Unusual Histories

For this episode, you get 2 stars for the price of 1. Danny is joined by comedians Paul Ricketts and Steve Gribbin, the co-hosts of “You Should´ve Been Here Last Week”, an irreverent show that pulls back the curtain on the world of professional comedy. This episode is packed with often funny, sometimes hair-raising, stories about gigs that took an unexpected turn, including coked up audiences, the police being called, flashers and a very saucy ping pong (wiff-waff) related story.

Danny, Paul and Steve´s conversation provides a great insight into what it is really like to work on the...

For this episode, Danny is joined by the legendary cult singer-songwriter John Otway. John gained recognition in the 70s with his collaborations with Wild Willie Barrett, with whom he made his legendary appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, famously hurting himself rather dramatically in the process.

He is known for his unpredictability on and off stage, his incredible relationship with his fan base and his famous double guitar. Over the course of 5,000+ gigs and TV appearances, he has worked with performers as diverse as Wild Willie Barrett, Attila the Stockbroker and Richard Holgarth. His autobiography...

For this episode, Danny is joined by Mark Baxter, a South London storyteller who's part author, producer, screenwriter, and full-on creative maverick. From writing 12 books, including 'Walworth Through Time', to producing documentaries about music legends like Paul Weller, Bax has turned his working-class curiosity into a remarkable career.

He explains how a redundant print worker transformed himself into a chronicler of underground culture. His stories will make you laugh, think, and see London through new eyes.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my e...

In this episode, Danny is joined by comedian, actor, author and comedy writer Dave Thompson. Dave has appeared in a number of TV shows, often with Harry Hill in various guises. He's also written for several shows, including Kelsey Grammer Presents The Sketch Show, and for a number of other comics, including Stuart Lee and Omid Djalili. He's appeared in Ben Elton's film Maybe Baby, and is a regular on the stand-up circuit, making headlines after being sacked from his role as the original Tinky Winky in the Teletubbies for being told that his interpretation of the role was "...

For this episode Danny Hurst is joined by John Ryan who describes himself as a men´s health comedian, healthcare professional and podcaster who has won multiple awards, including the Scottish Mental Health and Arts Film Festival Best Short Documentary Award and the NHS Regional Health and Social Care Award for Mental Health and Well-being. He has performed extensively across the UK and abroad, hosts a radio show, and has had a research paper published in a psychiatric journal. He runs the website "Happy to Health" with his partner Natasha Donovan, and does extensive work in healthcare, including TED t...

For this episode, Danny is privileged to be joined by actor, puppeteer, co-founder of the London School of Puppetry and president of the British Puppet Guild - Ronnie Le Drew. Ronnie has worked in theatre, television and film for many decades. His movie credits include The Naked Runner with Frank Sinatra, Little Shop of Horrors, The Muppets Treasure Island, Labyrinth and the live-action Beauty and the Beast. To people in the know however, he is most famous for Zippy from Rainbow, which is indisputably the greatest TV show in history and Danny'll fight anyone who disagrees with that. 

Today, Danny is joined by the singer-songwriter, producer, screenwriter and journalist Geoff Deane. He was the front man of the new wave band The Leyton Buzzards and the original front man of Modern Romance. Geoff wrote for other artists, including Divine, who he toured with and wrote "You Think You're a Man" for. As a writer, Geoff contributed to The Face and Arena magazines and co-wrote several TV shows including Birds of a Feather, Tonight with Jonathan Ross and the film Kinky Boots. His memoir, “From Mohair Suits to Kinky Boots” is a best seller.

Danny and Geof...

In this episode Danny is joined by the legendary Rowland Rivron, comedy actor, writer, TV/radio presenter and drummer who is best known for his work with French and Saunders, The Comic Strip Presents and for being a showbiz maverick.

Rowland shares stories from his varied career. He covers his unique upbringing, the quirks of his name, and the making of his autobiography. Listeners get a candid, funny, and insightful look at British comedy, music and the unpredictable moments that shaped Rowland’s life.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to htt...

In this episode Danny is joined by writer, musician, author, playwright and comedian John Dowie. One of only a handful of comedians who are genuinely original, John has been described as "the most influential comic you've never heard of." During a remarkable career, he's opened for Black Sabbath, toured with Victoria Wood, and has been recorded on vinyl alongside Joy Division. He was doing alternative comedy before alternative comedy existed.

John has worked with dozens of comics and actors including Bill Nighy, Tony Allen, Rory Bremner, Jim Sweeney, Steve Steen and many more. He shares some great...

