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Chris Hogg is a playwright, educator and Associate Professor whose work explores creativity, storytelling and the relationship between human imagination and artificial intelligence. After an unconventional childhood, careers spanning call centres, teaching in Sri Lanka, technology companies and higher education, Chris has developed a distinctive voice as both a writer and researcher. His work examines why humans create, what AI can and cannot replicate, and why presence, collaboration and lived experience remain at the heart of great art.
Episode summary
In this episode of Variety, playwright and educator Chris Hogg joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, theatre and artificial intelligence. Chris reflects on an unconventional childhood in Bournemouth, running away from home as a teenager, discovering writing as a way to make sense of the world and the winding career that took him from call centres and Silicon Valley tech to university lecturing. Together we explore what separates human creativity from AI, why mistakes and “bruised knowledge” matter, the importance of live performance in an increasingly digital world, and how technology might ultimately make the arts more accessible rather than replace them.
In this episode:
- Growing up in Bournemouth and the experiences that shaped Chris’s writing
- Running away from home and finding refuge with his grandmother
- Discovering poetry, studying English and becoming a playwright
- Working in call centres, technology and teaching around the world
- The relationship between creativity, theatre and artificial intelligence
- Why human presence, mistakes and collaboration still matter
- AI as a creative assistant rather than a replacement for artists
- Making the arts more accessible in an age of rapidly advancing technology
What is The Variety Show?
The Variety Show is a celebration of the extraordinary people who bring live performance to life. Each week, host Adam Sternberg sits down with a dazzling range of guests – from magicians to contortionists, gospel singers to tap dancers to uncover the real stories behind their craft. How do artists decide to dedicate their lives to performing? What inspires them, challenges them, and keeps them coming back to the stage? Through intimate conversations, Variety gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look at the journeys, passions, and influences that shape today’s performers. Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the paths less traveled, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on the world of performance.
If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk