The Big Smoke Variety Show

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we strike a match and step into the strange, smoky, and surprisingly human world of alchemy — where fire is sacred, emperors chase immortality, and one man’s glowing urine helps shape the story of modern chemistry.  Kevin is joined by award-winning journalist, adventurer, and author Dr Kit Chapman to discuss his new book The Age of Alchemy: How Early Innovators Shaped Modern Chemistry. Together, they travel through thousands of years of human curiosity, from the first use of fire to the myths, mistakes, rituals, and discoveries that eventually became modern science. Along the way, we visit Mayan ruins in Guatemala, explore the origins of alchemy in Roman Egypt, decode the strange language of alchemical recipes, and discover why chemistry is not just a laboratory science, but a story of culture, religion, politics, travel, empire, and survival. From golden idols, Egyptian blue pigments, and Chinese emperors drinking mercury in search of eternal life, to Hennig Brand’s unforgettable attempt to turn urine into gold, Kit reveals how these curious histories connect to his own travels — from the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London to the Aral Sea — and to the wider story of science, humanity, and the world around us. Then, after all that elemental adventure, we pop into the local for a quick pub quiz. This week’s round: Elemental Excellence. Test your knowledge of chemistry, curious elements, and the strange facts hiding in the periodic table. We’re also trying something new, with episodes now coming to you every week. Join us next Thursday for more adventurous audio, including mischievous folklore from the north of England and another remarkable mudlarking discovery from the banks of the Thames. So whether you’re warming your hands by the fire, wondering what the world is made from, or simply hoping your own experiments don’t get out of hand — there’s always something bubbling away in The Big Smoke — 🧪 Pub Quiz: Elemental Excellence - Answers 1) Which element was named after the Greek word meaning “green-yellow”? Answer: D) Chlorine The name chlorine comes from the Greek word chloros, meaning green-yellow — a reference to the gas’s distinctive colour. Chlorine was identified as an element by Humphry Davy in 1810. 2) Which element was once considered so valuable that Emperor Napoleon III reportedly reserved cutlery made from it for his most important dinner guests? Answer: C) Aluminium Before modern industrial methods made it cheap and common, aluminium was considered more precious than gold. In the mid-19th century, Napoleon III reportedly used aluminium utensils for honoured guests — while everyone else had to make do with gold or silver. 3)  Which element was first discovered by scientists studying the Sun — before it was ever found on Earth? Answer: A) Helium In 1868, astronomers studying a solar eclipse spotted a mysterious yellow spectral line in sunlight that didn’t match any known element. They named it helium after Helios — making it the first element discovered in space before being identified on Earth. — Links  📖 The Age of Alchemy by Kit Chapman 🧑‍🔬 Dr Kit Chapman — Chapters (00:00) Intro & Show Menu (01:39) Kit Chapman Interview (44:34) Pub Quiz: Elemental Excellence  (46:03) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week we take a rather unexpected journey through the city — from flushing away the everyday to restoring what we might otherwise dump. This episode explores how even the most overlooked spaces and objects can tell powerful stories about how we live. First, our new segment, Let’s Go to the Loo! Kevin is joined by Rachel Cole-Wilkin, creator of London Loo Tours, for a guided exploration of the capital’s most fascinating facilities. What begins as a practical search for convenience quickly reveals something much deeper — a story of design, history, and social change. From the beautifully conceived Jubiloo near the South Bank to the Victorian origins of public sanitation, we uncover how these everyday spaces reflect shifting attitudes towards hygiene, public life, and even profit. Along the way, we encounter the Great Stink of 1858, the engineering brilliance of Bazalgette’s sewer system, and the surprising truth that even a toilet can be a piece of storytelling architecture.   Then, when the bells ring out across the city, it’s time for Parish Notices — and a visit to the world of Repair Cafés. In a culture built on convenience and disposal, these community-led spaces offer something radically different: the chance to slow down, learn new skills, and bring broken objects back to life. Through the work of The Restart Project and local volunteers, we explore how repairing a kettle, mending a coat, or fixing a clock can become something far more meaningful — a way to preserve memories, reduce waste, and reconnect with both our possessions and each other. So whether you’re navigating the city in search of relief, or taking a moment to repair what’s  broken — there’s always a place to pause, restart, and begin again in The Big Smoke. — Links 🚻 London Loo Tours ♻️ The Restart Project – Southfields Mend, Fix & Repair Café.  — Chapters (00:00) Intro & Show Menu (01:26) Let’s Go to the Loo! (16:33) Parish Notices: Repair Café (28:09) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Parish Notices written by Blanche Coy  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week we press start on the world of video games. From ancient history to interactive storytelling, we explore not just what games are, but what they might become — and what they can reveal about how we understand the world around us. Kevin is joined by Dr Richard Cole, Senior Lecturer in Digital Futures in the Department of Classics & Ancient History at the University of Bristol. Together they trace Richard’s journey from a game-loving childhood through to a career exploring how video games, virtual reality, and AI can open up new ways of engaging with history. From Age of Empires and GoldenEye to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the conversation unpacks how games don’t just represent the past — they remix it, reshape it, and invite us to step inside it. But this isn’t just about entertainment. From immersive VR reconstructions of ancient sites to AI-powered museum experiences, Richard shares how games are becoming powerful tools for inquiry — “machines for asking questions” that allow us to test ideas, explore complex systems, and better understand both the past and ourselves. We also step inside the Bristol Digital Game Lab, where game design is being used to tackle real-world challenges — from algorithmic bias to postnatal mental health — revealing how play, creativity, and collaboration can unlock entirely new ways of thinking.   Then it’s time to pop into the local for a quick Pub Quiz, this round: The History of Video Games. Think you know your classics? Put your gaming knowledge to the test — then check your answers below. And we’re trying something new… The Big Smoke every week! So tune in next Thursday for more adventurous audio! So whether you’re levelling up, exploring new worlds, or simply pressing pause for a moment — there’s always a place for you in The Big Smoke. — 🎮 Pub Quiz: The History of Video Games — Answers 1) Which American pizza chain was founded by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell? Answer: C) Chuck E. Cheese Founded in 1977 by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell, Chuck E. Cheese was originally called Pizza Time Theatre and combined arcade gaming with family dining—essentially one of the first places to bring video games into a social, real-world setting. 2) Which early Nintendo game is widely credited as one of the first to feature a structured storyline in video games? Answer: C) Donkey Kong Released in 1981, Donkey Kong is widely credited as one of the first video games to feature a clear, character-driven storyline—introducing a hero (Jumpman, later Mario), a villain (Donkey Kong), and a rescue mission. 3) In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which real historical conflict forms the backdrop of the game’s story? Answer: B) The Peloponnesian War Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is set during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE), the major conflict between Athens and Sparta—though the game blends real history with mythology and dramatic storytelling. — Links 🎓 Richard A Cole – University of Bristol 🎮 Bristol Digital Game Lab ▶️ Bristol Digital Game Lab – YouTube Playlist 📚MA Games Design (Narrative) | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol — Chapters (00:00) Intro & Show Menu (01:38) Dr Richard Cole Interview (53:31) Pub Quiz: The History of Video Games (54:56) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week we turn our attention to the objects that surround us — the everyday things we carry, discard, and barely notice — and ask what they might reveal about who we are and the times we’re living through. From museum collections to sensory experiences and a little magical mischief, this episode explores the curious relationship between the material world and the mind. Kevin is joined by Corinna Gardner and Donata Miller-Obebe from the Victoria and Albert Museum to explore the fascinating world of Rapid Response Collecting. From single-use vapes to the mosquito emoji, the V&A is capturing objects that speak to contemporary social, political, and cultural moments as they unfold. Together, they discuss what it means to collect the present — how design reflects behaviour, how objects carry meaning, and why even the most ordinary items can become powerful markers of our time. From the museum to the brain, it’s time for Archie’s Neuro Nuggets. This week, we dive into the strange, tingling world of ASMR — exploring what happens when whispers, taps, and gentle sounds trigger sensations of calm for some, and disdain for others.  Back on our audio stage, we return once more to the corridors of the Xander Eldrick Institute, where The Strange Brothers continue their pursuit of the mystical arts. With more mind games, magical mishaps, and deeply questionable decision-making, Salazar and Craig find themselves once again toeing the line between illusion and chaos. So whether you’re noticing the objects around you a little more closely, tuning into the subtleties of sound, or simply coming along for the ride — there’s always a place for you in The Big Smoke! — Links 🔎 Explore the V&A’s Rapid Response Collection 💡 Email your Rapid Response Collecting ideas: [email protected] 🧠 Archie McAlpine & Associates Ltd. — Chapters (00:00) Intro & Show Menu (01:37) V&A Rapid Response Collecting Interview (46:39) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets: The Science of ASMR (53:13) The Strange Brothers: Conscious Subconsciousness (1:02:32) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Archie’s Neuro Nuggets by Archie McAlpine The Strange Brothers written and performed by Jamie Sandersfield and Matthew Nicholson

