TSTL Brighton April 2012

The Kemptown sky was filled with delicious golden hues as our Story Seekers made their way to the Ginger Dog for the latest instalment of True Stories Told Live.

Technophobia may not be recognised as a disability, but Kate Dyson will be front of the queue if that day ever comes. Her litany of catastrophe and failure encompassed every imaginable modern device and drew much empathic chortling.

The 60's were cool for all sorts of reasons and Tony Norman met most of them in person. His account of a one to one press interview with John Lennon told much of the two men and of the wonderful epoch in which they met.

Christine Cooper seamlessly combined her beautiful old violin with a modern box of tricks to bring us a deeply moving ballad that echoed back through centuries of folk music; a perfect fit with the ethos of TSTL.

After a convivial pint of fine "half time" ale, Story Seekers were treated to Gabe Norland's tale of joyful rock-hopping, unfortunate hire-car scraping and embarrassing cheap underwear revealing. They say that laughter is good for the health; if so, last night's gathering will be safe from all ailments. The audience had barely recovered itself when Guy Pratt burst dramatically from his seat with an hilarious account of his failed attempt to bring some Townshend-style destruction in to the musical performance of Pink Floyd.

Please join us on Facebook (TSTL Brighton) and do tell us if you or any of your friends have a story to share. We'd love to talk to you - no strings attached, of course…

TSTL Brighton Mar 2012

Another tightly packed group of Story Seekers ensured that the Ginger Dog was once again bursting at the seams for March's TSTL.

Ellis Bergman's Indian and Nepalese adventure holiday seemed to be drawing to a close as he arrived in Mumbai to catch a flight home. His pre-flight, all-night Bollywood filming session in someone else's suit confirms that the sub-continent has a unique capability to surprise and delight its visitors. Wendy Peters returned to bring us another glimpse in to her fascinating life as a motorbike riding, thrill-seeking and deeply compassionate GP; her penchant for riding in highly inhospitable locations has allowed her to help some delightful if isolated people.

Love is often discussed and sung about, but rarely with the humble passion showed by Matt Hopwood. His tale of meeting the woman of his dreams culminated with Petra (now his wife) joining him to sing two love songs of rare beauty and huge personal significance.

Our second returnee of the night was Sam Moffett, who already enjoys a reputation for off-the-wall and thoroughly entertaining stories from his extensive travels. Few of his listeners will ever paraglide in to someone's garden to have tea while they help their host collect a large armful of bees and return them to the hive where they produce a mind-altering variety of honey. The final Turn was our Host, Tim Kerr, who was unexpectedly thrust in to the limelight to take the last slot. 25 years to the day after his life changed for ever, he shared his tale of tragedy, despair, hope and recovery with a quietly emotional Story Room.

Our thanks as always go to our Turns for taking the plunge and sharing their stories. These stories are the lifeblood of TSTL. If you think you have a story, or you know someone who has one, please contact us. It is you, the audience, who keep TSTL alive.

TSTL Brighton Feb 2012

A vicious Siberian gale battered the doors of Kemptown’s Ginger Dog; it could do little to cool the conviviality of the Story-Seekers within, as the first TSTL of 2012 got under way..

Nicky Singer opened with a deeply touching childhood account of the loss of her father, her brain’s odd coping strategy and her brother’s punishment for a demonstration of grief. Howard Johnson was the only man alive who could follow such a tale. His account of unhelpful supermarket staff, an incontinent cat and a doomed herd of cows reminded us that we live in an hilariously absurd and often chaotic world.

Cordelia (a duet consisting of Cordelia herself and Dan) played two of the most touchingly beautiful melodies that the Story Room has ever experienced; a bright future surely awaits these young musicians.

The interval was the usual tightly packed affair, with much discussion among old friends and new. Following it, Alba Lewis offered a terrifying insight in to the challenges of sub marine communication when a large bull shark is right behind a diving buddy.

In an unusual twist, our final Turn produced a guitar. Richard Strange’s tale of face removal and cranial surgery in Thailand left the audience wincing with empathetic pain. His rousingly inappropriate song did little for the reputation of Cherie Blair, but much for the amusement of a chortling Story Room.

Our thanks go as always to our Turns, who provide the material that binds us all fast in the Story Room. To attend future events, please register now on our website. We’re particularly keen to have a no-strings-attached chat with anybody who feels they may have a story to share in future.

