Spark - True Stories Live

Two true stories inspired by the theme of 'Culture Shock', from our open mic night in Brixton, south London. Ruth moves to China and quickly realises her phrase book is not going to be much use. Then, we hear how a family wake reminded Roisin of her Irish roots. LAST CHANCE: if you haven't heard our contribution to the Radio 4 show Truth Be Told, now is the time. It's available on the BBC iPlayer...

Two stories from our recent open mic in Hackney. Maryam has a breakdown and finds recovery in the least likely place. Then, Daniel helps defend a friend and is rewarded in unexpected ways. There's still time to hear our contribution to Radio 4: Truth Be Told is available to download via the iPlayer Radio app , or you can stream it on their website. Spread the word so they might make more! Spark is...

From the archives - back in April 2012, Yang May Ooi joined us in London for stories of 'Back From The Brink'. Spark is back with a full programme of events his autumn - join us for nights in London and elsewhere by heading to  stories.co.uk AND if you haven't heard it already, listen to the true stories pilot for BBC Radio 4 , called Truth Be Told. It's produced by our podcast producer Matt Hill...

WARNING: this episode contains honest, open accounts of sexual activity Special guest Miranda Kane hosted a Spark night where sex workers from across Britain share their true stories. This episode features our highlights: from eccentric clients to the unusual - and hilarious - situations in which women can find themselves.  In keeping with Spark's mission to connect people through true stories, th...

Two stories from a recent London night, where the theme was In Flames. In the first story, whilst hitchhiking through Laos, Paul grabs a ride he instantly regrets. Then, Azariah tell a story of a family friend with a penchant for lighting fires. There's one week left to win tickets to an upcoming Spark night - simply fill in our one minute survey about the podcast  and you'll enter the draw.  Host...

Storyteller and writer Elna Baker (The Moth, This American Life, Radiolab) dropped into a Spark London night recently and told this story of Head/Heart: growing up a Mormon is hard, especially if you live in New York... WIN TICKETS! Simply fill in this 1min survey and help us find out more about you, our growing listenership:  sparklondon.com/survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

From the archives - this one from back in 2010 - Kutloano tells this story of the superheroes in his life. Help us keep finding new stories by completing our 1min survey. Hearing your views helps us shape our nights and find sponsors; go to sparklondon.com/survey  and get your name in the hat for free tickets to a Spark night near you... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two stories from our recent Hackney open mic, where the theme was 'Head/Heart.' In the first, orphan Kirby sets out to find new parents using Craigslist - and in the second, Jean-Marc is forced to choose between his life... or his friend's. All stories told at Spark are assumed to be true as told by the speaker, and time is taken to fact-check where possible before we release a story on our podcas...

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... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From our ever-expanding archives, we replay this story first heard in Camberwell's Blue Elephant Theatre in June 2010. Jacqueline has fallen in love, but there's a catch... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See...

Martin, a seasoned protester, shares his story from the front line of environmental activism. From March 2015, when the theme was 'in pursuit.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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 E...

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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 t...

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 (wh...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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 celebrat...

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 o...

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.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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 s ubscribe to our podcast via iTunes or a podcatcher of you...

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.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.