Episodes
This week, Kevin talks to one of the most popular dancers in the world, Oti Mabuse, the current reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, having lifted the glitterball for the past two years running with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey! Oti joins Kevin to talk about where she finds her inspiration, how she has managed to stand out from the pack, and how to find happiness and fulfilment by focussing on the smaller moments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Oti grew up in a time of apartheid in South Africa,...
Published 05/23/21
This week, on the very day that theatres the nation over begin to open again, Kevin talks to Matt Hemley, the news editor for The Stage Magazine, the world's oldest theatre publication, as well as presenting a fortnightly theatre segment on Matthew Wright's TalkRadio show. Matt discusses the effects of lockdown and how the theatre industry hopes to move out of its crippling position and into a brave new world, as well as the positives that lie ahead. KEY TAKEAWAYS During lockdown, the...
Published 05/16/21
Kevin is joined once more by recurring guest, TV presenter Anthony Rutherford, for the first in a series of chats about their shared passion: football! In this week's edition, Kev and Ant talk about why the game matter so much, why sometimes money isn't everything when it comes to building a team, and the problem of referees... KEY TAKEAWAYS Nothing causes more debate than a shared passion. In the case of football, it's a conversation that never stops changing. One week you're on top, the...
Published 05/14/21
Kevin talks to Strictly Come Dancing professional and champion, and 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance, Mr Aljaz Skorjanec - one of the most popular of all Strictly pros, about the ways in which has conquered lockdown, his upcoming projects, his incredible performance journey so far, and the passion for dance that has driven him onwards. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lockdown has granted us the perspective to see what is important, and a re-evaluation of the things we hold dear....
Published 05/10/21
In this week’s show, Kevin talks to professional dancer, stage star, and TV presenter, Anthony Rutherford, for a chat about their shared passion: football – as well as the projects they’re both working on in the near future. KEY TAKEAWAYS Football is a passion that never stops giving, and is always present in our lives. As one season ends, so too does another begin. Kevin has been cast as The Artilleryman in a new touring production of Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds – the legendary musical...
Published 05/02/21
In this week’s show, Kevin talks to Emmy nominated filmmaker, journalist, and writer/host of the ‘I’m Not A Monster’ podcast, Josh Baker, about his journalism career, his pathway into media and reportage, and the new show itself, which is proving to be a smash hit around the world. KEY TAKEAWAYS The older generation of broadcasters and influencers know that the work they have done has been handed down to them. Therefore, the great ones know when the time is right to pass the torch onto a new...
Published 04/25/21
This week, Kevin talks to famed acting coach, and founder of Matt Zina Acting. Matt is one of the UK's most renowned and respected coaches, having tutored some of the brightest lights on stage and screen, and joins Kevin today to talk about his amazing legacy in the arts, and the role of identity when it comes to performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS In order to get to the next level in life and in our careers, we need to stop and reflect upon where we are and who we have become. People have different...
Published 04/04/21
This week, The Kevin Clifton Show has been taken over by Joanne Clifton and Tjaša Vulič of the She's Just A Dancer Podcast, who have taken the reins in order to talk about what makes dancers great! And who knows, since Kevin is away, maybe there'll be room for some gossip... KEY TAKEAWAYS All the great performers have talent, but they also have an "X Factor" - something that makes them stand apart from others, and gives them the power to hold an audience rapt. The ways in which we appreciate...
Published 03/29/21
This week, Kevin reflects upon the arts, in particular the theatre industry, and talks about the impact of the lockdown upon a sector that has, for so long, provided the country with joy, escapism, and a real sense of national identity. KEY TAKEAWAYS With the roadmap out of lockdown finally coming into view, it's looking as though the theatre and the arts can finally begin to rely on the fact that recovery is coming. Rise Up With Arts is an event designed to reignite the world's love for the...
Published 03/22/21
This week, Kevin talks to actor, dancer, and choreographer, Jess Khan-Lee, one of the most gifted performers working today, about what it means to be a performer, the intangible magic that happens when we connect with fellow performers and audiences, and how life has changed for the arts during lockdown. KEY TAKEAWAYS Freedom of speech is a two-way street. We can't decry others for speaking out, by insisting that our freedom of speech is being threatened, or we are essentially cancelling out...
Published 03/15/21
This week, we're back in the dance-off with Strictly pro, Anya Garnis, who joins Kevin to talk about her incredible career, which has included such highlights as a stint on Broadway, fabulous success on Strictly, one of the most respected professionals on 'So You Think You Can Dance', and an exciting new project coming soon - details of which are in this week's show... KEY TAKEAWAYS Rise Up With Arts is a chance for many in theatrical professions to come together to celebrate the talents and...
Published 03/08/21
With a prospective route out of lockdown ahead, there are tentative steps towards the widespread reopening of theatres and other entertainment venues in England. With this in mind, it's time to start getting excited about live shows again! Kevin's guest this week is one of theatre-land's most seasoned and respected performers, Ceili O'Connor, star of such shows as Cats, Evita and Mary Poppins, and the director of Prep Your Rep, a 360 nourishment program for performers and creatives, working...
