Spark - True Stories Live

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 theme was 'Best Laid Plans.' PEOPLE OF BRISTOL: stay tuned to the end for details of a brand-new Spark event near you! This podcast is produced by Matt Hill of rethinkdaily.co.uk, with the support of Dave Pickering and Joanna Yates.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Martin, a seasoned protester, shares his story from the front line of environmental activism. From March 2015, when the theme was 'in pursuit.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 London's podcast is produced by Matt Hill for rethinkdaily.co.uk. Why not take a look at the other shows they make? Head to rethinkdaily.co.uk and explore the links within...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 simple plan of getting something for him proves to be harder than she thought...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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-wide curfew, Joe decides this is the time to stand up for his right to party. If you've never been to a Spark event... why not? We have open-mics across the capital (and now Bristol and Preston), plus a monthly night of handpicked stories we call Spark Encore. Full details at sparklondon.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nav Chawla presents highlights from our last Spark Encore, where storytellers performed true stories on the theme of 'Bad Calls' - three tales of errors of judgment and the occasional awkward telephone conversations.   Our next Encore night is on 26th March at Exmouth Market Theatre. Full details at sparklondon.com/attend.php  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 descriptions of falling in love for the first time - and how it can make you the person you are today. Including: * Diana's first date with the coolest kid at school * when Gretel knew it was all over * how Deveena's first boyfriend made her change the way she thought about herself The night was presented by Dave Pickering in collaboration with the charity, 'Tender.' For more details on their work, please visit tender.org.uk  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charley Harrison is back with three stories from our most recent show, where we heard true stories of crime and punishment - tales of justice, judgement and law-breaking. You'll hear: * an absolutely criminal case of entering a property (but without breaking in first) * life inside a maximum security prison in Arizona * a very indecent exposure, as part of a tabloid scoop Our next Spark Encore (where we handpick our stories) is on 26 March where the theme is 'Bad Calls', involving errors of judgement - and their consequences. Plus, we have open mic nights in Hackney and Brixton where you can share your own stories. For full details, head to sparklondon.com/attend.php  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

WARNING: this episode contains very strong sex references. Spark London welcomed the risque US podcast Risk! to Hackney in July 2014. Here we present three stories from that night on the theme of 'Surprise'. To hear the full show, head to Risk's sizable back catalogue. Thanks to Kevin Allison and all the Risk team for their support.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dave Pickering presents highlights from our popular 'Encore' night, which invites Spark London's favourite performers and special guests to tell true stories on a chosen theme. This month it's 'Union' - so expect stories of unlikely friendships, marriages or school reunions, however our sparklers decide to interpret it. CHARITY ALERT: this month we're supporting Mind in Haringey, who are celebrating forty years working in the London borough. There's a podcast special coming in a couple of weeks. Please give what you can this Christmas and through your genorosity we can make some amazing stories happen.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 October 2014. You'll hear: - Chris gets a surprise on his business trip - Sean has a run-in with the law - Rebecca hits the town and wakes up with a hangover and a new job Thanks to Ian Barratt for hosting this open mic event - for more information of future Spark Preston events, head to stories.co.uk  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charley Harrison presents highlights from our second Encore performance in Exmouth Market, featuring Celia Cummings, Jacqueline Downs and Jack Rooke... all telling true stories on the theme of 'Trick or 'Treat.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 fab time with her mother in Paris. Both stories do not end well. We're back in Exmouth Market, EC1 for more stories on Thursday 30th October. Full details at sparklondon.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains some graphic descriptions of armed conflict. Highlights from Spark London's new monthly night Spark Encore, where our favourite storytellers return for stories on a theme. In this episode, Charley Harrison introduces stories from David McQueen, Richard Welton and Imogen Wall. For more stories you can subscribe to our podcast via iTunes or a podcatcher of your choice - and why not rate us while you're there? It's quick and helps spread the word about what we do.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in London. Nina has certain, specific requirements for her citybreak to Berlin. From August 2014, where the theme that night was, "Stories of the City.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 overcome her childhood fear? This is the second dentist-related story we've had on the podcast. If you liked this, why not try The Dentist  - Emily Lewsen, or subscribing to our podcast...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live, featuring highlights from our sixth Best of Spark showcase at the Canal Cafe Theatre in West London, presented by Charley Harrison. In this half hour, Countdown competitor Andy draws inspiration from his two grannies, Nina's obsession with the past leads her to change her future, and Peter discovers £60,000 sitting in his account one morning. We'll be at Wilderness Festival near Oxford in August, as well as our regular open mic nights in Hackney and Brixton. More details at sparklondon.com/attend.php Photo courtesy of Andy Bodle.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 he had committed to paper.   If you like this, why not try subscribing to hear more true stories from Londoners? It's easy to do from your smartphone: click here to get started.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 Hello/Goodbye...     If you liked Lauretta’s story, you’ll love The Best of Spark London: where we showcase our favourite stories of the month and introduce some specials guests - and on July 7th we welcome Chris Neill. If you a are a fan of Radio 4’s Just a Minute then you’ll already know that Chris is a fantastic storyteller and comedian. That’s Best of Spark London, Monday 7th July at 7.30 in Maida Vale, London....  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charley Harrison presents yet more highlights from our monthly 'Best of' night in Warwick Avenue - featuring storytellers from our open mic nights in Hackney and Brixton, plus special guests. In this edition, we hear: * the fastest ways to lose your job in the circus * how to react when propositioned for sex by a stranger * why comfort food led one man to a life-changing experience All told live on stage by Tony Hickson, Lauren Stone and Tamer Kattan. If you'd like to hear more stories, why not subscribe and consume our back catalogue?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.