Up Close with Carlos Tseng

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Up Close with Carlos Tseng

Up Close with Carlos Tseng A new podcast hosted by Carlos Tseng featuring eminient guests discussing a range of subjects. You do not want to miss a second!

27/10/2024

After bursting onto the scene in the early 1990s, Lia WIlliams has established herself as one of the most formidable actresses of her time. Some of her most recent roles have included playing Paula Vennells in Mr Bates v The Post Office and she'll soon be returning our TV screens as Isabel Kirby in Sky's The Day of the Jackal. On stage, she is regarded by many to be one of our finest leading ladies, taking on leading roles in Orestia, A Streetcar Named Desire and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

In an exclusive interview with us, Lia Williams looks back over her career starting our as a young actress working opposite the likes of Michael Gambon in Skylight and David Suchet in Oleanna. We hear her talk about how the acting profession has changed over the course of recent decades and why she is adverse to using social media. In more recent years, Lia has also established herself as a terrific director on various short films and in theatre, notably directing Ashes to Ashes with Paapa Essiedu and Kate O'Flynn, and Doubt: A Parable starring Monica Dolan. There's a lot to unpack in our conversation and it's truly wonderful to be able to share this interview to mark our 100th podcast.

Full interview available everywhere now!
https://linktr.ee/upclosewithcarlos

20/10/2024

After 10 years in the making, Cai Cherry published his debut novel 'Speaker' earlier this year. After a rough night out with friends, the book turned into a "manifesto of misery" which has also inspired friends and family alike. Outside of writing, Cai is a dual-qualified Public Law practitioner, currently at global Law firm DLA Piper.

In an exclusive interview with yours truly, Cai Cherry opens up about his struggles with coming out as q***r and coming to terms with his autoimmune disease diagnosis. His book 'Speaker' is described as being semi-autobiographical with various characters inspired by figures in his life. As we continue our conversation, Cai also talks to us about the adversity he's faced from those outside the community. After hundreds of pro-bono hours with Rainbow Migration, Cai has also decided that profits from his book will go towards the charity, supporting their work in finding homes for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers arriving into the UK. It's a fascinating conversation and we look forward to seeing what else Cai does in the future.

13/10/2024

We were very excited to welcome rising star Dee Ahluwalia to the podcast after his 5 star rated turn as Karim in 'The Buddha of Suburbia' at the Swan Theatre in Stratford. The show is about to transfer into the Barbican Theatre in London with Dee set to reprise his performance as Karim for a limited time only. The show with themes such as diversity and self-discovery, and we hear Dee talk about how this show resonated with him since he started working on the show. 'The Buddha of Suburbia' is of course an adaptation of the novel of the same name, with the play text co-written by author Hanif Kureishi and Wise Children's Emma Rice.

In this brand new interview with Dee Ahluwalia, we talk about his transition from screen to stage after completing his Masters in Acting for Screen at Central School of Speech & Drama. We look back at his recent performance in 'Our Generation' too which opened to rapturous audiences in Chichester and the National Theatre, as he also takes time to reflect on his career since and where he hopes to be in the future. There's a genuine sincerity to the way Dee speaks and we can't wait to see what he does next in the years to come.

The Buddha of Suburbia opens in the Barbican Theatre on 22nd October and runs to 16th November.

29/09/2024

As 'Othello' continues rehearsals at the RSC, Olivier Award winner Will Keen sat down with us to talk about his eagerly anticipated performance as Iago in Tim Carroll's brand new production. Having collaborated on various occasions in the past, we hear him talk about his excitement at getting to work with this cast of actors on such a monumental play. In recent years, Will has established himself as one of the most exciting actors on the scene today, dazzling audiences at the Almeida Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and Shakespeare's Globe among others. Now, for his first return to Stratford Upon Avon since 2002, audiences will be able to see Will return to Shakespeare after a short break from performing the Bard's work too.

Othello runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 11 October - 23rd November

15/09/2024

There aren't many actors on the scene who can say they've worked at the National Theatre, performed Shakespeare at the RSC, and Shakespeare's Globe, debuted new work at the Royal Court and starred in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' on the West End. But Zubin Varla has done exactly that in a career that spans more than three decades, taking on roles at some of our most prestigious theatres. His latest role sees him returning to the National Theatre for Tanika Gupta's 'A Tupperware of Ashes', starring opposite Marc Elliot and Meera Syal.