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we follow the rich and robust story of coffee in London, from smoky 17th-century coffeehouses to the modern-day communities forming around a simple cup. Kevin is joined by historian Dr Matthew Green and Redemption Roasters’ In-custody Training Manager Thomas Clare to explore the past and present of London’s coffee culture. From the first coffee house in St Michael’s Alley, to the explosion of hundreds of coffeehouses across the city, Matthew paints a vivid picture of a society waking up, quite literally, for the first time. But this isn’t just history. Thomas brings us into the present day, sharing the work of Redemption Roasters, where coffee becomes a vehicle for rehabilitation, training prisoners in skills that offer purpose, dignity, and a path forward. Together, the conversation reveals coffee not just as a drink, but as a catalyst for ideas, community, and change.  From the café to the street corner, our Parish Notices turn to the quiet magic of Little Libraries — those small, often handmade book exchanges that appear in neighbourhoods across the city. Modest in scale but rich in spirit, they transform passing strangers into neighbours, offering stories freely and reminding us that community can be built in the simplest of ways. And while we’re out wandering with coffee in hand and book tucked under arm, we stumble into comedian Kate Sharp, who leads us on a slightly unhinged tour of London’s Blue Plaques. Blending history with humour, her take on the city’s most famous markers reminds us that behind every plaque is a story — and sometimes, a punchline. Then it’s time to pop into the local for a quick Pub Quiz, this round: Coffee Curiosities — testing your knowledge of the surprising facts hidden in your daily brew. So whether you’re lingering over a coffee, wandering the streets, or simply taking a moment to breathe, there’s always space for you in The Big Smoke — ☕ Pub Quiz: Coffee Curiosities — Answers 1) What do people in Finland sometimes dip into their coffee? Answer: C) Cheese In Finland, it’s traditional in some regions to serve coffee with leipäjuusto, a mild “squeaky” cheese. Small chunks are dropped straight into the cup, where they soften and soak up the coffee — then eaten afterwards. 2) Why is one of Indonesia’s coffees among the most expensive in the world? Answer: B) The beans are eaten and then excreted by an animal before being collected In Indonesia, kopi luwak is made using beans that have passed through the digestive system of civet cats. The process is said to change the flavour profile, and its rarity has made it one of the most expensive coffees in the world. 3) What do people in Turkey sometimes do with leftover coffee grounds? Answer: B) Read them to tell your fortune In Turkey, after drinking traditional coffee, the cup is often turned upside down and the remaining grounds are read to predict the future — a practice known as tasseography. — Links 🚶 Take Matthew Green’s Coffeehouse Tour ☕ Redemption Roasters 📚 Penguin – 90 Little Bookstops 📖 Little Free Library – and how to build your own! 🎤 See Kate Sharp’s Standup Comedy 🔵 English Heritage Blue Plaques – Harry Beck — Chapters (00:00) Intro and Show Menu (02:19) Matthew Green and Thomas Clare Interview (50:17) Parish Notices: Little Libraries (1:00:55) Blue Plaque Walking Tour: Harry Beck (1:10:18) Pub Quiz: Coffee Curiosities (1:11:42) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Parish Notices by Blanche Coy Blue Plaque Walking Tour written and performed by Kate Sharp

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week we lean into that strange, in-between season — when winter lingers, spring teases, and the city begins to stir once more. From the quiet reflection of Covent Garden’s Actors’ Church to the tidal rhythms of the Thames, we explore how London — and perhaps all of us — finds its way from darkness into light. Kevin is joined by Reverend Simon Grigg, rector of St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, affectionately known as The Actors’ Church. Together they uncover the remarkable history of a parish that has cared for London’s performers since the 17th century — from the licensed playhouses of Charles II to the plaques of theatre legends that line its walls today. But beyond the history, the conversation turns to something more immediate: how we navigate the bleakness of late winter, the meaning of Lent, and why this season isn’t about “organised gloom” at all, but renewal, joy, and finding space for reflection in a world that rarely pauses.  From the pulpit to the riverbank, we head down to the Thames foreshore with our resident mudlark Sean Clark. Among the shingle, a small fragment of Tudor pottery reveals a brilliant piece of theatrical history — and the origin of the phrase “box office smash”. It’s a story that takes us back to Shakespeare’s London, where money boxes were quite literally smashed open at the start of a performance. Another reminder that beneath the surface of the city, history is always waiting to be found.  Then it’s time to pop into the local for a quick Pub Quiz, testing your knowledge of Theatrical Superstitions. From the curse of The Scottish Play to the traditions performers follow to keep fate on their side, this round celebrates the rituals and folklore that still shape life on stage. So as the days grow longer and the light begins to return, wherever you find yourself — emerging from winter or stepping into something new — there’s always a place for you in The Big Smoke. — Pub Quiz: Theatrical Superstitions – Answers The Macbeth curse ritual - Tradition says that if someone says “Macbeth” inside a theatre they must leave the theatre, spin around three times, spit (or curse), and knock before being allowed back in. Merde - French performers wish each other “merde”. The tradition dates from the 19th century, when audiences arrived by horse-drawn carriages. A successful performance meant lots of carriages waiting outside the theatre — and therefore lots of horse manure in the street. More merde meant a bigger crowd and a successful show. Whistling backstage - Many early stagehands were former sailors, and they used whistle signals to control scenery and rigging, so random whistling could accidentally trigger cues and move heavy stage machinery. — 🎭  St. Paul's Covent Garden, The Actors’ Church  🚶🏻‍♂️ Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Walking Tour  🤲🏻  Hands on History Mudlarking Exhibition  — Chapters (00:00) Intro & Show Menu (01:51) Reverend Simon Grigg Interview (43:03) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (50:00) Pub Quiz: Theatrical Superstitions (51:39) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week we stroll the hard streets of South London, tracing the world that shaped one of the greatest entertainers of all time, and the music halls that lit up Victorian London. Along the way we celebrate the city’s living performers too, from Underground buskers to a little magical mischief on our own audio stage.  Kevin is joined by curator and author Dr Jacqueline Riding to explore the working-class neighbourhoods that formed the young Charlie Chaplin. Drawing from her book Hard Streets: Working Class Lives in Charlie Chaplin’s London, Jacqueline reveals the vibrant, precarious world of Victorian music halls, workhouses, and the communities that produced some of the era’s most extraordinary performers. From the explosion of population south of the Thames to the gritty realities of the Poor Law system, the conversation paints a vivid portrait of the lives behind the laughter — and how creativity offered a path out of hardship.  From the stage to the subterranean, our Parish Notices turn to the buskers of the London Underground. With the help of musician Charlotte Campbell, we explore how busking transforms anonymous commuter spaces into fleeting moments of connection and community. Whether loved or loathed, street performance continues a tradition stretching back centuries — turning passing crowds into temporary audiences and ordinary journeys into something a little more magical. Back on our audio stage, The Strange Brothers return for another attempt at mastering the mystical arts. This time a mysterious spellbook appears, an ancient incantation is unleashed, and things escalate rather more dramatically than expected. Apprentice magicians Salazar and Craig may not yet have perfected their craft — but they’re certainly finding some real magic along the way. Finally, we pop into the local for a quick Pub Quiz, testing your knowledge of Cockney rhyming slang — the playful coded language born in the streets of 19th century London. So wherever you’re listening from — strolling the South Bank, riding the tube, or simply daydreaming about the magic of the city — there’s always a seat waiting for you in The Big Smoke. — Rub-a-dub (Pub) Quiz: Cockney Rhyming Slang — Answers 1. “The first question should be lemon squeezy.” Lemon squeezy = easy 2. “Watch your plates of meat. Those apples are old and rickety!” Plates of meat = feet Apples and pears (apples) = stairs 3. “Got any sausage? I’m cream crackered and need some sticky toffee.” Sausage and mash (sausage) = cash Cream crackered = knackered / very tired Sticky toffee = coffee — Links 📚 Get the book – Hard Streets 🎩 Charlie Chaplin’s London – Lambeth Walk  ✍🏼 Jacqueline Riding 🎶 Busker Charlotte Campbell — Chapters (00:00) Intro and Show Menu (02:02) Dr Jacqueline Riding Interview (57:54) Parish Notices: Underground Buskers (1:08:12) The Strange Brothers (1:16:57) Pub Quiz: Cockney Rhyming Slang (1:19:06) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Parish Notices and episode research by Blanche Coy The Strange Brothers written and performed by Jamie Sandersfield and Matthew Nicholson  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we step into the ‘undiscovered country’ — and explore the one subject we so often avoid: death. But rather than dwelling in darkness, this episode asks a more vital question: what can mortality teach us about how to live? Kevin is joined by social historian and bereavement counsellor Dr Molly Conisbee, author of No Ordinary Deaths: A People’s History of Mortality. Together they explore how death was once woven into everyday domestic life — cared for at home, ritualised by communities, marked visibly through mourning dress and shared customs. From Victorian mourning warehouses, to Irish wakes, Jamaican Nine Nights, and the rise of the death-positive movement, Molly reflects on what we’ve lost as death moved behind hospital doors — and how reclaiming conversation, ritual, and radical acceptance might liberate us in the present. To balance the existential weight, Archie McAlpine returns with a fresh Neuro Nugget on the science of laughter. What actually happens in the brain when we laugh? Why is it contagious? And in an age of caution and cancellation, how do we protect humour as a force for bonding, healing and social synchronisation? This is laughter under the microscope — and a timely reminder that humour is medicine. Then, we pop to the local for a quick Pub Quiz, raising a glass to the incomparable Catherine O’Hara. From Home Alone to Best in Show and Schitt’s Creek, we test your knowledge of one of comedy’s greats. Finally, Audio Archives opens the vault once more. In this unsettling tale from an early smart home, we meet Tristan and the ever-listening Iris. What begins as weather checks and chicken cooking queries spirals into something more revealing — a story of birthday cake, Drake playlists, and the uncomfortable truth that being truly heard might mean being truly seen. So wherever you are on this strange and splendid rollercoaster of life, there’s always room for you in The Big Smoke. — Pub Quiz: Catherine O’Hara the Great — Answers At a funeral parlour ‘God Loves a Terrier’ Soap opera actress — Links ⚱️ No Ordinary Deaths by Molly Conisbee 🧠 Archie McAlpine — Neuro Nuggets — Chapters (00:00) Intro and Show Menu (02:24) Dr Molly Conisbee Interview (50:24) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets: Laughter (57:53) Pub Quiz: Catherine O’Hara The Great (1:00:23) Audio Archives: Hey, Iris (1:15:19) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Audio Archives: ‘Hey, Iris’ written by Aidan Parker and performed by Matthew Nicholson and Cait Roddam Jones

