It Just So Happened - an alternative history show: Recent Episodes
itjustsohappened
Stand-up comedians at live festival events present short historical ‘on this day‘ pieces then discuss some historical topics or people connected to the location where the live show recording takes place. This was a touring show across UK festivals in 2019, changing to live videocasts while Covid-19 restrictions were in place, before reverting back to regular shows and podcasts in 2021. Find us at @ItJustSo1 on Twitter.
This episode (no. 83) was recorded at The Cosy Club in Nottingham on 9th November 2025 as part of The Nottingham Comedy Festival.
The panellists were Sanjay Brown, Denzil De Cristo and Caitriona Dowden. The host was Richard Pulsford.
These are some of the On This Day topics we presented before going into some of the history of Dundee:
- Margery Kempe, English mystic (1373-1438), commemoration day
- George II, British king, born 9th November 1683
- Coup du 18 Brumaire, 9th November 1799
- Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, architect, born 9th November 1880
- Cullinan diamond found, 9th November 1907
- Hedy Lamarr, actress and inventor, born 9th November 1914
This episode (no. 82) was recorded at The Keiller Centre in Dundee on 12th September 2025 as part of The Dundee Fringe.
The panellists were Scott Redmond, Julia Knight and Luis Alcada. The host was Richard Pulsford.
These are some of the On This Day topics we presented before going into some of the history of Dundee:
- Richard Gatling, inventor of the Gatling gun, born, 12th September 1818
- Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36 v 0 in a football match, 12th September 1885
- Annie Kopchovsky completes a round-the-world cycle, 12th September 1895
- Luna 2 spacecraft launched, 12th September 1959
- Haile Selassie overthrown in a coup, 12th September 1974
- Singer songwriter, Johnny Cash, died, 12th September 2003
This episode (no. 81) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 9th August 2025 as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were David Cruickshanks, Edu Diaz and Julia Knight. The host was Richard Pulsford.
These are some of the On This Day topics we presented before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- Christopher Columbus arrives in Tenerife, 9th August 1492
- Newgate prisoners used as vaccine guinea pigs, 9th August 1721
- P. L. Travers, author, born, 8th August 1899
- Hermann Hesse, novelist, died 9th August 1962
- Sir Cliff Richard, singer, signs with EMI Records, 8th August 1963
NB Some of the voices are quiet on this episode due to the editing out of some of the background noise made by a theatre light during the show.
NB Apologies for the background noise in this episode which was due to a theatre light making a loud noise during the show.
This episode (no. 80) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 8th August 2025 as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Jane Walker, Kiyanosh Sahebi and Emily Briggs. The host was Richard Pulsford.
These are some of the On This Day topics we presented before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- Brigham Young's first Latter Day Saints' Solemn Assembly, 8th August 1844
- Graf Zeppelin begins a round the world flight, 8th August 1929
- the 'Great Train Robbery', 8th August 1963
- Richard Nixon steps down as US President, 8th August 1974
- Elvis Presley's last public appearance, 8th August 1977
- the '8888' Yangon protests, 8th August 1988
NB Apologies for the background noise in this episode which was due to a theatre light making a loud noise during the show.
This episode (no. 79) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 7th August 2025 as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Luis Alcada, Liz Bains and Gwen Coburn. The host was Richard Pulsford.
These are some of the On This Day topics we presented before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- The first performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth, 7th August 1606
- Alleged spy, Mata Hari, born 7th August 1876
- Alice Ramsay completes her drive across America, 7th August 1909
- The 'Miracle Mile' race between Landy and Bannister, 7th August 1954
- Bruce Dickinson, born 7th August 1958
- Desert Shield ordered by George H.W. Bush, 7th August 1990
NB Apologies for the background noise in this episode which was due to a theatre light making a loud noise during the show.
This episode (no. 78) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 6th August 2025 as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Charles Dundas, Sooz Kempner and Warren Martin. The host was Richard Pulsford.
These are some of the On This Day topics we presented before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- Halley's comet passed closest to the sun, 6th August 87BC
- Bogota, Colombia founded, 6th August 1538
- the Vitafone process was first demonstrated (the first 'talkies'), 6th August 1926
- Creme Puff (the longest-lived cat) died, 6th August 2005
NB Apologies for the background noise in this episode which was due to both a loud theatre light and a delivery of beer barrels in the street outside the venue during the performance. I guess that's the Fringe!
This episode (no. 77) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 5th August 2025, as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were C.J. Hooper, Autumn Unwin and Michael Balazo. The host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- The Gowrie conspiracy, Scotland, 5th August 1600
- Joseph Merrick, aka 'The Elephant Man', born 5th August 1862
- the cornerstone of The Statue of Liberty was laid, 5th August 1884
- the semi-finals of cricket at The Olympic Games were scratched, 5th August 1900
- poet Edgar Guest, died 5th August 1959
- actress and model, Marilyn Monroe, found dead 5th August 1962
NB Apologies for the poor audio in this episode but there was a loud hum coming from one of the theatre lights during the performance and in editing most of this out, there has been an associated loss in sound quality and volume.
