Our new podcast series, (Un)common Ground, creates a rare space for frank and open discussion about the status of live performance in the UK.

Hosted by Artistic Director and CEO Tarek Iskander and theatre critic, journalist and author Lyn Gardner, the series brings together artists and industry professionals for long-form, round-table conversations. Each episode responds to current events and key issues shaping the cultural sector, with space for differing perspectives and debate.

The first episode is available today, and features theatre director Erica Whyman, former Culture Minister Ed Vaizey and theatre producer Jo Crowley. Following Baroness Margaret Hodge’s recent review of Arts Council England, they consider what future funding should look like for the arts.

New episodes will be released bi-monthly and cover topics such as ethical fundraising in the culture sector, and artists and self-censorship.

“Despite our commitment in the arts to telling stories and tackling difficult issues, there are some conversations that still rarely happen out in the open. This podcast is about creating space for those discussions – in depth and in a long-form way – where there is room for dissenting voices, diverging views and plenty of grey areas.”
Tarek Iskander

“When Tarek first asked me if I’d be interested in collaborating on a podcast, I said that I really didn’t think that the world needed another theatre podcast. But I hope (Un)common Ground is different. Like many, I have mourned the demise of platforms where the challenges – and the considerable joys – of making theatre at this moment in time in an uncertain world can be discussed with real honesty.” 
Lyn Gardner

Read the transcript of the conversation.

Episode one – The Future of Arts Council England – was recorded at Battersea Arts Centre in January 2026 and edited by Fraser Owen.