Spark - True Stories Live
Episodes
Ten Years - Hannah Mathews
04 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
A true story recorded at our open mic night in Hackney in August 2014. Hannah hasn't been to the dentist for ten years - now, as an adult, can she ove...
Best of Spark #6 - Andy Bodle
29 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live, featuring highlights from our sixth Best of Spark showcase at the Canal Cafe Theatre in West London, presented by Charley Harr...
Waiting for the Phone to Ring - Chris Neill
13 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In a break with tradition, we have something a little different time: comedian Chris Neill (Radio 4's Just a Minute), reads two fantastic true stories...
Do Not Touch - Lauretta Tomlinson
15 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Unhappy and out of love, Lauretta takes a job as a tour guide at a haunted castle. From April 2014, when the theme of our open mic in Hackney was Hel...
Best of Spark #5 - Tamer Kattan
07 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Charley Harrison presents yet more highlights from our monthly 'Best of' night in Warwick Avenue - featuring storytellers from our open mic nights in ...
Breaking Into Dance - Kirsty McCarter
26 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Kirsty told this story at our Hackney open mic in May 2014, when the theme was 'dancing'. On Monday 2nd June we're back at the Canal Cafe Theatre for...
Best of Spark #4 - Sarah Bennetto
09 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Charley Harrison presents three life-changing true stories from our latest Best of Spark London show at the Canal Cafe Theatre in West London, featuri...
Bob the Australian - Sally Banks
29 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Sally meets a handsome stranger - but before she can say hello properly, she may have to say goodbye...From our open mic night in Hackney, when the th...
Best of Spark #3 - Richard Tyrone Jones
14 Apr 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Three true stories told live from the stage - and a warning, this episode contains some very adult themes. In today's programme: * Sudeshna escapes ...
The Girl With The Long Hair - Terry Freedman
24 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
This really sweet, true story by Terry Freedman was told in Brixton in February. He was lined up for March's Best of Spark evening but had to pull out...
Best of Spark #2 - Neil Denny
10 Mar 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Charley Harrison presents highlights from our second Best of Spark London night at the Canal Cafe Theatre. In this episode: Francis Shire aspires to ...
The Open Window - Harsh Agarwal
24 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In his hometown in India, huge crowds gather to see Harsh - unfortunately, he doesn't want them there.From January 2014, when the theme was 'Fame.' ...
Best of Spark London #1 - Helen Zaltzman
10 Feb 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In a change to the regular podcast, Charley Harrison presents highlights from our first Best of Spark London evening at the Canal Cafe Theatre, featur...
Long Legs - Bill Singh
28 Jan 2014
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live in London. At a church meeting in a Southall school in November 1987, two gunmen opened fire – and Bill had to decide what he...
Words - Joanna Yates
03 Dec 2013
Contributed by Lukas
This December, Spark London celebrates six fantastic years of connecting people through stories.So what better way to mark the occasion than with a st...
ME Story - Ian Barratt
26 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
True stories told live across London. Ian got up at our open mic in Hackney and told this story of strength - living with ME and a gradual and remarka...
A Picnic In Paris - Mark Yansen
11 Nov 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Mark gets an offer that seems too good to be true; a free return trip to Paris. And all he has to do is a little leafleting when he gets there. What c...
Stories of Shakespeare - Ola Aralepo & Jennifer Carpenter
29 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
This week we present two stories from the same night in Brixton, both where the theme was hidden - but for some reason also talked about performing Sh...
Open Hearts - A Spark London Special
03 Oct 2013
Contributed by Lukas
As our regular producer Matt Hill is off this month (getting married), the host of our Hackney open mic night has put together a full show from earlie...
A Grand Gesture - Jess Brownrigg
09 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Jess is a London tour guide with a penchant for the dramatic gesture. In this true story, he explains how that can sometimes create trouble.It was tol...
Breakdown on the Motorway - Simon Mason
02 Sep 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Simon has twelve hours to travel from the rooftop of an abandoned shopping centre in Hulme to T in the Park festival in Glasgow with a bag of drugs an...
Crab Dinner / The Goldfish - Fred & Kerry Crawley
20 Aug 2013
Contributed by Lukas
The Spark London podcast returns with a double bill from Fred and Kerry: two true stories of Planes, Trains and Automobiles told at our open mic night...
Adventures in the Underworld - Daniel Simpson
12 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Whilst planning Serbia's first music festival, Daniel discovers how hard it is to make your dreams come true. From July 2013, when the theme that nigh...
Lost and Found in California - Victoria Fitzpatrick
05 Jul 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Victoria's first car requires infinite patience - and that's before she's even bought it. From July 2013, when the theme was 'Driven.' Hosted on Acast...
