On today’s episode, I’m joined by writer Bethany Henry Gemmell for a special end-of-year conversation. It felt like the perfect way to close out the final episode of 2026—thoughtful, generous, and deeply inspiring. This marks Bethany’s second time on the podcast (or, as I like to call it, the Chai Room), and it was such a joy to reconnect.

In this episode, we dive deep into the dramaturgical process, with Bethany leading the conversation around working as dramaturg on the second audio series of Chai with Rai, An Ode: Reframing the Classics, now streaming on Patreon. We also explore the “grass is greener” mindset, Bethany’s upcoming projects—including a new play and a new novel—and then shares valuable advice for emerging playwrights, freelance creatives, and dramaturgs.

You’ll also hear a snippet from Catherine, the short story Bethany wrote for the very first storytelling series, Symphonies of Beaded Threads.

Bethany's bio:

Bethany (they/he) is a Northern playwright. They explore themes exploring family, our relationship to media, and humanity's capability to be good and evil. Examples include being a co-writer for Royal Court Theatre's Listen Local project in 2019, 'WOLF' at Theatre503 in 2023, and 'well, you could be a guy (non-binary edition)' for Baron Court Theatre's Queering the Canon Festival in 2023. Their most recent project was 'The Trial of Thomas Greene' at Hope Mill Theatre for Qweerdog Shorts/Hope 200 Festival in 2025. They were selected for Young Vic's inaugural 2022/23 Creators Program, Soho Theatre's 2023/24 Writers' Lab, and for Nottingham Playhouse's Amplify Program in 2025. Their audio-duologue 'Catherine', dedicated to and involving their mum, is now featured in the Chai With Rai exhibition at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre.

They have provided dramaturgical support for community companies like Neurospace Theatre and Wild Forest Theatre from 2020 to 2023. Now, they're developing their dramaturgical skills by supporting artists for An Ode: Reframing the Classics.

Topics Breakdown:

• "Grass is always greener on the other side" mentality.
• Starving artist vs life experience and the success metrics we place on ourselves.
• Evolution of personal artistic storytelling.
• Playwriting with and through ADHD playwriting.
• Exploring time and thoughts as a playwright.
• Dramaturgy process for An Ode: Reframing the Classics.
• Reflecting on the Chai with Rai's Summer exhibition 20245 in London/
• Theatre 503 Rapid Writers response to Stray Dogs by Theo Chester.
• The Royal Court Theatre’s Listen Local Program.
• Dramaturgy process / advice for emerging talent.

To Listen to Bethany's audio short story CLICK HERE.

To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social:

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest: https://www.instagram.com/hgemmellian/ & https://twitter.com/hengemmell

Links:

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &

https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

Guest: https://creatorsprogram.youngvic.org/member/11946

Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Continuing on with introducing you to the writers behind the new Chai with Rai series An Ode: Reframing the Classics- welcoming to the Chai room Punya Rajput.

She wrote a short story titled The Sabhā No Longer Stands which reimagines Draupadi, not as a divine heroine, but as a woman confronting the shame, jealousy, and emotional labor imposed on her by a heteropatriarchal world. Through a deeply affective conversation with Krishna, she lays bare the moral contradictions, expectations, and embodied violence present in society. Her body becomes a site of symbolic control, her desires policed, her identity fragmented.

P.S- you can stream the story now on our Patreon channel HERE. Speaking of this episode we definitely discuss mythology, Punya’s storytelling experience, she was in the midst of her masters- so discussing academia and creativity. The path and trajectory of an actor in India vs UK . So, I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode and just get some good ol nuggets.

Punya's Bio:

Punya is a freelance creative who believes in the power of stories—on stage, on screen, and on the page. A proud member and ambassador of the National Youth Theatre, she’s brought her love for performance to short films, ads, and creative spaces in both India and the UK.

With a background in sociology and a master’s in education policy, her work weaves together research and creativity. Her dissertation explored drama-based pedagogy and how emotion, imagination, and connection shape how we learn about gender.

She hopes to tell stories that spark something—joy, reflection, maybe even a little magic.

Big feelings, big laughs, and a strong belief that everything’s better with a little chaos and a lot of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Topics Breakdown:

• Storytellers and Styles of writing that have shaped an understanding of text and building worlds as a storyteller.
• Balancing surrealism, subtext and access as a storyteller.
• Process as an actor.
• Working and process as a South Asian Actor.
• Working as an actor in India vs in the UK.
• Passion for storytelling and connection to mythology .
• The writing and audio story The Sabhā No Longer Stands for An Ode: Reframing the Classics .

