Podcasts about canal cafe theatre

Daniel Toney trained at East 15 Acting School in 2018/2019 and studied for three years at the University of Exeter. His first appearance was as a Musical Director and Co-Composer for the original musical Unicorns Are Red which debuted at Exeter's Barnfield Theatre. He also co-founded the theatre company, Stage Noir, with his fellow East 15ers and performed their original show, An Unexpected Tale in Smoky Midtown at the Canal Cafe Theatre, where it received mixed reviews to sell-out audiences.    His original one-man show, Mine (or Unapologetically Autistic) premiered at the 2023 Camden Fringe Festival, where it received very positive feedback from both neurotypical and neurodiverse audience members. The show enjoyed a short run at the Etcetera Theatre at the end of 2023, and now he's bringing it to the Bridge House Theatre from the 4th-6th April this year.    His acting credits also include Funny Woman (Sky Arts), Holding Fire (Four Fig Theatre), and The Importance of Being Earniste (Matchbox Theatre).     See Mine (Or Unapologetically Autistic) at The Bridgehouse Theatre:  https://thebridgehousetheatre.co.uk/shows/mine-or-unapologetically-autistic/   

This week we return to The Canal Cafe Theatre for a live show! Because it's live, we might sound a bit shitter than usual or refer to something we can see on stage. YOU can fix one of those thing by watching the video version on our YouTube channel. WE can fix the other thing by kicking off with the sound guy. Listen to the podcast! https://regularfeatures.com/ Support the podcast, get a BEE NAME: https://www.patreon.com/regularfeatures

Welcome to Chippy Lane’s Podcast, series two the PICTURES / LLUNIAU PROJECT. This series celebrates Welsh and Wales-based writers and their stories. This is our NY 2020 special, an extract from OVER THE HILL by Emily White. Moira is in her late 80's and has been stuck indoors being looked after by carers on 15-minute shifts, for as long as she can remember.  She is bored, lonely, pissed-off and longing for adventure but her daughter won't let her leave the house.  Until Rhodri, an eighteen-year-old oddball arrives to care for her full-time and together they set off on a road trip of the imagination. Writer: Emily White  Emily is an emerging screenwriter and playwright.  She originally trained as an actress at RADA before changing tack and obtaining an MA in Theatre Writing at the University of York in 2015.  In the five years since graduating she has been shortlisted and longlisted for numerous competitions including: Bolton Octagon Top Five Season, Arcola Heretic Voices, 4 Screenwriting, 4Stories, and BBC Drama Room. In 2018 she won a place on Channel 4’s 4Screenwriting Course where she developed her pilot Land of My Fathers about a Syrian refugee coming to live in a small Welsh town.  She was then selected to be part of the BBC Wales Writersroom group ‘Welsh Voices’ in 2019. Her acclaimed play, Pavilion, premiered at Theatr Clwyd in Sept-Oct 2019, directed by the Olivier award winning director Tamara Harvey and published by Faber & Faber. Her digital theatre microplay ‘Homework’ was released in October online for Wrapt Films/Open Sky Theatre, to high acclaim.   She is under commission to write another play for Theatr Clwyd and was one of six writers selected for English Touring Theatre’s Nationwide Voices Program 2020.  She also has a television serial in development with Little Door Productions.   Director: Chelsey Gillard Chelsey is the Carne Trust Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where she recently worked on The Snow Queen. She is also a co-founder of PowderHouse, the Company in Residence at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. Recent Directing credits include: Antigone (National Theatre Wales/ Sherman Theatre/ PowderHouse), The Invisible Woman (Wales Millennium Centre and tour), Saethu Cwnigod/Shooting Rabbits (Sherman Theatre and tour) and BLUE (Chippy Lane/Chapter Arts Centre). Currently Chelsey is on the script reading panel for both the Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Award and The Other Room’s New Page programme. Chelsey is an Associate Director of Chippy Lane.  Performer: Michelle McTernan Michelle has been a professional actress for 24 years. She is also a Drama Practitioner and runs a disability theatre in Swansea S.Wales. Theatre Credits Includes: Metamorphosis (Hijinx Theatre Company) The Revlon Girl (Edinburgh Festival/Park Theatre, London) Mission Control (Hijinx Theatre/National Theatre Wales) The Three Night Blitz, (Joio Productions/Swansea Grand Theatre) Titania, A Midsummer Night's Dream, (Pontardawe Arts Centre) The Revlon Girl, Barren (October Sixty Six Productions) Bara Bread (Theatr Gwalia) Macbeth, Merchant Of Venice, Buoy, Fall Out 84 (Pontardawe Arts Centre) GrannyAnnie,Trivial Pursuits, Erogenous Zones, Roots And Wings, Family Planning, Kiss On The Bottom (GrassrootsProductions)FleshAndBlood(ShermanTheatre/Hampstead Theatre),TheOystercatchers )SwanseaGrand/ShermanTheatre),Blue Remembered Hills (Torch Theatre), Under Milk Wood, Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead (Clwyd Theatr Cymru/Tour),Twelfth Night, Cymbeline, The Merchant Of Venice (Ludlow Festival) And (Wales Theatre Company/Tour). Television And Film Work Includes: The Crown (Netflix) Casualty (BBC Wales) The Lost Viking (Tornado Productions), Sisters, (Tornado Productions), Aetheled, Tree Bastards, (Tornado Films/Nowhere Fast Productions),The Healers (Pooka Films) Stella (Tidy Productions, Sky1 Hd) 4 Series semi regular,  Rain (Tornado Films) Caerdydd (S4C) Midnight (Nowhere Fast Productions) Dr Terrible’s House Of Horrible (Bbc), Tales From Pleasure Beach (Bbc), Light In The City (Bbc Wales) And The Feature Film Very Annie Mary (Dragon Pictures). Bobinogs. Cbeebies/Bbc Wales/Worldwide. Radio Work Includes: Goat St Runners, Return Journey (Lighthouse Theatre Co),Cottage Industry (BBC Radio Wales) Commercial- GumTree, BT Advert, Llandovey House Advert, Mind Cymru Advert. Performer: Lissa Berry Lissa is an actress, voiceover artist and narrator. Her theatre career began at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff in the mid 80s in productions of Mishima and Hamlet. She performed in many productions in London, including Queen Christina at BAC, White Lies at the Finborough Theatre and NewsRevue at The Canal Cafe Theatre. She is a regular performer at Short Stories Aloud in Oxford and also at The Berko Speakeasy where in 2018, she had the privilege of performing a duologue with Geoffrey Palmer called Easter Lilies. Also in 2018 she wrote and performed her first solo piece, Sin Eater, directed by Chelsey Gillard at the Offbeat Festival in Oxford and then as an extract for the Chippy Lane Welsh Women’s showcase at The Old Red Lion in London. In 2019 she was selected as the Welsh entrant for the BBC Radio 4 Norman Beaton Fellowship Award where she became a finalist. She began her voiceover career as a continuity announcer for BBC Choice, Sky Arts and as a co-announcer with Phill Jupitus for the Paramount Comedy Channel. She has narrated many TV shows and documentaries for BBC, ITV, Channel 4,, Sky Arts and Discovery, such as Horizon, Ancient Apocalypse and World’s Most Extreme. Her most recent audiobook titles for Audible are Impossible Causes by Julie Mayhew, The Librarian by Salley Vickers and How to Belong by Sarah Franklin. Written by Emily White Directed by Chelsey Gillard Performed by Michelle McTernan & Lissa BerryProduced & Edited by Chippy Lane Productions Ltd. Music by Grand Tradition  This podcast has been kindly supported by The Carne Trust.