Bernard - Ali Mason
30 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
What begins as a childish prank against a harmless drunk turns into something more meaningful.From May 2013, when the theme was 'Mixed Messages'.Speci...
Drink Stag - Max Yates
10 May 2013
Contributed by Lukas
True stories... told live in the UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dressing Mum - Eileen Bellot
19 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
London, 1999. Eileen's mother has passed away, and the funeral director asks the family to dress her for the final time. Eileen tells the intimate, ...
The Hip Operation - Kate Wieteska
11 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Having recently moved to London, Kate is searching for a community - and thinks a job at the local cafe is the best way to find one. But she doesn't b...
The Cookie Monster - Nicole Thomas
04 Apr 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Nicole's family doesn't speak to each other anymore (except her and her mother). In this story, told live at the Canal Cafe Theatre, she explains why....
A Fifteen Minute Walk - Ernie Stelzner
16 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Ernie measured the length of his team meetings in pints. So when it came to making his way home, he would get into a spot of bother.From March 2013, w...
Percy Blazer Wants a Through Lounge - Richard Green
07 Mar 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Back in the 1980s, Richard set up a company with his father and brother. They only needed one big order to set them on the path to riches. And, one da...
Keep Breathing - Catherine Semark
21 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we take you to a warmer climate - but still one with nature to contend with. Catherine will tell you all about it...This story was told at ...
Brothers - Rob Lawrence
05 Feb 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Rob's brother comes to stay with him in London - and not long after they return to their old ways.From January 2013 at the Hackney Picturehouse, where...
Band of Heathens - Sahand Sahebdivani
31 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
When Sahand's fun-loving Dutch band descends on an Transylvanian town for a music festival, they do not expect the reception they receive.From January...
They Say Romance is Dead - Miranda
22 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
Miranda meets a gentleman with a beautiful moustache and a flair for the old-fashioned, romantic gesture. But can you have too much?From January 2013 ...
Sonnet 107 - Charley
15 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
A romance with a poet in Amsterdam leads to an uncomfortable moment in the bedroom… so expect some explicit language (some of it in couplets).Charle...
The Hoarder - Angela Shoosmith
08 Jan 2013
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when a hoarder has four acres to store items? When Angela's grandpa died, her family discover the full extent of his hoarding…Recorded ...
Auntie Kay - Charlie Phillips
11 Dec 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie's trips to see his Auntie in Leeds were not his favourite time of the week. In this story, retold as part of our 5th birthday celebrations at ...
Choose Your Own Adventure - Kit Lovelace
30 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
When Kit's latest commission to the Guardian is approved, he finds his love life in the hands of the newspaper's readers.From October 2012 at the orig...
The Milkman's Round - Eithne Nightingale
17 Oct 2012
Contributed by Lukas
When Eithnie was a girl, she lived in quite a scary house. But she had a way of dealing with any unwelcome guests.This story was recorded at our new H...
Biker Holiday - Crudgie
28 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another Spark London.Crudgie has been coming to our Brixton night for six months, but had never got up to tell a story. Until this month......
Adam Terry goes back to school - Adam Terry
17 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes it's hard to leave your work at the office. Adam's mother is a teacher, which means that when he was growing up, he had to suffer those same...
The Expulsion - Liam Chambers
07 Sep 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Liam Chambers came to our August open-mic event in Brixton and told this true story of a run-in with Authority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Bus Stops - Katelyn Thomas
31 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Katelyn has never felt more American since an incident on a London bus, but we Brits don't like to talk about it. From May 2012, where the theme was f...
Tit Trauma - Laraby
18 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
When going to have a new bra fitted, Laraby has a series of flashbacks to other times her breasts have taken centre stage. From July 2012, when the th...
A Phonebox in Birmingham - Navreet Chawla
10 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
1994, Birmingham. University student Navreet takes an impromptu detour and ends up in fear for her life.From June 2012, when the theme was 'Lifesaver....
Down Old Compton Street - Clayton Littlewood
02 Jul 2012
Contributed by Lukas
At a special event last weekend we celebrated the launch of the National Trust's Soho Stories app (available from all good App Stores) at Foyles Books...
The Rabbit - Glen Long
19 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Glen has been invited on an old friend's stag weekend. Humbled, he sets off on an adventure to rediscover his youth - but has everyone grown up a litt...
Hero - Maggie Hindley
11 Jun 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Maggie told this wonderful true story at the Canal Cafe Theatre earlier this month.We'll be in Edinburgh at the Fringe Festival this August - why not ...
Nobody's Home - Alisdair Hurst
30 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
To look cool at school, Alisdair has only one option: lose his virginity, and fast. This is the story of how it happened.Oh, and Alistair says the odd...
Episode 100 - Dorothea Stuart & Alastair Smith
23 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
We made it!This is our 100th edition of the podcast - which coincides with a year of open-mic events at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton. So as a double ce...
