Two people stand against a worn painted wall. Left is Lyn Gardner. A woman with grey short hair with pale features wearing a navy long sleeve shirt. Right is Tarek Iskander. A man with dark hair wearing a tan blazer and white shirt.

(UN)COMMON GROUND PODCAST

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.

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

TUNE INTO EPISODE ONE

Published 9 Feb 2026. Episode one 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. This episode – The Future of Arts Council England – was recorded at Battersea Arts Centre in January 2026 and edited by Fraser Owen.

Read the transcript of the conversation.

 

TUNE INTO EPISODE TWO

Published 6 May 2026. Episode two features theatre actor and activist Khalid Abdalla; Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, Sir Alistair Spalding; and Co-Founder of The Women’s Prize Trust and Director at Achates Philanthropy Prize, Caroline McCormick. They explore the ethics of fundraising in an industry that holds progressive values. This episode – Can the Arts Afford to be Ethical? – was recorded at Battersea Arts Centre in April 2026 and edited by Fraser Owen.