This episode (no. 76) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 4th August 2025, as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Aleksandr Popov, Nick Everritt and Gabrielle Macpherson, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- Accused Lizzie Borden acquitted, 4th August 1892
- Britain declares war on Germany, 4th August 1914
- The final PMQ's in an initial trial period, 4th August 1961
- Marilyn Monroe quotes - died 4th August 1962
- National Wine Day - the history of wine
NB Apologies for the poor audio in this episode but there was a loud hum coming from one of the theatre lights during the performance and in editing most of this out, there has been an associated loss in sound quality and volume.
This episode (no. 75) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 3rd August 2025, as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Denzil Ede, Leslie Gold and Julia Knight, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- Columbus sets sail for the New World, 3rd August 1492
- The Treaty of Cambrai signed, 3rd August 1529
- Richard Arkwright, entrepreneur, died 3rd August 1792
- Joseph Paxton, born 3rd August 1803
- Jesse Owens wins the 100m dash at the Munich Olympics, 3rd August 1936
- Lenny Bruce, comedian, died 3rd August 1966
NB Apologies for the poor audio in this episode but there was a loud hum coming from one of the theatre lights during the performance and in editing most of this out, there has been an associated loss in sound quality.
This episode (no. 74) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 2nd August 2025, as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Jane Walker, Scott Redmond and Andy Bullick, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- The Battle of Cannae, 2nd August 216BC
- The Declaration of US independence was signed, 2nd August 1776
- Iceland's National Anthem first played publicly, 2nd August 1874
- Edwin Dunning successfully lands a plane on a ship, 2nd August 1917
- Alexander Graham Bell, died 2nd August 1922
- Sailors from the USS Indianapolis rescued, 2nd August 1945
NB Apologies for the very poor audio in this episode. Not only did we battle with having no audience, frequent interruptions as people walked in, and the theatre lights going off during the recording, there was a loud hum from a light which had to be edited out but which has resulted in a significant loss of sound quality. If you make it through the whole of this episode - congratulations!
This episode (no. 73) was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in Edinburgh on 1st August 2025, as part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The panellists were Bryan Ghosh, Julia Knight and Will T Davies, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of the history of Edinburgh:
- Lammas Day, 1st August
- Emporer Claudius, born 1st August 11BC
- Alchemist Edward Kelley, born 1st August 1555
- Novelist Herman Melville, born 1st August 1819
- The Abolition of Slavery Act, 1st August 1834 (and other snippets)
- Vigdis Finnbogadóttir became the first democratically elected president of a country, 1st August 1980
This episode (no. 72) was recorded at The Gold Hill Museum in Shaftesbury on 18th July 2025, as part of The Shaftesbury Fringe Festival.
The panellists were Richie Rands, Elaine Barratt and Tim Biglowe, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of the history of Shaftesbury:
- The Fire of Rome, 18th July 64
- John Hatch made his last will and testament, with Aaron Upjohn as executor, 18th July 1782
- Cricketer W. G. Grace, born 18th July 1848
- Nelson Mandela, born 18th July 1918
- Nadia Comaneci scores a perfect 10 at the Olympics, 18th July 1976
This episode (no. 71) was recorded at The Shakespeare Gallery in Scarborough on 13th June 2025, as part of The Scarborough Fringe Festival.
The panellists were Denzil Ede, John Oxley and Bryan Ghosh, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of Scarborough's history:
- Pope Gregory's decretal against cats, 13th June 1233
- The Peasant's Revolt reaches London, 13th June 1381
- The siege of Scarborough Castle, 13th June 1645
- Ludwig II of Bavaria, died 13th June 1886
- Emile Levassor 'won' the first-ever motor race, 13th June 1895
- Philosopher Martin Buber, died 13th June 1965
This episode (no. 70) was recorded at Wygston's House in Leicester on 9th February 2025, as part of The Leicester Comedy Festival.
The panellists were Ben Ennis, Jo Mungovin and Kevin Hudson, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics before going into some of Leicester's history (horse racing seemed to be a recurring theme):
- the first recorded horse race, Chester, 9th February 1539
- William Henry Harrison (US president), born 9th February 1773
- Write Vasily Andreyevich Zhukovsky, born 9th February 1783
- X-rays 'developed' to see broken bones, 9th February 1896
- Charles Darrow sold the rights to Monopoly to Parker Bros, 9th February 1935
- Shergar kidnapped, 9th February 1983
This episode (no. 69) was recorded at The Guildhall in Faversham on 20th October 2024, as part of The Faversham Fringe.
The panellists were Kate Smurthwaite, Jude Sach and Micky Gibbons, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics:
- Thomas Bartholin, Danish physician, discoverer of the human lymphatic system, born 20th October 1616
- The Treaty of 1818, which settled the US-Canada border, 20th October 1818
- The Battle of Navorino (Greek War of Independence), 20th October 1827
- Oxford colleges grant women's colleges equal status, 20th October 1959
- Some thoughts from Snoop Dogg, born 20th October 1971
- Some thoughts from Liz Truss, who stepped down as UK PM, 20th October 2022
Certainly, the topic on the Treaty of 1818 suddenly seems much more relevant, as we discussed the then settling of the US-Canada border, when the US last gave up some of its territory, and when Canada last stopped being mindful of a possible US invasion.
This episode (no. 68) was recorded at The Keiller Centre in the Dundee Fringe on 15th September 2024.
