• 15 minutes 3 seconds
    Darkness is Cheap, and Scrooge Liked It

    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.

    23 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 22 minutes 38 seconds
    Love, Loss and Pickpockets - Season Finale Archive Special, with some reminiscing!

    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 Konneh. Three very different stories from Seasons past giving us a glimpse into the lives of three very different peoples in very different circumstances. Join them for a look into the making of a great HappenedHere story.

    7 November 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 21 minutes 35 seconds
    Halloween

    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 Caherdrinny Hillfort, Gurrane, Co. Cork, Ireland]

    The Gorbals Vampire. [Glasgow, Scotland]

    Horror on a Shoestring [Hollywood Magic Shop, 6660 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, USA]

    Sound editing by Viel Richardson

    31 October 2024, 9:30 am
  • 6 minutes 55 seconds
    How to Lose a River

    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.

    24 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 11 minutes 1 second
    The Servant and the Storm

    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.

    17 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 9 minutes 45 seconds
    Cracked Stone

    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 against the backdrop of Hatshepsut’s reign and her extraordinary architectural legacy. Written by Sarah Fleming, performed by Joanna Lumley.

    10 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 20 minutes 59 seconds
    Josephine Baker

    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. Written by James Rampton and performed by Aniya Picou.

    3 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 10 minutes 16 seconds
    Second Sleep

    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.

    26 September 2024, 4:30 pm
  • 9 minutes 1 second
    Curious Charles

    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.

    19 September 2024, 5:15 pm
  • 6 minutes 26 seconds
    “The kiss of Walt Whitman is still on my lips”

    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

    12 September 2024, 8:30 am
  • 5 minutes 59 seconds
    El Gran Engaño - The Great Deception

    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

    5 September 2024, 7:00 am
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