Backstage with Robert Emery
By Robert Emery
Backstage with Robert EmeryFeb 17, 2023
#17. Behind the scenes with Sarah Miles: I've got quite a few odd stories - Part II
"The only person that knew (about her affair with with Laurence Olivier) was my Mother, as she caught us together." - Sarah Miles
Robert Emery talks to Sarah Miles for Part Two of their explosive podcast episode. If you missed Part One, then click here to watch it before enjoying this follow-up episode.
Sarah is an English theatre and film actress who was nominated for four BAFTA's, two Golden Globes and an Oscar. Sarah talks about her biological connection with the British Royal family, finishing RADA and going straight into the West-End where Sir John Gielgud famously said "Did you know you have a bottom just like a boy? Two poached eggs in a handkerchief."
Sarah was catapulted into the limelight at a young age, starring opposite some of the greats including Dirk Bogarde, Vanessa Redgrave, Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Margaret Rutherford & Robert Mitchum; she had two marriages to the same person - the screen writer Robert Bolt (winner of two Oscars, two BAFTA's, three Golden Globes and a Tony award) and an epiphany three years after filming Ryan's Daughter that changed her life forever.
This sometimes intense conversation takes us up to 1973, just before she filmed 'The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing' opposite Burt Reynolds, where her life took a turn for the worse and tragedy struck.
#16. Behind the scenes with Right Said Fred: I once spent £2,500 on a pair of leather trousers
"The one thing I couldn't live without is music - I'd go mad" - Right Said Fred
Robert Emery talks to Fred and Richard Fairbrass, the brothers better know as Right Said Fred. They talks about selling 30 million albums, how they dealt with their massive success, their struggle with depression, and how on occasion, they like to live life to the max; including buying a fridge so big it wouldn't fit inside the house! They of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; what is your most treasure possession, and what is the one thing you can't live without?
Both Fred and Richard have been in the press recently with their not so politically correct opinions on COVID - but they also reveal they were misquoted, and set the record straight.
They seem to have done that rare feat of keeping a successful team together for over thirty years - and also are genuinely lovely chaps with their feet firmly placed on the ground. With quotes like:
"one of the things about lockdown that wasn't emphasised enough by politicians, who really ought to know better, is the importance of fresh air, exercise and sleeping properly. These things are so important, and particularly when it comes to depression and anxiety in people, we need to encourage people to just get outside."
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/ep16
#15. Behind the scenes with Jim Mellon: The most outrageous thing I've purchased is a plane!
"There are three key things that a person needs to be successful; be curious and adaptable, read a lot, and apply yourself" - Jim Mellon
Robert Emery talks to Jim Mellon, a billionaire entrepreneur-investor-philanthropist. Often in the top 10% of the Sunday Times Rich List, Jim is a visionary entrepreneur with a flair for identifying emerging global trends.
Jim talks about his route to becoming one of the world's wealthiest individuals, why he believes he will live to over 100, and how humanity will shortly be feeding itself from lab-grown meat. He of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; "what is the most outrageous thing you've ever purchased?"
Jim has done that rare feat of being wealthy enough to buy anything he wants in the world, but also seems like he'd be happy to have a pint with you in the local pub. He is a totally fascinating character and one we could all learn something from. With quotes like:
"my talent is competent plagiarism and reducing things to simple propositions"
"the people that are going to live to 110 or 120 are here - they're already alive"
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/ep15
#14. Behind the scenes with John Rutter: I'm 50% songwriter, 50% composer
"I would say to any composer: Talent is important, perseverance is important, hard work is important, but luck is important as well..." - John Rutter
Robert Emery talks to John Rutter, composer and conductor best known for his choral compositions, including many Christmas carols and anthem.. John talks about his process of composing, the commission to write an anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and how tragedy stuck in 2001 with his son being killed in a road accident. He of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Composing or Conducting?
John has done that rare feat of being accessible and popular, without the critics panning him for the simplicity and beauty of his music. He has a fascinating and somewhat wise view of the world, constantly coming out with quotes like
"we like to think we are in control of our destiny, but really we're not", and my favourite;
"if you want to be rich and famous, you should probably concentrate on one thing and do it obsessively and do it incredibly well. If you want to have a happy and fulfilled life, do whatever interests you - and if possible, get someone to pay you for it!"
