What was the first show you ever saw? Your biggest theatre regret? And which production would you choose to watch on a loop for eternity? These questions and more make up Seven Stages, the new podcast from The Stage, sponsored by Audible. Our eight episode features designer Es Devlin and was released on Friday, July 10, 2020.

From fringe theatres to worldwide stadium tours for the likes of Beyoncé and Adele, there are few worlds and scales untouched by designer Es Devlin. Starting as a designer for theatres like the Bush in west London, she quickly became a renowned stage designer, winning three Olivier Awards along the way. Recent stage work includes Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch, The Lehman Trilogy, Chimerica and The Nether.

But in parallel to her stage career, she has become the go-to designer for the world's biggest musicians. Kanye West and U2, Lady Gaga and Take That, The Weeknd and Dua Lipa have all called on Devlin to conjure the engrossing, kinetic designs - mixtures of sculpture, language and light - that are her signature.

Here she talks about early inspirations from her childhood on the south coast, through to all-night listening sessions with Kanye West. 

Every fortnight, you can join Tim Bano for illuminating, intimate conversations with influential performers and creatives who have lived their lives in theatre. The Seven Stages podcast, sponsored by Audible, is available anywhere you find your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the link below.

Devlin’s interview is available to listen to now and follows episodes with actor Paul Chahidi, playwright Alan Ayckbourn, actor Noma Dumezweni, choreographer Arlene Phillips, former Young Vic artistic director David Lan, Olivier award-winning lighting designer Paule Constable and Ian McKellen.