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 storytellers as part of the first Tellit Festival.Thanks to Dave Pickering for compereing the night, and to the producers Joanna Yates and Christina Friis Olsen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 29, 2016•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast WARNING: the last story contains strong sex references.Neil Denny (Little Atoms), Felix Trench (Wooden Overcoasts) & Alix Fox (Close Encounters, The Modern Mann) offer us three more true stories from this year's London Podcast Festival.Plus! An extra special treat: Martin Austwick (Song By Song) shares a story in song form, in his additional guise as a musician.Thanks to Kings Place for their technical support during the show, Charlie Harrison for her fine presentation skills and Joanna Yates & ...
Nov 22, 2016•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast True stories told live across the UK. Podcast makers Azariah Williams (The Shapeshifters), Rhianna Dhillon (Back Row) and Dave Pickering (The Family Tree, Getting Better Acquainted), all tell their true stories on the theme of 'Uncharted Territory'.This night was recorded at the London Podcast Festival at Kings Place - thanks to the organisers for sharing the recording with us, and the many audience members who came up after the show to say hello and share your stories. You are the reason we kee...
Nov 15, 2016•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 whilst working as a gigolo in Bristol.To hear our back catalogue of 200 episodes FOR FREE - subscribe to the podcast via stories.co.uk/podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 09, 2016•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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!' - moments where they had an unforgettable moment of regret.Unplanned and totally raw, our open mic nights are a great way to get involved with Spark. For more information on these and our showcase event, Spark Encore, visit stories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 02, 2016•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Steve Sinnott Foundation for collaborating with Spark to make this night a success. You can support their work at http://www.stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk/donate/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 26, 2016•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast In June Spark presented stories of inspirational teachers and students; stories from educators and from people who have experienced education. In this first story from that night, Theresa tells us about a pupil that made her early life as a trainee teacher a living hell.Thanks to The Steve Sinnott Foundation for supporting this night. Proceeds raised from ticket sales went in support of their campaign for Education for All. You too can help them: http://www.stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk/donate/ ...
Oct 19, 2016•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 you the jealous type who always gets into trouble because of it? Or have you experienced jealousy first hand and in this case; how did it pan out?We have two stories today that will remind you of everything you've regretted in your life. You are welcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 12, 2016•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 true stories recorded live at the Hackney Attic in August 2016.SPECIAL OFFER: get a free audiobook of your choice with Spark, by using this link: www.audible.co.uk/sparkFor every person that signs up, Audible gives us ACTUAL CASH, which means we can keep making this podcast. Support us AND get a free audiobook. Do it now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Oct 05, 2016•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, George meets his first love. But is she all that she seems?GIG ALERT: we're taking part in the Tellit Festival, where the story clubs of Britain unite for a weekend of stories. Join us, The Moth, Natural Born Storytellers and more for a celebration of true stories: http://stories.co.uk/events/spark-open-mic-5/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Sep 28, 2016•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 across France became one of her most memorable summers.GIG ALERT: we'll be hosting a special show at the London Podcast Festival on Saturday 24th September, featuring some of the UK's finest podcasters telling true stories from their lives. Get your tickets here: http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/spoken-word/spark-london#.V9rC_JMrKRs Hosted on Aca...
Sep 21, 2016•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 guest of honour never showed up? Or perhaps you realised at the worst imaginable time that you were going to be a parent: surprise!?Beth, Joe and Joe bring their own tales to the stage. Thanks to Meabh for the recording and to Charley for hosting. The live producer was Christina Friis and the podcast producer is Matt Hill of Rethink Audio. Hosted ...
Jun 07, 2016•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 in a hoodie break in?Then, Raphael is trapped in an elevator following an earthquake, with only the emergency operator for company.Thanks for Humans of Greater London for choosing this month's theme and to the huge team of volunteers that make Spark happen every week. Check out our latest shows at stories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...
May 31, 2016•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 London Underground network.Thanks to Humans of London for co-hosting this night at the Exmouth Market Theatre, and to Charley Harrison, Meabh Ritchie and Joanna Yates for supporting our storytellers.Spark - True Stories is produced by Matt Hill for Rethink Audio. Subscribe and never miss another episode: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/spark-true-...
