Famous People You've Never Heard Of

What decision did you make today that had implications on the rest of your life?

For Tottenham Hotspur and Scotland star player John White a simple choice to play golf made a devastating difference to the lives of his family when a freak accident saw him killed by lightning.

John White was by all accounts a footballing genius. His nickname, "the ghost of white hart lane" gained due to both his speed on the pitch and his slight appearance lends itself to the book and play of the same name about him.

Today we talk to John's son, Rob, who co-authored his father's biography, Martin Murphy, writer and director of the play and Callum Lewis-Newman who has been playing john, Rob and a host of other characters in the one man play that debuted at White Hart Lane, took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and is about to return.

Further reading:

Jennie Lee: a Life - by Patricia Hollis

The Open University: A History - by Daniel Weinbren

My Life with Nye - by Jennie Lee

NYE: The Political Life of Aneurin Bevan - by Nick Thomas-Symonds

Before the Arts Council: campaigns for state funding of the arts in Britain 1934-1944 - by Howard Webber

Social media and website links:

https://profiles.open.ac.uk/daniel-weinbren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-weinbren-2b257521a

https://mikron.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/mikrontheatre/

https://www.facebook.com/mikrontheatre

https://www.youtube.com/MikronTheatre

Guest: Marianne McNamara & Dan Weinbren

Host: Lottie Walker

Editing & Production: Jacob Taylor

Support the show

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above.

Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here:
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And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
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Support the show

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above.

Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here:
https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:

https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre
https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social
https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

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Call Backs takes us back to that weird post lockdown era when we were still sort of locked down. All sorts of relationships were affected in all sorts of ways…

This is a fun look back on those very strange times!

Written by J.J. Leppink

Performed by Greg Arundell & J.J leppink

Studio recording & editing: Harry Jacobs

Support the show

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above.

Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here:
https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:

https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
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Released to coincide with the Hackney History Festival The Hackneyed Detective is an audio drama about Daniel Ludlow, a modern day private eye based in East London.⁠
⁠
Daniel is down on his luck and takes solace from the imaginary world of the 1940's New York gumshoe Danny Ludlow.⁠

The Hackneyed Detective is an original play from the pen of: J.J. Leppink

Cast:
Daniel/Danny Ludlow: Steve Taylor
Francesca "Frankie" De Mateo: J.J. Leppink
Julie Ludlow: Lottie Walker
Secretary: Greg Arundell

Studio recording and production: Harry Jacobs

Support the show

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above.

Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here:
https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:

https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
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Nellie Bly was an American journalist who is famous for her record breaking 72 day round the world trip.⁠
⁠
Before that though she went undercover into an "insane asylum" to report on the appalling conditions to which the patients were subjected.⁠
⁠
This short play by JJ Leppink guesses what might have happened in the time leading up to Nellie's incarceration.⁠

This is the first in a season of 4 short audio dramas written by J.J. Leppink. It features:

J.J. Leppink and Greg Arundell

Studio recording and editing: Harry Jacobs

⁠
⁠

Support the show

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above.

Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here:
https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:

https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
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A while ago we spoke with Dr Mary Shannon about Billy Waters and Mary's upcoming biography of him - "Billy Waters is Dancing".

Well the book is now out (and a jolly fine read it is, too) and Mary has joined forces with historian Dr. Ben Marsh, artist Selena Scott and musician Angeline Morrison on the Age of Revolution's "Songs from the Shadows" project.

The project is a free educational resource intended for students aged 11-16. It consists of a graphic novel and a digital landscape all based on the story of Billy Waters.

To access educational resources:
https://ageofrevolution.org/
Insta: @ageofrev

About Selena Scott:
https://www.selenascott.com/
Insta: @selenarosescott

About Mary Shannon:
https://marylshannon.com/
Insta: @drmarylshanon

Billy Waters is Dancing is available from your independent bookshop:
https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300267686/billy-waters-is-dancing/

About Angeline Morrison:
https://www.angelinemorrisonmusic.com/
Insta: @angelcakepie2

Date for your diary - "Jump Billy", A celebration of English folk's diverse history, through the life of celebrity Black Regency busker Billy Waters at Cecil Sharp House in London
https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/26-gigs/14401-jump-billy

Guests: Dr Mary Shannon, Dr, Ben Marsh, Selena Scott

Host: Lottie Walker

Studio Editor: Lis Barlow

Support the show

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above.

Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here:
https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:

https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre
https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social
https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

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Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us to keep the podcast going in these tough times, please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do. Just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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We're delighted and privileged to be releasing today's podcast on the 200th anniversary of the death of Billy Waters.

