Happened Here

A Christmas Special - revisiting one of our favourite episodes about the writing of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol", originally introduced by Stephen Fry with a discussion between the author Viel Richardson and Robbie Stamp about what Dickens means to them.

In this end of Season special HappenedHere co-founder Robbie Stamp sits down with Cassius Konneh (who performed our first ever story) to talk about three great stories from the archives, ‘ Cyril’s Fragments’ written by Hamish Roberts and performed by Stephen Fry, ‘Pregnant Pickpocket’ written by Olivia Bell and performed by Lulu Freeman and ‘Two Inheritances’ by Milo Harries performed by Cassius K...

In this week's special Halloween episode of HappenedHere, hosted by Greg Nicotero, we tell a moving story about ghosts and spirits on a Samhain night in Ireland two thousand years ago, a story based on real events about school children and vampire hunting in Glasgow in the 1950’s and the true story of the creation of THAT mask from John Carpenter’s first Halloween movie. The Gift of Samhain [Below...

If you walk from Hampstead Heath in the north of London to Blackfriars Bridge on the Thames, there is one thing you won't see – the River Fleet. In this week's episode, learn the fascinating history of this 'forgotten' river and how it is now completely underground. Hosted by Cassius Konneh, performed by Dame Joanna Lumley. Written by Ben Jacob, with sound editing by Will Jacob.

In December 1672, a fierce storm struck Castle Cornet, leading to an explosion that tore through Lord Christopher Hatton's home. Amid the chaos, servant James Chappel became a hero, rescuing Hatton and his children. Though much of Chappell’s life remains a mystery, his courage on that fateful night is immortalised in history. Written by Viel Richardson, performed by Olivia Bell.

In the searing heat of Aswan’s Northern Quarry, Senenmut, chief architect to Pharaoh Hatshepsut, confronts an unthinkable setback – a deep crack in the granite obelisk destined to be the tallest ever built. With three sides carved and shaped, the crack threatens to end the project and displease Egypt’s formidable ruler. As Senenmut ponders how to deliver this devastating news, the story unfolds ag...

From humble beginnings in the American city of St. Louis to becoming a symbol of the French Resistance, Josephine Baker captivated the world. Her dance electrified audiences, while her bravery saved lives. Then after the war she fought for African American rights alongside Dr Martin Luther King. Discover the incredible life of this performer turned war hero, a true icon who defied convention. Writ...

Second Sleep explores the fascinating world of biphasic sleep through the eyes of a young girl in medieval Dorset. While her family tends to chores during ‘the watch’, the girl slips out of bed and embarks on a secret journey to a nearby nunnery, captivated by the soft chants that fill the night air. Written and performed by Olivia Bell. Sound editor Viel Richardson.

In this week's HappenedHere podcast, we take you to 1835 when Charles Darwin set foot on the remote Galapagos Islands during his voyage on HMS Beagle. His meticulous observations of the wildlife would later form the basis of his revolutionary Theory of Evolution. Written by Hamish Roberts, performed by Shama Rahman and hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Viel Richardson.

This short podcast centres on a meeting in 1882 between renowned Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde and renowned American poet and essayist Walt Whitman. From different generations, one effete, one a realist, would they find common ground? Written by Harry Tucker, performed by Stephen Fry and hosted by Lulu Freeman. Sound Editor Viel Richardson

Our true short podcast story is about a Spanish journalist who suspected cheating would occur at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. So he joined the Spanish intellectual disability basketball team to find out… Written by Jon Champion, performed by Aniya Picou. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Will Jacob

A short, true story about the Paralympics for our podcast. Commonly known as Murderball because of its vicious game play, in 2024 Sarah Adam became the first woman selected for Team USA in Paralympic wheelchair rugby. Written by Ben Jacob, performed by Joanna Lumley, and hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor: Will Jacob.

This short podcast is written by one of our writers recalling the day she and her friends went to see their favourite singer, Taylor Swift on her first UK tour in 2009. Written by Kate Reid and read by friend and fellow concert-goer, Olivia Stamp. Hosted by Joanna Lumley; Sound Editor Will Jacob.

This podcast comprises two true stories relating to 15,000 year old sculptures found in a cave system in France. The first story describes the astonishment and wonderment at finding of the clay bison, the second how a century old mystery was solved with the help of experts from thousands of miles away. Both are written by Robbie Stamp, performed by Cassius Konneh, and hosted by Lulu Freeman. Sound...

Another short podcast story from Olympic Games past. This one is about the perseverance of a novice swimmer from Equatorial Guinea given a wildcard to the 2000 Sydney Games.  Written by Sarah Fleming, performed by Shama Rahman and hosted by Kass Conneh. Sound Editor Will Jacob

Another Olympic story. This story considers the Black Power Salute given at a medal ceremony in the 1968 Olympics, its impact and its legacy.  Written by James Rampton, performed by Cassius Konneh. Host: Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Will Jacob.

To celebrate the 2024 Olympic Games, a story about the Ancient games in Olympia, Greece and an unusual and worthy champion of the chariot race. Written by Samantha Moody, performed by Lulu Freeman.  Host: Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor: Will Jacob

In the last of our Footsteps on the Moon series, it's 55 years ago, 20th July 1969 and Apollo 11’s Lunar Module, the Eagle, has landed on the moon. Six hours later the crew became the first people to make footsteps on its surface.  Written by Jessica Riches, performed by Stephen Fry. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound editor Will Jacob.

In the fourth of our Footsteps on the Moon series, it is 1969. Tension is high in Nasa’s Mission Control room in Houston, USA, as Apollo 11’s Lunar Module attempts to land on the moon. Written by Jessica Riches, performed by Stephen Fry. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound editor Will Jacob.

In the third episode of our Footsteps on the Moon special, Apollo 8 became the first manned spaceship to orbit the moon, and astronaut Bill Anders takes an iconic photo. Written by Jessica Riches, performed by Stephen Fry. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound editor Will Jacob.

In the second episode of our Footsteps on the Moon special, it’s 1967 and there are problems with Apollo 1 as it sits on the launch pad waiting to take off. Written by Jessica Riches, performed by Stephen Fry. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound editor Will Jacob.

On the day that Apollo 11 launched in 1969 we’re back with five stories about the 1960s American journey to get Footsteps on the Moon. HappenedHere’s fourth season starts with JFK’s rallying speech at Rice University, 1962. Written by Jessica Riches, performed by Stephen Fry. Hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound editor Will Jacob.

For New Year's Eve, we present a story of the origins of a New York Perennial! New York’s Times Square New Year’s Ball Drop is an annual ‘must see’ event for people in the USA and beyond. Harry Tucker looks back at its origins. Hosted by Robbie Stamp Performed by Sarah Beebe Sound Edited by Will Jacob

In this Christmas Story Single Story we hear a retelling of the famous Christmas Truce of 1914 - of kindness and compassion amidst the horrors of war.

In this Special Christmas Story Single Story, we learn a little about the making of Christmas Puddings in the Seventeenth Century and how the ‘Littlest Scullery Maid” saved Stir Up Sunday!