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. 

Now joining me today IN THE CHAI ROOM (should I keep calling it that?)  is my dear friend—dancer, choreographer, model, performer and now writer—Tarek Khwiss.

This was Tarek’s second time on the podcast, and what a special episode it was. A lot of you often ask what it’s like having friends on the podcast, and this episode is truly the epitome of that. We have a deep conversation about dance culture in the UK, friendships within the industry, and kindness toward ourselves and others while navigating the creative world.

Tarek and I also get into politics and activism—using our social platforms to speak out, and the balance (or imbalance) of doing so while managing a creative, freelance life. We discuss how this seeps into our work, the challenges it brings, and how it has shaped our personal viewpoints.

We also talk about being Arab and queer, and dive into Tarek’s new business, Haus of Hurriyah, as well as queer spaces such as Hishek Bishek in London . Of course, we discuss Tarek’s story “Confessions” for An Ode: Reframing the Classics—which, by the way, you can stream in full now on Patreon. You’ll also hear a soundbite in this episode.

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.

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. 

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"

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. 

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.

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.

We are BACK!

Season 7! 

Welcoming to The Chai Room for our first episode is the legendary actor Nabil Elouahabi. 

Nabil’s television credits span an impressive range of critically acclaimed series, including Quarter Life, FBI: International, the BAFTA-winning Blue Lights, Unforgotten, Breeders, The Tower, Time, Our Girl, His Dark Materials, Deep State, The Missing, The Night Of, 24: Live Another Day, Top Boy, and the Emmy-nominated HBO miniseries Generation Kill alongside Alexander Skarsgård.