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/ep14
#13. Behind the scenes with Jodie Prenger: Don’t tell Cameron this, but I would have done it for free…
“You don’t strive to push your Gran down the stairs just to get that part“ - Jodie Prenger
Robert Emery talks to Jodie Prenger, actress and singer best known for winning the ‘I’d Do Anything’ TV programme in 2008, giving her the opportunity to play Nancy in the West End revival of ‘Oliver!’ at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Jodie talks about her work on stage, and the influence the National Theatre had on her. She of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Oliver or Annie?
Jodie has gone on to forge an incredible career in theatre whilst keeping her chickens, cows, dogs, a cat, tortoises and fish happy at home! This is a fun conversation with someone who successfully proves it is possible to make a strong career when discovered by a TV talent show.
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/ep13
#12. Behind the scenes with Il Divo's David Miller: Classical music has an impact on the brain
"Seeding young minds with classical music is a bit of an emotional crusade" - David Miller
Robert Emery talks to David Miller, American Tenor who is a member of the successful classical crossover group Il Divo, who has sold over 28 million copies worldwide. David talks about the challenges of being on tour, recording albums and how he believes that living 'in the now' is the biggest factor of his success and happiness. And of course, he answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; The White House or Buckingham Palace?
Since his Broadway role as Rodolfo in Baz Luhrmann’s version of Puccini’s La Boheme, David's career has skyrocketed like most musicians could only dream of. This chat is an excellent, in depth conversation which covers much more than the music industry.
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/ep12
#11. Behind the scenes with Cassidy Janson: How I persuaded Carole King to give me an unreleased song for my album
Robert Emery talks to Cassidy Janson, actress and now singer/songwriter best known for playing the lead in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and joining Beverley Knight and Amber Riley to form the trio; The Leading Ladies. Cassidy talks about the challenges of being a musical theatre actress, the struggle to record her debut album, and what it's like to be a standby Elphaba in London's West End. And of course, she answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Kate Monster or Lucy the Slut?
Since her first break playing opposite Neil Patrick Harris, she has gone on to forge an incredible career in theatre and has had rave reviews for her new album, Cassidy. This is a fascinating conversation with a true professional who has some excellent advice on being productive in an unproductive world.
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: rdce.news/ep11
#10. Behind the scenes with Peter Polycarpou: Madonna wanted to do a bit off-camera with me
Robert Emery talks to Peter Polycarpou, British stage, TV and film actor best known playing Chris Theodopolopodous in the hit TV series 'Birds Of A Feather'. Peter talks about his approach to work, tells some incredible stories on what happens behind the scenes in the world of theatre, and answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Les Mis or Miss Saigon?
Since becoming a household name in TV, Peter has gone on to forge an incredible career in theatre and film. This conversation takes us through what it was like to work with Madonna (Pop Star, not the picture of the Virgin Mary!), being in the first cast of both Les Mis and Miss Saigon and what happened in Phantom when Andrew Lloyd-Webber didn't like his approach to the role.
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/ep10
#9. Classical music is dead - long live the dead.
"For me, music is about moving other people. I don't just want to move myself; I want to pass on my emotion and my feelings to an audience." - Robert Emery
In this special episode of the 'Backstage with Robert Emery' podcast, RDCE discusses if the genre of classical music is alive and kicking, or if it's as dead as the press would like you to believe.
What actually is classical music? Has classical music ever been popular? What can we do to change the image of the stuffy concert hall? This episode is designed to be short and answer these long asked questions as best as any musician can.
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/Ep9
#8. Behind the scenes with Jumoké Fashola: The Condition of Being A Woman
Robert Emery talks to Jumoké Fashola, the broadcaster, journalist, vocalist and live literature curator. Jumoké talks about how she began in TV and radio, her love of music from Gershwin to Gospel and Handel to Hamilton, and how poetry has been a constant in her life.
A truly remarkable woman who has successfully created a career as a Jazz and Classical musician, a radio presenter, a stage and television actress, and the founder of London’s longest running Jazz/Poetry gig - currently celebrating it’s 10th year. As a sideline, she also has the best tips and tricks to remain ultra-productive I have ever seen. This conversation takes us through some of her hidden stories; what she likes to do away from the microphone, and her predictions of the status of the entertainment industry in twenty years.
To see the original web page for this episode, click here: https://rdce.news/tips_and_tricks
#7. Why is learning a musical instrument so hard - and how to solve it.
"The emerging picture is that ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world-class expert—in anything" - neurologist Daniel Levitin
In this special episode of the 'Backstage with Robert Emery' podcast, RDCE discusses the reason learning a musical instrument is so hard, and how to overcome these issues.
Covering the skillsets needed to play an instrument, techniques to keep playing, the differences between adult and child learning and the importance of setting goals. This episode is designed to be short and informative for parents of children who play, or indeed an adult who is learning.
#6. Behind the scenes with Willemijn Verkaik: It’s about believing in yourself
Robert Emery talks to Willemijn Verkaik, the singer and actress best known for her stage role in Wicked and singing the voice of Elsa for the German and Dutch versions of Disney's Frozen. Willemijn talks about how she keeps on top form, her experience of playing Elphaba on Broadway, the West-End, in Germany and in the Netherlands, and how her stage confidence doesn't always translate to real life.
A true leading-lady, Willemijn is the only person in the world to have performed Wicked in 4 countries over the space of 7 years and over 2000 performances. But there is more to her CV than turning green, and this conversation takes us through some of her hidden stories; what she likes to do away from the stage, and her predictions of the status of musical theatre in twenty years.
#5. Behind the scenes - What does a Musical Director actually do?
"During a preview, I had the assistant director run up to me whilst I was conducting and said "you do know we cancelled the next piece for tonight?" And I thought, you've got to be joking..." - Robert Emery
In this special episode of the ‘Backstage with Robert Emery’ podcast, RDCE takes you through what a Musical Director actually does; and it involves a lot more than arm waving...
Discussing everything from conducting technique through to some scary real life stories in theatre; he covers it all with the odd funny story along the way.
#4. Behind the scenes with Sarah Miles: I've got quite a few odd stories - Part I
"The only person that knew (about her affair with with Laurence Olivier) was my Mother, as she caught us together." - Sarah Miles
Robert Emery talks to Sarah Miles, the English theatre and film actress who was nominated for four BAFTA's, two Golden Globes and an Oscar. Sarah talks about her biological connection with the British Royal family, finishing RADA and going straight into the West-End where Sir John Gielgud famously said "Did you know you have a bottom just like a boy? Two poached eggs in a handkerchief."
Sarah was catapulted into the limelight at a young age, starring opposite some of the greats including Dirk Bogarde, Vanessa Redgrave, Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Margaret Rutherford & Robert Mitchum; she had two marriages to the same person - the screen writer Robert Bolt (winner of two Oscars, two BAFTA's, three Golden Globes and a Tony award) and an epiphany three years after filming Ryan's Daughter that changed her life forever.
This sometimes intense conversation takes us up to 1973, just before she filmed 'The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing' opposite Burt Reynolds, where her life took a turn for the worse and tragedy struck. For reasons we don't need to go into, this part of Sarah's life story will feature in part two, released later in the year when I gain permission.
#3. Behind the scenes: The secrets of making an album - Part II
In part II, this special episode of the ‘Backstage with Robert Emery’ podcast tries to discover and delve into the secrets to making a number one album. To turn things on their head a little, he has swapped seats and is being interviewed by the soprano, Joanna Forest.
Working closely with RDCE for a few years, Joanna works hard to find out exactly how he produced her two albums and made the first one go straight to number one. Discussing everything from money and mixing through to orchestrating and editing; they cover it all with the odd funny story along the way.
This is a continuation podcast, so if you haven’t listened to part I, please listen to that episode first.
#2. Behind the scenes: The secrets of making an album - Part I
"This is where the journey starts in producing an album; concepts don't happen by accident." - Robert Emery
In this special episode of the ‘Backstage with Robert Emery’ podcast, RDCE discovers the secrets of making a number one album. To turn things on their head a little, he has swapped seats and is being interviewed by the soprano, Joanna Forest.
Working closely with RDCE for a few years, Joanna works hard to find out exactly how he produced her two albums and made the first one go straight to number one. Discussing everything from money and mixing through to orchestrating and editing; they cover it all with the odd funny story along the way.
#1. Behind the scenes with Stewart Copeland: Why dumb shit makes me happy
"If the only reason humans pro-create is Vivaldi, we would all be fucked…" - Stewart Copeland
Robert Emery talks to Stewart Copeland, the founder and drummer of the British rock band 'The Police'. Stewart talks about why he attributes studying 'Mass Communication & Public Policy' to becoming one of the worlds most famous drummers, why one of his balls is called Ben Hur, and how he grew up not knowing his Father was a spy.
Stewart is an American musician and composer. Apart from his most famous role as a rockstar, over the years he has produced film and video game soundtracks, written music for ballets, operas and orchestras, and in 2003 was inducted into the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'.
This whistle-stop tour of his life takes us through his nine years in The Police with Sting and Andy Summers, his solo projects as a composer, and his predictions of the status of orchestral and rock music in twenty years.