Published 03/01/21
Social media has changed thew world we live in, but it isn't always for the better. In some cases, it can lead to the disintegration of mental health, and negatively impact lives. Kevin's special guest this week is Mayah Riaz, the founder of Social Media Kindness Day, which aims to establish the message that social media should be a place where people can socialise, network, do business, and live 'their best life' without fear of negativity.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Many assume that celebrities are...
Published 02/23/21
In this week's very special episode, Kevin talks to Ali Gordon-Creed, a specialist in the power of positive thinking, and founder of Future Perfect. Ali joins the show to talk about the importance of finding and holding onto, your identity as a performer, and how we can make sure that we take care of not just our physical health, but also our mental fortitude. KEY TAKEAWAYS As performers, we have to find our true identity in order to make the most of ourselves. In the lockdown, some...
Published 02/15/21
In this week's show, Kevin talks to very special guest, Geoff Colman, one of the true legends of the theatrical world, and collaborator with national and international practitioners in theatre, film, TV, opera, musical theatre, magic, fashion, music and dance as an acting coach, educator and broadcaster. Geoff is one of the most respected acting coaches in the country, and in this week's show, he talks to Kevin about his incredible journey and his fascinating perspective into the work that...
Published 02/08/21
This week, Kevin talks to star of stage and screen, Sophie Matthew, leading West End star in shows such as Mamma Mia and Summer Holiday! Sophie talks about the ways in which she prepares for her roles, how she perceives the effect of lockdown upon theatre, and the story of her incredible theatrical career so far. KEY TAKEAWAYS Performers are currently suffering especially hard, as the outlet they have chosen with which to express themselves - performance - is being hit hard by...
Published 02/02/21
This week, Kevin chats to television and stage star, Jonny Labey, breakout star of such TV favourites as Eastenders, Dance Dance Dance and Celebrity X Factor, and the West-End's very Scott Hastings - leading man of Strictly Ballroom! As Kevin is due to take on the role of Scott Hastings in a soon-to-kick-off tour of Strictly Ballroom, he's invited Jonny onto the podcast today to pass on any words of wisdom and guidance in playing this electrifying part, while also sharing some of the...
Published 01/25/21
When it comes to theatrical legends, they don't come any more respected or adored than this week's special guest, the star of such stage shows as Mary Poppins, The Car Man and Strictly Ballroom, and featured performer in 2019's big screen adaptation of Cats - Zizi Strallen! Zizi joins Kevin to talk about her incredible career, the ways in which her family's connections to performing shaped her ambitions, and what's coming up in the future. KEY TAKEAWAYS One of the worst parts of the COVID...
Published 01/18/21
In this week’s show, Kevin talks to one of his mentors, author, property investor and host of the ‘Disruptive Entrepreneur’ Rob Moore. Kevin asks Rob his view on various subjects such as the impact of Covid 19 on his business and how he turned the downside to an upside, his coping strategies and the use of social media.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   Having more structure to your days and creating a new routine for yourself can be beneficial to your productivity. Having a structure whereby you map out...
Published 01/13/21
In this week's very special show, Kevin talks to theatre legend, Cassidy Janson, recent recipient of an Olivier Award for her work in '& Juliet', about her incredible stage career, including the many highlights, as well as the lessons learned along the way. KEY TAKEAWAYS William Shakespeare really was the rock star theatre producer of his day. His work drew crowds from far and wide, and as well as being critically adored, he was also publicly renowned. The arts, in particular, have been...
Published 01/11/21
We've arrived at the end of the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it was an emotional ride for sure! Here with Kevin to discuss the series as a whole - the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn - are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton, Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley, and special guest, poet Becky Bishop! KEY TAKEAWAYS The 2020 series saw a particularly strong line up of performers, both professional and celebrity. Each celebrity seemed to flourish...
Published 12/23/20
We've arrived at the semi-final of the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, and it was all to play for, with just Ranvir, Maisie, Bill and HRVY left in the competition! The weekend saw its share of thrills, and of course, the dreaded elimination... Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS At this late stage in the competition, you can be...
Published 12/17/20
Week Seven of the 2020 series of Strictly was an especially musical affair... Yes, folks, it was Musicals Week - featuring some of the grandest melodies from popular shows, all set to the most incredible series of dance performances. Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are returning guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS The best kinds of dances are ones that remove the element of safety,...
Published 12/09/20
Strictly Come Dancing is back, and Week Six of the 2020 series was a tense affair, especially when it came to the results! Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! Plus, there's some incredible news about Kevin and Joanne's new touring show... KEY TAKEAWAYS Strictly is definitely a show that seems to work in many different ways depending on where you are....
Published 12/03/20
Strictly Come Dancing is back, and Week Five of the 2020 series was a particularly high-scoring week, with many routines earning joyful praise from not just the judges but the audience at home. Here with Kevin to discuss the highlights, the surprises, and each dance in turn are special guests, Strictly performer, Joanne Clifton and Burn The Floor star, Lauren Oakley! KEY TAKEAWAYS High scores add an element of drama to Strictly Come Dancing, with each couple working their way up to the...
Published 11/26/20