Spark - True Stories Live

Back in the deep recesses of the Spark London vaults, we have a few stories that were read rather than told. Normally we don't go in for this sort of thing, but here's a rare example that we think works. This is Alex Hawe, back in 2009, talking about a brief encounter at a hated boss's house. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie stood up and told this remarkable story at our most recent open-mic night in Brixton. Hitchhiking from Camden to Liverpool for Creamfields Festival, Rosie and her friend meet two men... and an illicit Pez dispenser. This is their story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cressida has always had an odd relationship with our avian friends. Mostly ying and occasionally yang, here's a few of her close encounters in story form. Hey - if you'd like to tell a story, our next two nights are on the themes of 'Holidays' and 'Kindness of Strangers'. Head to sparklondon.com/events for all the info.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of a student bet, Trevor hitchhikes through the beautiful terrain of Turkey and Syria - but promises made in a bar in Oxford shouldn't always be upheld... From September 2011, when the theme was Land or Sea. We've two more nights this month - one in Norfolk and another in Brixton. To attend either, you can find out about time and dates at sparklondon.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

As our night at the Canal Cafe prepares to return next week, here's a couple of stories told at our monthly open mic night in Brixton. DISCOVER: how Anna Banana got her nickname LISTEN: why Brian's date didn't go as planned If you fancy dropping by, it's a fun evening and it's pay-what-you-can. Head to our website for more information: sparklondon.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

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

It is the height of the cold war when Donald attempts to get out of national service. But is he out of the war entirely? 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:  jo@spar...

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 jo...

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

Shaun became a millionaire in his twenties. This is the story of what happened next.  Our next show is on the 18th July at the Ritzy in Brixton - where the theme will be 'Lost or Found'. If you have a story - or just want to listen - then just come down. Tickets are Pay What You Can. Shaun's book, Hard Time -  A Brit in America's Toughest Jail , is available on Amazon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

Olivia embarks on a series of trials and tribulations after agreeing to go on a skiing holiday... From April 2009, when the theme was 'Trails'. Spark London is produced by Joanna Yates - and the theme is by Dan Weltman, to whom we are much obliged. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mathy tells her true story about life after the loss of her father - where a meeting with the London Scanner's Club changes her path. Just three weeks to go until our Spark Norfolk event - if you live in the area, or fancy a long weekend break, you could do far worse than  

When Kenneth meets a man with Hollywood-like good looks, he turns on all the charm he has. But he hasn't reckoned on an even bigger challenge... From June 2011, where the theme was 'Crossroads.' On June 20th we'll be back at the Ritzy in Brixton - it's open mike, so come with a story of no more than five minutes and we'll put you on. Or just drop by and listen - your choice entirely. Other things...

Shareen was always a naughty girl, but will a trip to India finally set her on the straight and narrow? It's a piece from our every-growing archive, way back in March 2009, when the theme was Space. Other things you can do as you listen... • If you have a story, mail us at joanna@sparklondon.com • Get our Twitter feed for the latest news on our events • Join our Facebook group • See our pics on Fl...

What begins as a piece of family history takes a very peculiar turn indeed. From May 2011, when the theme was Triangles. Other things you can do as you listen... • If you have a story, mail us at joanna@sparklondon.com • Get our Twitter feed for the latest news on our events • Join our Facebook group • See our pics on Flickr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello, and welcome to another Spark London . When a Dallas uber-fan gets a chance to sit in on a chat show featuring JR himself, Joanna sees an opportunity to get something more... From May 2011, where the theme was Triangles. Other things you can do as you listen... • If you have a story, mail us at joanna@sparklondon.com • Get our Twitter feed for the latest news on our events • Join our

Methir has always had a fascination with the Arab-Israeli conflict.  This is his true story on how he tried to form an opinion. From May 2011, where the theme was Triangles. We're still looking for storytellers (we've never really stopped) so please do let us know if you have a story to tell at one of our nights. Visit sparklondon.com for all the info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

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

Tim's family have had more than their fair share if illness - but two stories about his mother stand out. From July 2009, where the theme was Guts - and the sound quality wasn't quite up to scratch... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg takes us back to his school days and his attempts to woo the opposite sex...  From October 2009, where the theme was Now or Never. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fayhaa was married in Iraq before moving to Syria, Yemen and Algeria... but never really settled until she began a family in the UK.  From March 2011, where the theme was 'Family'.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt realises his Gran wasn't always old, and vows to find out more about her. From March 2011, where the theme continued to be 'Family'. Next Monday (21st) we'll be back the Ritzy in Brixton for more true stories. The event's open mic and pay-what-you-can, so if you're curious please come join us! More details at sparklondon.com.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olive describes her relationship with her neighbours, Mr and Mrs Ahmed, in 1970s Hackney. From March 2011, where the theme was 'family.' This is actually our 50th podcast, so a HUGE thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen. Let's make it to 100!   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris realises his girlfriend is not The One... and needs to break it to her gently.   From October 2009, when the theme was Now or Never.   Spark is back at the Canal Cafe next week (7th March) and we have another open mic at the Ritzy in Brixton on the 21st. Full details at sparklondon.com/events   This podcast is produced by rethinkdaily.co.uk and Spark London is the baby of Joanna Yates.   Hos...