Gran, the Chihuahua and Me - Jo Winsloe
16 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Jo told this story at our open-mic night in Brixton. When she moves in with her Gran in London as a teenager, she has to cope with her pet chihuahua's...
Cats and Dogs - Sophie Cousens
09 May 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Late last month we had another successful night at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton, where ordinary folks stepped up and told stories of 'Pets.'This is one...
Down Post Office Lane - Andy Bodle
23 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
This week we welcome back Andy Bodle with open arms, with his true story on the theme, Back From The Brink.We have some great events coming up on the ...
The Big Deal - Eddie Barnes
16 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Eddie has set his sights on being Salesman of the Month - and has the new contract to prove it. All he has to do is get it to the office...From April ...
Black and White - Tori Piskin
01 Apr 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Tori was only in the UK for a couple of weeks on vacation, and still found time to drop in to the Canal Cafe and tell this story.Recorded in March 201...
Inner Voice - Ben Chapman
19 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
When he was young, Ben moves with his parents from Britain to the Caribbean. As with anyone moving to a new school, it's tough to fit in. But then Ben...
The Long Goodbye - David Dobbs
07 Mar 2012
Contributed by Lukas
David is going backpacking and his dad offers him a lift to the station. Will this be the moment for a genuine heart-to-heart? And will David be able ...
Shocking Behaviour - Max Yates
26 Feb 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Life is, they say, a series of lessons - some of which, when Max's dad are involved, are crueler than others.Max tells us how he came to turn the tabl...
Leaving Home - Julie Kertez
20 Feb 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Julie is something to Spark royalty here at Spark London; she performed more than any other storyteller, each time with something new from a long and ...
The Twist - Deborah Henley
13 Feb 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Deborah's story has a twist to it - and one that threatens her dream of competing in the Olympics.Warning: this ep ontains some strong language at a r...
Bransonland - David Thomas
07 Feb 2012
Contributed by Lukas
We're back - and with some more fresh-faced true storytellers for you to enjoy.When David was young, he was taken to a party hosted by Richard Branson...
This Close - Gigi Hanna
30 Jan 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our special season of favourite storytellers, Gigi Hanna returns to the pod with another story.Curious as to how her parents met, Gigi inve...
On Living in a Soho Skip - Radcliffe Royds
23 Jan 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Locked out of the house by his wife, Radcliffe falls into a world of drugs and crime that betrays his education, reaching rock bottom in this remarkab...
Baby Giraffe - Jacqueline Downs
16 Jan 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Handpicked by the Spark London team, this is another of our favourite storytellers from over the years.Jacqueline is in love with a guy and there's on...
Between a Rock and a Hard Place - David Dinnell
04 Jan 2012
Contributed by Lukas
Happy new year! David Dinnell goes scuba diving off the coast of Sicily, and gets into troubled waters.This month we're bringing you new stories from ...
The Great Escape - Sophie Tailby
07 Dec 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Sophie told this story at our open-mic night in Brixton. It should be a night of passion for her and her new boyfriend - but will it be ruined by over...
Out and About - Sharon Shaw
28 Nov 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon tells this story of her transition from child to adult... to adult lesbian. From November 2011, where the theme was 'Transitions.'Next Monday (...
The Dentist - Emily Lewsen
21 Nov 2011
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a good dentist? Emily ponders this question for us and provides some answers based on her own experiences, growing up in Canada.Thanks to D...
Almost Brief Encounter - Helen Green
15 Nov 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Helen stood up and told this story about how stealing Jamie Olivers picnic basket resulted in an almost brief encounter at the Spark Open Mic at The R...
An Episode of Eastenders - Michael O'Kelly
08 Nov 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Michael stood up and told this story about the ending of a "special" relationship at the Spark Open Mic at The Ritzy Cinema in Brixton. His story is f...
The Engine is Still Running - David Wellstead
01 Nov 2011
Contributed by Lukas
David stood up and told this story about a night when his girlfriend just wouldn't wake up, no matter what happened!From October 2011, when the theme ...
Doing Good - Caroline
25 Oct 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline got up and told this story about a relationship that got stuck in a loop and how travelling to Honduras helped to break out of it at the open...
Cows on a Train - Sara Banerji
18 Oct 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Sara tells the story of when she gave up everything in to become a dairy farmer in India and the epic saga of trying to transport a heard of cows accr...
The Button - Paula Boddington
11 Oct 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Paula talks about how the kindness of the Vietnamese helped her to find a new hope.From October 2011, when the theme was 'The Kindness of Strangers.'B...
Space - Alex Hawe
04 Oct 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Back in the deep recesses of the Spark London vaults, we have a few stories that were read rather than told. Normally we don't go in for this sort of ...