Born in 1776 Waters was a familiar sight on the Strand in London. He was a black ex-sailor who had been invalided out of the Navy after losing a leg. With a crude wooden prosthesis he danced and also played the violin outside the Adelphi Theatre. He became so famous that a whole industry grew up around him - his picture was painted by celebrated artists of the time, there were porcelain statues of him on sale and he was even portrayed in a popular play. Sadly this story does not end well.

Why do we refer to him as "Waters" and not "Billy"? precisely because "Billy Waters" became a fictionalised character. In this podcast Dr. Mary Shannon talks about the real man behind the myth and how popular culture has not changed much in 200 years. The "fame game" is still exploiting the vulnerable.

What has changed considerably is the life of the busker and we're also fortunate to have first hand experiences of the modern day busking life told to us by Charlotte Campbell.

We've told some sad tales during the time we've been recording our podcasts, but Waters' is possibly the most tragic. We just hope that we can contribute a little to seeing him get the attention he deserves.

Guest: Dr. Mary Shannon
Guest: Charlotte Campbell
Host: Lottie Walker
Production & Editing: Harry Jacobs

Find out more about Mary:
https://pure.roehampton.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/mary-l-shannon

Look out for Mary's book, "Billy Waters is Dancing", which will be published by Yale University Press.

This research received support of a Linda H. Peterson Fellowship awarded by the Research Society for Victorian Periodicals and funded from the bequest of the Eileen Curran estate; it is currently funded by a Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship Grant.

Leverhulme Trust:
https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/
The Research Society for Victorian Periodicals:
https://rs4vp.org/

Find out more about Charlotte:
https://www.charlottecampbell.co.uk/

More from Mary about Waters on BBC Radio 3:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k1g8

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes.

If you'd like to help us to keep the podcast going in these tough times, please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do. Just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode..

And if you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going,
please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Paula David's one woman show is a journey through menopause and a discovery of self.
It is poetic and musical, has movement and dance and examines something that all women experience and few have the courage to speak about. It is also highly amusing!

Paula spoke to us about the show ahead of her one night at the Exchange in Twickenham on 29th March as part of the One Woman Wednesday season.

Book tickets for the show here:
https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/event/blood-sweat-vaginas/

Guest: Paula David
Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Harry Jacobs

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode..

And if you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going,
please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Actor and stand up comedian Lubna Kerr has been ticking boxes all her life.
In this one woman show she tells the tale of her parents' relocation to Glasgow from Pakistan and how they swapped their upper middle class lives for inner city living.

This is a tale of immigration, personal development, family, friendship - and Tunnock's teacakes!

The show is part of One woman Wednesdays at The Exchange in Twickenham, See it on 15th March.

book tickets for the show here:
https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/event/tickbox-oww/

Find out more about Lubna and the show:
http://www.lubnakerr.co.uk/

Follow Lubna on social media:
https://twitter.com/LubnaKerr
https://www.facebook.com/theasianellen/?locale=en_GB

Guest: Lubna Kerr
Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Harry Jacobs

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode..

And if you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going,
please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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This one-woman show, based on the book and television series She-Wolves: The Women who Ruled England Before Elizabeth by historian Helen Castor, depicts the lives of five of England’s most famous medieval queens (Empress Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabella of France, Margaret of Anjou, and Mary I) using speech, song, dance, and animation.

Performer Laura Careless chats to us about how the show came about, what the show is about and her relationship with the incredible women featured in the show.

She Wolves features on International Women's Day, March 8th at The Exchange Twickenham as part of the One Woman Wednesday festival.

Buy tickets for the show here:
https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/event/she-wolves-oww/

Find out about Laura and the She Wolves Project here:
https://linktr.ee/shewolvespro

Find Helen Castor's books:
https://www.faber.co.uk/author/helen-castor/

Follow Laura on social media:
https://twitter.com/shewolvespro
https://www.instagram.com/shewolvespro

Guest: Laura Careless
Host: Lottie Walker
Edited by: Harry Jacobs

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode..

And if you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going,
please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Yootha Joyce, best known for "George and Mildred" was one of the best known TV stars of the 1970's. But she was so much more...

Award -winning actress Caroline Burns-Cooke tells her story in the brilliant one woman show "Testament of Yootha", showing for one night only at the Exchange in Twickenham on 22nd March as part of the One Woman Wednesday season to celebrate Womens History Month and International Womens Day.

We had a quick chat with her about the show.....

Guest: Caroline Burns Cooke
Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Harry Jacobs

Book tickets for 22nd March here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/stmarysuni/t-ojmjgvm

Follow Caroline on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/proxyrope

Follow Caroline on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CarolineCooke19

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode..

And if you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going,
please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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For ten years Mulan, disguised as a man, has fought for the Chinese Empire, but now the fighting is coming to an end, one last battle and she will be going home - but can she return to her old life and become a woman again? A search for an identity in a violent world. This project is Michelle Yim’s third solo show commission. It has toured Fringe Festivals and many UK venues.