TSTL Brighton December

Winter’s firm grip on the streets of Kemptown could do little to dim the merry lights of the Ginger Dog as story-seekers abandoned their Christmas shopping in favour of the Story Room. This was to be the last TSTL of the calendar year and marked the end of the first twelvemonth for the TSTL Brighton Team.

And so it was that Duncan Stokes began with a harrowing tale of a fabulous day’s kayaking and how it turned so suddenly in to terrible disaster; the deep hush during Duncan’s account could only hint at the effect his words were having. Tim Worrall’s emotional recollections of the 9/11 attacks in the USA morphed in to an hilarious account involving nakedness, a hotel Jacuzzi, a stranded flight crew and a jumpy security guard with a tazer; laughter is often found in moments of deep human tragedy.

Dylan and James performed two of their favourite songs, with the help of a guitar and a mysterious box that appeared to contain an entire drum kit. Their tender years made the assuredness of their performance that much more impressive. Interval drinks were taken in the convivial atmosphere of the Dog’s bar before Sam Farmar described how he managed to combine a paragliding adventure with a gig as a DJ. The image of him hopping along a hot Slovenian street in nothing but the previous day’s underpants will live long in the minds of those present.

TSTL Brighton’s first-ever Professor closed out proceedings. Martin Butler’s tale of two friends’ marital journey was funny, touching and unconventional; few couples can boast a wedding reception that included a harpist, a coven and a shady underworld character with a suitcase full of money. Our thanks go as always to our Turns, who provide the material that binds us all fast in the Story Room. To attend future events, please register now on our website. We’re particularly keen to have a no-strings-attached chat with anybody who feels they may have a story to share in future.

We're back in February, so keep watching your email inbox for details of our next True Stories event...
Best wishes Tim, Emma, David and Nicci  

TSTL Brighton 2nd November

Driving rain and a gale force wind did little to deter the band of intrepid story seekers from their quest for enjoyment at the Ginger Dog in Kemptown. Even the traffic chaos cold not hold up proceedings for long, with the frantic last few sliding quickly in to their comfy new velour seats, just minutes behind schedule.

Julia Knight’s background as a psychologist was helpful when she found herself in the middle of a South American city, with two men forcing her out of a friend’s car at gunpoint. Her sang-froid during the ensuing gun battle with a security guard reminded us all that the British are often hilariously understated. Anthony McGowan’s teenage revelations of jealousy, fear and betrayal brought a hush to the Story Room, as each member of the audience reflected on their own shortcomings and youthful misdeeds. TSTL’s first female acapella trio, led by Sophie Roberts, delighted the assembly with an uplifting song, which itself was the perfect counterpoint to her tale of a grim struggle against severe illness.

Our break was largely spent in the Dog’s bar, thanks to the feezing rain that lashed the dark streets outside. Post interval spirits were sent soaring to new heights by Perry Britton. Her insights in to the Christian dating scene and the perils of stalking a fellow church worker brought rousing cheers and much laughter from the happy throng. David Baboulene’s realization that he had been hoodwinked by a fellow sailor came too late to prevent total humiliation in the Panama Canal. But it made for a wonderful tableau of slapstick idiocy; the perfect way to round off another fabulous evening of story telling.

Many thanks to our Turns, who share their tales (and themselves) so freely; without them, we have no event. Do you have a story? Or do you know someone who might? If so, we’d love to hear from you; our thirst for stories is never sated and it is you, our supporters, who keep TSTL going, so please get in touch for a no-strings chat.

TSTL Brighton 5th October
A blustery wind buffeted College Place on Wednesday evening, as if to signal the somewhat unwelcome arrival of autumn. But the gathering of 78 story seekers at the Ginger Dog made the night feel warmer and happier than it would otherwise have been.

Jes Cassell’s decision to play safe with the New York taxi service produced some unexpectedly negative results, including a ridiculously tortuous journey, a vastly inflated fare and a hugely overweight pair of police officers. We’ll never know if a tout would have led to a more favourable outcome. Amy Newnham’s father cried in a French layby for the daughter he felt sure he would soon lose to anorexia. Her story of recovery was joyful proof that it’s possible to beat this illness and become whole again.