In this brand new exclusive interview, Zubin Varla tells us about his love for rich, complex writing and the pleasures of getting to evolve as an actor. Despite earning various accloades including recently an Olivier for his performance as Jerry Falwell in Tammy Faye, he remains very humble and still views himself as a jobbing actor. As he prepares to return to the Dorfman stage, we also hear him talk about his love for the National Theatre having performed on all three stages in acclaimed productions of Attempts on Her Life, The Life of Galileo and Dara. A Tupperware of Ashes is expected to be another success for Zubin and for the National Theatre before the Dorfman closes for refurbishment at the end of the year and we can't wait to see the show.

A Tupperware of Ashes runs at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre from 25 September - 16 November

08/09/2024

Maureen Beattie OBE is one of the most respected figures in her profession, having served as President of Equity and also enjoyed a 50+ year career as an actress that has taken her from the RSC to the National Theatre to the Royal Court. Her latest role sees her making her Hampstead Theatre debut in Stella Feehily's 'The Lightest Element', where she'll be playing the central role of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin. A keen explorer herself, she tells us about her excitement getting to play one of 20th Century Science's most significant figures and how she hopes astrophysicists will come to her new show. We also hear her talk about her excitement at getting to make her Hampstead Theatre debut after years as a regular audience member there too.

In our interview, Maureen Beattie looks back over her years in the industry, most recently also returning to the RSC to play Cecilia in As You Like It alongside a cast of veteran actors including Geraldine James and Malcolm Sinclair. Maureen talks to us about her time as Equity President and the changes that have happened over recent years such as the introduction of safe spaces in rehearsal rooms as well as representation targets for women in general too. As she prepares to open 'The Lightest Element' she shares her hope that she will continue to be remembered as a "good egg" who's been able to help younger actors flourish in their careers too and that she can continue to play interesting roles both on stage and screen.

The Lightest Element is now playing at Hampstead Theatre with tickets booking until 12 October.

01/09/2024

Ahead of previews starting for Coriolanus at the National Theatre, Jordan Metcalfe sat down with us to talk about Lyndsey Turner’s new production and getting to play the part of Brutus. After starring in Jack Absolute Flies Again, this will also see Jordan return to the Olivier stage where he will star opposite David Oyewolo as the title character.

In this brand new interview, Jordan Metcalfe discusses his journey from being a child actor to going to Guildhall before graduating to principal roles at the National Theatre, RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe. In recent years, he has also been seen at the Almeida Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith, taking on contemporary parts as well as classical roles. We hear him reflect on the process getting into rehearsals for Coriolanus as she shares his love for other actors and thoughts on how to make Shakespeare more accessible to society.

Full interview available now!

27/08/2024

As Fiddler on the Roof heads towards its final weeks of performances, Adam Dannheisser sat down with us to talk about his acclaimed performance as Tevye in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's landmark production of the classic show. Having previously played Lazar Wolf in the similarly acclaimed 2015 Broadway revival, it was fantastic getting to hear Adam talk about coming into this dream role, working alongside an outstanding company that includes Lara Pulver, Beverly Klein, Liv Andrusier and under the helm of Jordan Fein. The production transports audiences to the heart of Anatevka, and Adam's performance is nothing short of terrific as we see this fabled story unfold.

In this brand new interview with us, Adam Dannheisser talks about making his London debut having had a string of successes in New York, including winning an Obie for his performance in Beetlejuice. Having also previously worked at New York's Delacorte Theater in Central Park, he talks to us about the joy of performing in an outdoor setting where anything can really happen. He tells us about his newfound love for London and his hope to return to the city to work on more productions going forwards too.

Fiddler on the Roof runs till 27th September and tickets are on sale NOW!

23/08/2024

REVIEW: SPEAKER by Cai Cherry

When a trainee city lawyer set out to write a manifesto of his misery following a night out made up of feelings of insecurity and depression, one might expect his first book to be a gloomy volume of feelings of failure and desperation. Indeed, the book opens with “F**k” as the first paragraph and whilst there are devastating sections, readers are treated to an emotionally intelligent and life-affirming debut from Cai Cherry, who sensitively paints a portrait of a young man coming to terms with his insecurities and we see him triumphantly face down those inner demons.

Speaker introduces us to a for the most part, unnamed character who is caught between life and the afterlife – an “interlife”, which ends up transforming into a version of the House of Commons. Soon, we are also introduced to Luce, a mysterious figure who describes himself as being like a “reverse hostage negotiator”, and he tells him that he must make a choice of whether to return to our world or to move to the afterlife. It’s an unsettling first few chapters but we quickly connect with the central character and his quirks – a love of Jane Eyre, Politics and an eye for handsome men.

