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
  • Damian Winter Higgins: From Nottingham to Dancing on the Sidewalks of London to Teaching and Therapy
    Nov 6 2024

    Damian Winter Higgins hails from Nottingham. He gained a place at the prestigious Ballet Rambert School. Upon leaving Rambert, he joined Adventures in Motion Pictures Dance Company, with whom he performed in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. Damian then joined the UK tour of Fame the Musical, for which he understudied and played the lead role of Tyrone Jackson and Mr Myers. Damian has also been seen in Disney's The Lion King (Lyceum), the original cast of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida (Essen, Germany), Leonard Bernstein's Wonderful Town (Grange Park Opera) and in Miss Saigon (tour).

    Damian is also a qualified teacher for BTEC Performing Arts, A-Level Dance and Drama.

    Damian is also a fully qualified therapist for people in a wide range of life experiences.


    If you are interested in contacting Damian regarding his therapy work you can email: therapeuticcounsellors@gmail.com


    And for more details - https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/401279/damian-higgins/nottingham-ng3?search=CBT

    https://www.bapam.org.uk/practitioner-search/damian-higgins/

    https://www.baatn.org.uk/find-a-psych-therapist/#!biz/id/6543d60acf08a2940a03b298


    If you are or have been affected by any of the topics in this episode please see the show notes below for some helpful resources

    Anthony Walker Foundation - Racism & Hate Crime Charity - https://anthonywalkerfoundation.com/

    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)

    988 Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

    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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    1 hr
  • Adam James Phillips: From South Wales, to Perfecting Finger Waves in the West End to Styling a Dame
    Oct 22 2024

    Adam James Phillips hails from Newport, Wales. He graduated from Arts Educational Schools London on the Musical Theatre course in 2003. Adam transitioned into being a Hair Stylist and Artist soon after leaving college. In the West End Theatre scene he worked on productions including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies, Crazy For You, Kiss Me Kate and Sweeney Todd. Screen credits include Downtown Abbey, Star Wars, Bridgerton, Wonka and Mary and George. Adam is a multiple Emmy and Guild Award Winner for his work including his work on Downtown Abbey for the late Dame Maggie Smith.


    Instagram @adamjamesphillips


    Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7 phone service)

    988 Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

    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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    55 mins
  • Jenny Fitzpatrick: From Hornchurch to the Heels of Tina to Heroic and Healing Journeys
    Oct 15 2024

    Jenny Fitzpatrick hails from Hornchurch, Essex. She Graduated from Mountview Academy of Dramatic Arts Musical Theatre Degree Course in 2004. Upon leaving early she joined the Rep Company of 'Regents Park Open Air Theatre'. From there her theatre credits include 'Ghost The Musical', 'Rock Of Ages', 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'Oliver!', 'Our House' and 'Sister Act'. Notably she alternated the role of 'Tina', in the original west end cast of 'Tina: The Tina Turner Musical' and recently played Nancy in the Leeds Playhouse production of Oliver! Jenny's TV credits include Eastenders, Silent Witness and M.I High.

    As a writer Jenny co-wrote the film 'Payback Season' which was released in cinemas in the UK in 2012.

    Jenny is soon to be seen in the Old Vic's production of 'A Christmas Carol' as Ghost of Christmas Present/ Mrs Fezziwig.


    Arthritus Foundation - https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis

    Isokinetic Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Group - https://isokinetic.com/en/

    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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    1 hr and 1 min

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