The Ballad of Mulan is the first in our series of "One Woman Wednesdays", a short season we have curated to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Book here: https://exchangetwickenham.co.uk/event/the-ballad-of-mulan-oww/ for the show on 1st March 2023

Guest: Michelle Yim
Presenter: Lottie Walker
Editing: Harry Jacobs

Find out more about Michelle and Red Dragonfly Productions here:
https://www.reddragonflyproductions.co.uk/

Follow Red Dragonfly on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/RDProd_Theatre

Follow Red Dragonfly on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/reddragonflyproductions.uk/

Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode..

And if you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going,
please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Isadora Duncan: dancer, muse, innovator, political activist and so much more was born in the USA in 1877. She died in Nice, France in 1927 in a freak accident that is sadly the thing that she seems to be most remembered for. Well we want to change that!

Elizabeth Blake is an actress, dancer and choreographer. She has written and is currently performing a one woman show about Isadora that has wowed audiences and critics alike and today and we're delighted she agreed to chat to us about the great Isadora Duncan.

Check out Elizabeth - and see where to see the show "Isadora the Barefoot Dancer" here:
https://www.facebook.com/isadoraidancewhatiam

Follow Elizabeth on Twitter
https://twitter.com/ebchoreo

Tickets for the show in Petersfield on 9th November:
https://petersfieldmuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/43026?catID=34086

Other interesting stuff:
https://www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk//
https://www.phoenixarts.co.uk/
https://www.bookdepository.com/author/Isadora-Duncan

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Clara Schumann, a pianist, composer and piano teacher. And wife of Robert Schumann.

Clara Wieck had a fascinating life- a child prodigy, like Mozart before her she was touring as a concert pianist under the watchful eye of her domineering father from a very young age. She went on to marry Robert, have eight children and continue to work in the male dominated world of classical music until she died aged 76 having survived all but two of her children.

Elena Mazzon is an actress and musician whose play, "Clara, Sex, Love & Classical Music" won rave reviews on its world tour and after a two year pandemic-related hiatus will be at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. You can see the show at the award-winning Pianodrome during its residency at the Old Royal High on Calton Hill.

Fringe Ticket Link:
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/clara-sex-love-and-classical-music

Elena Mazzon:
https://www.elenamazzon.com/

Stefania Passamonte:
http://stefaniapassamonte.com/

Further Reading:
"Clara Schumann" by Nancy B. Reich
"Clara" by Janice Galloway

Presenter: Lottie Walker
Guest: Elena Mazzon
Editor: Jacob Taylor
Music: Clara Schumann, Romance Opus 11 no. 1 played by Stefania Passamonte

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Ally Sloper's Half-Holiday was the name of a weekly comic strip which first appeared on 3 May 1884.

Before Superman, Spiderman, Desperate Dan and Dennis the Menace came Ally Sloper. From 1884 until the 1920s, the red-nosed social climber who poked fun at the English people and their customs was a household name and national favourite.

Ally Sloper takes us into the realms of the first comic strip character whole Beano and Dandy. This comic strip started it all. Here is a man who became an institution, a national hero. People actually believed that he existed, they even wrote to him and joined his club. There were medals presented in his name.

He represented the hopes and aspirations of a whole new class of people, brought about by the industrial revolution. The aristocracy was under threat and the perennial class dilemma was at the fore.

Chris Harris and Chris Denys wrote this show based on Sloper, originally performed by Chris Harris. Ally Sloper is not brought to life by Steve Taylor. the play takes us to Ascot, Lords and the Summer Exhibition.

The running gag throughout the play is the arrival (or not!) of Queen Victoria. We thought it appropriate to release this audio drama during the Platinum Jubilee weekend of her great, great granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II.

Ally Sloper - Steve Taylor

Studio Recording & Production - Harry Jacobs
assisted by - Jacob Taylor

Music - James Hall https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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The British Music Hall Society's annual online celebration of "Music Hall and Variety Day" is on 16th May. It's an annual online event now in its third year where all sorts of videos, audio recordings, pictures, posters and anecdotes are shared. It's great fun and a really good excuse to sort out the archives and take a look to see what's hidden at the back of your sock drawer!

Don't forget the hashtags #MHVD and #musichallvarietyday

We've recorded this special episode as part of the proceedings and it features some of the BMHS Committee giving an insight into their thoughts about Music Hall and/or Variety and how they got involved with it all.

The British Music Hall Society: http://britishmusichallsociety.com/

Follow the BMHS on twitter https://twitter.com/musichallsoc and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/British-Music-Hall-Society-Home-of-Music-Hall-Variety-282967823195

Featured voices are:

Adam Borzone
Geoff Bowden
Dean Caston
Peter Charlton
John Orchard
Christine Padwick
David Reed
Ben Stock
Alison Young
Lottie Walker

Editor: Jacob Taylor

Music is played by James Hall https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

Music taken from:

Nelly Power's Songs to the Gallery & Champagne Charlie's Music Hall Hits, both available to stream on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc.... or buy the CD here:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Who was Fred Karno? and what was his army?

We talk to David Crump whose biography of today's subject reveals all - and some!

Karno was a giant personality who had a giant effect on theatre and cinema as we know it. The man who gave Stan Laurel, Charlie Chaplin and the Crazy Gang their first break and almost single handedly invented the type of slapstick we recognise in the silent movies had an eventful life that was touched by many of the major events of the first part of the 20th Century.

David's book is available from all good booksellers and direct from the publisher (best option if ordering from outside the UK)
https://www.brewinbooks.com/fred_karno

This episode:
Guest: David Crump
Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor

Follow David on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/davidbcrump

To find out more about music hall:
http://britishmusichallsociety.com/

If you'd like to help us in our work to keep the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or - if you don't want to commit to a regular donation, you can buy us a coffee at:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio. We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Back in the dark days of Lockdown number 2 at the end of 2020 Lottie and Linda were enjoying the TV series Harlots. Whilst chatting about it Lottie remembered seeing the blue plaque that is dedicated to Priss Fotheringham, the "second best whore in London". And the idea for a podcast episode was born!

For reasons many and varied it's taken us a whole year to bring the episode to you and we do hope you enjoy it. It's not been all beer and skittles (or ping pong balls!) for sex workers through the ages, though. In fact the life for the (mainly women) involved in the trade is often very grim indeed. More than any other episode this one has brought home to us just how little anything changes from one century to the next. We are very grateful to Moira Buffini, writer of Harlots and Lyn Brown MP for their contributions.

Further reading:
Nell Gwyn, by Charles Beauclerk
City of Sin, London and its Vices, by Catharine Arnold
Madams - Bawds and Brothel Keepers of London, by Fergus Linnane
An English Madam: The Life and Work of Cynthia Payne, by Paul Bailey

Interesting Viewing:
Harlots, by Alison Newman & Moira Buffini available on DVD and to stream
Personal Services, by David Leland, available on DVD and to stream

This episode:
Hosts: Lottie Walker & Linda Hansell
Guests: Moira Buffini & Lyn Brown MP
Farewell to Bankside read by Steve Taylor
Editor: Jacob Taylor

If you'd like to help us in our work to keep the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio. We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Amanda Ira Aldridge, one of the most important female composers of the 20th century has been all but forgotten.

Daughter of the groundbreaking actor Ira Aldridge, Amanda, was also a singer and in her latter years a voice teacher. One of her pupils was Paul Robeson who approached her when he cane to the UK to play Othello. He was only the second black actor to play the role. Amanda's father Ira had been the first!
Under the name Montague Ring, Amanda was a composer of many songs and her instrumental music was used in the silent movies.

Image courtesy of Stephen Bourne.

Guest: Stephen Bourne
Stephen Bourne is a writer, film and social historian specialising in black heritage and gay culture. His best-known book is Black Poppies – Britain’s Black Community and the Great War. Stephen's most recent publication is Deep Are the Roots , which celebrates the pioneers of black British theatre, beginning in 1825 when Ira Aldridge made history as the first black actor to play Shakespeare’s Othello in the United Kingdom, and ending in 1975 with the success of Britain’s first black-led theatre company.Stephen has written extensively on Amanda Ira Aldridge.

https://stephenbourne.co.uk/
For a list of Stephen's books:
https://stephenbourne.co.uk/books/
Follow Stephen on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blackpoppies14

Featuring: Patricia Hammond
https://patriciahammond.com/
youtube.com/patriciahammondsongs

Patricia's book on female composers features a chapter dedicated to Amanda Ira Aldridge
https://www.valleypressuk.com/book/126/she_wrote_the_songs
Follow Patricia on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/hammondpatricia

Music:
Patricia Hammond, Voice
Matt Redman, zither banjo
Andrea Kmecova, piano

Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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For this special episode we've moved away from talking about our long forgotten heroes of history to talk to our very much up to date award winning theatre-maker - and hero - Christopher Green.

Christopher is a huge advocate of theatre as an experience and of the "all the world's a stage" ethos. In this conversation we talk about experiential theatre, site-specific productions and why clear instructions for both audience and performers would make the theatre experience more accessible and comfortable for everyone.

We also talk about Christopher's creations Ida Barr and Tina C, and, of course Fred Barnes, the self-destructive music hall star who Christopher has played on several occasions.