Over the course of the book, we see him recount the story of his life, introducing us to his parents who would eventually separate, his younger sister Penny, before moving on to discussing his friendships with Olivia and Marcus, and the relationship he would form with his lover Abbas too. Cherry chooses what aspects of the story to highlight well, giving readers vivid details of Abbas’ aesthetic figure and how it contrasts with the averageness of his out-of-town flat, whilst remaining brief about their sexual encounters. We will also learn of the central character’s disability after an ill-fated game of hide-and-seek with Megan which would lead to permanent nerve damage, and how this would further transform his life.

Cai Cherry handles difficult subject matters like self-harm and sexual assault with terrific results and one can’t help but empathise with his characters. For young gay men reading, the story of coming out and feeling like it’s you against the world can feel all too familiar but it reinforces the truth that being gay is still a very othering experience in a heteronormative world. After he is forced to confess his sexuality to his best friend turned girlfriend Olivia, it’s pretty devastating to see her respond by calling him a “faggot”.

Although Speaker is written for the gay and disabled community in mind, the humanity and depth of human emotion should appeal to everyone. I’d be keen to read a follow-up novel as our author brings an authentic depth to his characters that we should all want to see more of.

Speaker by Cai Cherry is available for pre-order and will be available to purchase from 14th September with 100% of author royalties going to Rainbow Migration.

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https://linktr.ee/upclosewithcarlos

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Videos

Lia Williams interview

After bursting onto the scene in the early 1990s, Lia WIlliams has established herself as one of the most formidable actresses of her time. Some of her most recent roles have included playing Paula Vennells in Mr Bates v The Post Office and she'll soon be returning our TV screens as Isabel Kirby in Sky's The Day of the Jackal. On stage, she is regarded by many to be one of our finest leading ladies, taking on leading roles in Orestia, A Streetcar Named Desire and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. In an exclusive interview with us, Lia Williams looks back over her career starting our as a young actress working opposite the likes of Michael Gambon in Skylight and David Suchet in Oleanna. We hear her talk about how the acting profession has changed over the course of recent decades and why she is adverse to using social media. In more recent years, Lia has also established herself as a terrific director on various short films and in theatre, notably directing Ashes to Ashes with Paapa Essiedu and Kate O'Flynn, and Doubt: A Parable starring Monica Dolan. There's a lot to unpack in our conversation and it's truly wonderful to be able to share this interview to mark our 100th podcast. Full interview available everywhere now! https://linktr.ee/upclosewithcarlos

Cai Cherry interview

After 10 years in the making, Cai Cherry published his debut novel 'Speaker' earlier this year. After a rough night out with friends, the book turned into a "manifesto of misery" which has also inspired friends and family alike. Outside of writing, Cai is a dual-qualified Public Law practitioner, currently at global Law firm DLA Piper. In an exclusive interview with yours truly, Cai Cherry opens up about his struggles with coming out as queer and coming to terms with his autoimmune disease diagnosis. His book 'Speaker' is described as being semi-autobiographical with various characters inspired by figures in his life. As we continue our conversation, Cai also talks to us about the adversity he's faced from those outside the community. After hundreds of pro-bono hours with Rainbow Migration, Cai has also decided that profits from his book will go towards the charity, supporting their work in finding homes for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers arriving into the UK. It's a fascinating conversation and we look forward to seeing what else Cai does in the future.

We were very excited to welcome rising star Dee Ahluwalia to the podcast after his 5 star rated turn as Karim in 'The Buddha of Suburbia' at the Swan Theatre in Stratford. The show is about to transfer into the Barbican Theatre in London with Dee set to reprise his performance as Karim for a limited time only. The show with themes such as diversity and self-discovery, and we hear Dee talk about how this show resonated with him since he started working on the show. 'The Buddha of Suburbia' is of course an adaptation of the novel of the same name, with the play text co-written by author Hanif Kureishi and Wise Children's Emma Rice. In this brand new interview with Dee Ahluwalia, we talk about his transition from screen to stage after completing his Masters in Acting for Screen at Central School of Speech & Drama. We look back at his recent performance in 'Our Generation' too which opened to rapturous audiences in Chichester and the National Theatre, as he also takes time to reflect on his career since and where he hopes to be in the future. There's a genuine sincerity to the way Dee speaks and we can't wait to see what he does next in the years to come. The Buddha of Suburbia opens in the Barbican Theatre on 22nd October and runs to 16th November.