The panellists were Luis Alcada, Julia Knight and Andy Bullick, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics, some of which seem rather prescient in the light of recent world events:
- Urban VII became Pope, on 15th September 1590
- Writer Agatha Christie, born 15th September 1890
- Tanks first introduced into battle, 15th September 1916
- Graham Taylor, England football manager, born, 15th September 1944
- Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev visits the US, 15th September 1959
- Writer Ngozi Adichie, born 15th September 1977
Apologies for the reduced sound quality and the background noise from Festival activity going on around the venue.
This episode (no. 67) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 10th August 2024.
The panellists were Chrissy Derbyshire, Bryan Ghosh and Julia Knight, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented the following On This Day topics:
- Saint Lawrence died, on 10th August 258
- the opening of The Louvre, on 10th August 1793
- Abai Qunanbaiuly was born, on 10th August 1845
- Herbert Hoover was born, on 10th August 1874
- Sunset Boulevard premiered, on 10th August 1950
- an 'almost edible' fruitcake from Capt Scott's Terra Nova expedition was found, on 10th August 2017
This episode (no. 66) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 9th August 2024.
The panellists were Eppie Brilliant, Luis Alcada and Andy Bullick, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented On This Day topics from across a wide historical timespan:
- the Battle of Adrianople, on 9th August 378
- the Leaning Tower of Pisa was founded, on 9th August 1173
- the patent for the world's first washing machine was issued, on 9th August 1910
- singer Cliff Richard signed with EMI records, on 9th August 1958
- novelist Herman Hesse died, on 9th August 1962
- Britain's first nudist beach opened, on 9th August 1979
This episode (no. 65) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 8th August 2024.
The panellists were C.J. Hooper (from the U.K.), Kaytlin Bailey (from the U.S.) and Aleksandr Popov (from Estonia), and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We presented On This Day topics from across a very wide timespan:
- Destruction of the Antonia Tower on 8th August 70
- Sweden defeated by Estonian tribes on 8th August 1220
- Europe's first hot air balloon flight on 8th August 1709
- The Beatles pose for the Abbey Road album cover on 8th August 1969
- U.S. President Richard Nixon steps down on 8th August 1974
Kaytlin also shared a piece on Edinburgh's "madam" Dora Noyce.
This latest episode (Episode 64) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 7th August 2024.
The panellists were Vladimir McTavish, Paul Connolly and Alex Leam, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We mainly covered On This Day topics from the twentieth century but also went as far back as the early 17th Century for one topic:
- The first performance of Macbeth, 7th August 1606
- Napoleon writes about reintroducing slavery in Cayenne, 7th August 1802
- Fanny Blankers became the first woman to win 4 gold medals, at The Olympic Games, August 1948
- The 'Miracle Mile', 7th August 1954
- Oliver Hardy, died 7th August 1957
- Bruce Dickinson, born 7th August 1958
Thanks go to Paul, who kindly stepped in as a last minute replacement for Jane Walker who was unfortunately ill on the day.
We're back with our fortnightly episodes after a well-earned Christmas break! This latest episode (Episode 63) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 6th August 2024.
The panellists were Luis Alcada, Caitriona Dowden and Paul Connolly, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We covered a few On This Day topics from the twentieth century but also went as far back as the 15th Century, including when:
- Pope Calixtus III died, on 6th August 1458
- Ben Jonson died, on 6th August 1637
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson was born, on 6th August 1809
- Barbara Windsor was born, on 6th August 1937
- Gherman Titov became the second man in space, on 6th August 1961
- Tim Berners-Lee released documents describing the World Wide Web, on 6th August 1991
This latest episode (Episode 62) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 5th August 2024.
The panellists were Micky Alexander, Dylan Dodds and Karismaa, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included when:
- Henry I was crowned King of England, on 5th August 1100
- The Speedwell left Southampton, on 5th August 1620
- Artist Louis Wain was born, on 5th August 1860
- The UK's first cinema opened, on 5th August 1901
- 'People's Poet' Edgar Guest died, on 5th August 1959
This latest episode (Episode 61) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 4th August 2024.
The panellists were Charles Dundas, Louise Leigh and David Cruickshanks, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We covered a variety of On This Day topics, including when:
- Douglas attacked the King's tent, on 4th August 1327
- Champagne was invented, on 4th August 1693
- Gibraltar surrendered to the British, on 4th August 1704
- Louis Armstrong was born, on 4th August 1901
- Marilyn Munroe died, on 4th August 1962
This latest episode (Episode 60) was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 3rd August 2024.
The panellists were Jane Walker, Aaron Twitchen and Nikita Kha, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
We covered a varied list of On This Day topics:
- Joseph Paxton was born on 3rd August 1803
- Jesse Owens won the 100m Dash at the Olympic Games on 3rd August 1936
- Lithuania was 'accepted' into the USSR on 3rd August 1940
- The Beatles played at The Cavern Club for the final time on 3rd August 1963
- Comedian Lenny Bruce died on 3rd August 1966
- Ivan Massow defected from the Conservative Party to Labour on 3rd August 2000
Episode 59 was recorded at The Hill Street Theatre in the Edinburgh Fringe on 2nd August 2024.
The panellists were Kate Smurthwaite, Paul Connolly and Daniel Crewe. The host was Richard Pulsford.
