Spark - True Stories Live
Episodes
Mysterious – Sophie & Akshay
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This week, two stories on the theme Mysterious. Sophie’s quiet work-from-home morning turns chaotic when the p...
Summer Nights Part 2 – Jesse & Kash
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. We loved the theme Summer Nights so much… we’re bringing you another episode! This week, Jesse shares a pers...
Summer Nights – Tom & Tanis
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the theme of Summer Nights. Tom takes us back to the Badger Club — a childhoo...
Transformation – Daniel & Colin
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s theme isTransformation. Daniel discovers that nothing cements a friendship quite like some mushrooms of the magical kind, while Colin le...
Rebellion – Connor & Audrey
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE SPARK PODCAST IS BACK! Did you miss us? Because we missed you!Kicking off a brand new series, this week’s theme is Rebellion. Connor shares his ...
Public Humiliation - Nebiu & Holly
22 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the theme of ‘Public Humiliation’. Nebiu tells us about laughinstereotypes ...
Faking It - Marie & Chris
15 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the highly relatable theme of ‘Faking it’. Marie tells us about the time sh...
Weddings – Julie & Flemming
08 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. In this ‘Weddings’ themed episode we hear from Julie and Flemming. Julie takes us on an emotional rollercoas...
Simply the Best – Elle, Rachel & Scarlett
01 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. We kick off a brand new series with a bang – a birthday bang to be precise. Last year our beloved podcast turn...
London - Jess & Eleanor
13 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This week Spark London very fittingly hears two tales about London. Jess tells us about the time a stranger’s ...
Reunion - Dimitri & Rachael
19 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This week we christened our new venue The Bill Murray in Angel with two fantastic stories on the theme of ‘Reu...
Interruptions - Peter
06 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. We’ve seen and heard a lot at Spark - stories that have made us laugh, cringe, cry, gasp, pause for thought, r...
Appearances - Alex
21 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present one story on the theme of ‘appearances’ from ex health and safety officer Alex. ...
Passion - Steph & Lou
25 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this ‘Passion’ themed episode we hear from Steph and Lou.Steph talks candidly about life with borderline disorder and Lou takes us back to an i...
Surprises Part 2 - Rosemarie & Rick
18 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This week our ‘Surprises’ themed double bill concludes with stories from Rosemarie and Rick.Rosemarie takes us back to the early noughties and fin...
Surprises- David & Lucy
09 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This ‘surprises’ themed episode has an unofficial sub-theme of ‘dating’ as we hear from two people about...
Overthinking - Jen & Holly
02 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. In this ‘overthinking’ themed episode we hear from Jen and Holly. Jen tells us how bodily functions on a dat...
Identity - Nicola & Andre
25 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. In this episode we hear from Nicola and Andre as they tells us stories on the theme of ‘Identity’. Nicola ex...
SPECIAL: Awkward Age - Kate & Rachel
25 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of Awkward Age, as part of our collaboration with the Children’...
JERRY'S OPEN HOUSE SPECIAL: All in
23 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present five stories on the theme of ‘All in’ for a Jerry’s Open House Special.Gravy remin...
SPECIAL: Nostalgia - Sasha & Lilith
17 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode concludes our gal-dem collaboration double bill!In a night devoted to stories on the theme of ‘no...
SPECIAL: Nostalgia - Maiya & Priyal
10 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present the first of our gal-dem collaboration double bill!In a night devoted to stories on the ...
Bad Timing - Ashleigh & Banke
13 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Bad Timing’. Ashleigh tells us about how bad timing cau...
Miscommunication - Nadya & Chloe
06 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In this ‘Miscommunication’ themed episode, Nadya tells us about a childhood miscommunication invol...
Periods - Helen & Jinan
29 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In August this year, Helen and Jinan got on stage at the Brixton Ritzy to tell stories on the theme of...
Friendship - Gigi & Caroline
21 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Friendship’. Gigi tells us about losing her best friend...
Crossing The Line - Maria & Beth
01 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Crossing The Line’. Maria reveals how the traumatic exp...
SPECIAL: Feasts - Miranda & Ben
25 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of ‘Feasts’ for a Literary Festival Special. Miranda tells us...
Holidays - Denis & Andre
18 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In July this year, Dennis and Andre got on stage at the Hackney Attic in London to tell stories on the...
