Life After Jazz Hands cover art

Life After Jazz Hands

By: Matthew Jones
  • Summary

  • Life After Jazz Hands is a podcast that celebrates the many paths our lives can take, and the diverse stories and characters who are - or have been - drawn to the performing arts.


    My name is Matthew Russell-Jones and 20 years ago I graduated from musical theatre college. Back then, I had ideas about how my life and career would look, what constituted success, and what I wanted from the decades ahead.


    But I’ve since realised that our lives can take many unexpected twists and turns. And this got me thinking: what were my classmates' journeys? So now, I’m sitting down with them individually to hear about their stories and to understand where they are now, 20 years on.


    From performers and directors to doctors and barbers, Life After Jazz Hands charts the diverse careers of a single graduating class across two decades. Along the way, it also explores the moments and experiences that shape us: loss, parenthood, relationships, ill health, and opportunities in the most surprising places. Join us as we navigate the highs, the lows, and the unexpected encores in the lives of those who once shared a stage.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Matthew Jones
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Episodes
  • Steph Parry: From Holyhead to Hustling to Hero Status in the West End
    Apr 16 2024

    Steph Parry hailing from Holyhead in North Wales, graduated from Arts Ed Class of Musical Theatre in 2004. Upon Graduating from College Steph began her career as Rosalind in an Open Air Production of 'As You like it'. She then went on to appear in West End shows such as 'Billy Elliot' and 'Wicked'. Whilst appearing in '42nd Street' at the Drury Lane Theatre she received a request to see if she could be borrowed for the evening to race across the road to cover the lead role in 'Mamma Mia', which she did to much praise.Steph has also ventured into the world of television appearing in shows such as 'Hidden', 'Hollyoaks' and 'Malpractice' to name a few. Steph discusses with us everything it took her to get to where she has in her career as well as her love for 'Crossfit', and where she is at today.


    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:

    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)

    Beat (Eating Disorder Helpline) - 0808 801 0677

    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)

    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)

    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    58 mins
  • Chris Grierson: From Royal Tunbridge Wells to the Royalty of Hollyoaks to the Royalty of Crystal Palace
    Apr 9 2024

    Hailing from Royal Tunbridge Wells.Chris graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. After leaving college Chris had a stint in Channel 4's Hollyoaks playing 'Chris'! From there he went and appeared in shows such as 'Blondel', 'Bad Girls, The Musical' and 'Sound of Music' to name a few. It was just when Chris was thinking about change that an opportunity came up to be the 'Face of Crystal Palace TV', and as a lifelong supporter of the Football Club it was almost as if it was meant to be. For nearly 10 years now Chris has been the Presenter and Producer at the Premier League football club Crystal Palace. As well as still keeping his foot in the acting door and working on other projects on the production side of things.


    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisgriogrierson/


    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:

    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)

    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)

    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)

    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    43 mins
  • Stuart Armfield: From Middlesex to Musicals to Motivation
    Apr 2 2024

    Originally from Hayes in Middlesex. Stuart graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004, and went on to appear in shows such as Starlight Express, Whistle Down the Wind and The Rocky Horror Show. After a brief stint auditioning for The X-Factor, Stuart saw he needed a change in his life and created a successful business by selling beauty and skincare products on social media. From here along with his partner Francis, they began to share their journey of becoming a parent through surrogacy, and doing so becoming one of the faces of visibility online for gay parents in the UK. Stuart and Francis have so far racked up over 80 Million likes and over 1.2 Million followers on TikTok. Follow their journey @stuartandfrancis.


    If you have been or are currently affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode, here are some resources you might find useful:

    LGBTQ Switchboard - 0800 0119 100 (10:00-22:00 Phone service Everyday)

    Surrogacy UK - https://surrogacyuk.org/ (Website to help guide anyone thinking about the surrogacy process)

    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)

    Shout - 85258 (all ages 24/7 texting service)

    Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 585858 (5pm - midnight)

    Papyrus HOPELINEUK - 0800 068 4141 (for under 35 year olds)




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins

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