Spark - True Stories Live

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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, true story of that time. From April 2013, when the theme was, 'Guts.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 bank on the interview being quite so hard… Spark London is produced by Joanna Yates; and the podcast is made by Matt Hill. Find more of his work at rethinkdaily.co.uk  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. From April 2013, when the theme was 'struggles.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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, when the theme was Road Block.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 day, it came through. From March 2013, when the theme was 'Road Block.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 our monthly Canal Cafe Theatre night, where we curate a hour of the best true stories from across London. To book tickets or find out more, please follow this link to our website.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 the theme of the night was 'Open Heart.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 2013, when the theme at the Hackney Picturehouse was Open Heart.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 at the Hackney Attic, where the theme was 'Open Heart.'  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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). Charley took the plunge and told this story at our open mic night in Brixton. Why not come along and tell yours? Details at sparklondon.com/events  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 in December 2012 at the Hackney Attic, when the theme was Family.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 the Canal Cafe Theatre, he explains why.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 original Spark London night in Little Venice. And you can read Kit Lovelace's archive here. Noticeboard Spark London's next event is on the 5th November on the theme 'Right Time, Right Place.' Please come and join us - details at sparklondon.com/events. This edition of Spark London was recorded by Dave Pickering. His own podcast, Getting Better Acquainted, is doing a series of live events at London's Invisible Picture Palace between 16th-21st November. To book tickets and see the line-up, visit their website.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 Hackney night, running at the Hackney Picturehouse on the second Monday of every month. Spark London is produced by Joanna Yates, with audio production by Matt Hill at rethinkdaily.co.uk  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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... From September 2012, where the theme was Planes, Trains and Automobiles...  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 school traits at home as well. This was one of the first stories told at our new open-mic night at the Hackney Picturehouse. Why not come along to the next one? Details, as ever, on our website. Spark London is produced by Joanna Yates, with audio production by Matt Hill at rethinkdaily and music by Dan Weltman.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Liam Chambers came to our August open-mic event in Brixton and told this true story of a run-in with Authority.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 flashbacks.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 theme was Flashbacks. There's little bit more swearing than usual in this episode, so be sure to have your headphones on... Next month we're off to the Edinburgh Fringe! Lots of our favourite storytellers will be making an appearance and we'll be attempting a 24-hour storyathon. More details at our website.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.