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Tonight, we look up. But also down, and within! This episode is all about the stars — not just what they are, but what they’ve meant to us across time. From ancient myths and shared human stories to cutting-edge space science, Starspotting explores how looking skyward can reconnect us to something far greater than ourselves. We begin our mission with planetary scientist, space educator, and Saturn super-fan Dr Sheila Kanani. Drawing on her book The Starspotter’s Guide, Sheila guides us through Saturn’s rings, its extraordinary moons, black holes, alien life, and the deep links between science, mythology, and imagination. From the Cassini mission to the shared star stories told by ancient cultures thousands of miles apart, this conversation reminds us that astronomy has always been a human pursuit. When the city lights pull us back down to Earth, we head to the River Thames to meet our resident Mudlark Sean Clark. On the foreshore near Blackfriars, Sean shares one of his most remarkable finds yet: a near-complete medieval floor tile dating back over 700 years, bearing the unmistakable Three Lions of England. From royal symbolism to the strange objects history leaves behind, it’s a reminder that even the smallest discoveries can carry enormous stories. After a good lark by the river, we pop into the local for a pint — and a Pub Quiz. This round: Aliens in Pop Culture. From Depression-era sci-fi panic to Hollywood classics, it’s a quickfire test of your extraterrestrial expertise. And finally, we return to the skies with poet Rishi Rian, who delivers Cabin Crew, Prepare for Landing — a surreal, funny, and quietly devastating meditation on mental health, modern distraction, and what happens when empathy runs wild at 30,000 feet. So whether you’re stargazing, mudlarking, or simply trying to stay present on the journey — settle in, look up, and join us once again in The Big Smoke. 👽 Pub Quiz: Aliens in Pop Culture — Answers 1) The War of the Worlds — Answer: H. G. Wells The legendary 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds was based on the novel by H. G. Wells — not to be confused with its director and narrator, Orson Welles. 2) Mars Attacks! — Answer: “We come in peace.” In Mars Attacks!, the Martians’ repeated cry of “Ack! Ack! Ack!” is translated in the film as “We come in peace” — a hilariously ironic message given that they are actively destroying everything in sight. 3) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial — Answer: Reese’s Pieces In E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Elliott uses Reese’s Pieces to lure E.T. into his home. Fun fact: the filmmakers originally approached Mars (makers of M&M’s), who declined the product placement — a decision that reportedly led to a major sales boost for Reese’s Pieces after the film’s release. — Links 🪐 Learn more about Sheila Kanani 🔭 Order The Starspotter’s Guide 🦁 Learn more about Sean Clark  🪙 2026 Mudlarking events — Chapters (00:00) Intro and Show Menu (02:26) Dr Sheila Kanani Interview (48:28) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (55:20) Pub Quiz: Aliens in Pop Culture (57:04) Cabin Crew, Prepare for Landing by Rishi Rian (1:05:47) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original Music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins ‘Cabin Crew, Prepare for Landing’ written and performed by Rishi Rian

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Tonight, we explore music, movement, and a little misfiring magic — three very different ways humans try to make sense of the world. We begin with music, and a deceptively simple question: what, actually, is it? Kevin is joined by director, writer and composer Bill Barclay to discuss What Music Is, a project that draws together music, neuroscience and astrophysics. From the ancient idea of the “music of the spheres” to planetary orbits and harmonic relationships, the conversation explores why music exists in every culture, why it can feel deeply right in a chaotic world, and how listening — especially to live music — is the brain-spa we all need. When the bells ring out across The Big Smoke, we head to our local village hall to check out what's pinned to the Parish Noticeboard. Today, we turn our attention to Parkrun. From its beginnings in Bushy Park to its sprint across the globe, we explore how a free, weekly 5K became a quiet cultural phenomenon. And finally, as the fog rolls back in, we head back to our audio-stage where two apprentice magicians arrive from the Xander Eldrick Institute to complete their final examination. The Strange Brothers attempt to perform spectacular illusions on an audio-only podcast, with predictably strange results. What follows is a brand new comedy segment for 2026, where a bit of editing and imagination result in some real magic. So listen closely, fire up those neural networks, and join us once again in The Big Smoke. — Links 🎵 Learn more about Bill Barclay and ‘What Music Is’ 🏃🏻‍♂️ Learn more about Park Run — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:54) Bill Barclay Interview (46:31) Parish Notices: Park Run (54:13) The Strange Brothers (01:04:05) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Trappist – 1 audio clip by Shawn Feeney Parish Notices written by Adam Wright The Strange Brothers written and performed by Jamie Sandersfield and Matthew Nicholson  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show Christmas Special, recorded live beneath the West End at The Phoenix Arts Club. Tonight, we gather for an old-fashioned festive tradition: ghost stories at Christmas, games played in good company, and the sense of connection that comes from gathering together at the darkest time of the year. We begin with Charles Dickens, and a lesser-known seasonal tale from The Pickwick Papers: The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton — a darkly comic story of Gabriel Grubb, a gravedigger who despises merriment and is forced to confront what it means to sneer at the joy of others. From there, the live show unfolds with crackers pulled, paper crowns donned, groan-worthy jokes judged, and the mysteriously hidden Christmas Pickle, promising good fortune to whoever spots it first. Music fills the room thanks to the Lewisham Creative Chorus, performing original festive material, while Sean Clark the Mudlark shares a true ghostly tale about a trade token from the Thames foreshore, and its link to the famous diarist Samuel Pepys. After a suitably Dickensian Pub Quiz, the night darkens with one of the most unsettling Christmas ghost stories ever written: Elizabeth Gaskell’s The Old Nurse’s Story, read by Rachel Pickup — bleak, wintry, and deliciously spine-tingling. We then consult Dr Quack, whose hysterical and historically accurate medical treatments come back to haunt him. We hear some of our audience’s favourite Christmas memories, the pickle is finally revealed, and we leave the live space behind for one final reflection: a meditation on the restless spirit of one of the original pantomime dames, Dan Leno, who may never have quite left the theatre on Drury Lane. So pour yourself something warm, listen closely, and join us beneath the glittering West End. Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Chapters (00:00) Christmas Memories (02:14) Intro (03:30) The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton (17:28) Christmas Crackers (21:00) Lewisham Creative Chorus (30:37) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (42:15) Pub Quiz: The Three Spirits (48:51) The Old Nurses Story (1:04:21) Dr Quack (1:14:48) Christmas Memories (1:16:13) The Ghost of a Pantomime Dame (1:22:16) ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ sung by Lewisham Creative Chorus — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original theme music by Giles Terera, arranged and played by Joseph Atkins The Old Nurses Story by Elizabeth Gaskell adapted by Cait Roddam Jones and performed by Rachel Pickup Dr Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy Many thanks to our musical guests Thomas Guthrie and the Lewisham Creative Chorus with Outcry Ensemble, Vox Urbane's Vox Genesis programme, Lydia Kenny, Francesca Collyer-Powell, Jessica Anderson, Jess Mollie and Mike Veazey

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we slip into the strange, funny and quietly revealing world of anthropomorphism — the very human habit of seeing minds, motives and meaning everywhere we look. First, Kevin pulls up a chair with scientist and bestselling author Justin Gregg, whose book Humanish explores why we dress up our dogs, get too attached to inanimate objects, and sometimes find ourselves arguing with ChatGPT. From friendly alligators to fauxnads, Justin explains how attributing human qualities to animals, objects and AIs can make us smarter, kinder — and occasionally a little delusional.  On our Parish Noticeboard, we trade the clamour of the city for the steady rhythm of cut tile and grout at the Hackney Mosaic Project — a place where volunteers piece together hope, community and colour one tiny tile at a time. It’s a gentle reminder that creativity can be a holiday from your own head, and that some of the city’s most moving artwork has a deeper story behind it than you might think. Then Audio Archives returns with a newly unearthed — and increasingly unhinged — festive radio commercial featuring vanished 80s icon Jay Gladrock. What begins as a simple cereal advert soon descends into chaos, ego, and nut-based wordplay. It may well be the last surviving recording of Gladrock before he disappeared from public life entirely. Listener theories are, as ever, welcome.  Finally, we round things off with a festive Victorian Parlour Game: The Minister’s Cat. Straight from Fezziwig’s Christmas gatherings, this classic game of quick wits and alphabetical adjectives is your guaranteed cure for a post-turkey slump! So settle in as we wander from curious minds to tiny tiles, from lost legends to lively language — all here in The Big Smoke. — Links 🧠 Justin Gregg – Website 📘 Humanish by Justin Gregg – Book 🎨 Hackney Mosaic Project – Official Site 📚 Tessa Hunkin’s Hackney Mosaic Project – Book 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe – CBC Video 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe – CBC Article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:35) Pub Quiz: Maple Leaf or Make Believe (02:35) Justin Gregg Interview (49:24) Parish Notices: Hackney Mosaic Project (57:05) Audio Archives: Unreleased Commercial (1:10:49) Victorian Parlour Games (1:13:00) Live Christmas Show  (1:14:20) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answers (1:15:24) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Audio Archives written by Aidan Parker and performed by Jamie Sandersfield, Matthew Nicholson and Cait Roddam Jones