May 24, 2016•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Christina Friis who produced this night and to Meabh Ritchie for recording the stories.For more episodes, and to attend a live night, be sure to check out our website: stories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 17, 2016•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 however, something new tends to happen, and we realise that the parting wasn’t a goodbye, but a hello to something new. The question is: what happened next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 10, 2016•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 of discreetly shooting a porn movie. Then, Michael has an idea that involves cherries.If you like our show, help spread the word: go to itunes.com and leave us a review. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 03, 2016•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast WARNING: contains strong sex referencesTwo true stories from our new night in Glasgow, where the theme was Unbecoming. Lachlan is MCing a charity event, but gets sidetracked by an unwelcome tweet. Then, Marie is looking forward to her boyfriend's birthday treat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 26, 2016•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 19, 2016•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 theme was Animal Magnetism.Thanks to the Blue Elephant Theatre in Camberwell, who hosted us for a week to tell lots of stories. Check them out in our back catalogue... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 12, 2016•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 escaped Hungary and then Romania during the twentieth century. Later, aid worker Pru tells us what life is like for refugees today, as she experienced in the Aegean area of Greece; the island of Samos.If you can spare a fiver, a tenner, to help our chosen charity, please pledge at stories.co.uk/donate. Thank you.We'll be taking a short break over Ea...
Mar 15, 2016•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast London's longest running true story night has gathered stories connected with the current refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe. From refugees recently arrived in London to aid workers working in camps from Calais to Lesvos, you'll hear unflinchingly honest accounts of being on the front line of this unfolding humanitarian disaster.This show raised money for Refuaid. To donate as a Spark listener, please go to stories.co.uk/donate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...
Mar 08, 2016•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, Cathy's walk across the clifftop ends in disaster. Then, Chaylene has trouble off the shore of Cameroon.Thanks to the producers and presenters of our Exmouth Market and Brixton Ritzy nights, without whom these recordings wouldn't be possible: Hannah Ratcliffe, Charley Harrison and Christina Friis.Spark - True Stories is a Rethink Audio production. ...
Mar 02, 2016•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 person who must be the centre of attention at all times? Or do you hate it when all eyes are on you?This week we celebrate all of the above, with three true stories told at our most recent night in Hackney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 23, 2016•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 stories of terrible first dates, courtesy of the wonderful night we hosted recently with Romantic Misadventures.Charley Harrison is joined by Kit Lovelace to regale you with horrific tales of finding love or a one night stand. Thanks to Nell, Brie, and Duncan for sharing their stories, as well as the fantastic audience at the Exmouth Market Theatre.Rom...
Feb 13, 2016•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 year) on her most recent trip to support a refugee camp on the Greek island of Leros.We'll be hosting a night of stories from those connected to the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe on the 25th February, with stories from both aid workers and refugees now living in London. Please join us - all proceeds to two refugee charities - full de...
Feb 09, 2016•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ever made a promise you couldn’t keep? The turning of the calendar invites refreshed perspectives and hopeful dreams; it calls for something different and the anticipation of a new beginning. But how do we make sure we keep the promises to ourselves we swore to honor, and what can we expect from this turning of time?On today's podcast, we present two stories from our open mic in Hackney, where this month we told tales of 'Resolutions.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 20, 2016•12 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Andre steps onto the stage to share his story 'sparked' by what he's heard that evening. For more stories from this night, check out our podcast feed - where you can also find over 180 other true stories.Thanks to Charley Harrison for hosting our special night - and to you for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 12, 2016•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Since December 2007, Spark has hosted hundreds of nights, featuring thousands of true stories, podcasting to hundreds of thousands of listeners - all from regular people like you.At our recent birthday spectacular THERE WAS NO THEME and no running order; every story was 'sparked' by something we've just heard, in some sort of open-mic verbal relay race.Confused? So were we. Did it work? Have a listen to part one and find out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 04, 2016•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Four short stories from assorted open mics we've held recently. Angelica discovers her rebellious side with her boyfriend. Then, Virginie recounts a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger. Finally, a mother and son get on stage to tell their stories of Christmas.If you’ve subscribed to our podcast recently, you may have noticed a problem downloading older episodes. We’ve fixed the problem now - so there’s now over 180 shows to enjoy at feed.stories.co.ukMerry Christmas, from all of us at Spar...
Dec 25, 2015•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast