Famous People You've Never Heard Of

Blue Fire Theatre Company
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HISTORY

Our podcasts are a mix of conversations with a wide range of subject matter experts and enthusiasts, interspersed with the occasional audio drama. Each episode focuses on one person, a group of people or a genre from the world of entertainment that we wish to bring back to the spotlight and who has been lost to history or is in danger of being so.The Arts industries are currently in peril but this is nothing new. The Entertainment industry in all its guises has seen it all before. Political turmoil, plague, poverty, overnight success, sudden failure and the long term closure of theatres are not unique to the 21st century.We are not academics (although luckily some of our prestigious guests are) so don't expect forensic analysis or ground breaking research in every episode. We are entertainers, passionate about our craft, its heritage and its future. And we want to share our enthusiasm with you!

  1. Stand and Deliver!! An introduction to the world of the Dandy Highwaywoman with Sara Hiorns

    JAN 5

    Stand and Deliver!! An introduction to the world of the Dandy Highwaywoman with Sara Hiorns

    They are the stuff of legend and song - the dashing women who defied gender stereotypes to plunder stagecoaches and acquire ill-gotten gains. But was it all as romantic as movies such as "The Wicked Lady" would have us believe...? Historian Sara Hiorns takes us on a journey back in time to talk about Moll Cutpurse, Katherine Ferrers and others.  Sara Hiorns: Sara was a diplomat for many years before doing a doctorate in history and subsequently lecturing at QMUL. She has interests in the history of childhood, women's history, and queer histories. She is the author of Diplomatic Families and Children’s Mobile Lives: Experiences of British Diplomatic Service Children from 1945 to 1990, as well as a published author of fiction.   She describes herself as an "historian; writer; fox aficionado; would-be swashbuckler; proud and happy wife: cold water swimmer".  Do check out Sara on Insta @highwaywoman_hiorns  Sovay is performed by QueerFolk (Sophie Crawford and George Sansome) www. queerfolk.co.uk   youtube:   @queerfolk  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/QueerFolkUK Insta:  @queerfolkuk Guest:  Sara Hiorns Host:  Lottie Walker Editor: Lis Barlow Image:  Pond5 Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    35 min
  2. The Ghost of White Hart Lane - Rob White, Martin Murphy & Callum Lewis-Newman talk about John White

    07/05/2025

    The Ghost of White Hart Lane - Rob White, Martin Murphy & Callum Lewis-Newman talk about John White

    What decision did you make today that had implications on the rest of your life? For Tottenham Hotspur and Scotland star player John White a simple choice to play golf made a devastating difference to the lives of his family when a freak accident saw him killed by lightning. John White was by all accounts a footballing genius.  His nickname, "the ghost of white hart lane" gained due to both his speed on the pitch and his slight appearance lends itself to the book and play of the same name about him. Today we talk to John's son, Rob, who co-authored his father's biography, Martin Murphy, writer and director of the play and Callum Lewis-Newman who has been playing john, Rob and a host of other characters in the one man play that debuted at White Hart Lane, took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm and is about to return. Further reading & Info:   The Ghost of White Hart Lane: In Search of My Father the Football Legend, by Julie Welch and Rob White  https://stanchionbooks.com/products/the-ghost-in-search-of-my-father-the-football-legend Scotland in the 60's by Ronnie McDevitt Flower of Scotland? by Archie Macpherson Guests:  Rob White,  Martin Murphy, Callum Lewis Newman Host:  Lottie Walker Readings by:  Steve Taylor & Luke Taylor Production & Editing:  Jacob Taylor Get social:   https://www.bruisedskyproductions.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BruisedSkyProductions https://www.instagram.com/bruised_sky/ https://www.instagram.com/robawhite/ https://www.instagram.com/callumlewisnewman/ https://www.instagram.com/themartinmurphy/ Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    35 min
  3. Arts for Art's Sake - Marianne McNamara & Dr Dan Weinbren talk about Jennie Lee

    06/24/2025

    Arts for Art's Sake - Marianne McNamara & Dr Dan Weinbren talk about Jennie Lee

    “In any civilised community the arts... must occupy a central place. Their enjoyment should not be regarded as something remote from everyday life”  ⁠ ⁠ What a quote - what a woman!⁠ ⁠ Jennie Lee was an MP before she was old enough to vote.  She was the first Minister for the Arts and the main drive behind the formation of the Open University.  ⁠ She was also married to Nye Bevan, father of the NHS.   We think we'd have liked Jennie.  How could you not like someone who said:⁠ ⁠ “Better to enjoy and suffer than sit around with folded arms. You know the only true prayer? Please God, lead me into temptation.”⁠ ⁠ Marianne McNamara is Artistic Director of Mikron Theatre Company,  currently touring with "Operation Beach Hut" and "Hush, Hush" (the latter about the women of Bletchley Park) and are on the road river until October 2025.   Dr Daniel Weinbren is a lecturer in history at the Open University and is the author of the history of the Open University Further reading: Jennie Lee: a Life - by Patricia Hollis The Open University:  A History - by Daniel Weinbren My Life with Nye - by Jennie Lee NYE:  The Political Life of Aneurin Bevan - by Nick Thomas-Symonds Before the Arts Council:  campaigns for state funding of the arts in Britain 1934-1944 - by Howard Webber Social media and website links: https://profiles.open.ac.uk/daniel-weinbren https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-weinbren-2b257521a https://mikron.org.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/mikrontheatre/ https://www.facebook.com/mikrontheatre https://www.youtube.com/MikronTheatre Guest:  Marianne McNamara & Dan Weinbren Host:  Lottie Walker Editing & Production:  Jacob Taylor Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    46 min
  4. Women's Own (How to Kill Your Husband and Get Away With It

    05/26/2025

    Women's Own (How to Kill Your Husband and Get Away With It

    We've all enjoyed those chatty radio and TV shows and podcasts where the presenters are mates in the real world or have a good rapport and every so often allow a little of their real lives to slip into the show's content.  But has anyone heard a show where the advice column s dealing out such gems as we find here....? Enjoy! "Women's Own (how to Kill Your Husband and Get Away With it)"  was written by J.J. Leppink.     It featured Lottie Walker and J.J. Leppink. Studio recording and production:  Harry Jacobs Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    8 min
  5. Call Backs

    05/19/2025

    Call Backs

    Call Backs takes us back to that weird post lockdown era when we were still sort of locked down.   All sorts of relationships were affected in all sorts of ways… This is a fun look back on those very strange times! Written by J.J. Leppink Performed by Greg Arundell & J.J leppink Studio recording & editing:  Harry Jacobs Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    15 min
  6. The Hackneyed Detective

    05/12/2025

    The Hackneyed Detective

    Released to coincide with the Hackney History Festival  The Hackneyed Detective  is an audio drama about Daniel Ludlow, a  modern day private eye based in East London.⁠ ⁠ Daniel is down on his luck and takes solace from the imaginary world of the 1940's New York gumshoe Danny Ludlow.⁠   The Hackneyed Detective is an original play from the pen of:   J.J. Leppink Cast: Daniel/Danny Ludlow:  Steve Taylor Francesca "Frankie" De Mateo:  J.J. Leppink Julie Ludlow:  Lottie Walker Secretary:  Greg Arundell Studio recording and production:  Harry Jacobs Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    17 min
  7. Bly's Spirit

    05/05/2025

    Bly's Spirit

    Nellie Bly was an American journalist who is famous for her record breaking 72 day round the world trip.⁠ ⁠ Before that though she went undercover into an "insane asylum" to report on the appalling conditions to which the patients were subjected.⁠ ⁠ This short play by JJ Leppink guesses what might have happened in the time leading up to Nellie's incarceration.⁠ This is the first in a season of 4 short audio dramas written by J.J. Leppink.  It features: J.J. Leppink and Greg Arundell Studio recording and editing:  Harry Jacobs ⁠ ⁠ Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    12 min
  8. Songs From the Shadows

    04/20/2025

    Songs From the Shadows

    A while ago we spoke with Dr Mary Shannon about Billy Waters and Mary's upcoming biography of him - "Billy Waters is Dancing". Well the book is now out (and a jolly fine read it is, too) and Mary has joined forces with historian Dr. Ben Marsh, artist Selena Scott and musician Angeline Morrison on the Age of Revolution's "Songs from the Shadows" project. The project is a free educational resource intended for students aged 11-16.  It consists of a graphic novel and a digital landscape all based on the story of Billy Waters.   To access educational resources: https://ageofrevolution.org/ Insta: @ageofrev About Selena Scott: https://www.selenascott.com/ Insta:  @selenarosescott About Mary Shannon: https://marylshannon.com/ Insta:  @drmarylshanon Billy Waters is Dancing is available from your independent bookshop: https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300267686/billy-waters-is-dancing/ About Angeline Morrison: https://www.angelinemorrisonmusic.com/ Insta:  @angelcakepie2 Date for your diary - "Jump Billy",  A celebration of English folk's diverse history, through the life of celebrity Black Regency busker Billy Waters at Cecil Sharp House in London https://www.efdss.org/whats-on/26-gigs/14401-jump-billy Guests:  Dr Mary Shannon, Dr, Ben Marsh, Selena Scott Host:  Lottie Walker Studio Editor:  Lis Barlow Support the show Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed today's podcast do subscribe via your streaming platform so that you never miss an episode and you can catch up on past episodes. If you'd like to help us keep the studio lights on please click the "support the podcast" link above. Details of all our upcoming shows and how to access our albums etc are here: https://linktr.ee/BlueFireTheatreCo And finally...don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear from you! Find us at: https://www.instagram.com/bluefire_tc https://www.facebook.com/bluefiretheatre https://www.tiktok.com/@bluefiretheatre https://www.bsky.app/@bluefiretheatre.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@bluefiretheatrecompany3735/videos

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Our podcasts are a mix of conversations with a wide range of subject matter experts and enthusiasts, interspersed with the occasional audio drama. Each episode focuses on one person, a group of people or a genre from the world of entertainment that we wish to bring back to the spotlight and who has been lost to history or is in danger of being so.The Arts industries are currently in peril but this is nothing new. The Entertainment industry in all its guises has seen it all before. Political turmoil, plague, poverty, overnight success, sudden failure and the long term closure of theatres are not unique to the 21st century.We are not academics (although luckily some of our prestigious guests are) so don't expect forensic analysis or ground breaking research in every episode. We are entertainers, passionate about our craft, its heritage and its future. And we want to share our enthusiasm with you!

Information

  • Creator
    Blue Fire Theatre Company
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Famous People You've Never Heard Of
  • Show Website
    Famous People You've Never Heard Of