Cutting Corners - Luke & Frances
11 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Cutting Corners’. Luke tells us about having toilet tro...
Adulthood - Callan, Ross & Mackenzie
04 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This time three tales on the theme of ‘Adulthood’ from our night at the Hackney Attic. Callan tells us about...
Promises - Scarlett, Brian & Abel
27 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In May this year, Scarlett, Brian and Abel got on stage at the Hackney Attic in London to tell stories...
Journeys - Errol & Dara
20 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. Today we have two stories from our night on the theme, ‘Journeys’. Errol takes us back twenty years to his l...
Defining Moments - Kate & Elle
12 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In April this year, Kate and Elle both got up on stage at the Hackney Attic and told stories on the th...
SPECIAL: Migration - Daniel & Banke
06 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of 'Migration'. Daniel tells us what it was like working in an Af...
Lessons - Charlotte & Margaret
29 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. Today we present two stories from our night on the theme, 'Lessons', where we invited back our favourite storyte...
SPECIAL: London Podcast Festival (Part 2)
22 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: the last story contains strong sex references.Neil Denny (Little Atoms), Felix Trench (Wooden Overcoasts) & Alix Fox (Close Encounters, The M...
SPECIAL: London Podcast Festival 2016 (Part 1)
15 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across the UK. Podcast makers Azariah Williams (The Shapeshifters), Rhianna Dhillon (Back Row) and Dave Pickering (The Family T...
Bipolar Gigolo - Jools
09 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told at Spark's open mic nights and Encore showcases. Today, Jools tells an audience of strangers how he came to meet his first client wh...
Regrets - Florian & Charley
02 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. In August this year, Florian and Charley both got up on stage and told these stories of 'D'oh!' - mome...
Not A Boxer - Nira
26 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
More true stories, told live across the UK. Nira was always interested in numbers, but found his path of discovery blocked many times.Thanks to The St...
In Detention - Theresa
19 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In June Spark presented stories of inspirational teachers and students; stories from educators and from people who have experienced education. In this...
Jealousy - Jess & Adrienne
12 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in the UK. Jealousy can completely over-take you, it can ruin a lot of things, and it can meddle when we least desire it. Are y...
In A Pickle - Katie & Josh
05 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Oh dear, here we go again: You’ve got yourself into a situation which you really don’t want to be in. Katie & Josh know how you feel, in these two...
Summer Lovin' - George
28 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This summer may seem like a distant memory, but for today's Sparkler it's far away from temporally and geographically.On a year break in Thailand, Geo...
Episode 200: I Kiss You Tenderley - Esther
21 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this, our 200th episode, it's business as usual: true stories told live, from venues across the UK. Today, Esther describes how n unplanned trip ac...
Surprises - Beth, Joe & Joe
07 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Three true stories told live in the UK, this time at our most recent open mic at the Brixton Ritzy.Remember that surprise party you planned, where the...
Stuck - Krishan & Raphael
31 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Two more true stories of the kindness of strangers. Krishan discovers his mother unconscious, locked in the car. But who will help a fifteen year old...
The Kindness of Strangers - Naqi
24 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in venues across the UK. Naqi is visually impaired, which leads him to encounter all sorts of strangers as he navigates the Lon...
Intelligent Design - David
17 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Connecting people through true stories. David told this story at our open mic at the Ritzy in Brixton, when the theme was 'Strangers.'Thanks to Christ...
Parting - Catherine & Alison
10 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories, as told live on stages across the UK. To say goodbye to something familiar can be heartbreaking, difficult and scary. Most of the times ...
More First Dates - Anna & Michael
03 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told across the UK. Two more stories of 'First Dates' taken from the open mic we held in January 2016.In the first story, Anna is accused...
Unbecoming - Lachlan & Marie
26 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: contains strong sex referencesTwo true stories from our new night in Glasgow, where the theme was Unbecoming. Lachlan is MCing a charity even...
Short But Sweet - Layla
19 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Connecting people through true stories. Layla is about to go on her first lesbian date - but is she thoroughly prepared? From March 2016. Hosted on Ac...
REBROADCAST: Balls - Vanessa
12 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in the UK. Vanessa is not your typical electrician – as she is constantly reminded in this tale from June 2010, where the the...
Escape II - A Refuaid Special
15 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Part two of our special in aid of the charity Refugee Aid (Refuaid). Today, Spark regular Julie, herself a refugee from two countries, tells how she e...
