151: Christian Edwards on sharing life with a creative alter-ego

This week we pulled on our most dramatic tights and tried not to mumble our lines in order to catch the attention of one of the theatre world’s most charismatic – and mischievous – characters, Christian Edwards.

The comedy genius behind one of Twitter’s greatest spoofs – the mysterious West End Producer – Christian eventually pulled back the curtain to reveal, with glorious theatrically, that it was him all along. And this is entirely typical of a man whose creative adventures, and commitment to putting on a show, encompass writing regularly for The Stage and starring in sell-out shows in both the West End and Edinburgh Fringe. Like a nonchalant spoon, he has never been afraid to cause a stir, and while that may have knocked the occasional nose out of joint, he has amassed a cult following and a well-earned reputation for being one of theatre-lands wittiest wags.

As well as re-living his starring role in that big, weird show we used to call Twitter, we chat about the life – and challenges – of a professional actor, what the future holds for both Christian and his West End Producer, and hear a magnificent yarn about the time he ran into an ex-fiancée dressed as a giant cigarette.

Discover the homepage of the latex mask
The Twitter account that launched the star
View West End Producer’s snaps on Instagram
Follow Christian Edwards (the real one) on Instagram
Follow the real Christian Edwards on X

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Timestamps
(02:15) - Early Jobs and Humorous Experiences
(05:06) - First Proper Acting Role: A Journey Begins
(06:05) - Discovering a Passion for Acting
(08:41) - The Challenges of Early Acting Roles
(10:08) - The Variety of In-Between Jobs
(12:10) - Lessons from Early Jobs in Acting
(14:09) - The Birth of the West End Producer Persona
(18:31) - The Rise of West End Producer on Twitter
(20:31) - Validation and Identity: Christian vs. West End Producer
(23:30) - The Evolution of the West End Producer Character
(25:51) - Impact on the Theatre Industry
(30:06) - The Importance of Mental Health Advocacy
(32:22) - Unmasking: The Transition from West End Producer
(35:21) - Future Projects and Creative Outlets
(41:21) – Listener Questions
(53:00) – Four Pertinent Posers

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Christians Book Recommendations are:
Ultra-Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn’t Food … and Why Can’t We Stop? by Chris van Tulleken
Year of the King by Anthony Sher
Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Acting (But Were Afraid to Ask, Dear) by West End Producer
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Going to the Theatre (But Were Too Sloshed to Ask, Dear) by West End Producer