96 - Nikita Kuzmin on Strictly Come Dancing, First Impressions & Big Goals
We have one of the most highly anticipated guests of the year on this episode of Call To Stage... it's Amber's Strictly Come Dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin!Hailing from Ukraine, Nikita is joined BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 and - two years later - during season 21 in 2023, he placed as runner-up with his partner for the series (and Call To Stage alum), Layton Williams! Nikita has scored a '40' (the highest score on the show) six times and has been scored a '10' (the highest score from an individual judge) a whopping forty-three times!Outside of Strictly, Nikita is the holder of six Italian Championship titles and was the runner up on the 2024 series of Celebrity Big Brother.On this episode of Call To Stage, Amber and Nikita share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on Strictly, their first impressions of each other and the growth they have experienced whilst on the show.They also take us inside the rehearsal room to share their most challenging rehearsals - learning a wide variety of dance styles - and Nikita shares his favourite musicals!Thanks to our sponsors...Searching for the perfect gift? Surprise someone (or yourself!) with air up and turn plain water into pure flavour. Use code CALLTOSTAGE for 10% off at https://airup.link/AMBERFor more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostageFollow Call To StageInstagram: @calltostagepodTikTok: @calltostagepodYouTube: @calltostageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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95 - Ben Forster on Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar & Surprise Opportunities
We're joined by the dynamic and highly talented Ben Forster on this episode of Call To Stage!You might recognise Ben winning ITV's Superstar competition back in 2012 which resulted in him playing the lead role of Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of Jesus Christ Superstar in its 2012 Arena Tour.Since then, he has Buddy The Elf in Elf The Musical in the West End, and has played The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End, Greece, Japan and on the World Tour.On this episode of Call To Stage, Amber and Ben talk about his experiences on TV, training at Italia Conti and Ben's experiences in productions including Thriller Live and Phantom.They also discuss Ben's venture into pop music, Amber's secret love for Elf The Musical and the incredible travelling opportunities that musical theatre can provide you.For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostageFollow Call To StageInstagram: @calltostagepodTikTok: @calltostagepodYouTube: @calltostageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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95 - Ben Forster on Phantom Of The Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar & Surprise Opportunities
We're joined by the dynamic and highly talented Ben Forster on this episode of Call To Stage!
You might recognise Ben winning ITV's Superstar competition back in 2012 which resulted in him playing the lead role of Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of Jesus Christ Superstar in its 2012 Arena Tour.
Since then, he has Buddy The Elf in Elf The Musical in the West End, and has played The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End, Greece, Japan and on the World Tour.
On this episode of Call To Stage, Amber and Ben talk about his experiences on TV, training at Italia Conti and Ben's experiences in productions including Thriller Live and Phantom.
They also discuss Ben's venture into pop music, Amber's secret love for Elf The Musical and the incredible travelling opportunities that musical theatre can provide you.
For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage
Follow Call To Stage
Instagram: @calltostagepod
TikTok: @calltostagepod
YouTube: @calltostage
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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94 - Brian Conley on 9 To 5, Onstage Mishaps & Back To The Future
We have showbiz royalty on this episode of Call To Stage - Amber is joined by the legendary Brian Conley!Alongside his numerous television appearances (hosting the Royal Variety Performance eight times and winning numerous National Television Awards), Brian is amongst the UK's most accomplished theatre performers.Brian has played the lead in some of the most notable musicals in the world - including the West End productions of Me and My Girl, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray and A Christmas Carol, as well as the UK Tours of Oliver! (as Fagin) and Barnum. He was nominated for an Olivier for his performance in the West End production of Jolson.Most recently, Brian performed as Doc Brown in the West End production of Back To The Future: The Musical.On this episode of Call To Stage, Amber and Brian talk about sharing the stage in 9 To 5 - including onstage mishaps, backstage chaos... and Brian being suspended on the air for half the show!They also talk about their separate experiences at Back To The Future and Strictly Come Dancing as well as stories from Hairspray and Brian's 40 years doing pantomimes! Plus - the ultimate trick if you ever forget your lines on stage.For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostageFollow Call To StageInstagram: @calltostagepodTikTok: @calltostagepodYouTube: @calltostageSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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94 - Brian Conley on 9 To 5, Onstage Mishaps & Back To The Future
We have showbiz royalty on this episode of Call To Stage - Amber is joined by the legendary Brian Conley!
Alongside his numerous television appearances (hosting the Royal Variety Performance eight times and winning numerous National Television Awards), Brian is amongst the UK's most accomplished theatre performers.
Brian has played the lead in some of the most notable musicals in the world - including the West End productions of Me and My Girl, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hairspray and A Christmas Carol, as well as the UK Tours of Oliver! (as Fagin) and Barnum. He was nominated for an Olivier for his performance in the West End production of Jolson.
Most recently, Brian performed as Doc Brown in the West End production of Back To The Future: The Musical.
On this episode of Call To Stage, Amber and Brian talk about sharing the stage in 9 To 5 - including onstage mishaps, backstage chaos... and Brian being suspended on the air for half the show!
They also talk about their separate experiences at Back To The Future and Strictly Come Dancing as well as stories from Hairspray and Brian's 40 years doing pantomimes! Plus - the ultimate trick if you ever forget your lines on stage.
For more bonus content, join the Call To Stage Backstage Pass on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/calltostage
Follow Call To Stage
Instagram: @calltostagepod
TikTok: @calltostagepod
YouTube: @calltostage
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is Call To Stage, the podcast from Amber Davies, where musical theatre takes centre stage. From unforgettable backstage stories to exclusive news and insights, each week musical theatre and Dancing On Ice star Amber is joined by stars of the stage (and sometimes just fans of it!) to chat, laugh… and maybe even sing. If one thing’s for sure, Amber and her guests will be leaving it all on the mic. New episodes every Wednesday.
New Zealand