To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest: https://www.instagram.com/punya_rrajput/ & https://www.instagram.com/noirae00/

Links

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

Welcoming into the Chai room- writer, dancer and actor Amar Bains.

Now this is going to be a very quick and intimate one, as Amar doesn't really do interviews. However, I used our friendship and some emotional coercion to beg and request him to be a guest. We discuss his world building as a dancer and now a writer. We get a sneak peak into his short story for Chai with Rai's audio storytelling series An Ode: Reframing the Classics titled Fire in my Room.

I hope ya enjoy and you can stream the full audio story on our Patreon Channel.

Amar's Bio:

Amar Bains is a British born Artist of Panjabi heritage. Born in the West Midlands he moved to London to pursue the arts, to study Musical Theatre. After graduating he worked professionally as an actor for major brands featuring in adverts, short films and online campaigns and as a dancer for musicians featuring in videos for Ed sheeran, Kwabs and Priya Ragu to name a few. He has also worked on productions for Disney and Marvel and has danced at the Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II.

Amar's artistic expression also comes through other various forms, such as in his personal time he enjoys illustration and writing.

To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest: https://www.instagram.com/_amaramar/

Links

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

Almost Three Years in the making and I am beyond excited to Welcome actor and writer Rupinder Kaur.

This is going to be a bit of a long one as we had a lot to catch up on. Though this is the edited version and you can catch our 3 hour chat on our Patreon Channel (Unedited and Unfiltered). We get into our ideals of Romance and fantasy for writing, to discussing the viability of being a playwright and poet. We also discuss Rupinder's first published book "Rooh", her upcoming book in 2026 and acting. I cannot wait for you to hear this, giggle and see a behind the scenes insight into Rupinder.

You also get a soundbite of Rupinder's short audio story for An Ode: Reframing the Classics titled "What the Waves Remember: Amrit Kaur"

Rupinder's Bio:

Rupinder Kaur Waraich (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist based in the West Midlands, whose work spans poetry, writing, and performance. Her artistic focus centres on feminine narratives and Panjabi heritage and language. Rupinder’s debut poetry collection, Rooh (2018), was published by Verve Poetry Press, and her forthcoming collection, Tigress with Wings, will be released by Seren Books in February 2026.

Her short film The Two Artists, which she co-wrote and acted in, premiered at the UK Asian Film Festival. As a BBC New Creative, she wrote The Girls That Hide and Seek, a spoken word piece addressing gendered violence. Rupinder has taken part in artist residencies at JOYA: arte + ecología in Spain, Art House in the Netherlands, and Preet Nagar in Panjab.

Her recent work blends poetry, dance, and film, as seen in her performance art films Finding Kali and The Search. Driven by curiosity and dedication, Rupinder continues to explore and create at the intersection of writing, film, and theatre.

Topics Breakdown:

• The Reality of self-producing your own work.
• Dream Date with an artist.
• Talking about partition with our family.
• From a Meta and Love Lens- How your relationship to the Pen and Writing has changed throughout the years? And if it has informed you anything about how you view the practice as a form?
• Gradual evolution from poetry into acting.
• The experience of Poetry and Spoken word at events and how they have evolved in the last couple of years.
• Discussing her play and contribution to the Chai with Rai Audio Series An Ode: Reframing the Classics. The story inspired by two Punjabi princesses’ Indira Devi and Amrit Kaur - the former Maharani of Mandi and Princess of Kapurthala.

To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest: : https://www.instagram.com/rupinderkw/

Links

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

Guest: https://rupinderkw.com/

Welcoming BACK Bolly Illusion a.k.a Anthony Pius.

This was a wonderful conversation into the new Audio series produced by Chai with Rai An Ode: Reframing the Classics in which Anthony wrote a short story called The Sari Chronicles.

The storytelling series had two exhibition residencies in London over Summer of 2025 at Theatre Deli and the LGBTQ+ Centre at London Bankside. We also discuss outlook on artistry and how our experience can inform our practice as creatives, the expansion/ highlights of Bolly's work, future work and the cabaret/ drag space.