In this episode, Danny is joined by comedian Pat Monahan. Pat is half Iranian, half Irish and claims he used to spend his holidays in customs. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, Pat has won TV competitions, Take The Mic and Show Me The Funny. He was also the warmup man for the late Paul O´Grady and alongside fellow comic Bob Slayer, holds the world record for the longest hug.

He and Danny reminisce about some of the stars they worked with over the years, including Johnny Vegas, Robin Williams, Paul O´Grady and Barry Cryer. Pa...

For this episode Danny is joined by Chaz Jankel, who has written some of the most iconic tunes in popular music as well as several film scores. He is a multi-instrumentalist who is best known for his time playing with The Blockheads as Ian Dury's songwriting partner.  Along with Kenny Young, he wrote the Grammy nominated Ai No Corrida, a huge hit in the States for Quincy Jones. Chaz has a number of solo albums under his belt, including his latest, "Flow", which he released on his own CJ record label.

They discuss his self-taught journey into m...

In this episode, Danny is joined by writer and comedian Paul Kerensa. Paul has written extensively for TV, including Miranda, Top Gear and Not Going Out and has published a number of highly popular books, including several children´s books. He claims to be the only stand-up comic without a naval and has performed in numerous countries. Paul is also the host of The Great British Broadcasting Century podcast, which is all about BBC history.

Naturally, because Paul is a bit of a BBC history nerd, this episode is peppered with fascinating insights into the subject. They a...

In this episode, Danny Hurst sits down to chat with British comedian and author Jeff Green. He was raised in Chester and found his comedy feet in Manchester and London. He now lives and performs in Australia. Jeff worked hard and found fame; it was not unusual for him to do 5 shows a night. He once played The Rovers Return and learned his craft alongside Suzy Eddie Izzard.

Danny and Jeff swap stories, including dying at the Bearcat and performing while IRA bombs were going off.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, h...

For this episode, Danny Hurst is joined by comedian, writer and broadcaster, Susan Murray She won the 1st Jongleurs New Act award and has been wowing audiences since the mid-90s. Susan has written for and appeared on many radio shows including Jeremy Hardy Talks to the Nation and Stephen K. Amos´ Life: An Idiot´s Guide and is one of the Huffington Post´s funniest women tweeters and stalwart of the British comedy circuit and the Edinburgh Fringe and has performed across the world.

Susan and Danny discuss the UK comedy revolution that happened in the 80s/9...

In this episode, Danny, is joined by Jim Tavare, comedian, musician, actor and director, famous for his stand-up featuring his double bass, which has made him the recipient of some of the most legendary heckles in the history of the British comedy circuit. He was one of Prince Charles's favourite comedians and is well known for co-creating and starring in the BAFTA award-winning The Sketch Show. 

A certain demographic, however, remember him best as Tom, the Leaky Cauldron´s hunchback barman in Harry Potter. His IMDb profile describes him as looking like "a mad scientist escaped experiment." Ji...

Today, Danny Hurst sits down with Rachel Creeger, a talented comedian, writer, director, speaker, podcaster and actress. Rachel explains how, despite being from an Orthodox Jewish background, which traditionally discourages stand-up comedy, she became one. She shares how she fell in love with comedy through her family’s love of jokes and how it helped her at school where she was bullied and struggled with being neurodiverse.

A serious illness didn’t stop her either and when she received a cash windfall; she used it to run away to the theatre and fulfil her dream. She also shar...

In this episode Danny sits down with music mogul, author, public speaker and filmmaker Simon Napier-Bell, who has managed some of the world´s biggest bands, including The Yardbirds, Marc Bolan and T Rex, Japan, Sinead O´Connor and Wham! 

Simon was born in 1939, so he was a true war baby; in fact, a pre-war baby, who saw how the war and world events impacted the way his birth city, London, evolved and grew through 8 decades. He shares memories of air raid shelters, steam trains, spivs on Oxford Street, the start of the teenage music scene, East End...

For this episode of The Unusual Histories podcast, Danny is joined by Ninia Benjamin, a tour de force who is known for 3 Non-Blondes, Big Fat Gypsy Gangster and Twisted Tales. She is a comedian, plus size model, writer, painter and actress who describes herself as a mother to your soul. Ninia has also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and Hole in the Wall. If you´ve got kids they will know her as the voice of the eagle and the mosquito in Tinga Tinga Tales.

She was born and raised in London and has lived in several of t...