As usual we had a varied list of On This Day topics:
Iceland's national anthem was played publicly for the first time in 1874.
The UK Parliament officially adopted Greenwich Mean Time in 1880.
Edwin Harris Dunning became the first pilot to land a plane on a ship in 1917.
American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin was born in 1924, and Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti died in 1997.
With the second half of the show dedicated to some of Edinburgh's history, topics included The Royal Mile, Sanctuary and The Nastiness Act of 1749.
Episode 58 was recorded at The Green Man Art Gallery in the Buxton Fringe on 20th July 2024.
The panellists were Kevin Hudson and Scott Allsop. The host was Richard Pulsford.
As usual we had a varied list of On This Day topics.
It was 55 years since Apollo 11 landed on the moon (20/07/1969).
It was the birth date of Cornelia Zangheri Bandi, born (20/07/1664), who died of apparent spontaneous human combustion, and Dickens used this as a case study for one of his famous novels.
It was also the anniversary of the day when milk was gathered to make The Cheshire Mammoth Cheese (20/07/1801) in the US. This resulted in a novel use for the word 'mammoth'.
20th July was also International Chess Day. The International Chess Federation was founded 100 years previously (20/07/1924), the last day of the first unofficial Chess Olympiad.
The first Ford Motor Company car was shipped on this date (20/07/1903) so we had to have some quotes from Mr Ford.
Some of the Buxton topics included Poole's Cavern, Dove Holes and a Buxton Brewery beer quiz.
Episode 57 was recorded at The Rotunda Theatre in the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival on 30th June 2024.
The panellists were Richie Rands, Chris Neville-Smith and Ross Ericson. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- The Tunguska event (30/06/1908)
- Mary Surratt sentenced to death (30/06/1865)
- The first emergency telephone number (30/06/1937)
- Blondin crosses Niagara on a tightrope (30/06/1859)
- I'm walking backwards for Christmas enters the charts (30/06/1956)
- Nancy Mitford, died (30/06/1973)
Episode 56 was recorded at The Guildhall in the Chichester Fringe on 6th June 2024.
The panellists were Richie Rands, Gerard Harris and Julia Knight. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- Alix of Hesse, born (06/06/1872)
- The Normandy Landings (06/06/1944)
- Dutch swimmer Ada Kok, born (06/06/1947)
- The YMCA founded (06/06/1844)
- 'Sex and The City' first aired (06/06/1998)
- Anne Bancroft, died (06/06/2005)
Please be aware that, unfortunately, the sound quality on this recording isn't as good as it could have been.
Episode 55 was recorded at The Toy and Model Museum in the Brighton Fringe on 2nd June 2024.
The panellists were Chrissy Derbyshire, Julia Knight, and Micky Gibbons. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- The Marquis de Sade, born (02/06/1740)
- The Vandals sack Rome (02/06/455)
- Queen Elizabeth II's coronation (02/06/1953)
- Surveyor 1 lands successfully on the moon (02/06/1966)
- The Battle of Santiago (02/06/1962)
- Peter Sallis, died (02/06/2017)
Episode 54 was recorded at The Borough in the Lancaster Comedy Festival on 28th April 2024.
The panellists were Sallyann Fellowes and Angela Bra. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- Pirate Mary Read, died (28/04/1721)
- US President James Monroe born (28/04/1758)
- Marie Harel, born (28/04/1761)
- The world's first motor car race (28/04/1867)
- Terry Pratchett born (28/04/1948)
Episode 53 was recorded at Whistler on the Green in the Glasgow Comedy Festival on 24th March 2024.
The panellists were Julia Knight, Bryan Ghosh and Richie Rands. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- Joseph Barbera born (24/03/1911)
- Richard I wounded by a crossbow bolt (24/03/1199)
- Joseph Smith tarred and feathered (24/03/1832)
- James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England and Ireland (24/03/1603)
- Harry Houdini born (24/03/1874)
- William Morris born (24/03/1834)
Apologies for the sound quality on this episode, battling as we were with the noise bleed from inside the venue.
Episode 52 was recorded at the historical Wygston's House in the Leicester Comedy Festival on 11th February 2024.
The panellists were Kevin Hudson, Jo Mungovin and Ben Ennis. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- Margaret Thatcher elected as Conservative Party leader (11/02/1975)
- John Buchan (died, 11/02/1940)
- Tom and Jerry's first cartoon film (11/02/1940)
- Matilda, the world's oldest chicken (died, 11/02/2006)
- The term Robot was first used in a TV programme (11/02/1938)
This episode was recorded at The Playwright in the Nottingham Comedy Festival on 4th November 2023.
The panellists were Sanjay Brown, Denzil Ede and Autumn Unwin. The host was Richard Pulsford.
The On This Day topics covered were:
- Actor Edmund Kean (born, 04/11/1787)
- The Gatling gun is patented (04/11/1862)
- Tutenkhamun's burial chamber found (04/11/1923)
- Nellie Taylor Ross becomes first woman US state governor (04/11/1924)
- Welsh musician James James (born, 04/11/1832)
- Felix Mendelssohn (died, 04/11/1847)
This episode was recorded at The Keillor Centre in the Dundee Fringe on 17th September 2023.