Follow Christopher on Twitter: @kit_green

http://christophergreen.net/

https://www.artbanklive.com/

https://www.duckie.co.uk/

Guest: Christopher Green
Host: Lottie Walker

Editor: Jacob Taylor

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :
https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/
or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Fred Barnes was a huge star in his time, but his fame, fortune and undeniable glamour hid a tragic story and self-destructive nature.

Christopher Green and John Orchard talk to Lottie about Fred Barnes' tragic life and death, how he has been almost written out of history and their own projects to bring him back into popular culture.

A blue plaque to Fred Barnes will be unveiled on 18th October 2021 at his home - 22, Clifton Villas, Maida Vale, London W9.

Further Reading and information about Music Hall:
http://www.britishmusichallsociety.com/
Twitter: @musichallsoc

Three Queer Lives: An Alternative Biography of Fred Barnes, Naomi Jacob and Arthur Marshall by Paul Bailey
Published by Hamish Hamilton

And about our guests:

http://christophergreen.net/
Twitter: @kit_green

https://www.duckie.co.uk/

https://www.singalongajohn.com/
Twitter: Sing-Along-A-John

Music: John Orchard & Christopher Green

Audio of "Music Hall Monster" by permission of Christopher Green

Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre

if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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Vesta Tilley was possibly the most famous male impersonator of all time and a huge star of the Victorian Music Hall. The girl from Worcester, who was treading the boards from the age of 3 was also the wife of an MP and "Britain's best recruiting sergeant" during WW1.

In this episode Ann-Lindsey Wickens tells us what it's like to portray this iconic figure, and Vesta's history is told - in brief by Chris Jaeger, author of "Vesta" the one woman play about Lady De Fries as she became.

And we also hear from Jessica Dannheiser, composer of "Orchestral Portraits: Seven Pioneering Women" about the inspiration Vesta provided. Huge thanks to Jessica and to Audio Network for permission to use this music.

To find out more about Vesta Tilley & Music Hall:

http://www.britishmusichallsociety.com/
http://www.vestatilley.kk5.org/
http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/

To find out more about our guests:

http://www.jessicadannheisser.com/
Twitter: @jessdannheiser

https://www.godauk.org/chrisjaeger
https://www.worcesterfestival.co.uk/
Twitter: @chrisjaegerWF

https://katapultproductions.co.uk/
https://www.golr.org.uk/

Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre

if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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"The Diary of a Nobody" has long been a favourite book of both Tim Shaw and Andy Smith. They've seen it on stage, listened to it on the radio and, of course, read it.

So one rainy August day in Edinburgh after seeing Rodney Bewes in his on man version of 3 Men in a Boat and over a small sherry or two they hit upon the idea of adapting Charles Pooter's diary into a one man play. Andy reprised his role as Pooter for the specially recorded version of the play for this podcast, And here he and Tim, a genuine Grossmith enthusiast talk about the process of adapting the book and their shared love of the piece.

Lots of additional information about George Grossmith can be found on our podcast episode 15.

Guests: Andy Smith & Tim Shaw
Host: Lottie Walker

Edited by: Jacob Taylor
Music: James Hall

https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre

if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefirepodcast

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This season's audio drama is :
The Diary of a Nobody, by George & Weedon Grossmith, said by Evelyn Waugh to be the "funniest book ever written".

The book has never been out of print and is available at all good bookshops.

This adaptation is by Tim Shaw. It is directed by Steve Taylor

Charles Pooter - Andy Smith
Carrie - Lottie Walker
Lupin - Steve Taylor

Studio Recording, Production & Editing- Harry Jacobs
Assisted by - Jacob Taylor

Music - James Hall
https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre

if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

Don'tAnd finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc

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George Grossmith created many of Gilbert and Sullivan's comic baritone roles and was known for his delivery of the famous patter songs.

He was also a writer and composer who entertained royalty in the parlours of palaces and a journalist who spent time as a Bow Street Court reporter. And, together with his brother Weedon he was responsible for producing "The Diary of a Nobody", which has never been out of print. It was hailed by Evelyn Waugh as being the "funniest book ever written". And will be our audio drama for this series.

Stephen Wade's career has mirrored that of George in many ways and he talks to us about the strange similarities they share as well as George's life and work amidst the backdrop of the Victorian era.

Stephen's biography of George (and indeed this conversation) mention in passing many of the great and the good of the era from Henry Irving to Dan Leno.

Guest: Stephen Wade
Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor

Find out more about Stephen at:
https://stephen-wade.com/

Other Related websites:
ttps://www.gilbertandsullivansociety.org.uk
https://www.idler.co.uk/
http://www.doylycarte.org.uk/
https://www.simonbutteriss.com/home.html
https://www.dalesman.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/CoilyDartTheatre
https://www.gsarchive.net/

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre

if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support. And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc

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The original "greatest showman" was not P.T. Barnum, it was a chap from Newcastle Under Lyme in Staffordshire, who went by the name Philip Astley. Astley was a soldier and talented equestrian who went on to invent what we now recognise as the modern day circus. His story is one of the many that prove that truth is stranger (certainly more remarkable) than fiction.