Jake Shillingford’s first day in his new London home included an unexpected meeting with a neighbour, who happened to be a member of The Specials. Within 24 hours, Jake was on a ‘plane to Spain with the band, as their newly recruited singer, embarking on a European tour. He eschewed a classic Ska tune in favour of one of his own more contemplative compositions as the first half drew to a close.

Paul Currie experienced two of Christchurch’s earthquakes, including the one that left the central area in tatters earlier this year. The news crews may long since have left, but Paul’s recollections provided sobering confirmation that this fair Kiwi city (and many of its inhabitants) will never be the same again. And so to another Paul – Moriarty – whose father showed a breadth of emotional intelligence that allowed him to discipline his son at the same time as saving him from the clutches of a notorious South London villain. And all this was achieved with a cup of tea.

Our thanks go as always to our Turns, who provide the material that binds us all fast in the Story Room. To attend future events, please register now on our website. We’re particularly keen to have a no-strings-attached chat with anybody who feels they may have a story to share in future.

TSTL Brighton 1st June
Another gloriously warm evening in Kemp Town cheered the True Stories faithful, as they arrived at the Ginger Dog for the latest offerings from the Story Room.

Jon Stewart opened with the admission that he was an alcoholic. He then took us through the very cool highs and harrowing lows of being a rock star, before explaining how he’s managed to avoid a drink for 11 years. Ian Jones described how he broke in to the wrong flat whilst locked out when on holiday. His attempts to make things right would have put Basil Fawlty to shame; the audience’s laughter was probably picked up in Hove.

TSTL compere Tim Kerr managed to lose his dad three times and asked the audience for some help with an unusual problem arising from his father’s eventual and final return. Funky then played a beautiful guitar melody that he dedicated to the memory of Tim’s father.
Story Seekers returned from an al fresco half time pint to hear Nicky Dewdney’s heart-rending account of meeting her long-lost brother for the first time...just in time. David Kistruck came back to regale us once again with a flying story – this time involving a Sea King, a strong wind and a boy stuck on a very dangerous rocky outcrop.
If you’d like to come along to hear ordinary folk telling extraordinary tales, please register on our website. We’d particularly like to hear from people who think they might have a story to share. Please note our next event will be in October, after our summer break.

TSTL Brighton 4th May
A cold Kemp Town breeze could do nothing to dampen the spirits of the hordes of story seekers who had once again gathered upstairs in the Ginger Dog’s Story Room.

Paul Davies’ climbing career was brought to a bone-shattering halt by a terrible accident. His long and traumatic road to recovery was an inspiration to anybody being challenged by a disability or long-term illness. She didn’t wear her glamorous crimson stilettos, but Nikki McIvor’s Cabin Crew Log of an unexpected Virgin Atlantic diversion had everything else, including a heart attack, 500 litres of gushing kerosene and a sleepover in an Arctic Circle curling hall.

Robin Fisk hilariously described the unwelcome effect of jazz and swing on his elderly mother, before singing an old song with his brother Les; John Peel once played their tune, which added to the audience’s sense of enjoyment. After half time drinks, Amy Newnham transported us to Japan, a country that she loves very deeply. The expected clash of cultures was dwarfed by the love and generosity she was shown. Those same people are now suffering so very badly and the Story Room spared more than a thought for them all. An emotional night was rounded off by Dave Rice’s encounter with a drug crazed, gun-toting maniac. Dave learned a lot about himself, including the fact that he’s pretty good at undoing very tight shoelaces when trussed up in a New York apartment.
If you’d like to come along to hear ordinary folk telling extraordinary tales, please register on our website. We’d particularly like to hear from people who think they might have a story to share.

TSTL Brighton 6th April
Golden rays of evening sunlight bathed Kemptown in unseasonal warmth as the Ginger Dog’s Story Room was once more filled to the rafters with story seekers.

Mark Campbell’s successes as an aid worker in post-Taliban Afghanistan were impressive. His failure to handle airport bureaucracy less so, but at least it led to a life-changing meeting with a small Afghani boy. Sue Dadak’s heart rending and traumatic account of her relationship with an alcoholic husband was ultimately a story of survival and hope, for her and for others in her position.