Creamin It - Rosie Rogers
27 Sep 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Rosie stood up and told this remarkable story at our most recent open-mic night in Brixton. Hitchhiking from Camden to Liverpool for Creamfields Festi...
All Aboard - Hamish Grant
20 Sep 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Hamish takes a trip on the Trans-Mongolian Express and encounters some home truths along the way.From September 2011, when the theme was 'Land or Sea....
The Birds - Cressida Ellis
12 Sep 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Cressida has always had an odd relationship with our avian friends. Mostly ying and occasionally yang, here's a few of her close encounters in story f...
Escape from Syria - Trevor Mostyn
06 Sep 2011
Contributed by Lukas
As part of a student bet, Trevor hitchhikes through the beautiful terrain of Turkey and Syria - but promises made in a bar in Oxford shouldn't always ...
Assorted Open Mics - Anna & Brian
30 Aug 2011
Contributed by Lukas
As our night at the Canal Cafe prepares to return next week, here's a couple of stories told at our monthly open mic night in Brixton.DISCOVER: how An...
Good Friends - Alex Quinones
21 Aug 2011
Contributed by Lukas
We're back - after a short break - with more true stories.Alex dropped into one of our open-mike nights in Brixton last week and told this story on ou...
Out of the Frying Pan - Donald Elliott
27 Jul 2011
Contributed by Lukas
It is the height of the cold war when Donald attempts to get out of national service. But is he out of the war entirely? From July 2011, where the the...
Leaving the Canal Cafe Theatre - Alex Smith
20 Jul 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Alex returns to the Canal Cafe Theatre, a place that she used to work (and gave Spark London its big break) to tell her story. From July 2011, where t...
On The Dole - Sarah Ross
13 Jul 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah describes life after work and battles at the Job Centre. From July 2011 at the Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice.NEXT EVENT: 18th July at the ...
Hard Time - Shaun Attwood
07 Jul 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Shaun became a millionaire in his twenties. This is the story of what happened next. Our next show is on the 18th July at the Ritzy in Brixton - wher...
Be Careful What You Wish For - Olivia Knight
23 Jun 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Olivia embarks on a series of trials and tribulations after agreeing to go on a skiing holiday... From April 2009, when the theme was 'Trails'.Spark L...
Seeking Success - Mathy Lisika-Minsende
15 Jun 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Mathy tells her true story about life after the loss of her father - where a meeting with the London Scanner's Club changes her path.Just three weeks ...
Dating 'Richard Gere' - Kenneth Hill
08 Jun 2011
Contributed by Lukas
When Kenneth meets a man with Hollywood-like good looks, he turns on all the charm he has. But he hasn't reckoned on an even bigger challenge... From ...
How Not To Behave - Shareen Locke
02 Jun 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Shareen was always a naughty girl, but will a trip to India finally set her on the straight and narrow? It's a piece from our every-growing archive, w...
The Rhino Auction - Rachael Matthews
24 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
What begins as a piece of family history takes a very peculiar turn indeed.From May 2011, when the theme was Triangles.Other things you can do as you ...
Best day of my life - Joanna Coffey
18 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Hello, and welcome to another Spark London.When a Dallas uber-fan gets a chance to sit in on a chat show featuring JR himself, Joanna sees an opportun...
Whose Side Are You On - Methir Merrick
08 May 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Methir has always had a fascination with the Arab-Israeli conflict. This is his true story on how he tried to form an opinion.From May 2011, where t...
Sailing Around The World - Justin Comer
26 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Justin plans a trip round the world - but doesn't bank on a competitive element.From way back in December 2008, where the theme was Virtual Reality.We...
Mother and I - Tim Allsop
19 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Tim's family have had more than their fair share if illness - but two stories about his mother stand out.From July 2009, where the theme was Guts - an...
Boys... Only Boys - Greg Archer
11 Apr 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Greg takes us back to his school days and his attempts to woo the opposite sex... From October 2009, where the theme was Now or Never. Hosted on Acas...
Starting a Family - Fayhaa Wahab
22 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Fayhaa was married in Iraq before moving to Syria, Yemen and Algeria... but never really settled until she began a family in the UK. From March 2011,...
No More Weather - Matt Sherman
15 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Matt realises his Gran wasn't always old, and vows to find out more about her.From March 2011, where the theme continued to be 'Family'.Next Monday (2...
The Ahmeds - Olive Home
08 Mar 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Olive describes her relationship with her neighbours, Mr and Mrs Ahmed, in 1970s Hackney. From March 2011, where the theme was 'family.'This is actual...
Breaking It Gently - Boris Witzenfeld
28 Feb 2011
Contributed by Lukas
Boris realises his girlfriend is not The One... and needs to break it to her gently. From October 2009, when the theme was Now or Never. Spark is ba...