Andrew Van Buren hails from the world of circus and a very theatrical family. He's a true all round entertainer and is passionate about both his hometown of Newcastle Under Lyme and the heritage of his industry. So who better to spearhead the "Philip Astley Project", the initiative that is helping Astley do for Newcastle what Shakespeare did for Stratford...?

Andrew talks to us about Astley's history, the beginnings of the van Buren family's showbusiness life and the incredible journey he's taken to get Astley recognised - and to get Newcastle back on the map.

And if that's not enough, Chris Barltrop, actor and ringmaster extraoirdinaire gives us a taster of his performance as "The Audacious Mr Astley"

Further info:

Guest: Andrew van Buren
Featuring: Chis Barltrop

Host: Lottie Walker
Editor: Jacob Taylor

Andrew van Buren
https://www.vanburen.org.uk/

Philip Astley Project
https://www.philipastley.org.uk/

Chris Barltrop - the Centre for Circus Culture
https://www.centreforcircusculture.org/

Andy Edwards:
https://www.cornoviiedwards.com/home

Monte Carlo International Circus Festival
https://www.montecarlofestival.mc/en/

AstleyFest 2021
https://www.newcastleunderlyme.org/events/2198/

Gandey's Circus
https://www.gandeyscircus.com/

Karl Shaw: - The First Showman, The Extraordinary Mr. Astley
https://thesusijnagency.com/karl-shaw/

Follow Andrew & Chris on Twitter:
@VanBurenOrg
@Astley250

And a note from us:
Thank you for listening. If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and the memories of all these lovely people alive, do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to :

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre

if you're more comfortable with a one off donation you can do this via our website:
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

or buy us a coffee on:
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre

Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful for all your help and support.

And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you!
Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc

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Margaret Monod talks about her blog, "Into the Limelight" and her fabulous collection of Music Hall postcards .

Today's Podcast:
Host: Lottie
Guest: Margaret Monod
Edited By: Jacob Taylor
Music: James Hall

This is a special bonus episode broadcast specially for the British Music Hall Society's Music Hall & Variety Day

Follow Margaret on Twitter: @monomaniablogs

To find out more about Music Hall check out:

The British Music Hall Society
http://www.britishmusichallsociety.com/

The PlayBill Podcast
https://mail8935.wixsite.com/montagueandtweed

Music Hall Alice Blog
https://musichallalice.wordpress.com/

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going and our shows on the road do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful

Or donate via our website, where you can find out much more about us and the other work we do
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc

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Published: Apr. 05, 2021 @11AM Edit

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Welcome back to "Famous People You've Never Heard Of"!

We've some fabulous guests talking about some truly fabulous people and hope that you enjoy finding out about them all.

Some of our contributors this season are:

Stephen Bourne
Lyn Brown MP
Moira Buffini
Christopher Green
John Orchard
Andrew van Buren

And some of our wonderful subjects are:
Vesta Tilley, Billy Waters, Philip Astley, Fred Barnes, Amanda Aldridge and George Grossmith

We've been having a wonderful time producing these podcasts and feedback has been excellent. It seems that there are an awful lot of people out there with an interest in social history and forgotten heroes. So thank you for staying with us. And thank you for joining us if you're a newbie joining in at Series 2.

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio.We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

We're so looking forward to bringing you some fabulous treats with this new series
Stay safe and take care everyone.

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A short message to reassure our listeners that you're not abandoned!

We've had a slight delay but Series Two will be up and running soon.

In the meantime, check out the show notes for all of Series One , which have been updated and do use this downtime to catch up on any episodes you've missed.

If you want to revisit Episodes 3 and 4 (the ones that missed out on the all singing all dancing technology when we first broadcast) please do. They are both very popular episodes: No. 3 (new version number 11) is Paterson Joseph talking about Charles Ignatius Sancho and No . 4 (new version number 12) is Alison Young talking about Daisy Dormer. And you can now hear them without the added interest of what sounded like (but wasn't) a washing machine in the background.

We've been having a wonderful time producing these podcasts and feedback has been excellent. It seems that there are an awful lot of people out there with an interest in social history and forgotten heroes. So thank you for staying with us.

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio.We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

We're so looking forward to bringing you some fabulous treats in the shape of Series 2 shortly! Stay safe and take care everyone.

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Alison Young is the Secretary of the British Music Hall Society. She ran away from the law to research and write about her family connections with the Music Hall and has uncovered many little gems that she shares with us today.