This week Joe turns Gav n Log's history into a video game and we get a visit from one of our favourite guests. Ticket for our LIVE podcast on sale now: http://bit.ly/RFAugustLive Monday 26th August, 7:30pm. Canal Cafe Theatre, London.

Chatting to Gary in Episode 6 is the fantastic actor, director, creative, radio host, cabaret performer TIM MCARTHUR (@mcarthur.tim ). He talks about growing up in the North East, finding his beginnings on the stage in Oliver!, how getting glandular fever led to him training at Mountview, working at our second home The Canal Cafe Theatre, Edinburgh Festival, being a pantomime dame , Cabaret in South Africa, New York and London, Sister Mary, TV and getting into radio amongst other "fortunate events"! Thankyou for all your feedback so far - please tell a friend and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.With thanks to Eitan Epstein Music/Audio Jungle (Theme Music), Stagey Pagey (Artwork) and Buzzsprout (Podcast Host). Any enquiries or questions to behindtheprosc@gmail.com, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (@BehindtheProsc).

Filmed at the Canal Cafe Theatre

In a crime-ridden world of super villains and their henchmen, we ask, who will save us now? Unfortunately, all we have is Leader, the self proclaimed spokesperson for justice, and Clockface, who couldn't be bothered to get a real job. Together they form a crime fighting duo, the likes of which we'd hoped to never see! This radio comedy pilot episode was recorded in-front of a small live audience at the Canal Cafe Theatre and stars Rob Wainwright, Carden J Byrne, Hayward Morse and Olivia Chappell. Music by Boredoms in the Bathroom. John Finnemore of BBC Radio 4 fame (Cabin Pressure, The John Finnemore Souvenier program & The Now Show) had the following to say about this episode: "I enjoyed it very much, and it had regular jokes, which is not meant as faint praise- you'd be surprised how many people seem not to bother with actually making an audience laugh, but are content with what they imagine to be a generally humorous feel. Yours, however, had actual jokes!"

