Curious Charles

A Christmas Special - revisiting one of our favourite episodes about the writing of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol", originally introduced by Stephen Fry with a discussion between the author Viel Richardson and Robbie Stamp about what Dickens means to them.

In this end of Season special HappenedHere co-founder Robbie Stamp sits down with Cassius Konneh (who performed our first ever story) to talk about three great stories from the archives, ‘ Cyril’s Fragments’ written by Hamish Roberts and performed by Stephen Fry, ‘Pregnant Pickpocket’ written by Olivia Bell and performed by Lulu Freeman and ‘Two Inheritances’ by Milo Harries performed by Cassius Konneh. Three very different stories from Seasons past giving us a glimpse into the lives of three very different peoples in very different circumstances. Join them for a look into the making of a great HappenedHere story.

In this week's special Halloween episode of HappenedHere, hosted by Greg Nicotero, we tell a moving story about ghosts and spirits on a Samhain night in Ireland two thousand years ago, a story based on real events about school children and vampire hunting in Glasgow in the 1950’s and the true story of the creation of THAT mask from John Carpenter’s first Halloween movie.The Gift of Samhain [Below Caherdrinny Hillfort, Gurrane, Co. Cork, Ireland]The Gorbals Vampire. [Glasgow, Scotland]Horror on a Shoestring [Hollywood Magic Shop, 6660 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, USA]Sound editing by Viel Richardson

If you walk from Hampstead Heath in the north of London to Blackfriars Bridge on the Thames, there is one thing you won't see – the River Fleet. In this week's episode, learn the fascinating history of this 'forgotten' river and how it is now completely underground. Hosted by Cassius Konneh, performed by Dame Joanna Lumley. Written by Ben Jacob, with sound editing by Will Jacob.

In December 1672, a fierce storm struck Castle Cornet, leading to an explosion that tore through Lord Christopher Hatton's home. Amid the chaos, servant James Chappel became a hero, rescuing Hatton and his children. Though much of Chappell’s life remains a mystery, his courage on that fateful night is immortalised in history. Written by Viel Richardson, performed by Olivia Bell.

In the searing heat of Aswan’s Northern Quarry, Senenmut, chief architect to Pharaoh Hatshepsut, confronts an unthinkable setback – a deep crack in the granite obelisk destined to be the tallest ever built. With three sides carved and shaped, the crack threatens to end the project and displease Egypt’s formidable ruler. As Senenmut ponders how to deliver this devastating news, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Hatshepsut’s reign and her extraordinary architectural legacy. Written by Sarah Fleming, performed by Joanna Lumley.

From humble beginnings in the American city of St. Louis to becoming a symbol of the French Resistance, Josephine Baker captivated the world. Her dance electrified audiences, while her bravery saved lives. Then after the war she fought for African American rights alongside Dr Martin Luther King. Discover the incredible life of this performer turned war hero, a true icon who defied convention. Written by James Rampton and performed by Aniya Picou.

Second Sleep explores the fascinating world of biphasic sleep through the eyes of a young girl in medieval Dorset. While her family tends to chores during ‘the watch’, the girl slips out of bed and embarks on a secret journey to a nearby nunnery, captivated by the soft chants that fill the night air. Written and performed by Olivia Bell. Sound editor Viel Richardson.

In this week's HappenedHere podcast, we take you to 1835 when Charles Darwin set foot on the remote Galapagos Islands during his voyage on HMS Beagle. His meticulous observations of the wildlife would later form the basis of his revolutionary Theory of Evolution. Written by Hamish Roberts, performed by Shama Rahman and hosted by Robbie Stamp. Sound Editor Viel Richardson.

This short podcast centres on a meeting in 1882 between renowned Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde and renowned American poet and essayist Walt Whitman. From different generations, one effete, one a realist, would they find common ground? Written by Harry Tucker, performed by Stephen Fry and hosted by Lulu Freeman. Sound Editor Viel Richardson