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.

On this episode of Call To Stage, we're joined by the wonderfully warm, funny and refreshingly grounded Ben Irish.

Ben has become one of the West End's most reliable and versatile leading men. A self-confessed late starter — discovered through a work experience placement at an amateur theatre group in Portsmouth at the age of 15 — he trained at ArtsEd and has since built an impressive career across some of musical theatre's most beloved shows.

His credits include Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, Joe in 9 to 5 The Musical, Sky in Mamma Mia!, Sam in Ghost (which he also toured across Asia) and Hans in Frozen The Musical, which was filmed for Disney+.

On this episode of Call To Stage, Amber and Ben talk about coming to musical theatre late and why there is truly no right time or right way into this industry, the family feeling that comes with long runs and touring companies, and the very real emotional and practical challenges of life between jobs.

There are also stories from Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia! and Ghost, as well as conversations about setting boundaries, protecting your personal life and knowing when to say no — even when the jobs are good.

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