Escape - a Refuaid special - true stories live
08 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
London's longest running true story night has gathered stories connected with the current refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe. From refugees ...
Lost at Sea - Cathy & Chaylene
02 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Two stories from two recent separate events, with different themes... but still managed to be about the dangers of the coastline. In the first story, ...
Centre of Attention - Alfie, Dara & Richard - Spark True Stories Live
23 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all known the feeling: being the centre of attention can feel great – or it can make you want to curl up and disappear. Are you the kind of ...
First Dates - a Spark Encore / Romantic Misadventures special
13 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
CONTENT WARNING: strong sex references. For all the single ladies and gentlemen out there, here's our antidote to the mushiest time of year: four stor...
Life in Leros - Kirby
09 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We don't make a habit of bringing you stories from the same people, but on this occasion we've made an exception: this is Kirby (who we featured last ...
Resolutions - TJ & Richard
20 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ever made a promise you couldn’t keep? The turning of the calendar invites refreshed perspectives and hopeful dreams; it calls for something differe...
Spark’s Eighth Birthday Spectacular (Pt. 2)
12 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sofie Hagen was our guest of honour at our birthday celebrations last month - here she tells her first true story for Spark.Then, audience member Andr...
Spark's Eighth Birthday Spectacular (Pt. 1)
04 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Since December 2007, Spark has hosted hundreds of nights, featuring thousands of true stories, podcasting to hundreds of thousands of listeners - all ...
Rebellion - Angelica
25 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Four short stories from assorted open mics we've held recently. Angelica discovers her rebellious side with her boyfriend. Then, Virginie recounts a c...
Infectious - Body & Soul - True Stories Live
01 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Spark recently spent a few weeks working with the HIV charity Body & Soul, based just around the corner from one of our favourite venues: the Exmouth ...
I'm Fine - Shannon - Spark True Stories
25 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: contains references to suicide.One more story from our collaboration with Mind in Haringey, where we told stories of 'Multicultural Minds.' T...
Multicultural Minds - True Stories Live
17 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
TRIGGER WARNING: this episode discusses physical abuse and suicide.Off the back of a successful partnership in 2014, Spark hosted another night with c...
Encore II: That's Not Very Ladylike - True Stories Live
11 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Part two of our night of true stories from Exmouth Market in London. Lauretta starts a new job at a prestigious milliners, making hats by royal appoin...
Encore I: Be A Man/That's Not Very Ladylike - True Stories Live
03 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 of 2. Every day we are given clear instructions about how to behave. These orders come from passers-by, window displays, bus ads or perhaps the...
Sick & Tired - Mat & Louise - True Stories Told Live
28 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Two true stories of being sick and tired - both literally and figuratively. From breaking a leg on holiday to surviving a particularly bad case of man...
Borders - Jen & Shahed - True Stories Told Live
20 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this double bill from our night in Hackney, we have two stories of borders - though as is always the case, other themes emerge in the telling.This ...
Weddings - Adam & Nick - True Stories Told Live
13 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Two stories from last month's show in Brixton, which was all about weddings. What is it about the ceremonies that brings out the crazy in people looki...
MORE: Sex Worker stories - True Stories Told Live
06 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: this episode contains honest, open accounts of sexual activityFollowing the massive response to the episode we released in August, here are t...
'The Person in the Mirror' - Michael & Bruna - True Stories Told Live
25 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Who is the person looking back at you in the mirror? This month, we're listening to stories of identity and identity crises. Did you have sleepless ni...
'Music! Potato!' & 'The Wake' - Ruth & Roisin
15 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Two true stories inspired by the theme of 'Culture Shock', from our open mic night in Brixton, south London.Ruth moves to China and quickly realises h...
'Glory' - Maryam & Daniel - True Stories Told Live
09 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Two stories from our recent open mic in Hackney. Maryam has a breakdown and finds recovery in the least likely place. Then, Daniel helps defend a frie...
The Canyon - Yang May Ooi - True Stories Live in London
02 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives - back in April 2012, Yang May Ooi joined us in London for stories of 'Back From The Brink'.Spark is back with a full programme of e...
SPECIAL: Sex Worker stories
04 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: this episode contains honest, open accounts of sexual activitySpecial guest Miranda Kane hosted a Spark night where sex workers from acr...
