The next interview in our stagey chat series is with Paul Morrissey and Chris Wheeler. Paul and Chris are the co-founders and joint CEO's of new VOD platform, The Theatre Channel. The Theatre Channel offers exclusive access to high-quality theatre performances, musical productions, and behind-the-scenes content from the world of theatre. You can find out more here.

Hi Paul and Chris, how are you both today? Thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourselves and telling our readers how you first got into the theatre industry?

Hello, and thank you for having us! I’m Paul Morrissey and I am Chris Wheeler, the Co-Founder’s and joint CEO’s of The Theatre Channel. Both of our journeys in theatre began in our training at drama school (Paul at the Royal Academy of Music and Chris at Guildford School of Acting), which sparked a lifelong passion for this art form. Together and separately, we have had the privilege to work across various roles in the industry, and now, with The Theatre Channel, we are excited to bring theatre to an even wider audience.

Your new creation, The Theatre Channel, has just been launched. Can you tell us about this new venture?

Absolutely! The Theatre Channel is a new digital platform where theatre lovers can explore interviews, performances, and a host of original content from all corners of the theatre world. Our mission is to connect global audiences to both well-loved and emerging theatre experiences, making it as accessible as possible. We offer free content to anyone visiting the site, with the option to upgrade to Theatre Channel+ for premium, exclusive experiences. It’s not just a streaming service but a community, with features like The Green Room for discussion, a community forum where fans can connect.

With theatre becoming more and more inaccessible amid the cost-of-living crisis, was it important to you to make as much of the content as possible on The Theatre Channel free?

Yes, absolutely. We understand the financial challenges that many people are facing right now, and we’re committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. That’s why most of our content is free to access. We believe that theatre has the power to uplift, inspire, and provide a sense of community, which is needed now more than ever. By offering a range of free content, we’re ensuring that theatre remains an accessible and enjoyable escape for anyone who needs it.

The premium subscription is £5.99 a month or £50 a year. What can subscribers expect to find on the premium subscription, both now and going forward?

With a Theatre Channel+ subscription, audiences gain access to exclusive content, like in-depth interviews with our top stars, behind-the-scenes footage, and premium performances. Subscribers can enjoy special concerts, such as My Fair Ladies and The West End Men: Unplugged, featuring renowned West End talent. Moving forward, we’re planning even more premium events and live-streamed performances, as well as special interactive content to deepen our subscribers’ connection to the world of theatre.

What ideas and content do you currently have in mind to bring to The Theatre Channel?

We have so many exciting ideas! We’ll be expanding our interview series, bringing more unique voices to the screen. Additionally, our From the Fringe content will continue to spotlight fresh talent and lesser-known theatre productions, as we’re passionate about supporting emerging voices in the industry. We're also working on collaborations with theatres and creators, as well as live-streaming performances. Our goal is to continually evolve, offering fresh and diverse content that keeps our audience coming back.

A question I ask everyone we chat to - my blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why?

That’s a fantastic question! One book that would be incredible to see on stage is Carter Beats The Devil by Glen David Gold. Its magical, immersive world and complex characters would translate beautifully to the stage, offering audiences a sense of wonder and enchantment. The blend of romance, mystery, and magic would lend itself perfectly to a theatre adaptation that could be visually stunning and deeply moving.

And finally, why should anyone reading this join The Theatre Channel?

If you love theatre or want to experience the magic of the stage in a new way, The Theatre Channel is the perfect place for you. We offer a diverse array of content, from exclusive interviews with theatre legends to performances that bring Broadway and the West End to your screen. Plus, we’re building a community where fans can connect, discuss, and celebrate their love for theatre together. Joining The Theatre Channel isn’t just about watching theatre—it’s about being part of something bigger. We’d love to welcome you!

You can join The Theatre Channel, here.