"Dainty Daisy Dormer" was a Music Hall star. She was also Alison's great great aunt. She and her sisters toured around the UK - and much further afield entertaining audiences in the thousands of music hall theatres that existed in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.

As well as Daisy and Co., Alison talks about the art of Sickert, Degas, Lautrec and others who painted backstage scenes in theatres and music halls and gives an insight into the non-glamorous world of 19th/20th Century showbusiness.

Guest's fantasy dinner party guests:
Morten Harket
Queen Victoria
Laura Knight
Walter Sickert
Max Wall

For further info:

Alison's Blog: Music Hall Alice:
https://musichallalice.wordpress.com/

The British Music Hall Society
http://britishmusichallsociety.com/

The British Newspaper Archive:
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/

My Old Man, A Personal History of Music Hall
By: John Major
Published by Harper Collins

British Music Hall: an Illustrated History
By: Richard Anthony Baker
Published by: Pen & Sword Books

Music:
"Champagne Charlie" by Alfred Lee & George Leybourne
Played by: James Hall
https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

"I Wouldn't Leave My Little Hut For You" by Charles Collins & Tom Mellor
Played by : Guy Deardon
ISRC number. GB3GU1200723
Copyright owner Guy Dearden
https://www.theatremusicshop.com/index.html

Episode edited and produced by: Jacob Taylor

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. Even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio and we are so grateful to you for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Today's episode features writer and actor Paterson Joseph, author of the play "Sancho, An Act of Remembrance", which he has been performing for some 10 years and brings back to the theatre next year. He has also recently completed a book about Sancho, this incredible man who was born on a slave ship in the Atlantic and died a businessman in London.

Sancho's life was lived to the full: he composed popular music, corresponded with the great and the good of the day and became the first man of African heritage to vote in a UK general election. Looking at the world through Sancho's eyes we see a strange place of terrible inequality yet great opportunity, we are forced to address the issues of slavery and racism but also come upon acts of great kindness and discover a true love story. It is a brief glimpse of London in the 18th Century "in colour".

Probably best known as an actor Paterson Joseph has appeared in lead roles with the RSC and National Theatre. His TV work is extensive and includes Peep Show, Casualty, Green Wing and most recently the BBC's Noughts and Crosses.

Photo: Robert Day - Paterson Joseph as Ignatius Sancho

"Sancho, An Act of Remembrance" , by Paterson Joseph is published by Oberon Modern Plays

"Julius Caesar and Me, Exploring Shakespeare's African Play", by Paterson Joseph is published by Methuen Drama

"Britain's Black Past" and "Black London: Life Before Emancipation", by Gretchen Gerzina:
https://gretchengerzina.com/about-gretchen-gerzina.html

Guest's fantasy dinner party guests:
Charles Ignatius Sancho
Anne Ignatius
Julius Yerere

Episode produced and edited by Jacob Taylor

Music by Charles Ignatius Sancho

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Nelly Power was a huge star of music hall who is now pretty much forgotten.

In 2017/18 Blue Fire's Lottie Walker was researching the life of Marie Lloyd when she discovered Nelly, who was in fact the first person to sing the famous song "The Boy I Love Is Up in the Gallery". And made it her mission to get Ms Power the recognition she deserves.

By 2019 J.J. Leppink had written the one woman play, "Marie Lloyd Stole My Life" for Lottie to take to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. since the show has been back to Nelly's hometown of Islington, playing at the Islington Museum and also at The Old Red Lion theatre, a space very similar to what Nelly herself would have recognised.

In this episode we meet the team behind the creation of the show and find out a little more about Nelly herself.

Contributors:
Edz Barrett
James Hall
Linda Hansell
Zoe Harvey-Lee
J.J. Leppink
Lottie Walker

Editor: Jacob Taylor

Music: James Hall
https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

"Marie Lloyd Stole My Life" can be seen in 2021 at:

June 5th: https://www.penleeparktheatre.com/

July 31st: https://www.victoriahalltheatre.co.uk/

To find out more about Music Hall:

The British Music Hall Society : http://britishmusichallsociety.com/
Into the Limelight: https://intothelimelight.org/

Follow Nelly on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/nellypowerplay
https://twitter.com/power_nelly

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio. We're so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Marie Lloyd, Queen of the Music Hall was a force of nature with a larger than life personality.

At one time the highest paid act in the country, she sang a string of hit songs including "Oh, Mr Porter" and "Don't Dilly Dally on the Way".

Finding fame at the age of 15 she spent the next 40 years entertaining on the music halls and vaudeville theatres around the globe. Her life was every bit as lively offstage as it was on. She experienced extreme wealth and extreme poverty, 3 marriages and 2 divorces (and the marriage in between didn't end happily either!).