In this episode, Danny Hurst is joined by Ronnie Golden, aka Tony De Meur, of the post-punk pub rock band The Fabulous Poodles. They had several hits and appeared regularly on TV and radio. The Fabulous Poodles supported many bands including The Ramones and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Later, Ronnie transitioned into stand-up, comedy, acting and song-writing. He worked with Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders and was in The Young Ones, The Fourth Protocol and more. Later, he collaborated with comedy legends such as Arthur Smith, Rich Hall and, until his death, Barry Cryer, with...

For this episode of the Unusual Histories Podcast, Danny is joined by the actor, director and singer Ray Shell who was the original Rusty in Starlight Express. He is also the author of the impossible to put down novel – Iced, which is being developed as a film. 

Ray grew up in America and moved to London in 1978. He shares his fascinating first impressions of London and the UK and how things have evolved since, including different approaches to crime, racism, the structure of society, politics and far more. Ray has had an amazing career and life, including som...

For this episode Danny Hurst is joined by Martyn Ware, the multi-platinum producer, composer, 3D soundscape artist, Electronically Yours podcast host and founding member of The Human League and Heaven 17. As a producer, Martyn worked with artists as diverse as Tina Turner and Terrence Trent Darby, before co-founding with Vince Clarke the world-leading immersive 3D soundscape design and composition firm -  Illustrious Company.

Martyn shares how the unique soundscape of the steel producing town he was raised in influenced his music. He also talks about living in London for 40 years and shares the creative processes behind his m...

Today, Danny is joined by Lizzy Roper, a comedian, actress, DJ, the face of Aunt Bessie´s and more. Her grandfather was a Londoner, but her father was born in Spain. When the civil war erupted, they became refugees. Lizzy was born and raised in Whetstone.

Lizzy´s career has included numerous stage roles and parts in 63 movies and TV shows, including Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road. As well as a significant period doing stand up alongside Lenny Beige, Matt Lucas, Sasha Barron Cohen, David Walliams and more. She shares some interesting stories, including why she had to le...

In this episode, Danny is joined by Chris Spedding, one of the most versatile and well-respected guitarists in the world. As a singer, he had a hit in 1975 with Motorbikin´, produced the Sex Pistols" first recordings and opened for the Rolling Stones in the 1969 Hyde Park concert. Chris has worked with pretty much everyone in music. And most impressively of all, was the Womble with the Flying V.

He and Danny discuss his remarkable musical journey from violinist to guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Chris´ career has spanned many genres of music including Skiffle, Country & Western, Jazz, pu...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Podcast, he is joined by musician, singer, comedian and podcaster Earl Okin, who has lived in Portobello Road since 1952. He has worked with musicians as diverse as Paul McCartney, Fairport Convention and Van Morrison, regularly headlined on the comedy circuit and celebrates 60 years in showbiz. 

From Earl´s first-hand account you will gain a great insight into how the area around Portobello Road has evolved. He speaks about the Jewish, West Indian and Muslim communities as well as the Fascists, the slum landlord Rachman and a local serial kil...

Today, Danny speaks to actor, writer, voice artist, comedian and impressionist, Steve Nallon. In this lively episode, Steve shares some great stories about his time working on Spitting Image and with Janet Brown, Mike Yarwood, Rory Bremner, Rik Mayall and scores of other stars. He explains how he developed his iconic Margaret Thatcher impersonation.

Steve shares why, despite being such a prolific performer he actually prefers anonymity over fame. They also discuss the personal and professional adjustments those involved in the entertainment industry make as they age.

If you can´t get enough of these p...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Podcast, he is joined by former Manchester City midfielder and  football agent, Barry Silkman, who grew up in the East End. He shares his insights into what it was like then as well as how he became a professional football player despite there being quite a lot of prejudice against Jews at the time.

Barry talks about the pubs, local characters (including The Krays) and how people from different cultures developed a close community. As you would expect there are also a few footballing insider stories.

If...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s podcast he once again speaks to someone who grew up in London. Today, it is the turn of Adam and the Ants guitarist, songwriter and record producer Marco Pirroni, who has appeared alongside some of the most well-known names in music, including not only Adam Ant, but also Sinéad O'Connor, Siouxsie Sioux, Sid Vicious, Shakespeare's Sister and many others.

He shares some memories of growing up just off the Caledonian Road, Camden when it wasn't fashionable, Soho and the West End; a life that compared starkly with living in Am...

In this episode of his Unusual Histories Podcast, Danny Hurst changes things up a bit by talking to experts and residents of London. This time he speaks to Cathi Haragaden, a global citizen, holistic health and well-being consultant, director of Healthy Spaces Limited and Feng Shui consultant.