Will Keen interview

As 'Othello' continues rehearsals at the RSC, Olivier Award winner Will Keen sat down with us to talk about his eagerly anticipated performance as Iago in Tim Carroll's brand new production. Having collaborated on various occasions in the past, we hear him talk about his excitement at getting to work with this cast of actors on such a monumental play. In recent years, Will has established himself as one of the most exciting actors on the scene today, dazzling audiences at the Almeida Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and Shakespeare's Globe among others. Now, for his first return to Stratford Upon Avon since 2002, audiences will be able to see Will return to Shakespeare after a short break from performing the Bard's work too. Othello runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 11 October - 23rd November

Zubin Varla interview

There aren't many actors on the scene who can say they've worked at the National Theatre, performed Shakespeare at the RSC, and Shakespeare's Globe, debuted new work at the Royal Court and starred in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' on the West End. But Zubin Varla has done exactly that in a career that spans more than three decades, taking on roles at some of our most prestigious theatres. His latest role sees him returning to the National Theatre for Tanika Gupta's 'A Tupperware of Ashes', starring opposite Marc Elliot and Meera Syal. In this brand new exclusive interview, Zubin Varla tells us about his love for rich, complex writing and the pleasures of getting to evolve as an actor. Despite earning various accloades including recently an Olivier for his performance as Jerry Falwell in Tammy Faye, he remains very humble and still views himself as a jobbing actor. As he prepares to return to the Dorfman stage, we also hear him talk about his love for the National Theatre having performed on all three stages in acclaimed productions of Attempts on Her Life, The Life of Galileo and Dara. A Tupperware of Ashes is expected to be another success for Zubin and for the National Theatre before the Dorfman closes for refurbishment at the end of the year and we can't wait to see the show. A Tupperware of Ashes runs at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre from 25 September - 16 November

Maureen Beattie - The Lightest Element interview

Maureen Beattie OBE is one of the most respected figures in her profession, having served as President of Equity and also enjoyed a 50+ year career as an actress that has taken her from the RSC to the National Theatre to the Royal Court. Her latest role sees her making her Hampstead Theatre debut in Stella Feehily's 'The Lightest Element', where she'll be playing the central role of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin. A keen explorer herself, she tells us about her excitement getting to play one of 20th Century Science's most significant figures and how she hopes astrophysicists will come to her new show. We also hear her talk about her excitement at getting to make her Hampstead Theatre debut after years as a regular audience member there too. In our interview, Maureen Beattie looks back over her years in the industry, most recently also returning to the RSC to play Cecilia in As You Like It alongside a cast of veteran actors including Geraldine James and Malcolm Sinclair. Maureen talks to us about her time as Equity President and the changes that have happened over recent years such as the introduction of safe spaces in rehearsal rooms as well as representation targets for women in general too. As she prepares to open 'The Lightest Element' she shares her hope that she will continue to be remembered as a "good egg" who's been able to help younger actors flourish in their careers too and that she can continue to play interesting roles both on stage and screen. The Lightest Element is now playing at Hampstead Theatre with tickets booking until 12 October.

Jordan Metcalfe - Coriolanus interview

Ahead of previews starting for Coriolanus at the National Theatre, Jordan Metcalfe sat down with us to talk about Lyndsey Turner’s new production and getting to play the part of Brutus. After starring in Jack Absolute Flies Again, this will also see Jordan return to the Olivier stage where he will star opposite David Oyewolo as the title character. In this brand new interview, Jordan Metcalfe discusses his journey from being a child actor to going to Guildhall before graduating to principal roles at the National Theatre, RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe. In recent years, he has also been seen at the Almeida Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith, taking on contemporary parts as well as classical roles. We hear him reflect on the process getting into rehearsals for Coriolanus as she shares his love for other actors and thoughts on how to make Shakespeare more accessible to society. Full interview available now!