The panellists were Luis Alcada, Julia Knight and Andy Bullick. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
- Norton I declares himself US Emporer (17/09/1859)
- David Dunbar Buick (born, 17/09/1854)
- Hildegard of Bingen (died, 17/09/1179)
- 1st airplane crash fatality (17/09/1908)
- Antoine de Leeuwenhoek first describes bacteria (17/09/1683)
- Tobias Smollett (died, 17/09/1771)
NB This episode was recorded at a festival where there was quite a bit of background noise!
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 12th August 2023.
The panellists were Kate Smurthwaite, Vladimir McTavish and Bryan Ghosh. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
- New Amsterdam's 1st police force formed (born, 12/08/1658)
- Robert Southey (born, 12/08/1774)
- Erwin Schroedinger (born, 12/08/1887)
- Ian Fleming (died, 12/08/1964)
- Clarence Birdseye patents fish fingers (12/08/1930)
- William Blake (died, 12/08/1827)
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 11th August 2023.
The panellists were Jane Walker, Dylan Dodds and Julia Knight. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
- Enid Blyton (born 11/08/1897)
- 1st federal prisoners arrive at Alcatraz (11/08/1934)
- the founding of Al Qaeda (11/08/1988)
- Ted Heath's Admiral Cup victory (11/08/1971)
- the UK solar eclipse (11/08/1999)
- Robin Williams (died 11/08/2014)
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 10th August 2023. Unfortunately the last few minutes did not record. Contains some strong language.
The panellists were Stella Graham, Dave Chawner and Paul Connolly. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
- The Jim Morrison 'lasciviousness' trial (10/08/1969)
- The opening of The Louvre (10/08/1793)
- Word reaches London on the Paris insurrection (10/08/1792)
- Herbert Hoover born (10/08/1874)
- Wrestler Fred Ottman born (10/08/1956)
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 9th August 2023.
The panellists were Angus Coutts, Micky Gibbons and Bryan Ghosh. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa founded (09/08/1173)
- The first electric washing machine patent (09/08/1910)
- The Coronation of Edward VII (09/08/1910)
- Cliff Richard signs with EMI Records (09/08/1958)
- The bombing of Nagasaki, and Nintendo (09/08/1945)
- Writer David Nobbs, died (09/08/2015)
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 8th August 2023.
The panellists were Paul Connolly, Luis Alcada and CJ Hooper. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
The Kingsmen release Louie Louie (08/08/1963)
The first European air balloon flight (08/08/1709)
The Church inspects Galileo's telescope (08/08/1609)
Beatles trivia (08/08/1966 and 08/08/1969)
Earthquake in Crete (08/08/1303)
Richard Nixon steps down as US President (08/08/1974)
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 7th August 2023.
The panellists were Angus Coutts, Charles Dundas and Aleksandr Popov. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
The first performance of Macbeth (07/08/1606)
The Turkish Straits Crisis (07/08/1946)
Lynne Cox swims The Bering Strait (07/08/1987)
Petit's high-wire act between NY's Twin Towers (07/08/1974)
Oliver Hardy (died, 07/08/1957)
(Charles didn't get the memo about not shaving for this one!)
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 6th August 2023.
The panellists were Dr Anthony Drew, David Cruickshanks and Marijke Cortenbach. The host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:
- Chay Blyth completes a round the world voyage (06/08/1971)
- Gherman Titov's flight as the second cosmonaut (06/08/1961)
- The proposed phone booth ban (06/08/1925)
- The remains of A.A. Andree's expedition were found (06/08/1930)
- Lucille Ball (born 06/08/1911)
- Ben Jonson (died 06/08/1637)
Some of the history of Edinburgh was also covered!
This episode was recorded at The Hill St Theatre in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 5th August 2023.
The panellists were Paul Connolly, Eppie Brilliant and Tasha Mott, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:-
- The American version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? debuts on ABC (5th August 1998)
- Mayflower and Speedwell depart (5th August 1620)
- The Beatles release Revolver (5th August 1966)
- The first cinema in the UK opens (5th August 1901)
- The first lab-grown burger is produced (5th August 2015)
- Edgar Guest died (5th August 1959)
This episode was recorded at the Green Man Gallery in the Buxton Fringe on 15th July 2023.
The panellists were Scott Allsop and Donna Scott, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:-
- St Swithun's Feast Day (15th July)
- General Tom Thumb died (15/07/1883)
- Mary Queen of Scots imprisoned at Bolton Castle (15/07/1568)
- The first Twitter prototype was made publicly available (15/07/2006)
- Anton Chekhov died (15/07/1904)
Buxton topics included:-
- the actor and comedian John Kane
- Harpur Hill
- tennis in the town
This episode was recorded at the Assembly Rooms in the Ludlow Fringe on 24th June 2023.
The panellists were Richie Rands, Simon Bolton and Chrissy Derbyshire, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:-
- The coronation of Henry VIII (24/06/1509)
- The first performance of the song which would become Canada’s ‘national anthem’ (24/06/1880)
- A Ludlow Tanner’s Apprentice John Eaton receives his master’s will (24/06/1697)
- Mary Pickford becomes the first actress to sign a $1m contract (24/06/1916)
- The Dancing Plague started (24/06/1374)
- The Festival of Fors Fortuna (24th June)
This episode was recorded at the Bedford Inn, Balham in the Wandsworth Arts Fringe on 22nd June 2023.
The panellists were Alex Kitson, Richie Rands and Arthur Smith, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
On This Day topics covered included:-
- The Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway opened (22/06/1907)
- The Holy Office in Rome forced Galileo Galilei to recant (22/06/1633)
- Beatles make first record as backing for Tony Sheridan (22/06/1961)
- The Hand of God goal (22/06/1986)
- Pétain became Prime Minister of Vichy France (22/06/1940)
- George Carlin died (22/06/2008)
- Balham: Gateway to the South
- Miss Marple and Du Cane Court
- John Sullivan, born in Balham
- Captain Sensible, born in Balham
- Pedestrian crossings
Warning: contains some language which sensitive people might find offensive
This episode was recorded at the Toy and Model Museum in the Brighton Fringe on 27th May 2023.
The panellists were Richie Rands, Arna Spek and Mike Coxon, and the host was Richard Pulsford.
Topics covered included:-
- Dashiel Hammett's birthday (27/05/1894)
- John crowned king of England (27/05/1199)
- Habeas Corpus Act receives royal assent (27/05/1679)
- Oliver Cromwell offered the crown (27/05/1657)
- Paul Gascoigne's birthday (27/05/1967)
- Brighton and Hove Albion, ABBA's entry in Eurovision, Brighton sewers, St. Bartholomew's church, and local witch Doreen Valiente.
This show was reviewed by The Reviews Hub:
★★★+1/2★ ‘A quirky history podcast with a friendly splash of humour’
Link: https://www.thereviewshub.com/brighton-fringe-it-just-so-happened-an-alternative-history-show-brighton-toy-and-model-museum/
Recorded at The Griffin bar in Glasgow on Sunday 19th March 2023, as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
The Panel included Iain Pringle, Amanda Hursy and Bryan Ghosh, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:
- over 200 members of the Peking imperial family and court commit suicide in loyalty to the Emperor (19th March 1644)
- the US Standard Time Act (19th March 1918)
- David Livingstone (born 19th March 1813)
- Albert Speer's birthday / The Nero decree (19th March 1905 / 1945)
Some of the history of Glasgow covered:
- The City Chambers
- Glasgow statues
- Isabella Ure Elder
- The Stone of Destiny
- Saint Valentine (bits of him)
- The first official international football match
- Sir Roger and his 'musth' problem
- Chicken tikka masala
Recorded at Wygston's House in Leicester on Sunday 12th February 2023, as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.
The Panel included Jo Mungovin, Ben Ennis and Kevin Hudson, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:
Lost Penny Day (12th February)
Benjamin Franklin receives a doctorate (12th February 1759)
X-Rays (Wilhelm Roentgen died, February 1923)
Ecuador annexes the Galapagos Islands (12th February 1832)
Edvard Munch's The Scream stolen (12th February 1994)
Lady Jane Grey (executed 12th February 1554)
Abraham Lincoln (born, 12th February 1809)
Recorded at The Guildhall in Faversham on Friday 28th October 2022, as part of the Faversham Fringe.
The Panel included Jude Sach, Richie Rands and Christy Haragan, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:Festival of St Jude (28th October)Gulliver's Travels published (28th October 1726)The Cuban Missile Crisis (28th October 1962)The Statue of Liberty dedicated (28th October 1886)Vote to change succession rules for the British monarchy (28th October 2011)
Christy Haragan and Richie Rands.
(l-r) Richie Rands, Richard Pulsford and Jude Sach.
Thanks to Richie Rands for the back-up audio recording and to Chloe Foster at Faversham Fringe for the photographs.
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Saturday 13th August.
The Panel included Michael Akadiri, Dave Chawner and Daniel Downie, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:Stolen 1911 Picasso painting La Coiffeuse returned to France (2015)Patent for first coin-operated phone (13th August 1889)Alfred Hitchcock (born 13th August 1899)Florence Nightingale (died 13th August 1910)Battle of Dupplin Moor (2nd Scottish War of Independence) (1332)
Apologies for the middle section being of poorer sound quality.Warning - this episode contains mild swearing.
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Friday 12th August.
The Panel included Bryan Ghosh and Angus Coutts, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:
Clarence Birdseye patents fish fingers (12/08/1930)The first IBM PC released (12/08/1981)Robert Southey (born 12/08/1774)John Cage's 4'33"James Bond author, Ian Fleming (died 12/08/1964)William Blake (died 12/08/1827)
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Thursday 11th August.
The Panel included Charmian Hughes and Alex Hiscock, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:Amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann destroys remains of Troy (1873)First federal prisoners arrive at Alcatraz (1934)The Beatles' Help! US release (1965) and Lennon's apology (1966)Ted Heath and Admiral's Cup victory (1971)
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Wednesday 10th August.
The Panel included Angus Coutts, Natalie Durkin and Nick Elleray, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:Missouri made a state (1821)Opening of The Louvre (1793)Ruth Bader Ginsberg sworn in (1993)US President Herbert Hoover born (1874)The first electric guitar patented (1937)
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Tuesday 9th August.