Today, she and Danny discuss the role history, architecture, Feng Shui principles, evolving population demographics have on an area. They do this using Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Thamesmead, where Cathi has lived, as examples.

If you can´t get enough of thes...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches the last of the bridges that cross the river Thames, in London – Hampton Court Bridge. You will find out why a bridge had to be built in this specific location and why it had to be torn down and redesigned multiple times. The first, of which despite being so stunning that Canaletto created an engraving of it, only lasted for 25 years.

You will also gain a fascinating insight into the history of Hampton Court Palace, including its ghosts, most famous residents and the King Jam...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Kingston-Upon-Thames the location of two of the oldest bridges in London. As a bonus, he also tells you about a nearby bridge that is even older than the ones at Kingston. 

Danny reveals the connection the bridges have with salmon, witch trials, the incredibly violent traditional football matches, twin power stations, the oldest shipyard on the river, Braveheart and much more.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he looks at two of London´s quirkier river crossings. Starting with the footbridge that connects Eel Pie Island to Twickenham. A bridge that was built as an alternative to visitors to the island at one time having to practically walk on water at certain times of the day. As well as sharing the history of the bridge Danny reveals Eel Pie Island´s connection with ballroom dancing, the clockwork radio, jazz, Acker Bilk and George Melly, as well as rock acts like The Rolling Stones. Eric Clapton, the...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Bridge History Series, he shares the history of Richmond Bridge. Explaining why despite there being a dire need for a permanent crossing in the area, locals initially objected to the plans drawn up in 1772 and how that was overcome. The way the bridge was funded is also quite unusual, Danny explains why and how the cash to build it was raised.

He also shares the connection with The Beatles, John Constable, JMW Turner, a yacht crash and a heron sanctuary. 

If you can´t get enough of these pod...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you are once again getting two bridges for the price of one. This time around he takes a look at the fascinating history of Twickenham Bridge and the Richmond Railway Bridge. Including why one of the bridges is misnamed and why it took so long before they were actually built. You will also learn about the connection with Wembley Stadium, why the bridge has bronze hinges, the history of speed cameras and more. As a bonus, Danny also shares a few details about Twickenham Rugby Stadium.

I...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he covers a different type of structure that spans the River Thames – the lock and weir at Richmond along with it's footbridge and the area surrounding it which includes many historical sites. 

Danny explains why the weir and lock were built, the impact it has on the area and its role in maintaining the riverbed. He also shares details of the clever design and management systems that drastically increase the time that section of the river is navigable.

If you can´t get enough of th...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you are getting the inside track on the history of two instead of just one bridge. It is the turn of the Kew Railway Bridge and Kew Bridge and some of the iconic features in the surrounding area. He shares the connection between the TARDIS, anti-tank guns, botanical gardens, the Doomsday Book, a hippy encampment, silent movies, Banksy, Turner and much more.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled, and fact-packed hi...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series it is the turn of Chiswick Bridge, one of London´s newest bridges. Listen in to learn about its connection with the Oxford Cambridge University boat race, the philanthropist Quinton Hawk and two other bridges further along the Thames. As well as why and how it was constructed and the role the railway had in the growth of the areas the bridge serves.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst  to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact...

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories London Bridge Series, it is the turn of Barnes Railway Bridge. The Bridge is also a pedestrian bridge which over the decades has carried members of bands like The Beatles, Queen and The Rolling Stones across the Thames to record some of their biggest hits at the legendary Olympic Studios. Sadly, the glam rock star Marc Bolan also died nearby. 

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches Hammersmith Bridge, one of London´s more colourful and impressive bridges. Despite being London´s weakest bridge it has not been rebuilt, since 1887. Danny explains why the riverside beneath it is prone to flooding and why keeping it from falling to pieces requires a staggering amount of maintenance. He also busts several urban myths about the bridge, including one that connects it to Harrods.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, memb...

For this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, you get two bridges for the price of one as Danny shares the intriguing history of both Fulham Railway Bridge and Putney Bridge. The story includes the boat race, numerous name changes, Isambard Kingdom Brunel´s assistant, William Jacomb, Fredrick Simms, Gottleib Daimler, Shelley, The Omen and busting several urban legends.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, it is the turn of Wandsworth Bridge. Something that sounds like a bit of a dry subject, but don´t worry Danny has found some surprisingly interesting things to say about it. Including, where its name and colour scheme comes from came from, why it is Putney Bridge's poorer cousin and its connection to A Clockwork Orange.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAK...