ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Welcome to this Easter Bunny bumper edition of our regular magazine show shining a spotlight on life at The Ivy Club in London. In this episode our presenter/producer, and member, Jonathan Levy, presents an eclectic mix of stories recorded around the events and characters that make the club so special - together with highlights from theatreland and a special preview of this year’s Olivier Awards.
Here’s the running order of features:
00:00:00 Introduction – previewing highlights from this feature-length edition.
00:03:40 It's the 50th anniversary of the Olivier Awards, which celebrates the best of British theatre. We talk to the organisers – The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre - with Co-CEO Hannah Essex.
00:09:30 The latest west-end production of The Producers has had four nominations, including Best Musical Revival. One of the nominees for best actor in a supporting role in a musical is our very own club member – Trevor Ashley, who discusses his character as Broadway Director Roger DeBris, and what being up for an Olivier Award means to him.
00:16:15 We stay with The Producers at The Garrick Theatre. Stepping in for Andy Nyman for seven weeks in the role of Broadway producer Max Bialystok is the fabulous Richard Kind. We were there for his ‘opening night’ and chatted at the stage door afterwards while meeting fans and signing autographs.
00:19:20 The first of three intimate sessions – starting in The Library with a new champagne house – Challiol & Charmetant – a French champagne inspired by a 19th century event in India under the reign of Queen Victoria.
00:24:00 We join diamond jewellers Kensington Parker at a hands-on masterclass to assess the quality of some amazing stones close-up.
00:29:40 The Ivy Club’s very own book club, Bookmarked, recently convened its latest session. It hosted author Louise Candlish on her latest psychological crime thriller.
00:33.35 A change of tempo as we talk all things Opera with the ENOs head of events Louise Flew, their partnership with The Ivy Club and what’s in store for the company and the Coliseum.
00:40:50 The club also has a relationship with Donmar Warehouse . They hosted a production breakfast in The Loft where we heard from assistant director – literary, Craig Gilbert.
00:44:10 A special St. Patrick's Day-themed social in The Piano Bar – we chat to members and performers – together with insights into their favourite tipples.
00:52:25 A pause to highlight some new food dishes available in the Piano Bar before moving on with our next item...
00:53:50 On the sporting theme, we turn now to a legend: footballer John Barnes, who dropped in for a special luncheon event in the Drawing Room.
00:59:00 And a perfect segue into our very own sports team – The Ivy Cricket Club. We talk to them at a recent social in The Piano Bar.
01:03:30 Have you ever paused to consider the artworks adorning the Piano Bar and elsewhere in the club? We talk to artist Noj Barker in his farmhouse studio.
01:12:10 Our final item returns to the Drawing Room for a dinner with radio presenter Nick Ferrari .
01:19:40 Closing review
A Blue Aurora Media Production for The Ivy Club.
Our opening and closing signature music is ‘Lover Please Stay’ (instrumental) by the Shtriker Big Band. This and all incidental music is published by Artlist. Music from The Producers courtesy of the production company,
Music recorded live in The Ivy Club London performed by Joe Thompson on piano and accordion, plus traditional Irish band ‘Malarkey’.
The Spotlight podcast magazine show is a Blue Aurora Media production for The Ivy Club, London – Copyright 2026 - All rights reserved.