The Panel included Chris (Alf) Leworthy and Alex Hiscock, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included:Whitney Houston's birthday (born 09/08/1963)The Leaning Tower of Pisa (founded 09/08/1173)The Roman God Sol Indigines (annual sacrifice on 9th August)The Thor Washing Machine (patented 09/08/1910)Writer David Nobbs (died 09/08/2015)
[Apologies for the poor sound quality after about half an hour]
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Monday 8th August.
The Panel included Alex Leam, Luis Alcada and Angus Coutts, with Richard Pulsford as host.
On This Day topics covered included: The temperature in New York (1988) The first hot air balloon (1709) The 'Great' Train Robbery (1963) Beatles trivia (1966 and 1969)
WARNING - This episode contains a single swear word some people may find offensive!
Recorded at theSpace at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Sunday 7th August. The panel included Roisin Kenny, Charalampos Koundourakis and Daniel Downie, with Richard Pulsford as host.
Topics covered included: Mary Queen of Scots escorted to France (1548) Macbeth and some unfortunate happenings (1606) Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between New York's Twin Towers (1974) Lynne Cox's swim from the US to the USSR (1987)
Recorded at theSpace venue at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 6th August 2022.
Hosted by Richard Pulsford. With guest panellists: Charalampos Koundourakis, David Cruickshanks and Maureen Langan.
Topics covered included: S.A. Andree's ill-fated balloon expedition Gertrude Ederle - first female cross-Channel swimmer Gherman Titov - the second cosmonaut in space Satchel Paige - the oldest pitcher to complete a league baseball game Curiosity lands on the planet Mars
WARNING - CONTAINS SOME STRONG LANGUAGE!
Recorded at theSpace venue at Surgeons' Hall during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 5th August 2022.
Hosted by Richard Pulsford. With guest panellists: Bylgja Babylons, Louise Leigh and Roisin Kenny.
Recorded at the Toy and Model Museum in Brighton on 5th June 2022.
Hosted by Richard Pulsford. With guest panellists Dave Chawner, Jade Gebbie and Richie Rands.
Apologies for the poorer quality of recording - this was due to a technical hitch!
Podcast episode 24 features historical events from 6th February and from the history of Leicester.
Recorded at Wygston's House during the Leicester Comedy Festival.
With guest panellists Ben Ennis, Jo Mungovin and Kevin Hudson.
Topics covered include: - the 70th anniversary of the Queen's accession - playing golf on the moon - lame ducks - the Laughing Policeman - the last UK gibbetting
Recorded at The Quarry Main Theatre during the Bedford Fringe, podcast episode 023 features historical events from 21st July and from the history of Bedford.
Listen in as host Richard Pulsford and panel Adam Vincent, Tiffany Trethowan, Simon Munnery and Paul Revill talk about the following (and more): - mad cow disease - Haile Selassie - Bedford-born Ronnie Barker - The Telstar satellite and hit - the first ice cream cones
Podcast episode 022 features historical events from 17th July and from the history of Buxton.
Recorded live at The Green Man Gallery as part of the Buxton Comedy Festival.
With guest panellists Kevin Hudson, Ishi Khan and Gerard Harris.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 17th July in history before talking about Buxton.
Topics covered include: - The renaming of the British Royal Family to Windsor - Handel's Water Music - The US - USSR Soyuz docking - International emoji Day
REVIEW - BUXTON 2021
"Pulsford is a charming host and we finished with some little known facts about Buxton and it’s German twin Bad Nauheim, and a lovely tribute to Buxton’s Tim Brooke-Taylor who would have been 81 on the day. Luckily for you it’s all been recorded for Richard’s podcast, so look out for It Just So Happened online!"
- Stephen Walker
Kevin Hudson, Ishi Khan, Richard Pulsford and Gerard Harris.
Podcast episode 018 features historical events from 11th February and from the history of Leicester.
Recorded at Wygston's House in Leicester, as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.
With guest panellists Lisa Vernon, Kevin Hudson, Rahul Somia and Tony Cowards.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 11th February in history before talking about Leicester 'firsts' and 'biggests'.
Recorded at The King Richard III Centre in Leicester, as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival 2020.
With guest panellists Alasdair Beckett-King, Ben Ennis, Chris Phillips and Jo Mungovin.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 7th February in history, before recalling some sayings from Leicester-born 'Python' Graham Chapman and finding out about the life of Leicester-born Joseph Merrick.
- Apologies for the slightly poorer quality audio on this one - this was due to 'technical issues' on the night! *
Recorded at The Castle pub in Nottingham, as part of the Nottingham Comedy Festival.
With guest panellists Lisa Vernon, Tommy Tomski, Tony Cowards and Sanjay Brown.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 10th November in history, before discussing topics based on some famous events and people with historical Nottingham connections.
Amongst other things we find out:- - why it was National Accounting Day - that Kalashnikov umbrellas are a thing - nutmeg and lime is not a tasty combination - how joking about bananas could get you into trouble - ways to get from Dover to Nottingham - how the Goose Fair got its name - why the leading lady in Brief Encounter popped into Boots
Recorded at The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline, as part of the Outwith Festival.
With guest panellists Vladimir McTavish, Jamie Dalgleish, Dan Downie and Bruce Fummey.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 4th September in history, before discussing topics based on some famous people with historical Dunfermline connections.