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! We’re slipping a little audio chocolate into your advent calendar: the true origin of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, plus a reading of the original 1939 story that made him a star. A festive treat from The Big Smoke family to start the holiday season. This piece was created by our host Kevin Bennett and is starring actors Adam Cunis and Hollie Hales. It warmed the hearts of the audience at our 2024 Christmas live show, so we wanted to share it with you as you open the first door of your advent calendars! If you'd like to join the fun at our live show this year, click the link below for info and tickets. Happy Holidays from The Big Smoke Variety Show! 🎟️ The Big Smoke LIVE Christmas Special is at The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho on 14th December, 2025 — expect ghost stories, games, music and festive mischief. — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:30) How Rudolph Came To Be (05:27) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (17:10) 2025 Live Christmas Show — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins — Adam Cunis is an actor who’s recent work includes 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (Bridge Theatre), and 'Macbeth Storytelling' and 'The Woman in the Moon' (Shakespeare's Globe - Sam Wanamaker Playhouse). He recently appeared in ‘Suspect: the Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes’ (Disney+). His audio work includes Outliers podcast (Historic Royal Palaces) and The Incident Room (New Diorama).   Hollie Hales trained at RADA. Her recent theatre work includes 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' (Bridge Theatre). Her audio work includes the ‘Tales of a Monstrous Heart’ fantasy trilogy by Jennifer Delaney (Audible). She works with Jane Austen’s house and will be performing readings for ‘A Celebration of Jane Austen’ in December and ‘Rebel Readings’ a collection of Jane’s favourite works at the museum in Chawton in January.  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we raise a glass to Britain’s most beloved institution — the pub — and explore how these living rooms of London connect history, community and creativity in ways as rich as any museum or gallery. First, our guests pull up a stool: its pub historian Charo Havermans and artist Lydia Wood. Together they explore how pubs began in the hands of women, why they became vital community “third spaces,” and how a good pub can feel like stepping into someone else’s living room — or even stepping back in time.  On our Parish Noticeboard, we wander from one place of warm company to another —  Hoxton Hall. A Victorian music hall with over 160 years of creativity, care and community under its rafters. Once home to circus acts and performing dogs, now home to a powerful Creative Health Initiative. After all that history (and a few imaginary pints), it’s time to consult our hilarious and historical Doctor Quack, who finds himself called upon to assist with a delivery — a job he isn’t entirely equipped for. Finally, we catch our breath with Archie’s Neuro Nuggets, as he strolls through Battersea Park to explain the soothing science of white, pink and brown noise — the perfect counterbalance to the lively chorus of the pub. So pull up a chair, pour yourself your favourite pint, and join us as we wander from bar rooms to music halls, from questionable medicine to calming soundscapes — all here in The Big Smoke. 🎟️ The Big Smoke LIVE Christmas Special is at The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho on 14th December — expect ghost stories, games, music and festive mischief. — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:38) Pub Quiz: Kings Head or Kings Bed? (02:30) Charo Havermans and Lydia Wood Interview (51:46) Parish Notices: Hoxton Hall (58:47) Dr Quack (1:06:58) Live Christmas Show (1:08:27) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets (1:14:28) Pub Quiz Answers (1:16:31) Outro — Links 📚 Locals – Pre-order Lydia Wood’s Book 🗓️ Lydia Wood – 2026 Pub Calendar & Website 🎨 Lydia Wood – Instagram 🍺 Book a Historic Pub Tour with Charo Havermans 📸 Charo Haverman – Instagram 🍻 Back Behind the Bar: Pub Landladies of East London 🎭 Hoxton Hall 🐊 Dr Quack – Crocodile Dung Contraceptive  🥛 Dr Quack – Milk Blood Transfusion  🧠 Archie McAlpine – Neuro Nuggets — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Dr Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we explore philosophy, freedom, and the peculiar ways we find meaning — from the quiet depths of the soil to the bustling banks of the River Thames. First, Kevin is joined by Professor Edward Harcourt, Academic Director of The Royal Institute of Philosophy, celebrating its centenary year. Together they ask: what is philosophy, really? How can it help us think, question, and live better? Edward shares how puzzlement, not wonder, is where true philosophy begins — and what the institute’s mission, real philosophy for everyone, meant in 1925 and what it means today. On our Parish Noticeboard, we dig into the curious world of worm charming — the ancient, oddly musical art of luring earthworms from the soil. With the help of worm expert Dr Kevin Butt, we learn how this humble tradition connects communities, science, and the secret lives beneath our feet.  Then, we turn to one of The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s most inspiring outreach projects — Unlocking Minds, a prison education programme co-founded by Paul and Dan. Through pop music and film, they bring philosophy into prisons, sparking reflection, debate, and discovery in places where freedom of thought is most deeply desired. Finally, our resident Mudlark Sean Clark brings us to the River Thames to reveal his latest find — a centuries-old quant, better known as the “non-sexy end of a barge pole”. It’s a muddy reminder that London’s history is always just below the surface, waiting to be unearthed. So pull up a chair, pour yourself something puzzling, and join us as we dig into ideas, earth, and everything in between in The Big Smoke. 🎟️ The Big Smoke LIVE Christmas Special is coming to The Phoenix Arts Club, Soho – 14th December. Expect ghost stories, lively games, seasonal music and festive mischief. — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:27) Pub Quiz: Maple Leaf or Make Believe (02:27) Edward Harcourt Interview (32:05) Live Christmas Show (33:35) Parish Notices: Worm Charming (43:06) Unlocking Minds: Philosophy in Prisons Interview (1:15:46) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (1:20:07) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answers (1:21:31) Outro — Links 💫 Become a Patron – Unlock Your Backstage Pass 🧠 The Royal Institute of Philosophy 🪱 World Worm Charming Championships – Willaston 🪱 Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming – South Devon 📚 Worm by Dr Kevin Butt 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe Article — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we wander through London’s haunted past, uncover the humanity behind history’s ghost stories, and rediscover how kindness, comedy, and curiosity connect us all. From spectral legends to small acts of light in the dark, this episode celebrates the strange and the sincere in equal measure. First, Kevin is joined by historian and author Dr Maddy Pelling — host of After Dark — for a walk through the strange, true story of the Hammersmith Ghost. Together they unearth the 1800s case that blurred the line between myth and murder, ask why ghosts so often reveal the living more than the dead, and explore how our fears have always found form in flickering candlelight. Then, on our Parish Noticeboard, we turn from frights to generosity with the story of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF — the Halloween tradition that began with a few milk cartons and became a global movement.  After that, we open the Audio Archives to dust off a peculiar relic from the 1990s: the first ever bum dial. Part séance, part sitcom, it’s proof that even ghosts can appreciate good signal. Finally, the Victorian Parlour Games return with Ring My Gourd! — glowing rings, good humour, and just the right amount of Halloween mischief. So pour yourself something warm, get comfortable, and join us for a night of hauntings, humour and history in The Big Smoke. 🎟️ The Big Smoke Christmas Special is coming to The Phoenix Arts Club, Soho – 14th December. Expect ghost stories, lively games, seasonal music and festive mischief.  💬 Follow, review, and share the show with a friend — and remember: may your ghosts be friendly, and your gourds well-ringed. — Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:42) Pub Quiz: Trick-or-Trivia! (2:43) Maddy Pelling Interview (58:45) Live Christmas Show  (1:00:04) Parish Notices: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF (1:08:02) Audio Archives: Bum Dial (1:22:43) Victorian Parlour Games (1:24:57) Pub Quiz Answers (1:27:11) Outro — Links 🎓 Learn more about Dr Maddy Pelling 📚 Pre-order Maddy’s upcoming book Hoax 🎃 75 Years of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 🇬🇧 UNICEF UK 🌍 UNICEF International — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Audio Archives written by Aidan Parker and performed by Aidan Parker, Cait Roddam Jones and Kevin Bennett

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we walk through the fog of fear, meet courage on the street corners of London, and follow the rivers that carry us home. First up, Kevin sits down with historian and author Robert Peckham to ask what it really means to live with fear. From the “dizziness of freedom” to the way algorithms mirror our anxieties, Robert explores how fear shapes everything from politics to art—and why it might be the key to understanding hope itself. On the Parish Noticeboard, we pick up a copy of The Big Issue and uncover the story behind one of Britain’s most remarkable social enterprises—where every magazine sold is a step toward dignity and independence. In doing so, we meet André Rostant, a vendor whose voice reminds us that courage isn’t found in headlines, but in the quiet persistence of those rebuilding their lives one sale at a time. Then, we cross the ocean from the Thames to the Bulkley River, where our new Canadian Correspondent Taninli Wright introduces us to the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Her retelling of an ancestral story, How the Daylight and Lakes Had Come, reminds us that light and belonging are always worth reclaiming. Finally, as the fire crackles and the tea steeps, comedian and philosopher Alex Farrow joins us with his musings on fear, humour, and the rituals that help us laugh in the dark. So settle down as the nights draw in, courage flickers in the lamplight, and the stories of The Big Smoke come alive. Don’t forget to follow the show, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend. Until next time—keep the kettle warm and the lights low. We’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Links ✨ Become a Patron and unlock your Backstage Pass – Support the show and access exclusive perks, behind-the-scenes updates, and early live show tickets. 📝 Take our quick listener survey – Share your thoughts for a chance to win a prize! 📚 Learn more about Robert Peckham – Explore his work and book ‘Fear: An Alternative History of the World.’ 📰 Discover The Big Issue – Find out how the magazine is changing lives across the UK. 📖 Read André Rostant’s book – The Muffin Man – A moving collection of reflections from a Big Issue vendor. 🎭 Visit Stand-Up Philosophy – The show where comedians and philosophers meet on stage. 😂 Follow Alex Farrow – Explore his latest shows, writing, and tour dates. 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe – The Real Headline – Read the true Canadian story behind this week’s Pub Quiz! — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:36) Pub Quiz: Maple Leaf or Make Believe (02:35) Robert Peckham Interview (45:04) Parish Notices: The Big Issue (52:38) Canadian Correspondent Taninli Wright (1:01:46) Standup Philosopher Alex Farrow (1:09:35) Maple Leaf or Make Believe answers (1:10:41) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we roll the dice under the Harvest Moon, sail the seven seas with wacky shipmates, and curl up with stories that feel like home. First up, Kevin sits down with author Caroline Taggart to explore the timeless pastime of board games. From Monopoly meltdowns to horse-racing favourites lost to history, Caroline reveals why games aren’t just entertainment—they’re anthropology, philosophy, and sometimes even a mirror of society itself. On the Parish Notice Board, we turn our eyes skyward to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, celebrating 350 years of stargazing. From the Harvest Moon to the birth of Greenwich Mean Time, discover how the mysteries of the cosmos have guided farmers, explorers, and dreamers for centuries. Then we venture out to sea with our resident GP Doctor Quack, who returns with another round of jaw-dropping (and occasionally stomach-turning) medical “breakthroughs”. From goat’s testicle transplants to jars of bottled wind, they’re history’s strangest cures brought vividly (and hilariously) back to life. Finally, Archie’s Neuro Nuggets makes a cosy return to remind us why rewatching our favourite sitcoms isn’t procrastination at all—it’s a spa day for your neurons. Oh! And don’t miss our Victorian Parlour Game of the week – Checkers Go Bang! Don’t forget to follow the show, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who loves a quirky story. Until next time—roll the dice, reap the harvest, and don't sniff anything in a jar! We'll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Links ✍🏼 Fill out our short survey for a chance to win a copy of The Philosophy of Board Games! Take the survey ✨ Become a patron and unlock your Backstage Pass: https://patreon.com/TheBigSmokeVarietyShow 📗Caroline Taggart’s book - The Philosophy of Board Games 🌙 Royal Observatory Greenwich 📘Louise Devoy’s book - Royal Observatory Greenwich: A History in Objects 🧠Archie McAlpine Associates 🩺Dr. Quack’s Medical Treatments: 🐐Goat Testicle Transplant 💨 Farts in a Jar 🐋Whale Carcass Treatment — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:40) Pub Quiz: Board Games Trivia (02:25) Caroline Taggart Interview (45:54) Parish Notices: Harvest Moon (53:47) Dr. Quack (1:02:25) Archie's Neuro Nuggets (1:08:42) Victorian Parlour Games: Checkers Go Bang (1:10:09) Pub Quiz Answers (1:11:58) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we move between silence and sound, ruins and renewal, stars in the sky and treasures in the mud. First up, our Pub Quiz heads to the true north strong and free for “Maple Leaf or Make Believe: Pizza Edition”. From syrup-soaked slices to bears with strong topping opinions, can you spot the real Canadian headline? Then Kevin sits down with legendary theatre-maker Wendy Gorling to explore the true meaning of mime. From training in Paris at École Jacques Lecoq, to co-creating groundbreaking productions like The Overcoat, to a surprise appearance as the very first infected human in HBO’s The Last of Us, Wendy’s story reveals how physical presence and imagination can transform both stage and screen. On the Parish Notice Board, we visit St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Destroyed by an IRA bomb in 1993, this 800-year-old London church has been rebuilt as a hub for community, connection, and healing—an extraordinary symbol of resilience and hope in the heart of the city. Next, Kevin takes us to his childhood summer haunt Shawnigan Lake in British Columbia, where the clarity of the night sky inspires both awe and humility. What does it mean to feel small in the face of the cosmos—and why might awe be the most human emotion of all? Finally, we return to the Thames foreshore with Sean Clark the Mudlark, whose latest discovery—a pristine Elizabeth I silver shilling—offers a window into Tudor life before potatoes, tobacco, or the Spanish Armada. Don’t forget to follow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who loves a good story. Until next time—stand tall, speak true, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Links 🎙️ Fill out our short survey for a chance to win a copy of The Philosophy of Board Games! Take the survey ✨ Become a patron and unlock your Backstage Pass: patreon.com/TheBigSmokeVarietyShow 🕊️ Learn more about St Ethelburga’s Centre 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe Article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:54) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (03:56) Wendy Gorling Interview (54:21) Parish Notices (1:01:04) Shawnigan Lake (1:08:56) Sean Clark the Mudlark's Latest Find (1:13:23) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:15:07) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Parish Notices research by Ahmad Wonly  

Are you ready to break free from your algorithmic prison and join us for some enlightening — and silly — entertainment? Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! A podcast filled with comedy, conversation and community. Join us every fortnight for pub quizzes, mini radio plays, and stories from all corners of London and beyond.   So, take a seat, join the crowd, and celebrate all that is The Big Smoke Variety Show.

This week’s Silly Season episode is bold, rich, and possibly a bit risky. Back in the Comedy Café Mark Silcox takes the spotlight with tales of his latest obsession: gold trading. Kate Sharp and Alex Farrow join in as we debate financial wisdom, summer side-hustles, and whether pursuing security is ever truly secure. It’s a silly, spirited, and slightly speculative conversation about where your mind goes when your sunhat’s on and your common sense takes a holiday. In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan sends us out with a final creative mission: grab some sidewalk chalk and turn your neighbourhood into an open-air gallery. Then, we meet Lydia Wood, profiled in The New York Times, who set out to draw every single pub in London. What started during lockdown has become a full-time tribute to the emotional architecture of the city — turning beer-soaked buildings into sketched love letters. Explore with your imagination, and you might just map out meaning where you least expect it. — Links sketching pubs article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (19:30) Parish Notices (23:36) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to another Big Smoke Silly Season! This week in our Comedy Café, we stroll into deeper waters. Alex Farrow takes centre stage in a thoughtful chat about the meaning of summer, the philosopher’s mindset, and the timeless role of the fool in society. Joined by Kate Sharp and Mark Silcox, we riff on Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and how some people can make anything a fish! In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan encourages you to try a new path, find a muddy puddle and see what wildlife you can discover. And we head outside London to join the rising tide of Gen Z hiking groups, like Overground and Dykes Who Hike, highlighted in The Financial Times. These aren’t just walks — they’re joyful, sober, social movements reclaiming nature as a place for community, healing, and new friendships. So put down your phone — and pick up your walking shoes. — Links walking groups article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (20:36) Parish Notices (25:07) Outro  — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

This week’s Big Smoke mini-episode is like a perfectly pulled cortado for your ears — short, sharp, and slightly sweaty. Stand-up comedians Kate Sharp, Alex Farrow, and Mark Silcox return for a slightly damp but deeply funny session at the Comedy Café, focused around Kate’s caffeine habits, medication mishaps, and the sweaty truths of summer. From towelling methodology to microphone hygiene, it’s a gloriously soggy ode to showing up, sweating it out, and having a laugh in the mess of it all. In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan gives us another top tip: don’t just sit there — join in! From spontaneous bandstand performances to silly summer classes, connection begins with saying yes. We also meet the Yarn Bombers of Hertford, featured in The Times, a group of mostly retired rebels who sneak out at 4am to dress their towns in colourful knitted toppers. What started as a festive prank has grown into a nationwide act of joyful resistance — and a powerful reminder that mischief and community go hand in hand. — Links Yarn Bombers article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (17:55) Parish Notices (21:54) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show — and to our Summer Silly Season! While the team takes a well-earned break until September, we’re serving up mini-episodes to help you make the most of summer, starting with Jump In! This bite-sized audio macchiato features some of London’s funniest stand-up comedians — Kate Sharp, Alex Farrow, and Mark Silcox — who pop into the Comedy Café for iced coffees, heatwave hacks, and a guessing game about the true price of staying cool in the capital. In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan shares her top summer tip: don’t wait for perfect timing — jump in now! And we spotlight Stephen Peel, whose mission to taste-test over 120 fish and chip shops across Britain became a national headline in the BBC. From deep-fried Mars bars to vinegar-splashed stories, his journey led him home to Green Lane Chippy in Leigh, Greater Manchester — proof that sometimes the best treasure is just around the corner. — Links fish and chip tasting tour article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (17:08) Parish Notices (21:48) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re taking to the skies — and far beyond — with a celebration of whimsical, surprising, and deeply human modes of travel. First up, we pop to our local, where the ceiling’s low but our questions are sky-high. This week’s Pub Quiz? A History of Basket Cases. Then, Kevin meets legendary hot air balloon pilot Robin Batchelor to explore the history, his daring exploits, and the sheer joy of ballooning. From flying presidents and movie stars, to championing the heritage of flight in all its glory, Robin offers a delightful conversation packed with storytelling, adventure, and just the right amount of hot air. After all those airborne antics, it’s time for our Parish Notices. This week, we explore modes of travel that don’t just move you — they connect you. From float planes to rickshaw rides, penny-farthings to tall ships, Kevin shares some of the most unique ways people around the world move with meaning — and what they reveal about our need for each other. Feeling queasy from all that movement? Better book in with our resident GP… Dr. Quack returns with another historical deep-dive into medical madness. This week’s treatments include urine mouthwash, mouse-based wart remedies, and the slightly overzealous use of a hot poker. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll be glad you live in the modern age. And don’t miss our Victorian Parlour Game of the week — Catch the Sausage — a competitive meat-based spectacle that’s perfect for your next summer BBQ. Want more? Visit thebigsmokevariety.com to sign up for our free newsletter. Don’t forget to follow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little lift. Until next time — float free, travel weird, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. -- Links British Balloon Museum and Library British Balloon and Airship Club Harbour Air seaplanes Rickshaw article Penny Farthing article Cutty Sark the historic tea clipper  Clipper Stad Amsterdam Dr. Quack’s historical medical procedures -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:30) Pub Quiz: A History of Basket Cases (02:30) Interview with Robin Batchelor (45:02) Parish Notices (53:28) Dr. Quack (1:02:46) Victorian Parlour Game: Catch the Sausage (1:05:06) Pub Quiz Answers (1:07:13) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy The British Balloon Museum and Library is generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re celebrating Pride from every angle—through folklore, resistance, and the hidden treasures history leaves behind. First, Kevin sits down with Sunday Times bestselling author Sacha Coward to explore Queer as Folklore—a book that traces the hidden queer history in myths, monsters, and stories we’ve told for centuries. From the otherworldly deep sea in The Little Mermaid, to the far away aliens in Star Trek, Sacha reveals how folklore has always been a home for the in-between, the beautiful, and the feared. In our Parish Notices, we look beyond our borders at the state of LGBTQ+ rights around the world—where Pride is both celebration and defiance. From Malawi to Thailand, East Timor to Washington DC, we spotlight the brave acts of visibility that remind us: connection can outshine ignorance. Kevin also shares a personal reflection on The Laramie Project and the true story of Matthew Shepard—an example of how stories, spoken aloud and repeated, can echo outward to help create a better world. Then, fan favourite Sean Clark the Mudlark returns with a treasure plucked from the River Thames just in time for Pride: a gleaming copper farthing from the reign of King James I—Britain’s first openly queer monarch. Four hundred years later, his story re-surfaces. Sign up for our free newsletter at thebigsmokevariety.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the show with a friend, or leave a quick review—it really helps us grow. Until next time—stay proud, stay curious, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. -- Links Queer as Folklore Book  Thailand Marriage Equality Article Budapest Pride Article Australians Cancel Travel to USA Article -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:30) Sacha Coward Interview (1:03:15) Parish Notices (1:06:56) Reflections on The Laramie Project  (1:15:52) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (1:20:08) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re tracing lines—political, personal, and poetic—as we examine how borders, behaviours, and the body shape our place in the world. First, Kevin speaks with political journalist and bestselling author Jonn Elledge, whose book A History of the World in 47 Borders explores how the lines drawn through history continue to define our present. From colonial maps to the Canada–US border, Jonn unpacks the strange power of straight lines—and what they reveal about war, power, and human invention.  Then, in our Parish Notices, we unplug from the algorithm and ask: how are people breaking digital habits to reconnect with the real world? From phone-free hikes to London’s rapidly growing Offline Club, we share ideas—and stories—from those reclaiming their attention, one notification at a time. Next up, it’s a new Neuro Nugget from our in-house brain-whisperer Archie. This week, he explores interoception—the science of feeling your own body—and how tuning into your heartbeat, breath, or muscle tension might be the key to emotional wellbeing. And finally, poet Nehassaiu deGannes returns with three mesmerising pieces. Through memory and the rhythm of water, she draws us into deeper stillness—rooted in history, and the ground we stand on. For a peek behind the scenes and more info on our fantastic guests, sign up for our free Periodical at thebigsmokevariety.com. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you soon—in The Big Smoke! -- Links Jonn Elledge in The New Statesman Jonn Elledge's Substack Newsletter ‘A History of the World in 47 Borders’ Guardian - Phone Detox Article Business Insider - Phone Free Trek Article Economic Times - London ‘Offline’ Nights Article The Offline Club Learn more about Archie's work Nehassaiu's Book of Poetry Maple Leaf Answer -- Chapters (00:00) A note from Kevin (1:29) Intro – Today’s Episode (2:57) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (4:16) Jonn Elledge Interview (49:26) Parish Notices (54:32) Archie’s Neuro Nugget (56:29) Nehassaiu deGannes Poetry (1:06:29) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:07:39) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Thank you to Kieron, Maddie & Andy for their contributions

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week’s episode is a little different. We’re turning inward and asking—as King Lear put it—“Who is it that can tell me who I am?” It’s time for a bit of productive navel-gazing. So today, the mic turns around. Our assistant producer, Adam Wright, puts host Kevin Bennett in the hot seat as we explore the origins of this delightful circus we call The Big Smoke. From childhood curiosities to theatrical obsessions, it’s a revealing conversation about the twists and turns of a life in showbiz, and what makes this variety show tick. Then, after all that introspection, we felt it fitting to book a check-up. So it’s off to visit our resident GP in this week’s comedy sketch… Dr. Quack.  Only problem? Dr. Quack is currently on trial for medical malpractice. This historical parody sees him defend his treatment of the Earl of Kent. Let’s just say: you may want to reschedule any future appointments you have with this particular medical professional. And finally — we introduce you to the very first Victorian Parlour Game Kevin ever played. It’s called Poor Pussy and it’s every bit as silly as it sounds.  Thanks for joining us — whether you’re curled up on the sofa or crawling on all fours. We’ll see you next time… in The Big Smoke! -- Links The Earl of Kent’s Story -- Chapters (00:00) What is a Podcast? (05:01) Intro – Today’s Episode  (06:30) Kevin Bennett Interview (52:20) Dr. Quack (59:25) Victorian Parlour Games (1:02:16) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re packing our bags and setting off on a whirlwind journey — from London to Malawi to Canada… and then… a mystery location?! First up, we’re joined by travel writer, photographer and community chronicler Helena Smith, whose work with Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Bradt Guides has taken her from London’s lesser-known footpaths to the sun-drenched hills of rural Malawi. With Helena, we explore how walking with purpose and travelling with care can open new ways of seeing — even in places we thought we knew. Then, in this week’s Parish Notices, Ahmad Wonly catches up with Martin Cosarinsky Campos, Director of Breadwinners — a social enterprise that’s baking change with every sourdough loaf. Martin brings a wealth of experience from both the charity and private sectors, and his ethos is simple but powerful: “Get to know the people you fear”. Together, they explore how community is built not just through what we do, but who we do it with — one loaf at a time. Next, we dust off another entry from our Audio Archives — this time, a peculiar Museum Audio Guide. But where (or what) is it? A riddle for your ears awaits… And finally, Archie’s Neuro Nuggets returns with a quick, science-backed tip to bring more art into your life — and more calm to your mind. This week: how doodling could help you process emotions and reduce stress in just a few minutes a day. Want more behind-the-scenes content, guest links, and a full breakdown of Archie’s latest nugget? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical. Thanks for joining us in The Big Smoke. We’ll see you in a fortnight!  -- Links  Helena Smith Parish Notices: Breadwinners Archie’s Neuro Nuggets Maple Leaf or Make Believe answer -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:24) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (2:25) Helena Smith Interview (44:08) Parish Notices: Breadwinners (56:06) Audio Archives: Museum Audio Guide  (1:09:01) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets (1:11:10) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:12:44) Outro  --  Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Audio Archives: Museum Audio Guide written by Aidan Parker Museum Guide played by Terry Bamberger Dr. V Chisling played by Scott Brooksbank

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re digging through the layers of history, ritual, and relics to uncover the surprising ways we make meaning and find home. First up, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Irving, Director of the Groningen Centre for Religion and Heritage, who takes us on a journey through the sacred and the forgotten. From medieval manuscripts to the relics we toss aside, he shares how ancient rituals shape our sense of connection and community. Andrew also spent time studying ancient codices in the Vatican Library, where he witnessed firsthand how sacred texts have shaped centuries of ritual. Then, it’s the return of Sean Clark the Mudlark, who takes us to the banks of the River Thames, where a curious find links modern-day London to medieval Spain. This week’s artefact? A Pilgrim Badge Mount dating back to the 1400s, its scallop shell design bearing the mark of Saint James. But the real twist? Sean sent it back to Santiago for a blessing —over 600 years after it last made the pilgrimage! Next, Assistant Producer Adam Wright hits the streets to catch up with our Roving Correspondent Ahmad Wonly, whose journey from Burundi to London is a story of resilience and reinvention. Whether he’s on the football pitch or in the lecture hall, Ahmad shows how to stay deeply connected to community, no matter where life takes you. And finally, Rishi Rian brings us a Poetic Parish Notice titled ‘My Kitchen Mirror’—a haunting meditation on self-image, memory, and the strange ways we see ourselves in the everyday. Want more behind-the-scenes content, guest links, and a chance to read Rishi’s poem in full? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical. Thanks for joining us in The Big Smoke. We’ll see you in a fortnight!  -- Chapters (00:00) Religion? (04:54) Intro (06:00) Andrew Irving Interview (52:38) Sean Clark the Mudlark's Latest Find (59:26) Parish Notices (1:06:27) My Kitchen Mirror by Rishi Rian (1:15:08) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Roving Correspondent Ahmad Wonly 'Religion?' featuring Jolyon Coy Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This episode tips its hat to the dramatic and the delightfully ridiculous—from lost boys and duels at dawn to Shakespearean skulls and Victorian umbrella stands. We kick things off with Stump the Room, where we dare you to unravel a set of stage-worthy questions spanning Hook, Hamilton, and Hamlet. From blink-and-you-miss-it cameos to the real-life rulebook behind duels, this quiz blends pop culture with classical flair. Play along and see if you can outsmart your friends. Then it’s curtain up on a very special guest: Giles Terera—Olivier Award-winning star of ‘Hamilton’ and soon-to-be ‘Hamlet’ at Chichester Festival Theatre. From Neverland to revolutionary New York to the haunted halls of Elsinore, Giles shares the unexpected turns, profound challenges, and artistic awakenings that have shaped his extraordinary journey on stage. Next, our Parish Notices take a literary turn as assistant producer Adam hits the streets to ask: “what’s your favourite book?” The responses lead us into a sneak peek of our brand-new Big Smoke Book Club. First pick? ‘Queer as Folklore’ by the endlessly insightful Sacha Coward. Fancy reading along with us? You can find out more info and join the club here! Feeling a little under the weather? Good news—it’s time to meet our new resident doctor. Dr. Quack is in the house (or perhaps a 16th-century plague ward), offering historically accurate medical advice for your minor ailments. And finally, it’s game time, Victorian Parlour Games returns! The Elephant’s Foot Umbrella Stand. It’s part memory game, part logic puzzle, and part descent into chaos. Bring your wits—and maybe an umbrella? It’s thoughtful. It’s theatrical. It’s just a little bit unhinged. Want more delightful oddities? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical. -- Links Read Giles’s book, ‘Hamilton and Me: An Actor's Journal’ Here! See Giles as Hamlet at Chichester Festival Theatre “You’re Blowing Smoke!”: Dr. Quack’s historical insights More delightfully disturbing historical Quack-y medical facts -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:21) Stump The Room (02:17) Giles Terera Interview (53:12) Parish Notices (59:14) Dr. Quack (1:06:11) Victorian Parlour Games (1:08:39) Stump The Room Answers (1:11:02) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins   (6a898d0e275182faae272f15b2c2c66a5161c971)

Today’s episode really leans into the “variety” part of our podcast's name. From Canadian headlines to ancient Roman bone dice, it’s a buffet of the bizarre, the beautiful, and the quietly profound. First up, it’s back to the Great White North for another round of Maple Leaf, or Make Believe?—the quiz that challenges you to separate true Canadian news stories from sweet, syrupy fakes. One of these headlines is legit. The rest? Pure, unfiltered nonsense. Can you spot the truth? Then, we slow things down with our first guest: yoga and meditation teacher Sue Cheung, who shares accessible, practical tools for managing anxiety in a noisy world. With strategies drawn from her Anti-Anxiety Toolkit, Sue shows us that finding calm in chaos isn’t just possible—it might be the most powerful thing we can do. After that, we crack open the Audio Archives, a brand new segment uncovering strange audio relics of the past. This week, a preserved recording from the final shift of a switchboard operator named Katherine Ellington. What call sealed her fate? Who was on the other end of the line—and what exactly did they say? And finally, it’s time to put on your wellies and head down to the River Thames with returning guest Sean Clark the Mudlark. In his first regular report, Sean introduces us to the ancient artefacts “finding him” on the foreshore—including a tiny, lopsided Roman bone die that opens a portal to 2,000 years of gambling, games, and forgotten Londoners. Our Parish Notices this week come from the endlessly inspiring Ahmad—sharing a glimpse into the world of The Running Charity and the coach who’s changing lives. You’ll laugh, you’ll breathe, you’ll say “Wait—what did I just listen to?” Step inside The Big Smoke. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s waiting. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at thebigsmokevariety.com for a peek behind the curtain of our guests and more! -- Links Sue Cheung Website Claude Umuhire and The Running Charity Sean Clark Instagram Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:25) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (02:24) Sue Cheung Interview (41:58) Parish Notices (47:22) Audio Archives: Switchboard Operator (58:21) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (01:04:22) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (01:06:19) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright A big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent Audio Archives was written by Aidan Parker and stars Olivia Mace  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today’s episode, we step into the ring… or rather, the opera house. And trust us, by the end, you’ll see they might just be the same thing. First up, we kick things off with a Looney Tunes twist in Stump the Room: Bugs Bunny Meets Opera Edition. Can you tell your Wagnerian heroines from your Saturday morning demons? Then, our host Kevin Bennett is joined by Thomas Guthrie - opera director, writer, composer, and founder of the charity Music and Theatre for All. Kevin challenges Tom to convince him that opera isn’t just about powdered wigs and posh intervals but is something raw, real, and resonant. Then, we visit the vibrant heart of Lewisham with our Parish Notices, where guest correspondent Vicky Annand brings us stories of connection and creativity from the local community.  Later in the show, Kevin shares a personal piece titled ‘The Weird Sister’, a true story from his time running a Shakespeare collective in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It’s about trust, transformation, and how one woman, through the words of the Porter in Macbeth, found her voice in an unexpected place. And finally, it’s time to hang upside down - literally. Archie McAlpine returns with Neuro Nuggets, offering a curious brain hack about blood flow and perspective that’s part gym trick, part neuroscience. You can learn more about Archie’s work here. -- Links: Find out more about Thomas Guthrie Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:27) Stump the Room (02:44) Tom Guthrie Interview (45:13) Parish Notices (51:11) The Weird Sister (59:30) Archie’s Neuro Nugget (1:00:51) Stump The Room Answers (1:04:41) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Vicky Annand, our guest correspondent  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today’s episode, ‘The CNN of the Ghetto’, we explore the rhythms that shape our lives, both natural and self-made. First up, we welcome MoYah - Afro-fusion rapper, activist, and educator, who blends music with advocacy, using hip-hop as a tool for storytelling, community, and change. From his roots in Mozambique to his career-defining role as Portugal’s first refugee semi-finalist in Festival da Canção, MoYah shares how rap became his language of resistance, identity, and empowerment.  Then, it’s the return of Rishi Rian with his poetic Parish Notice: ‘Make That Five’ - a meditation on breaking free from the astronomical hamster wheel and redefining the seasons of our lives. We’ve also got more Maple Leaf or Make Believe! Three strange Canadian headlines, only one is real. Can you guess which? And finally, a fan favourite returns! Victorian Parlour Games is back, with a rap-inspired twist - Word Ladders. Will you outwit your opponents one letter at a time, or will you be stuck with a forfeit worthy of the 19th century? And before we wrap up, we’ve got a treat for your ears - ‘Too Much Sauce’ by MoYah closes out the show. Tune in and step inside The Big Smoke! -- Links: Refugee Week Info Answer to Maple Leaf or Make Believe Find out more about MoYah  Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:08) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (2:06) MoYah Interview (49:04) Parish Notices (51:42) Make That Five by Rishi Rian (1:00:18) Victorian Parlour Games (1:02:13) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:03:53) Outro (1:04:25) Too Much Sauce by MoYah -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today's episode, ‘The Shoe in the Wall: Patrick Grant on why 'Less' is more’, we’re unpicking the threads of fashion, identity, and the objects we bring into our lives, starting with the clothes on our backs. Joining us is none other than Patrick Grant - clothier, sustainability advocate, and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee. Patrick takes us on a journey through the history of clothing, the fight for quality over fast fashion, and why what we wear matters more than we think. He also reignited the legacy of Kevin’s great-great-great-great grandfather, Edward Tautz, by relaunching his clothing brand! Then, it’s storytime with Granny’s Costume Trunk, where Kevin rediscovers the magic of childhood dress-up - becoming anyone with just a wig, a dress, or a pair of glasses. We also debut an exciting new segment: Archie’s Neuro Nuggets! This week’s bite-sized insight? Fractals in Nature - what they are, why they’re everywhere, and how they might just make your life better.  A fan favourite, it’s the return of Stump the Room! Test your trivia skills with some fashion-themed facts. And before we wrap up, our correspondent Ahmad hits the streets to find out how YOU are fostering connection and community when the bells ring out across The Big Smoke.  Links Join Patrick Grant’s Newsletter: Community Clothing Read ‘Less’ by Patrick Grant: William Collins Books Learn more about Archie McAlpine’s work: Archie McAlpine Associates Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  Chapters (0:00) Intro (1:23) Stump The Room (2:20) Patrick Grant Interview (1:01:35) Parish Notices (1:05:07) Granny’s Costume Trunk (1:09:56) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets (1:11:44) Stump The Room Answers (1:13:05) Outro Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This episode is an ode to the auraculous, as we delve into the extraordinary world of sound with writer and journalist Caspar Henderson, author of ‘A Book of Noises: Notes on the Auraculous’. Caspar invites us to tune the dial of our minds and truly listen to the hidden harmonies of nature, the mysteries of music, and the profound ways sound shapes our world. We explore the bizarre and beautiful: from whistling to bears and singing birds, to the first musical instruments and the resonance of ancient spaces. What is sound? Why does rhythm matter? And can a frog’s croak be as poetic as Shakespeare?  Joining the show is Canadian-American poet Nehassaiu deGannes, who shares selections from ‘Music for Exile’, weaving sound and silence into powerful verse exploring life on the border. We’re debuting a new game this week! Maple Leaf or Make Believe, where we test your ability to spot the true Canadian headlines from the truly ridiculous. Play along and see if you can guess the real Maple Leaf! Plug in your headphones, open your ears, and join us for a journey through the science, poetry, and sheer wonder of sound. And remember - if you sneeze, you might just deafen thousands… Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review to help make some noise!  Time Stamps Intro - (00:00) Maple Leaf or Make Believe - (01:07) Caspar Henderson Interview - (02:10) Parish Notices - (51:53) Nehassaiu deGannes Poetry - (55:05) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer - (1:09:40) Outro - (1:11:01) Links Caspar’s Book  Nehassaiu’s Book  Answer to Maple Leaf or Make Believe  Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this festive episode, ‘Christmas Cheese and Reindeer Games’, we bring you a brilliant mix of holiday cheer, mouth-watering cheese, and heartwarming stories in support of the Babylon Migrants Project, a community interest company that empowers young refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through creative activities. Cheese consultant and author Emma Young leads a fascinating cheese tasting, featuring Maasdam, Taleggio, Brillat Savarin, Stilton, and Grana Padano. Emma shares delightful trivia, pro tips, and stories from her life as an international cheese consultant. Actors Adam Cunis and Hollie Hales perform an enchanting Rudolph storytelling session that will light up your imagination like Rudolph’s red nose in the night sky. Composer Joe Atkins and singer Cait Roddam Jones set the mood with festive tunes to fill your home with holiday joy. We also dig into your quirky holiday traditions, test out your Christmas knowledge with the Philosophy of Christmas Quiz, and crown the cheesiest Christmas cracker joke! Pour a glass of mulled wine, grab your favourite cheese, and join us for a holiday gathering to remember. All proceeds from the live event were donated to Babylon Migrants Project, if you’d like to find out more about the amazing work they do, please visit - Babylon Migrants Project. Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety, and please rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice! Merry Christmas from all of us at The Big Smoke Variety Show! 🎄

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Today’s episode, ‘The Three Pillars: Comedy, Conversation & Community’, is a special global journey celebrating the heart of what makes our show unique. Join us as we take a closer look at our show’s core themes with incredible guests from around the world. Our first stop is Vancouver, Canada, where we meet Aidan Parker, a writer, filmmaker, and award-winning member of the Canadian improv community. Aidan shares his passion for comedy and leads Kevin through some engaging improvisation exercises that you can play along with at home. Aidan shows us how comedy and improv can bridge cultures and create community. Next, we travel to Amstelveen in the Netherlands to chat with Amber Teterissa, a communication coach, trainer, and actor. Amber delves into the art of difficult conversations and the importance of bold communication.  Finally, we turn to the UK to hear from poet Rishi Rian, whose moving work captures one man’s search for connection through community. Rishi’s poetic insights remind us of the strength we find in coming together. This episode also features our classic segments, ‘Stump the Room’, which has been given a Trivial Pursuit twist and our Victorian Parlour Game this week has been taken straight from the Netherlands: Spijkerpoepen, or ‘Nail Pooping’. Yes, you read that right—prepare for some laughs and surprises as we embrace this quirky Dutch tradition! Don’t miss our festive finale, ‘Christmas Cheese and Reindeer Games!’ on December 13th, a show filled with cheese tasting, music, holiday stories, and lively Christmas parlour games. Book your tickets now and join us for the ultimate holiday gathering in support of Babylon Migrants Project. Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice!

