melbourne and Melbourne Theatre Company's 2025 season, and talk about the future of the Regent Theatre.
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Joining Jack & Eden is Loren Hunter and Giorgia Kennedy who are currently playing Jane Seymour and Catherine Parr in Six the Musical.
They also touch on Frankenstein’s Melbourne season, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Topdog/Underdog and share a major musical announcement!
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Joining Jack & Eden is Brianna Bishop who has recently finished up with Grease as Marty, and has previously taken on the roles of Ella in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical and Amber Von Tussel in Hairspray.
They also speak about Jemma Rix's return as Elphaba, the upcoming Melbourne tour of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, and the premieres of Shake and Stir's Frankenstein and Melbourne Theatre Company'...
Joining Jack & Eden is Gareth Jacobs and Rohan Browne who are currently playing Cogsworth and Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Her Majesty's Theatre.
They also discuss the casting of Evan Hansen, opening night of Six the Musical and find out what an 'inclusical' is with suburban theatre group Stars and the Moon!
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Joining Jack & Eden is musical theatre sensation Courtney Monsma, who is currently playing Glinda in the Australian tour of WICKED.
Courtney has previously starred as Princess Anna in Disney's Frozen the Musical and Katherine Howard in Six the Musical.
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Go see WICKED at the Regent Theatre!
The buzz from Australia’s theatre capital, Melbourne!
Join Eden Hayes & Jack Ward as they go behind the scenes, discuss the latest productions, and interview the brightest stars gracing Melbourne's stages.
Don’t miss a single show-stopping moment!
The ENCORE podcast premieres July 29, wherever you get your podcasts.
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