In Flames - Paul Case & Azariah France-Williams - True Stories Live in London
21 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Two stories from a recent London night, where the theme was In Flames. In the first story, whilst hitchhiking through Laos, Paul grabs a ride he inst...
Losing my Religion/Virginity - Elna Baker - True Stories Live in London
14 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Storyteller and writer Elna Baker (The Moth, This American Life, Radiolab) dropped into a Spark London night recently and told this story of Head/Hear...
REBROADCAST: A History Lesson - Kutloano Toko - True Stories Live in London
05 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
From the archives - this one from back in 2010 - Kutloano tells this story of the superheroes in his life.Help us keep finding new stories by com...
Orphans & A Chat Over a Glass - Kirby & Jean-Marc - True Stories Live in London
15 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Two stories from our recent Hackney open mic, where the theme was 'Head/Heart.'In the first, orphan Kirby sets out to find new parents using Craigslis...
Prom Night in Perth - Allan Girod - True Stories Live in London
06 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Another from the vaults....a story from Australia that may (or, and this is important, may not) meet your expectations of teenage loveIt was told at ...
REBROADCAST: Baby Giraffe - Jacqueline Downs - True Stories Live in London
18 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
From our ever-expanding archives, we replay this story first heard in Camberwell's Blue Elephant Theatre in June 2010. Jacqueline has fallen in love,...
A Quiet Weekend - Ross Norman - True Stories
08 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
With a big day at work on Monday, Ross has a quiet weekend planned.This story comes from our most recent Spark Encore at Exmouth Market, when the the...
Fluffy Activism - Martin Bowman - True Stories Live
27 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Martin, a seasoned protester, shares his story from the front line of environmental activism. From March 2015, when the theme was 'in pursuit.' Hosted...
Make Up or Break Up - Thanyia Moore - True Stories Told Live
16 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Thanyia bags a great guy, but someone stands in their way. From March 2015, when we presented stories of 'In Pursuit' at Exmouth Market Theatre.Spark ...
Das ist für Ihnen - Miranda Roszkowski - True Stories
03 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Miranda returns to Spark with a new story on the theme of 'In Pursuit'. Waiting for a train in Germany, she spots a man in need of food. But the simpl...
A Trip to the Beach - Joe Friedman - True Stories Told Live
21 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this highlight from a recent open mic, Joe Friedman tells his true story of crime and punishment. When challenged by armed cops during a beach-w...
Encore: True Stories of 'Bad Calls' - Spark London
08 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Nav Chawla presents highlights from our last Spark Encore, where storytellers performed true stories on the theme of 'Bad Calls' - three tales of erro...
Stories of 'First Love' - True Stories Told Live
16 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Three true stories of First Love, as told live on stage at our most recent open mic in Hackney. On this podcast you'll hear three raw, uncompromising ...
Spark Encore - True Stories of Crime and Punishment - True Stories Told Live
04 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Charley Harrison is back with three stories from our most recent show, where we heard true stories of crime and punishment - tales of justice, judge...
Risk! at Spark London *NSFW* - True Stories Told Live
01 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: this episode contains very strong sex references.Spark London welcomed the risque US podcast Risk! to Hackney in July 2014. Here we present t...
Spark Encore - True Tales of 'Union' - true stories live
01 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Pickering presents highlights from our popular 'Encore' night, which invites Spark London's favourite performers and special guests to tell tr...
A New Night - Spark Preston special
17 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Spark London is breaking out of the capital! To celebrate our new night in Preston, we present three true stories from the recent 'Preston Tringe' in ...
Spark Encore - 'True Tales of 'Trick or Treat' - true stories live
05 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Charley Harrison presents highlights from our second Encore performance in Exmouth Market, featuring Celia Cummings, Jacqueline Downs and Jack Rooke.....
Assorted Open Mics II - Ben Tolfree & Micaela Hollins - true stories told live
21 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Two stories this week, from our long-running open mic nights in Hackney and Brixton. Ben is asked to buy a microwave, whilst Micaela hopes to have a f...
Spark Encore - True Tales of 'Derring Do'
06 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains some graphic descriptions of armed conflict.Highlights from Spark London's new monthly night Spark Encore, wher...
I Forgot To Remember - Nina Luszowicz
15 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in London. Nina has certain, specific requirements for her citybreak to Berlin. From August 2014, where the theme that night wa...