Adam Dannheisser - Fiddler on the Roof interview

As Fiddler on the Roof heads towards its final weeks of performances, Adam Dannheisser sat down with us to talk about his acclaimed performance as Tevye in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's landmark production of the classic show. Having previously played Lazar Wolf in the similarly acclaimed 2015 Broadway revival, it was fantastic getting to hear Adam talk about coming into this dream role, working alongside an outstanding company that includes Lara Pulver, Beverly Klein, Liv Andrusier and under the helm of Jordan Fein. The production transports audiences to the heart of Anatevka, and Adam's performance is nothing short of terrific as we see this fabled story unfold. In this brand new interview with us, Adam Dannheisser talks about making his London debut having had a string of successes in New York, including winning an Obie for his performance in Beetlejuice. Having also previously worked at New York's Delacorte Theater in Central Park, he talks to us about the joy of performing in an outdoor setting where anything can really happen. He tells us about his newfound love for London and his hope to return to the city to work on more productions going forwards too. Fiddler on the Roof runs till 27th September and tickets are on sale NOW!

Ian Hughes interview

As The Merry Wives of Windsor continues onto its final month in Stratford, RSC veteran actor and Ian Charleson Award winner Ian Hughes sat down with us to talk about Blanche McIntyre’s marvellous new production. Having taken an 18 year break from the RSC, we hear him talk about his memories of starting out his career in the early 1990s and working alongside theatrical giants such as Gregory Doran and Adrian Noble. His last outing at the RSC also saw him playing Sir Hugh Evans in Merry Wives: the Musical opposite Dame Judi Dench and Ian tells us about the joy of getting to explore the character in further detail with the text now restored for this latest incarnation of Shakespeare’s comedy.

Thomas Coombes interview

As the West End transfer of the Death of England plays gets underway, Thomas Coombes sat down with us to talk about playing Michael in Clint Dyer and Roy Williams' thrilling take on life in Modern Britain. Having seen the original production of the trilogy at the National Theatre, Thomas tells us about his excitement at getting to put his own stamp on Michael after Rafe Spall's acclaimed performance in 2020. In recent years, Thomas Coombes has taken on key roles in Eastenders, The Acolyte and Baby Reindeer, where he played Officer Daniels in the hit Netflix series. Death of England: Michael marks his first stage performance since 2020 and he tells us candidly about his love for theatre and how much he's missed live audiences during this time. In this brand new interview, Thomas Coombes also reflects on life growing up in a working class family in the East End of London. He tells us about how he was able to connect with his character Michael as well as with Paul in Barbarians, a role which saw him win an Offie in 2013. We hear him talk about the joy of getting to collaborate with Roy Williams and Clint Dyer as well as with Paapa Essiedu, Erin Doherty and Sharon Duncan-Brewster even though they're all doing separate shows. This will be the first time audiences will get to see the trilogy in rep and we look forward to seeing the shows and what they continue to have to say about life in Modern Britain. Death of England continues to run @SohoPlace until 28 September.

Sally Ann Triplett interview

There aren’t many actors who can say they’ve done it like Sally Ann Triplett. Since the 1980s, she’s tread the boards of some of the West End’s most beloved shows from Mamma Mia to Chicago to Billy Elliot and now Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. As well as being one of the most revered actresses in the business, she’s also one of the most admired among her peers, known for her grit as well as her generosity as a fellow actor. A true triple threat, her current role sees her playing Fraulein Schneider in a show which she has a 30 year history with having played Sally Bowles as a young actress and having also played Schneider in Lido 2 Paris’ premiere production a few years ago. In this brand new interview with Sally Ann Triplett, we look back over some recent highlights such as The Witches, Billy Elliot and Gypsy in Concert. She opens up about how the industry has changed over the years and how she continues to champion young emerging talent. We also hear her talk about the shortage of roles for women in the industry and how she’s managed to maintain such a long career playing principal roles despite opportunities not always being afforded by her peers. It’s a fascinating discussion and we hope you enjoy listening to this incredibly open and honest conversation with one of our finest leading ladies.

Carly Mercedes Dyer interview

As performances for A Chorus Line get underway, Carly Mercedes Dyer sat down with us to talk about the exciting revival at Leicester Curve before the show heads on a UK wide tour. After a sell out run at the leading regional producing house, Carly is reprising her role as Cassie in the iconic show reimagined by Nikolai Foster and Ellen Kane. In this brand new interview with the Olivier nominated actress, Carly Mercedes Dyer discusses her love for Leicester Curve and A Chorus Line, and why she was so excited to return to this show two years later. We also discuss her acclaimed performance as Erma in the multi award winning Anything Goes at the Barbican as well as her performance as Lynette Fromme in Chichester Festival Theatre’s celebrated production of Assassins last year. Having established herself as one of the most striking performers in recent years, it’s been great to see her owning more principal roles in recent years such as Erma and Cassie.