Bolly/ Anthony's bio:

Bolly-Illusion (Anthony Pius) is a drag Artist who has been slaying the stage in the world of cabaret for over 4 years. They infuse Indian music and beats to showcase their Indian heritage, there’s no light bulb moves here but you’ll defo want to get up out of your seat when you see them twirling around in a 6-inch stiletto.

They have been seen dancing in Marvel’s Eternal, other accomplishments include being featured in Vogue Italia, I-Weigh and Gay Times.

Venues they have been blessed to perform in are the Design Museum, Hackney Empire, V&A Museum and Roundhouse Theatre to name a few.

Topics Breakdown:

• Misconceived notions or perceptions about yourself that the cabaret and drag space has helped unlearn or inform.
• Finding liberation and joy with fellow queer artists.
• Being optimistic around negativity.
• Central Cee Obsession.
• Political Views and standpoints.
• Discussing writing the short story "The Sari Chronicles"
• Favourite part of the job.

To listen to the short story, subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest: : https://www.instagram.com/bolly_illusion

Links

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage & https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

Guest: https://linktr.ee/bolly_illusion?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnEbCwpcoaGtZnZO4r4zVCjApImoxmUjk8nc6dx48JocbG3QCCoiE-edd7zzw_aem_lKEhjCMXZG2GgDKXCz3uIQ

Welcoming to The Chai Room- Robert Emms.

We discussed his new project The Choral, which is out in cinemas right now- make sure to check it out. P.S - the end made me cry and we discuss that. We also discuss his new project Bad Apples.

This was such a great insight into the mind of an Actor. We chatted about the concept of idolising and hero worshipping the creatives you might be working with to the truth and subtext of acting. How to create the world of your story and emote it through various techniques.

I cannot wait for you to hear this and get inspired.

Robert's bio:

Topics Breakdown:

• Choral Play
• Hero Worshipping
• Subtext of Acting
• Truth of acting
• Bad Apples (new project)
• Of course some Rapid responses and WHAT THE CHAI?!

  To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

  Social:

  Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

  Guest: https://www.instagram.com/robertemms/?hl=en

  Links:

  Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &

  https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

  Guest: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3016166/?ref_=ttfc_fcr_3_31

  Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.

Welcome to the Chai Room 👀☕️ Francesca Gamble

I had such a magnetic time with Fran and felt very empowered after our chat. It was such a healing insight into what your mind can look like when you do the work and dare to be brave. How we can lead and stand in the mosh pit of it all, the good, the bad and everything in between. It was also wonderful to have an insight into the business of a fast pace service industry, that often works on KPI's, metrics set by others and orientated to others creative vision. In all of this I truly found an honest voice of Fran's. I cannot wait for you to hear this and get inspired.

Fran's Bio:

Francesca is the founder of Global Talent Network Group and 29 London, celebrating a decade in business this year. With a career spanning top agencies including The Engine Group, M&C Saatchi, and Chime Group, Francesca brings deep expertise in brand building, entrepreneurship, and the business of talent. As a solo founder who has grown her companies without external funding, she offers a unique perspective on building Talent-first strategies and why brands must look beyond influencers to drive real influence and cultural impact.

• You often say “talent isn’t the last layer — it is the strategy.” Can you walk us through what that looks like in action?
• Was there a pivotal moment or challenge in your career that deeply shaped how you show up today?
• What practices or habits have been most transformative for your growth — both as a founder and as a person?
• You started mentoring and launching non-profits before the age of 21. Why is mentorship such a central part of your work?
• What is your valued Success of the agency?
• What does your Strength as a founder feel like?
• Talk us through the Business of being a creative- the pits and the peaks of it.
• How do you snap out of wollow moments and where do you find the light?

To subscribe to Patreon and become a Patron/ supporter of Chai with Rai.

Social:

Myself: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithrai_/ & https://twitter.com/chaiwithrai_ & https://www.tiktok.com/@chaiwithrai

Guest : https://www.instagram.com/francesca_gamble/ , https://www.instagram.com/29london/ & https://www.instagram.com/gtnconsultancy/

Links:

Myself: https://www.raimuitfum.com/chaiwithraihomepage &

https://linktr.ee/chaiwithrai_

Guest: https://29-london.com/ , https://www.globaltalentnetworkgroup.com/ & https://becomingmorehuman.co.uk/

Hope you all enjoyed it and Thank you for tuning in. To Subscribe, share, follow my work and everything else is listed above.