In this episode we tell you about Maries life and discuss what might have made her tick with two women who know her better than most: Marie Kelly, who has performed as Marie Lloyd many times and Midge Gillies, author of what we think is the definitive biography of this unique character.

Guest: Midge Gillies

Follow Midge on Twitter: @midgegillies

"Marie Lloyd the One and Only", by Midge Gillies,
"Amy Johnson, Queen of the Air", by Midge Gillies

The Royal Literary Fund https://www.rlf.org.uk/

The Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University: https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/

Guest: Marie Kelly

Follow Marie on Twitter:@mariekellyT

Katapult Theatre: https://katapultproductions.co.uk/
Dover Youth Theatre: http://www.doveryouththeatre.co.uk/

Music: Marie Kelly

Editor: Jacob Taylor

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio. We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Alice Thornton was an ordinary, if somewhat well to do woman of the 17th century.

She lived through the time of Plague, the Great Fire of London, the English Civil War and the Restoration. But as the old saying says "there are no troubles as big as your own" and Alice's troubles (indeed tragedies), which were many are what she recorded in her diary.

Dr Debbie Cannon, who is a writer and actor created her one person play, "The Remarkable Deliverances of Alice Thornton for the Being Human Festival in 2019. She was inspired by the research of Dr Cordelia Beattie of Edinburgh University and both talk to us about discovering Alice and her reintroduction to society some 400 years since her death.

Guest: Dr. Debbie Cannon
https://debbiecannon.org/

Guest's fantasy dinner party guests:
Alice Thornton
Dawn French
The Gawain Poet (whoever that may be)
Debbie's Grannies
Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Follow Debbie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DebsCa
Green Knight: https://twitter.com/GreenKnightPlay

Guest Contributor: Cordelia Beattie
Follow Cordelia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeattieDr

Editor: Jacob Taylor

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio. We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Just before Christmas 2020 we had a jolly conversation with Kate Griffin, author of the "Kitty Peck" novels about her interest in music hall.

Kate tells us about her love of theatre, how she fell in love with music hall and Jenny Hall, the real artiste that Kitty Peck is based on. We also talk about principal boys, theatre ghosts and what pantomime was like in days gone by.

The "Kitty Peck" books are published by Faber and Faber:

Kitty Peck and the Music Hall Murders
Kitty Peck and the Child of Ill Fortune
Kitty Peck and the Daughter of Sorrow
Kitty Peck and the Parliament of Shadows

Guest: Kate Griffin

Guests's fantasy dinner party guests:
E.F. Benson
Nell Gwynn
Charles II
M.R. James
Noel Coward
Paul O'Grady
Kenneth Williams
Barbara Windsor
Victoria Wood
Julie Walters

Follow Kate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KateAGriffin

To find out more about Music Hall:
http://www.britishmusichallsociety.com/

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings:
https://www.spab.org.uk/

Music: James Hall
https://www.jamesahall.co.uk/

Editor: Jacob Taylor

If you'd like to help us in our work in keeping the podcast going do please consider becoming a patron. It's really easy to do, just go to either:

https://www.patreon.com/bluefiretheatre
or
https://ko-fi.com/bluefiretheatre
where you can donate. This is all an expensive business and even the smallest donation helps us get our shows on the road and keep the lights on in the studio. We really appreciate and are so grateful for all your support.

And don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at:
https://twitter.com/famous_heard
https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre
https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc
https://www.bluefiretheatre.co.uk/

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Renata Kobetts Miller is Professor of English and Deputy Dean of Humanities and the Arts at the City College of New York.

Her book, "The Victorian Actress in the Novel and on the Stage" begins in the 1830s and ends in the 1910s. It looks at how Victorian novels and plays used the actress, who was a significant figure for the relationship between women and the public sphere, to define their own place within and among genres and in relation to audiences. It traces a cultural history of the actress that led actresses to appropriate the pen themselves by becoming suffragette playwrights and writing new social roles for women, and Elizabeth Robins was one of the women who did that.

Elizabeth Robins was a problem solver. Someone who developed new abilities and worked in different modes to bring about change. An American who felt a strong attraction to London and its culture.

Guest's Fantasy Dinner Party Guests:

Mary Wollstonecraft, author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792)

George Eliot, her favorite 19th-century novelist and a figure of great import to women writers who followed after her

Frances E. W. Harper, 19th-century American suffragist and abolitionist

Heidi Schreck, playwright of the current play What the Constitution Means to Me, which follows on Robins’s Votes for Women in it’s focus on the act of women speaking and in it’s use of the drama to emphasize the concerns of women’s bodies

Following the recent election in the United States and the election of the first women to serve as Vice President: Kamala Harris. Women who came before her would be interested in speaking with her and she could also benefit from the wisdom of women who had struggled before her.

Follow Renata on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/renatakmiller

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