The first half came to a close with Chris Difford , our Music Turn, describing how delicious 70’s Top of the Pops dancers Pan’s People inspired him to become a musician. His song led to impromptu singing from our audience; some consolation for the fact that Pan’s People hadn’t seemed quite as excited by it years before. After a break spent in the warm evening air, Dr David Bradley shared some fascinating insights in to the link between patients’ life stories and their health. His understanding of this area was an unexpected gift resulting from the death of his mother, who chose not to tell her own tale. Dr Wendy Peters brought proceedings to a close by explaining how her email address, once a symbol of the unattainable, finally became a joyful reflection of her new, fulfilled self. Thanks to our Turns for an inspiring, emotional evening that will live long in the memories of those who were there. If you’d like to be considered for a place at the next TSTL Brighton, please register now (if you haven’t done so already) and do tick the box if you’d be interested in learning more about becoming a Turn yourself.

TSTL Brighton 10th Mar
The merest hint of spring added to the frisson of excitement in the Ginger Dog’s Story Room, as old friends and new gathered to hear the latest True Stories Told Live. Chris Bland kicked us off with an insight in to the best way of dealing with the sudden death of a well-dressed, FT reading stranger in an otherwise empty First Class train compartment.

The ups and downs of internet dating had brought disappointment, amusement, bewilderment, heartache and complete terror to Vivi Smith, before unexpectedly delivering a more welcome and fulfilling surprise. Our Music Turn, Luke Sital-Singh , explained that playing a gig for murderers and rapists in a maximum security prison is easier when you’re unaware of the severity of their crimes until afterwards. His song would have melted the most hardened criminal heart.

After the break, used by the TSTL team to cool the Story Room down, David Hepworth took us on a 30-year sartorial journey from a provincial gent’s outfitters, via loon pants, white clogs and excess trouser lengths, to a smart Bloomsbury tailor with an embarrassing secret. Sandy Balfour closed proceedings with an account of how an ancient, hand painted family car lasted well beyond its sell-by date before being sold, only to re-appear years later on international television news. Thanks as always to our Turns for pitching up on time at the right venue and to our audience for their enthusiasm. If you’d like to be considered for a place at our next TSTL evening, please register on our website if you haven’t already done so.

TSTL Brighton 17th Feb
Kemptown’s quiet winter streets reverberated with the sounds of excited footsteps last night, as people packed their way in to the Story Room at the Ginger Dog for the second True Stories Told Live.

Terry Conway had a tough North London upbringing. Punishment shootings, mind blowing drug trips and a stay in an institution – his journey was unconventional, to say the least. Eugenia Kis’ path led her through teenage pregnancy and marriage, finding and losing the love of her life, attempted murder and a child custody battle. Sharon Lewis’s moving musical tribute to second cousin Paul Kossoff was a beautiful, melancholy moment, where the only sounds were her sweet voice and the tinkle of those ivory keys.

After a wonderfully convivial break, we were taken in to the frenetic mental workings of Tim Fifield. His battle with chronic shyness involved loss of bladder control, projectile vomiting and wearing someone else’s pants. Shaun Attwood’s horrific experiences in one of the USA’s toughest jails left us wondering how anybody could walk out alive, let alone share their tale and its lessons with such deadpan humour. Thank you to our Turns and our audience for another special evening. If you’d like to be considered for a space at the next TSTL Brighton (Wednesday 9 March) please register on our website

TSTL Brighton
Thursday 20 Jan 2011
A small but joyful piece of history was made last night as True Stories Told Live Brighton held its inaugural event at the Ginger Dog in Kemptown

Our Story Room was heaving with people as Nicky Petchey kicked off with a heart-rending tale about a thirty-year search to find her father. Capt. David Kistruck’s gripping account of decision-making in a fatally damaged Harrier jump jet spanned a shorter timeline (about three seconds). Robin and Les Fisk shared a tale about an Irish band they met at a music festival in the early 80’s (U2 was their name), before closing the first half with a song that Bono could only dream of writing.

Sandy Ruddock's method of dealing with an unfaithful husband offered a dramatic and hilarious lesson in how to get even whilst keeping the moral high ground. Our final Turn was Attila The Stockbroker. His poem may have broken a House rule or two, but nobody cared. It was written as an antidote to his mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease and has now become a poignant tribute to her memory, as well as a fitting finale to the first TSTL Brighton. Our thanks go to all of our Turns, as well as our audience, for giving us a memorable opening night. If you’d like to be considered for a space at the next TSTL Brighton (Wednesday 16 February) please register on our website.