Famous People You've Never Heard Of

Blue Fire Theatre Company
  • 5.0 (3)
  • History
  • Updated Semimonthly

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. The Last Dance: Will Visconti & Stella Kulagowski talk about Louise Weber - "La Goulue"

    6d ago

    The Last Dance: Will Visconti & Stella Kulagowski talk about Louise Weber - "La Goulue"

    Louise Weber might have invented the Can Can.   She was a huge star in Paris where she danced at the Moulin Rouge (in fact she was the poster girl for the place), inspired Toulouse -Lautrec and beguiled the Prince of Wales. Known by her stage name of La Goulue (the glutton) long after her dancing career ended she had an incredible appetite for life, even when living in poverty at the end of her life. Will Visconti and Stella Kulagowski talk about Louise's life and lasting effects.   Will's book "Beyond the Moulin Rouge - the Life & Legacy of La Goulue" is available from your local independent bookshop. Stella's show, Louise: The Last Dance previews on Fridays 5th and 19th June in Toronto and plays 7-29 August at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. About Will:  https://sydney.academia.edu/WillVisconti About Stella:  https://saintstella.com/ Follow Will on X:  https://x.com/WillVisconti Follow Stella on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/saintstella/ Guests:  Will Visconti & Stella Kulagowski Host:  Lottie Walker Editor:  Gordon Vowles Music courtesy of  Pond 5. 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

    1h 8m
  2. The Art of Entertainment - Dr Jason Price talks about Therese Lessore

    May 15

    The Art of Entertainment - Dr Jason Price talks about Therese Lessore

    Therese Lessore  (1884-1945) was an artist and founder member of the London Group.  She was also the third wife of Walter Sickert. In this episode Dr Jason Price talks about Lessore's life and work and we discover just what a trail blazer she was.   Jason's book  The Art of EntertainmentPopular Performance in Modern British Art, 1880 to 1940 is an excellent read and is available from your local independent bookshop. About Jason:  https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p252698-jason-price Guest:  Dr Jason Price Host:  Lottie Walker Editing & Production:  Gordon Vowles 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

    1h 5m
  3. Mrs Shaw Herself - Alexis Leighton & Helen Tierney talk about Charlotte Payne-Townshend

    May 3

    Mrs Shaw Herself - Alexis Leighton & Helen Tierney talk about Charlotte Payne-Townshend

    Charlotte Payne-Townshend did not like to be in the limelight but she deserves to be remembered as someone other than the wife of George Bernard Shaw.  After all, without Charlotte Shaw would not have had the financial security that enabled him to wrote so prolifically. Born into a wealthy Irish family Charlotte was a philanthropist and political activist, joining the Fabian Society and financing a scholarship for female scholars at the London School of Economics, where a library is named after her. Actress Alexis Leighton and musician Helen Tierney talk to us today about what they think made Charlotte tick.  Their play with music "Mrs Shaw Herself" has been touring the UK and may be coming to a venue near you ... To find out more about the play (and Alexis and Helen's other collaborations)  check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MRSSHAWHERSELF Mrs Shaw Herself Guests:  Alexis Leighton & Helen Tierney Host:  Lottie Walker Music:  Helen Tierney Voice of George Bernard Shaw:  Sam Hanna Voice of Charlotte Payne Townshend:  Alexis Leighton 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

    49 min
  4. Mother of Monsters - Episode 3: Carpe Futurum

    Mar 29

    Mother of Monsters - Episode 3: Carpe Futurum

    Mary Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft were mother and daughter.  They never met, but were both brilliant writers, feminists and free thinkers. They both had exciting lives and they each crafted a book that has inspired generations.   So what might have ensued had these two formidable women actually come face to face?  This three part audio drama hopes to answer that very question! Mother of Monsters Written by J.J. Leppink Directed by Lil Warren Featuring: Sarah J. Warren as Mary Shelley J.J. Leppink as Mary Wollstonecraft other roles played by Sam Hanna Studio production & editing: Harry Jacobs Find out more: https://www.lilwarren.com/ https://unityartslondon.wordpress.com/ 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

    40 min
  5. Mother of Monsters - Episode 2: Nature vs Nurture

    Mar 22

    Mother of Monsters - Episode 2: Nature vs Nurture

    Mary Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft were mother and daughter.  They never met, but were both brilliant writers, feminists and free thinkers. They both had exciting lives and they each crafted a book that has inspired generations.   So what might have ensued had these two formidable women actually come face to face?  This three part audio drama hopes to answer that very question! Mother of Monsters Written by J.J. Leppink Directed by Lil Warren Featuring: Sarah J. Warren as Mary Shelley J.J. Leppink as Mary Wollstonecraft other roles played by Sam Hanna Studio production & editing: Harry Jacobs Find out more: https://www.lilwarren.com/ https://unityartslondon.wordpress.com/ 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

    26 min
  6. Mother of Monsters Episode 1: An Unexpected Visitor

    Mar 15

    Mother of Monsters Episode 1: An Unexpected Visitor

    Mary Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft were mother and daughter.  They never met, but were both brilliant writers, feminists and free thinkers. They both had exciting lives and they each crafted a book that has inspired generations.   So what might have ensued had these two formidable women actually come face to face?  This three part audio drama hopes to answer that very question! Mother of Monsters Written by J.J. Leppink Directed by Lil Warren Featuring: Sarah J. Warren as Mary Shelley J.J. Leppink as Mary Wollstonecraft other roles played by Sam Hanna Studio production & editing: Harry Jacobs Find out more: https://www.lilwarren.com/ https://unityartslondon.wordpress.com/ 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

    25 min
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Famous People You've Never Heard Of
  • Show Website
    Famous People You've Never Heard Of