Have you seen the original Blade Runner? No? Oh, you're scuttered, pal, sorry. Come watch us live at the Canal Cafe Theatre on June 4th! It's well cheap and we're fun guys to spend a maximum of one to one-and-a-half hours with: https://canalcafetheatre.com/event?EventId=33507

Come for the great features, stay for the top ladbants between Gav, Log and Steve, leave after it gets a bit awkward right at the end. But COME BACK for our June 4th live show at the Canal Cafe Theatre in London London London: https://canalcafetheatre.com/event?EventId=33507

This week's show was recorded LIVE at the Canal Cafe Theatre. Every month we get drunk and do some nonsense on stage and then meet up with YOU lovely people afterwards. It's a fun time. Please give us money to do more nonsense: https://www.patreon.com/regularfeatures

Live at the Canal Cafe Theatre, Log is a whale scientist, Steve is spooking you into terrible trouble, Joe is ALSO spooking you but in a different way and honestly I like it, and Matt is losing the plot at an alarming pace. IN PANGAEA.

Gav mocks funeral hashtags! Steve makes us all little! Joe busts the truth wide open! Matt replied to all of these ideas with courtesy and humour! GET IT IN YA Please come and watch us live at the Canal Cafe Theatre on February 5th as well: https://canalcafetheatre.com/event?EventId=33507

Joe deleted the real podcast this week, so Gav went full Judge John Deed on his lilywhite ass. Meanwhile, Log bought a dog with his mum. Watch us live at your earliest convenience. We're playing at the Canal Cafe Theatre on Monday 7th August. Tickets here: https://canalcafetheatre.com/

We've gone cat crazy in this, the episode of Regular Features that features precisely one feature about cats. This week, Steve reviews several cats from a documentary he watched while cradled in the arms of fellow film critic and large-bladdered silver fox Mark Kermode. And Matt takes us all on the speed chase of a lifetime. You have to listen to believe it. Please come to our next live show, which takes place on Monday August 7th at the Canal Cafe Theatre in London. We would be engorged to see you! Click the link to find out how to! http://regularfeatur.es

250 episodes and we still haven't found a feature worth repeating. There's only one thing for it...to carry on our brave search for ANOTHER 250 EPISODES!! (but we're definitely stopping after that) Grab yourself a ticket for our next live show on August the 7th at the Canal Cafe Theatre: https://canalcafetheatre.com/event?EventId=33507

Guys...we reckon this is EASY one of our Top 6 podcasts ever. Come see us LIVE on April 3rd: https://canalcafetheatre.com/event?EventId=33507 Buy yourself a Regular Features tshirt: http://regularfeatures.bigcartel.com/product/regular-features-the-t-shirt

MERRY KRANGLEMAS AND GOOD WILLIES TO ALL MEN AND ALL WOMEN TOO SURE WHY NOT. The boys return to the Canal Cafe Theatre for another live Christmas special, full of delights and surprises and delights. Appearing in podcast feeds soon soon soon!

In this episode of the Regular Features podcast, Log and Steve are joined by Sarah Morgan, who is a woman, a fact that did not escape us as we neglect all other aspects of her being to interminably explore her frankly extraordinary gender. Steve goes to Brussels to sort everything out using pedestals. Log buys a house. And you? You come to our Christmas Live Show, please! December 5th, 19:30, Canal Cafe Theatre, bring your faces and tighten your laces. http://regularfeatur.es

Hey! It's a lovely live show from four men who really should know better.

This was recorded live at the Canal Cafe Theatre where unfortunately technical issues meant the recording got ruined so the only one we've got is this shonky version. This should serve as a reminder that our live shows are best experienced LIVE. Be a part of the next three by purchasing a ticket from here: https://canalcafetheatre.com/event?EventId=33507

This week's episode was best described by Gav as "essentially a man melting on stage and still managing to be brilliant." Team Features roll onto stage at the end of a Bank Holiday Monday, unsurprisingly a little worse for wear. Wonderful/shambolic. Apologies for the audio quality this week - the setup at the venue wasn't up to scratch - but the reverb does get better later in the show. Watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NijVBmGyphI

Log invents The Joe-Down, Steve invents Wrestling, Joe invents Murder, and Matt invents Weddings. Everyone has a nice time, and then goes downstairs for a nice drink.

Log has been roughed up something rotten, Steve has some puns about Morrissey, Gav went to a theme park where they shove rubber piping up your bum-hole, and Matt has turned into Guy Ritchie. Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1lbM3S-AKI&feature=youtu.be

Matt has a breakfast-based tribute to Wogan, Steve has a new job, Gav has a hot chilli, and Log has discovered a link to the afterlife. That's Regular Features. Watch the show in video form, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN_Hx3DWrvU

We're back in our monthly live slot in North London, and this time Matt's got an actual FEATURE. It's still a bit weird though, so keep your shoes on Susan. Steve talks with a PR about a magical cup, Log has designed a new wave of hot merch, and Gav is a famous internet troll. You can watch a video of this episode, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITIXePqaoEk

All four of the boys arrange themselves on stage for a festive show of truly normal proportions! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0czSMT4lmmE

Matt has written a text adventure based on the life of George Osborne, Gav is apparently trying to be nice, Log is imagining what it might be like to be Gav for a day, and Steve has brought loads of fun expensive shit from work. Watch the video version here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ99Nvevxuc&feature=youtu.be

You can watch a video of this if you want, you big numpty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xHEp9zxcKI

Guided walks on the theme of Dicken’s; Zumba for mums; Katie Prichard’s ‘Even the Little Ones’ at the Fringe; Big week at The Forge starts Sunday with Cuban music. On Thursday, its the Pioneers, Andy Mitoo & Christine Sugary Staple; Friday is Free Entry to London Tribes where Lokkhi Terra mix it up with spectacular stars. Catch it while you can afford to! Party late of on Fridays with Shaka Zulu’s ‘Twisted Nights, 10pm-2.30pm ’; See ‘Utopia’ installation at the Roundhouse before it finishes next weekend. Read by: Angela Routley, Danielle Manning, Freddy Chick & Marian Larragy Canal Cafe Theatre :: Katie Pritchard :: Twisted Circus :: Guided walk on Charles Dickens theme :: Dickens Museum :: Zumba for mums :: Forge Venue :: Cuban at the Forge :: The Pioneers, Matto and Staples :: London Tribes: Lokkhi Terra :: Utopia at the Roundhouse :: Back to Camden Community Radio :: Follow Camden Community Radio on Twitter :: File Download (8:03 min / 8 MB)

Another from the vaults....a story from Australia that may (or, and this is important, may not) meet your expectations of teenage love It was told at Spark London's birthplace, the Canal Cafe Theatre, in February 2013. Win tickets to a Spark show - just fill in this simple survey and tell us what you like about the podcast... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Another live show! If you missed it in person, or simply want to remind yourself of what an INCREDIBLE NIGHT you had, you can watch the whole thing in video form too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtFX0mSNL9A&feature=youtu.be (theme song music by Kevin MacLeod of Incomputech.

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 GBA 164 we get better acquainted with Sonja. We talk about making and loving comics, being interested in novelty, veganism, thinking creatively and commercially, giving up work to go freelance and more. Also featured in this episode are two true stories Sonja told at Spark London events. Sonja Plugs: Plug: Her comics course: Prince's Drawing School: Drawing the Graphic Novel http://www.princesdrawingschool.org/programmes/public/shoreditcheve.asp Run by Emily Haworth-Booth http://emilyhaworthbooth.blogspot.co.uk/ Leaving a job How To Find Fulfilling Work by Roman Krznaric http://www.romankrznaric.com/how-to-find-fulfilling-work "Act Now, Reflect Later" Sonja's Spark Story: http://www.mixcloud.com/sparklondon/reaching-out-sonja-todd/ Twitter and instagram: https://twitter.com/sonjatodd http://instagram.com/sonjatodd Spark London plugs: http://www.sparklondon.com https://twitter.com/sparkLDN https://www.facebook.com/sparklondon Mon 9th June Father Figures open mic at the Hackney Attic with Letter Lounge: https://www.facebook.com/events/722460404485371/ Mon 16th June Reality Check open mic Upstairs at the Ritzy: https://www.facebook.com/events/625377634222503/ Fri 4th July Spark London teams up with Risk! at the Hackney Attic: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Hackney_Picturehouse/film/Spark_Presents_Risk_Live_In_London_One_Night_Only/ Mon 7th July Best of Spark London at Canal Cafe Theatre: http://www.canalcafetheatre.com/Calendar.php I plug: Myself: http://www.davepickeringstoryteller.com Here are some extra plugs: The Stand Up Tragedy IndieGoGo Campaign: bit.ly/TragicFringe Greek Tragedy: Thursday 12th June at the Dogstar: www.facebook.com/events/625249897568126/ We mention: Labyrinth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth_(film) Timmy's Pies: http://timmyspies.com/ Bloomsbury Festival: http://bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/ Sonja's podcast: https://soundcloud.com/sound-like-you-mean-it Erwin Blumenfeld: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erwin_Blumenfeld Surrealism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism Dada: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dada Pixar: http://www.pixar.com/ Tatty Divine: http://www.tattydevine.com/ Creating A Life Worth Living: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creating-Life-Worth-Living-Filmmakers/dp/0060952431 The Artists Way: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Artists-Way-Discovering-Recovering/dp/0330343580 Scott McCloud: http://scottmccloud.com/ Understanding Comics: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Comics-The-Invisible-Art/dp/006097625X Reinventing Comics: http://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Comics-Imagination-Technology-Revolutionizing/dp/0060953500 Making Comics: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Comics-Storytelling-Secrets-Graphic/dp/0060780940 Look In: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Look-in The Beano: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beano The Dandy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dandy Eddie Campbell: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Campbell Graffiti Kitchen: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Graffiti-Kitchen-Eddie-Campbell/dp/1568620217 From Hell: http://www.amazon.co.uk/From-Hell-Alan-Moore/dp/0861661419 Eddie Campbell on Too Much Information: http://canadapodcasts.ca/podcasts/TooMuchInformation/2375011 Watchmen: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen Alan Moore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Moore Neil Gaiman: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Gaiman Blankets - Craig Thompson: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blankets-Hardcover-Edition-Craig-Thompson/dp/1603090967 Gail Simone: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Simone Maus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maus Ladies Do Comics: http://www.laydeezdocomics.com/ Ariel Schrag: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Schrag Potential: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Potential-School-Comic-Chronicles-Schrag/dp/1416552359 Ghostworld: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_World American Splendor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Splendor The Amazing Adventures Kavalier Clay by Michael Chabon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Amazing-Adventures-Kavalier-Clay/dp/1841154938 Sandman: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sandman_(Vertigo) Y: The Last Man: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y:_The_Last_Man Lost: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_(TV_series) Mad Men: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mad_Men Joss Whedon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon Buffy Comics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer_comics X Men Run: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astonishing_X-Men#Joss_Whedon_run The L Word: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_L_Word The Nerdist Writers Panel - comics episodes: http://www.nerdist.com/podcast_channel/nerdist-comics-panel-channel/ Len Wein: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Len_Wein Name and shame vegan site: http://jezebel.com/im-vegan-and-this-vegan-sellout-site-is-fucking-embarr-655161955 Popco by Scarlett Thomas: http://www.amazon.co.uk/PopCo-Scarlett-Thomas/dp/184767335X The End of Mr Y: http://www.amazon.co.uk/End-Mr-Y-Scarlett-Thomas/dp/1847670709 Isa Chandra Moskowitz: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isa_Chandra_Moskowitz Veganomicon: http://www.theppk.com/books/veganomicon-the-ultimate-vegan-cookbook/ Vegan Cupcakes Take over the world: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vegan-Cupcakes-Take-Over-World/dp/1569242739 Vegan Yum Yum: http://veganyumyum.com/ The Mighty Fork: http://themightyfork.co.uk/ Radio 4 Vegan programme: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037524t Engevita: http://www.bio-lallemand.com/products/engevita/ White Pudding: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_pudding Madonna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(entertainer) Whitney Houston: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitney_Houston Janet Jackson: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Jackson Paula Abdul/ Opposites attract: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xweiQukBM_k&feature=kp The Man Whose Mind Exploded: http://www.themanwhosemindexploded.com/ You can hear Getting Better Acquainted on Stitcher SmartRadio, Stitcher allows you to listen to your favourite shows directly from your iPhone, Android Phone, Kindle Fire and beyond. On-demand and on the go! Don’t have Stitcher? Download it for free today at www.stitcher.com or in the app stores. Help more people get better acquainted. If you like what you hear why not write an iTunes review? Follow @GBApodcast on Twitter. Like Getting Better Acquainted on facebook. Tell your friends. Spread the word!

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 London with special guest Tamer Kattan (The Moth, Comedy Store). Expect stories that are unusual, hilarious, tragic, heart-warming - and true. Tamer Kattan is a multi-award winning comedian born in Cairo and raised in California, who has toured internationally. He is uniquely aware of the human condition and passionately believes that comedy is a weapon of the underdog. Don't miss him live - details here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charley Harrison presents three life-changing true stories from our latest Best of Spark London show at the Canal Cafe Theatre in West London, featuring: a man on vacation, vexed by thoughts of leaving his oven on at home  an art lover escapes from her abusive partner a comedian adjusts to her mother's dark humour after a stroke changes her personality If you like the new-look podcast, please rate us on iTunes and come down to one of our nights: full details at sparklondon.com.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charley Harrison presents highlights from our second Best of Spark London night at the Canal Cafe Theatre. In this episode:   Francis Shire aspires to be 'King of the Camden Goths' - can his Swedish Cybergoth partner help him achieve his dream?   Robyn Jankel travels across China by train and introduces a new custom in the process.   Neil Denny (Little Atoms, Resonance FM) wins £1000 of travel vouchers - but will his choice of destination be a problem for the border patrol?   Produced by Matt Hill at rethinkdaily.co.uk. Spark London is created by Joanna Yates. Thanks also to Hackney and Brixton hosts Dave Pickering and Radcliffe Royds.   Fancy coming to a night? Tickets are available at sparklondon.com/events and follow us @sparkLDN for all the latest info. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a change to the regular podcast, Charley Harrison presents highlights from our first Best of Spark London evening at the Canal Cafe Theatre, featuring: * Christine Estima * John Hale * Helen Zaltzman Please let us know what you think of the new format - email matt [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.

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.

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.

Kingsgate Community Centre has a fundraising fair to celebrate 30 years of work, Love Music Hate Racism Festival is on at Rich Mix till 1am tomorrow; ‘Regents Canal Folk Opera is on tonight at Canal Cafe Theatre and at other venues over the next few weeks. It marks 200 years since the canal was built; There is a demonstration at the Hungarian Embassy tomorrow. Email Noklazadasa.london@gmail.com for more information. Cecil Sharp House hosts a family barn dance; The work of Margaret Tait is presented and discussed by Ali Smith and Sarah Neely at London Review Bookshop. Read by: Betiel Baraki, DJ Rudeboy P. Tash, Marian Larragy Kingsgate Community Centre :: Love Music Hate Racism Festival :: Regent's Canal Folk Opera :: Music Glue/Barn Dance :: London Review Shop :: Margaret Tait Vita & Virginia A Love Relationship in Two Acts :: Back to Camden Community Radio :: Follow Camden Community Radio on Twitter :: File Download (7:11 min / 7 MB)

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 drop by and join us? Details can be found here. This month's podcasts were recorded by Dave Pickering. You can thank him for his fine work by subscribing to his podcast Getting Better Acquainted. (It really is very good) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In GBA 58 part 2 we get better acquainted with Radcliffe. We pick up the conversation with the story of how he came to become homeless and he continues through crime and punishment and then rehabilitation and recovery. Hear a man who has lived homeless and destitute not just talk about his experiences, but reflect on them and share what he’s learnt with you. Rarely do we listen to people with firsthand experience of homelessness and drug addiction when coming up with social policies. Here is a chance to do that. Seriously this conversation was amazing to have and I think it is really really worth you hearing. Radcliffe has seen some dark times, he has journeyed through the class system from the top to pretty much the bottom. He has lived in expensive houses and has been a crack addict in a Soho skip. He has dropped out of society and managed to climb back in. And he tells his story with humour, kindness and brutal honesty and whilst it is full of pain and violence, it is also, somehow a story about hope, beauty and love. Part 1 : http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-58-radcliffe-part-1 that aired on in Wednesday covered his relationship with drugs and his "formative" years. It isn't essential to listen to this before but it might enhance your experience if you do. The conversation we had was over 2 hours and the split is really just there to make the chunks more bite sized. Radcliffe Plugs: "Spoken Word is the new Rock and Roll" Stand Up Tragedy: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/ The next, and last for the moment, live Stand Up Tragedy will feature Radcliffe telling a story. This is the rest of the line up: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/show-5-4-june-2012/ Here are the details: Monday 4th June 2012. 8.30pm till late at the Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX Tickets: http://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/126520120/events COME ALONG. BRING YOUR FRIENDS. Use the promo code TRAGIC to offset booking fee. It also has a weekly podcast, which Radcliffe has featured on, which comes out every friday: StandUpTragedy Spark London: http://www.sparklondon.com/ Last wednesday marked the 100 episode of the Spark London podcast. This is Radcliffe telling a story there (a teaser for part 1 of his conversation): http://www.mixcloud.com/sparklondon/damning-evidence-radcliffe-royds/ And this is the 100 episode of their show: http://www.mixcloud.com/sparklondon/episode-100-dorothea-stuart-alastair-smith/ You can find their podcast on iTunes and on Stitcher as well as on Mixcloud. Their next live show is: Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 7:30pm at Canal Cafe Theatre, Little Venice, London, W2 6ND The theme is "Life Savers" Box office: 020 7289 6054 or Book online: http://www.canalcafetheatre.com/ Future themes include Family Holidays, Tales from the work place, Flashbacks and Authority. If you have a story to tell then get in touch at sparklondon@gmail.com You can hear Getting Better Acquainted on Stitcher SmartRadio, Stitcher allows you to listen to your favourite shows directly from your iPhone, Android Phone, Kindle Fire and beyond. On-demand and on the go! Don’t have Stitcher? Download it for free today at http://www.stitcher.com or in the app stores. Help more people get better acquainted. If you like what you hear why not write an iTunes review? Follow @GBApodcast on Twitter. Like Getting Better Acquainted on facebook. Tell your friends. Spread the word!

In GBA 58 we get better acquainted with Radcliffe. In part 1 of this weeks 2 part special he talks about his relationship with drugs and his "formative" years. This includes his experiences attending and being expelled from a boarding school, his family life and his almost accidental introduction into the Edinburgh underworld. We discuss addiction and the nature and social position of drugs. And we hear a recovered addicts views on drugs policy. Part 2 : http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-58-radcliffe-part-2 comes out in Friday when the conversation will continue, covering crime and punishment, homelessness and then rehabilitation and recovery. Seriously this conversation was amazing to have and I think it is really really worth you hearing. Radcliffe has seen some dark times, he has journeyed through the class system from the top to pretty much the bottom. He has lived in expensive houses and has been a crack addict in a Soho skip. He has dropped out of society and managed to climb back in. And he tells his story with humour, kindness and brutal honesty and whilst it is full of pain and violence, it is also, somehow a story about hope, beauty and love. Radcliffe Plugs: "Spoken Word is the new Rock and Roll" Spark London: http://www.sparklondon.com/ Today marks the 100 episode of the Spark London podcast. This is Radcliffe telling his story there (which is a teaser for part 2 of his conversation):http://www.mixcloud.com/sparklondon/on-living-in-a-soho-skip-radcliffe-royds/ And this is the 100 episode of their show: http://www.mixcloud.com/sparklondon/episode-100-dorothea-stuart-alastair-smith/ You can find their podcast on iTunes and on Stitcher as well as on Mixcloud. Their next live show is: Wednesday 6th June 2012 at 7:30pm at Canal Cafe Theatre, Little Venice, London, W2 6ND The theme is "Life Savers" Box office: 020 7289 6054 or Book online: http://www.canalcafetheatre.com/ Future themes include Family Holidays, Tales from the work place, Flashbacks and Authority. If you have a story to tell then get in touch at sparklondon@gmail.com Stand Up Tragedy: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/ The next, and last for the moment, live Stand Up Tragedy will feature Radcliffe telling a story. This is the rest of the line up: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/show-5-4-june-2012/ Here are the details: Monday 4th June 2012. 8.30pm till late at the Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX Tickets: http://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/126520120/events COME ALONG. BRING YOUR FRIENDS. Use the promo code TRAGIC to offset booking fee. It also has a weekly podcast, which Radcliffe has featured on, which comes out every friday: http://soundcloud.com/standuptragedy You can hear Getting Better Acquainted on Stitcher SmartRadio, Stitcher allows you to listen to your favourite shows directly from your iPhone, Android Phone, Kindle Fire and beyond. On-demand and on the go! Don’t have Stitcher? Download it for free today at http://www.stitcher.com or in the app stores. Help more people get better acquainted. If you like what you hear why not write an iTunes review? Follow @GBApodcast on Twitter. Like Getting Better Acquainted on facebook. Tell your friends. Spread the word!

GBA 52 : To the Heart of It This is a special episode of GBA which mixes true stories that I told live at Spark London with family conversations and a new song to explore how my dad’s heart attack and quadruple heart bypass touched both me and my family. I talk to: Jo http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-52-jo Sonia http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-51-sonia Tony http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-35-tony and my Dad http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/sets/the-dad-episodes/ about some big moments in our family history, getting different perspectives and shining a light on the way we interact as a family group. This episode is about how families create myths, how memories of events contradict, change and fade, how families interact and how the idea of a parent’s mortality can shape your life. CREDITS The song "Talk to your Parents" will eventually be on the upcoming album "Bouncy, Poppy Songs About Death" from The Reactionaries: http://soundcloud.com/thereactionaries Hayley is the other member of this alt-pop duo, you can hear her playing fiddle on the track: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-9-hayley The mixes you hear were thrown together at very short notice by the magnificent silent member of our duo, our producer George: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-6-george The two stories you hear me perform were told at Spark London nights: http://www.sparklondon.com/ One at the open mic they run at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton and the other at the curated nights they put on at the Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice. I've been actively involved with Spark London for a couple of years and have told quite a few true stories there and even produced some of their episodes. As a result of this one strand of GBA is conversations with Spark London true storytellers: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/sets/spark-londoners/ CAST LIST: In the interests of clarity this is how my family works: Dad's 1st Marriage = Dad + Sheila Two daughters from this marriage: Jo and Rebecca (http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-28-rebecca) Sonia is Jo's daughter. Dad's 2nd Marriage = Dad + June/My Mum (http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/sets/the-mum-episodes-1) Two sons from this marriage: Tony and Me Mum's 2nd Marriage = Mum + Mervyn One daughter from this marriage: Rosie The two friends who are mentioned in my story are: Owain: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-16-owain and Steve (who I haven't managed to do a full GBA with yet but who appears in this GBA Special: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-17-cardiff ) Jen is my girlfriend (who appeared in the Christmas Special and will have at least one proper episode coming out in the future.) Liz makes a cameo in this episode as she was my outside ear and shaped the way that the episode was narrated. She talks about some of the things discussed in this episode in her GBA episode: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-4-liz This is the playlist of all of the family episodes that have aired so far: http://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/sets/family You can hear Getting Better Acquainted on Stitcher SmartRadio, Stitcher allows you to listen to your favourite shows directly from your iPhone, Android Phone, Kindle Fire and beyond. On-demand and on the go! Don’t have Stitcher? Download it for free today at http://www.stitcher.com or in the app stores. Help more people get better acquainted. If you like what you hear why not write an iTunes review? Follow @GBApodcast on Twitter. Like Getting Better Acquainted on facebook. Tell your friends. Spread the word!

