Robert Cudmore
Actor
A Scottish Podcast (2016-)
Role
“Writer, actor, director, producer/engineer, narrator for various productions - A Scottish Podcast (Lee Power), Edict Zero, Captain Afterland, Campfire Radio Theatre, Aftermath, Hadron Gospel Hour, The Audio Drama Production Podcast, and many more.”
Bio
“Robert is a podcaster, voice actor, and audio producer known for the award-winning series, The Audio Drama Production Podcast.
As well as producing and presenting several documentaries and dramas for radio, he is also a freelance broadcast journalist, having worked with stations including BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 4.
He has also been a self-help coach, media lecturer, and radio station manager in recent years, and is currently a freelance narrator, producer of audiobooks, and an established voice actor. Robert has starred in Edict Zero, Aftermath, Campfire Radio Theater, Hadron Gospel Hour, and he plays Lee Power in A Scottish Podcast.”
“…you can really change how you perform certain lines.”
How did you become aware of the show?
“Matthew and I had already worked together many times, and continue to do so.”
What was the biggest challenge?
“Negotiating some of the dialogue language, on occasion. Nitpicking over some of the wording, on the rare occasion when we think we could make the dialogue flow better.”
What would be your dream project?
“An official Star Trek audio drama – not just lending a voice, but being involved in the writing and production. (I can dream, can’t I?)
Failing that, I would be astonishingly happy if A Scottish Podcast or Edict Zero made it to the big time.”
Any tips for a strong audio reel?
“Make sure it’s just your own voice, and include a diverse range of samples. Show people what you can do – different accents, styles etc.”
How does acting for audio compare to other media, for you? Any skills or techniques you’d recommend learning for it?
“You can really play with the microphone; by leaning in close and speaking quietly, you can really change how you perform certain lines. You don’t always need to shout – sometimes less is more.
So, learning how to move around the mic, without breathing into it too much or kicking the mic stand or table, is surprisingly important.”
If your character was a member of the regular cast, how do you keep them fresh to play?
“So much of the content in ASP – especially the silly and/or observational comedy – comes directly from conversations Matthew and I have had in the pub. There’s no shortage of inspiration.
I wouldn’t say ‘art imitates life’ in this case, necessarily - we’ve never been to space or worked for gangsters… as far as I know - but some of the stuff which IS true or based on real events would knock your socks off.
No, not the bit where Lee [redacted] or when Doug soiled himself (wink).”