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Today’s episode, “The Better Part of Valour”, takes us into the unexpected world of Ukrainian cricket—a story of courage, community, and resilience in the face of war. Our guest, Jonathan Campion, journalist and author of 'Getting Out: The Ukrainian Cricket Team’s Last Stand on the Front Lines of War', shares his first-hand account of Ukraine’s quirky cricket history and how its players became unlikely heroes during Russia’s 2022 invasion. It’s a story that proves bravery can emerge in the most surprising places. In addition to Jonathan’s inspiring story, this episode offers an eclectic mix of entertainment to bring the community together. We have Latin jazz from Bob Morgan and Diego Laverde Rojas, whose music is guaranteed to captivate. True to Big Smoke tradition, we also have engaging games, including “Stump the Room”, where audience members challenge each other with impossible crosswords, and “Hat Tricks”, an interactive segment filled with cricket trivia as we get to know our audience, sponsored by Hatopia. Our Victorian Parlour Game of the week is 'Smells', simple to prepare with just a blindfold and a variety of scents, this game always promises plenty of laughs and surprises. Our next show, “Christmas Cheese and Reindeer Games!” on December 13th, is a festive celebration filled with cheese tasting, music, holiday stories, and lively Christmas parlour games—all in support of Babylon Migrants Project. Don’t miss this mouth-watering evening with cheese specialist Emma Young. Get your tickets here and join us for the ultimate holiday gathering! Some of the proceeds from our live recording went to Ukraine Charity, you can find out more about their work here. Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety, and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app! Thanks to Sacred Grounds Cafe and Hatopia for supporting this event. 

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! Today’s episode, “A Fatal Exit”, delves into the spooky lore of the Tower of London and its iconic ravens, just in time for Halloween! Our guest is none other than former Ravenmaster and current Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London Christopher Skaife, author of The Ravenmaster — named ‘London book of the year’ by the Evening Standard. Join us as Chris recounts his years caring for these extraordinary birds, weaving humour and history with eerie legends of life in the Tower. Discover why legend insists that, should the ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall into ruin… Adding an unforgettable musical element, we’re thrilled to welcome Amyas, the historical music duo Emily Baines and Arngeir Hauksson, known for their mastery of period instruments. From eerie to enthralling, their music brings the historical spirit alive. We’ve also got a lineup of exciting autumnal games to celebrate Halloween in style! First, it's, Stump the Room, a crossword-inspired challenge to test your brainpower. Then, Trick or Tune, where contestants must try to lie to our host or identify some live performed musical clues. Our parlour game of the week is Ring My Gourd—a glowing, pumpkin-themed ring toss to keep the autumn spirit going! Perfect for any spooky gathering, these games promise fun, friendly competition, and all the festive vibes. Our next show, “The Better Part of Valour”, on November 8th, features Jonathan Campion, author of Getting Out: The Ukrainian Cricket Team’s Last Stand on the Front Lines of War, sharing the remarkable story of Ukraine’s heroic and quirky cricket history. Plus, enjoy award-winning stand-up from Daisy Roberts and Latin Jazz by Diego Laverde Rojas and Bob Morgan! Get your tickets here! Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety, and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice! Thanks to Sacred Grounds Cafe for hosting us.

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, “The Freestyle Mind”, we dive into how we can harness our thoughts to find stillness, flow, creativity, and inspiration in the midst of modern chaos. First up, we have Arti Lal, a seasoned meditation teacher and co-ordinator of the Inner Space Meditation Centre in Covent Garden. For over 35 years, Arti has been inspiring individuals to make space for quiet reflection and mindfulness. She leads us in a guided meditation, helping us explore how to find calm amidst the noise of daily life. Next, joining us is Kate Sharp, an incredibly witty comedian and writer based in London. With a clever conversational style and a knack for observational humour. Kate is a rising star in the UK comedy scene and she brings her unique blend of humour and charm to the show.  Finally, we’re joined by LeeN, a master of ceremonies and freestyle rap artist known for his electrifying performances and socially conscious freestyles. Touring with beatboxing champion Beardyman, LeeN is an artist whose improvisational skills shine in live settings.  But the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ve got a new Victorian Parlour Game for you to enjoy and 3 new contestants for a fresh round of Hat Tricks, where contestants battle it out to win fabulous prizes from our sponsor, Hatopia. Our next show, “A Fatal Exit”, features former Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife and historical musicians Emily Baines and Arngeir Hauksson. You can find tickets here! Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety, and don’t forget to rate us 5 stars on your podcast app of choice! Thanks to Sacred Grounds Cafe for hosting us.

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, “Stone Aged Wisdom”, we’re stepping back in time to explore how ancient skills and wisdom can still connect us to our modern world. How could learning to start a fire or forage for food be relevant in the digital age?  We’re thrilled to welcome Memma the Cavewoman, aka Sarah Day. Memma is a Bushcraft instructor, experimental archaeologist, and ancient technologist with over 13 years of experience. She’s worked with TV survivalist Ray Mears’ company Woodlore Ltd, teaching outdoor skills and sharing her passion for prehistory. From finding her first fossil at age 5 to becoming the Head Cavewoman for Prehistoric Experiences, Memma brings history to life through her engaging workshops. In this episode, she’ll guide us through Stone Age tools, stories, and survival skills that resonate even in our fast-paced, modern lives. If you’d like to see the objects Memma discusses in the episode, visit our Instagram page. And that’s not all! Get ready to meet Meg Hemmings, an Australian poet whose journey has taken her from small-town Spain to regional Tasmania. A former pastry chef turned copywriter and memoirist, Meg brings a unique perspective on travel, cooking, and the art of living fully. But the fun doesn’t stop there! To round off the episode, we’re diving into some Victorian Parlour Games, because play is an instinct that connects us all, no matter the era. Today’s game is Basketball Head – a whimsical test of skill and coordination. Tune in for the laughter and chaos, and check out our Instagram @thebigsmokevariety to see how it went for us! Join us for the next show, on October 11th! You can read the BBC article about Memma rowing the River Thames here A huge thanks to the sponsor for this episode, Hatopia

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, “Heroes or Vandals?”, we’re taking you deep into the world of graffiti, urban art, and creative expression. Right now it seems there's a new Banksy popping up on every corner, so our timing couldn't be better! Featuring in this episode is Madeleine Pelling, cultural historian and co-host of History Hit’s After Dark. She’ll be discussing her new book 'Writing on the Wall: Graffiti, Rebellion and the Making of Eighteenth-Century Britain', offering a fresh look at how graffiti has shaped the course of history. Alongside her, we welcome Gary Means, founder of Alternative London and one of the UK’s leading experts on street art. He’ll share stories of modern graffiti and its role in representing the voices of the unheard, as well as its connection to the cultural diversity of East London. But that’s not all! For an extra dose of humor, we’re bringing in Mark Silcox, the hilarious stand-up comedian, science teacher, and ping-pong player.  Whether you’re a fan of Banksy or just curious about the political and social meanings behind street art, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and surprises. If you'd like to see some of the work mentioned in this episode, visit @perspicereartist And if you'd like to listen to Gary's podcast episode with Jay Kaes you can find that here Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety Click here to come to one of our live shows!

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, "Change in Muddy Waters", we bring together two remarkable guests for an evening of historical discovery, refugee empowerment, and personal journeys. First, we dive into the world of Sean Clark, a licensed mudlark with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of 17th-century London. Sean has spent years along the banks of the Thames, discovering unique and historical artifacts that once belonged to the city’s long-forgotten inhabitants. Sean shares his mudlarking adventures, bringing along some precious objects and revealing the untold stories of the lives that slipped into the river centuries ago. His fascinating finds give new life to the past, reminding us how small discoveries can spark big revelations. We also welcome Anil Qasemi, Project Lead for Afghan Resettlement at USPUK. A survivor and recent refugee himself, Anil uses his experiences to empower and assist fellow refugees, offering vital information and guidance through challenging transitions. An entrepreneur and former award-winning journalist, Anil has contributed to major publications while also founding HATOPIA, an online headwear provider. His dedication to helping others rebuild their lives makes him a powerful voice in both the humanitarian and entrepreneurial worlds.   Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety Click here to come to one of our live shows!   Disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence.

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In this episode, "Wild City, Ghost Town", we bring together two outstanding guests for an unforgettable evening of urban wildlife, poetry, and community activism. We welcome Florence Wilkinson, writer, filmmaker, and co-founder of the birdsong recognition app Warblr. Florence will share insights from her acclaimed book Wild City: Encounters with Urban Wildlife, exploring the hidden natural world of cities and the fascinating stories that lie within. And, we dive into the captivating world of Nigerian-born poet Fuad Busoir, a rising star in the poetry scene. Winner of UniSlam 2024, Fuad’s powerful piece Ghost Town moved judges to tears, and his work consistently explores the physical and emotional spaces that shape us. As the founder of the community For Black Boys, Fuad is passionate about creating spaces for Black men to express, heal, and grow.   Find us on Instagram: @thebigsmokevariety Click here to come to one of our live shows.