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 has an interesting idea... From March 2012 at the Canal Cafe Theatre, where the theme was 'Change.' See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 to cope? From March 2012, when the theme was 'Change'. Got the storytelling bug? We're running a workshop on the 17th March at the Canal Cafe Theatre - check out our website for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 remarkable true story from our archives. We recorded this story live in June 2010 during our residency at the Blue Elephant Theatre, who we send our humble thanks. Hey - in other news, did you see we're one of the most listened-to podcasts on Mixcloud, for the second year running? Not bad eh? Next show's on 6th Feb at the Canal Cafe Theatre. Come on down and see what we do live! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 Ritzy Cinema in Brixton. The story was told in October 2011, when the theme was 'Fatal Attraction'. Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 5th December. It's a very special version of Spark London. We're raising money for NOVA and the stories will come from people who have been touched by this charity. It's also our 2nd Birthday!  Head to sparklondon.com/events for more... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 full of high drama, farce and rivalry which he narrates in his wry, laid back way.  The story was told in October 2011, when the theme was 'Fatal Attraction'. Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 5th December. It's a very special version of Spark London. We're raising money for NOVA and the stories will come from people who have been touched by this charity. It's also our 2nd Birthday!  Head to sparklondon.com/events for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 was 'Fatal Attraction'. Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 7th November. Head to sparklondon.com/events for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 mic in Brixton. From October 2011, when the theme was 'Fatal Attraction'. Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 7th November. Head to sparklondon.com/events for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 accross its vast continent. From October 2011, when the theme was 'The Kindness of Strangers.' Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 7th November. Head to sparklondon.com/events for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.' Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 7th November. Head to sparklondon.com/events for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.' Be sure to book your tickets for the next Spark London at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 3rd September. Head to sparklondon.com/events for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 our night about 'Parents'. And if you have a story of 'Land & Water', why not drop Joanna an email for our event at the Canal Cafe Theatre on 5 September? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 the theme was 'Work.' Our live shows take a break in August, but storytelling continues here unabated. In fact, we'll be taking requests next month: so if you have a favourite storyteller, let us know and we'll dig another out of the archives Email joanna@sparklondon.com with your suggestions. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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 Ritzy in Brixton. If you have a story - or just want to listen - then just come down. Tickets are Pay What You Can. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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'll have some brand new stories for you soon, from our latest night at the Canal Cafe Theatre. If you're interested in telling a story, we're always looking for people. Email us at joanna@sparklondon.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What do you do when your bedroom is full of bats? Emily can now call herself an expert after this episode - just think folks... this could happen to you.   From February 2011, where the theme was 'Alarm Bells.'   Our first open-mike at the Ritzy in Brixton was a great success - thanks to all those that packed into the venue. You're all welcome back for our next on March 21st, where the theme is 'Electric'.   And before that there's our monthly slot at the Canal Cafe Theatre - if you have a story of 'Family', drop Jo an email at Joanna@sparklondon.com   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Happy New Year! Have we missed anything? Our first Spark London of the year is on February 7th at the Canal Cafe Theatre - tickets through their website. We've also got a NEW monthly night at the Ritzy in Brixton. It's 'open mike', so if you've a story to tell then drop by and we'll give you a five minute slot. Non-storytellers also welcome: it's pay-what-you-can on the door. FINALLY: we also have a NEW ALBUM out. More details at the end of this week's podcast...   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comedian Andrew Watt's thoughtful story on how depression ultimately turned his life round for the better.From April 2008, back when sound quality wasn't quite what we expect nowadays.8th December is our birthday special - come join us at the Canal Cafe Theatre for drinks, stories and a very special Christmas gift. Details at SparkLondon.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Final piece of archive for a while... This is Simon Rollings in February 2009, talking about his run-in with the law.Spark London is live on the first Monday of every month at the Canal Cafe Theatre, near Little Venice. Come down and watch - you know, whenever's convenient. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Another from the archives - so the sound can be a little 'crunchy'.Maroulla's mother sends her to a very different school to the rest of her family. From April 2009's theme, 'Payback'.Next month sees the return of Spark: we're after stories of Crossing The Line. If you're in London on 6th September, drop by the Canal Cafe Theatre and listen... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.