Amongst other things we find out:- - how someone was thought to be disguising themselves as a badger - how New Caledonia got its name - what made Mary Queen of Scots so, well, Scottish - what happened when the Forth Road Bridge was opened - just how accurate Shakespeare's Macbeth was - where you could go with some body parts when there was no Crusade to take them on - how a military band played at the dissection of a whale
Recorded at The Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
With guest panellists Gerard Harris, Radu Isac and Lee Moore.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 20th August in history, before discussing topics based on some famous people with historical Edinburgh connections.
Amongst other things we find out:- - why Mexico was not a safe haven for an opponent of Stalin - what message of greeting will last for 1 billion years - a very spooky-sounding conspiracy theory based on baseball statistics - whom from Edinburgh was voted the sexiest man alive - something which allegedly happened to Petula Clark - whose wicket Sir Arthur Conan Doyle took in a game of cricket
And also why the panel embarked on a rendition of Wee Willie Winkie.
Recorded at The Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
With guest panellists Charmian Hughes, Andrew White, Fedor Ikelaar and David Cruickshanks.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 13th August in history, before discussing topics based on some notorious crimes and criminals in the history of Edinburgh.
Recorded at the Beehive Inn as part of the Scottish Comedy Festival in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
With guest panellists Matt Duwell, Nav Chima, Dylan Dodds and Louise Leigh.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 6th August in history, before discussing topics based on the history of Edinburgh's Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Recorded in the John Cooper Studio Theatre at 41 Monkgate in York, as part of The Great Yorkshire Fringe.
With guest panellists Alex Leam, Lisa Vernon, Tommy Tomski and John Rands, the recording was hosted by Richard Pulsford.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 28th July in history, before discussing topics from the history of York.
Recorded in the Three Guineas at Reading Station, as part of The Reading Fringe Festival.
With guest panellists Sham Allen, Terry Dixon, Chris Riley and Iszi Lawrence, the recording was hosted by Richard Pulsford.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 25th July in history, before discussing topics from the history of Reading.
NB Due to a technical hiccup the recording ends a couple of minutes before the actual show did.
Recorded in the Star Inn in Quarry Street in Guildford, as part of The Guildford Fringe Festival. With guest panellists Sam Stay, Fiona Spreadborough, Danny Buckler and Matthew Baylis, the recording was hosted by Richard Pulsford.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 24th July in history, before discussing topics from the history of Guildford.
Recorded in the Studio at the Quarry Theatre at St Luke's, as part of The Bedford Fringe. With guest panellists Paul Kerr, Ben Aveling, John Rands and Simon Munnery, the recording was hosted by Richard Pulsford.
The panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 22nd July in history, before discussing topics from the history of Bedford.
Recorded at the Buxton Fringe with Ben Ennis, Gerard Harris, James Frinton and Alasdair Beckett-King. Hosted by Richard Pulsford at the Rotunda Theatre in the Pavilion Gardens.
Panellists performed self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 21st July in history, before discussing topics from the history of Buxton, including well-dressing, hemlock-laced meals, Shakespeare's cars and mushroom farms.
Recorded at the Morecambe Fringe Festival with Kriss Foster, Amy B, Andy Robertson and Bruce 'Sid' Sidlo. Hosted by Richard Pulsford at the Alt-Space venue.
Panellists perform self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 19th July in history, before discussing topics from the history of Morecambe, including Morecambe's most famous son - Eric Bartholomew.
Simon Bolton, Lisa Vernon, Darren Archer and Gerard Harris discuss things which happened on 23rd June with host Richard Pulsford.
NB The recording ends after 50 minutes - due to some technical issues on the day the panel's exploration of Ludlow's history has unfortunately not made it through to the podcast.
It Just So Happened - Show 4 - 5th May 2019.
NB CONTAINS ADULT THEMES!
Recorded at the Brighton Fringe, with guests David Robinson, Cerys Bradley and Annie Harris. Hosted by Richard Pulsford and recorded at Sweet Werks, Brighton.
Panellists perform self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 5th May in history, before discussing topics from the history of Brighton and Hove, including the first ever blue movie to survive (filmed in Hove) and the UK's first naturist beach (in Brighton).
It Just So Happened - Show 1 - 10th February 2019.
Recorded at the Leicester Comedy Festival, with guests Kevin Hudson, Adham Fisher, Jack Topher and Ben Ennis. Hosted by Richard Pulsford and recorded at Wygston's House, Leicester.
Panellists perform self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 10th February in history, before discussing topics from the history of Leicester, including the recently rediscovered remains of King Richard III.
It Just So Happened - Show 3 - 4th May 2019.
Recorded at the Brighton Fringe, with guests John Rands, Vladimir McTavish, Sha Wylie and James Bennison. Hosted by Richard Pulsford and recorded at Sweet Werks, Brighton.
Panellists perform self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 4th May in history, before discussing topics from the history of Brighton and Hove, including the efficient stacking of giraffes on Noah's Ark.
It Just So Happened - Show 2 - 26th March 2019.
Recorded at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, with guests David Cruickshanks, Annie Gilfillan, Matt Duwell and Vladimir McTavish. Hosted by Richard Pulsford and recorded at The Iron Horse pub, Glasgow.
Panellists perform self-penned stand-up comedy material based on 26th March in history, before discussing topics from the history of Glasgow, including the 'Clockwork Orange' subway.