Shows
firstlight meets...The one with Keira and WarwickMy daughter Keira and her friend Warwick present poetry and thoughts about life. We recorded this as an episode of The Vocable Hour for Welcombe Radio. We hope you enjoy...
2023-12-0500 min
firstlight meets...Marvels. ’The Vocable Hour’ from Welcombe Radio broadcast on August 7thAllie and I were delighted to host Cat Williams, David Hope and Linzi Whitting. Don't miss Linzi's hauntingly beautiful singing and Cat's clever nonet. David's voice, as ever is quality ASMR. Many thanks to our producer Peter Keynton-Hook who makes it all possible.
2023-08-161h 00firstlight meets...firstlight meets Jane RogoyskaJane is an superb, award-winning writer and historian whose books include 'Kozłowski' and 'Surviving Katyń.' Jane's work has been so important in helping me develop firstlight and Copernicana's production: 'Under Katyń.' Her writing is beautiful and inspirational. Our conversation is about her work and the significance of the Katyń forest crimes. Thank you for supporting our dramatic project Jane and for giving us your time for this and the video version of the podcast.
Jane's website is: https://janerogoyska.com/
2023-07-081h 16firstlight meets...The Vocable Hour, May 12th 2023. ’... to love’The full audio recording of Welcombe Radio's 'The Vocable Hour' broadcast on May 12th 2023.
I offer some beautiful poems about being loved and loving. Oh yes, and there's one I wrote right at the start.
2023-05-251h 00firstlight meets...’Under Katyń - the poster episodeRichard Sandle-Keynes in conversation about the poster and media designs for Copernicana and firstlight's joint production.
2023-05-1032 min
It's Your Own Time You're WastingS3 Ep2 | Myth-busting: What do OFSTED really want? (Guest: Graham Tyrer, former OFSTED Inspector)Following the tragic death of Reading Head Teacher Ruth Perry, the spotlight is on OFSTED inspections like never before. Is the pressure on teachers just too much?This episode, we talk to former OFSTED Inspector Graham Tyrer, who busts some of the myths surrounding OFSTED inspections.If you are feeling overwhelmed at work, please reach out to your union or The Samaritans on 116 123.2023-05-0344 minfirstlight meets...’New life’: my Welcombe Radio broadcast, April 17th 2023Each month, Allie, Fiona and I get to read beautiful poems and prose on Welcombe Radio's 'Vocable Hour.' We showcase writers we know and some we just discovered. This is my show from April 17th. The one about new life. Many thanks to our producer Peter Keynton-Hook who makes it all possible.
2023-04-2000 minfirstlight meets...The one about love. (Welcombe Radio’s Vocable Hour 27th March)Each month, Allie, Fiona and I get to read beautiful poems and prose on Welcombe Radio's 'Vocable Hour.' We showcase writers we know and some we just discovered. This is my show from 27th March. The one about love. Many thanks to our producer Peter Keynton-Hook who makes it all possible.
2023-04-011h 00firstlight meets...’Under Katyń.’ Why produce this show?'Under Katyń' is a new play about the Katyń crimes committed by Russia on Poland in 1940. It's a story of hope and reconciliation, of secrets and surprises. In episode 1, I chat with my co-producers of the project, Copernicana CIC. The production plays The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon July 11th-15th. Tickets from https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/under-katyn/ We are proud to be supported by the Polish Cultural Institute and Stratford Town Trust.
2023-03-2906 minfirstlight meets...Fiona Gulec: ’What’s the meaning of life?’firstlight offer you ten conversations with ten friends about the meaning of life.
In this first one, I chat with Fiona Gulec. Fiona is a fascinating person with so much expeirience in healing and teaching. Fiona co-presents The Vocable Hour on Welcombe Radio with Allie and myself. I know you’ll enjoy hearing her thoughts. You can find out moe about Fiona at her website https://reiki-heals.co.uk and hr Insta page @fiona.reiki.heals
2023-03-0539 minfirstlight meets...A chat with the cast of ’Humble Boy’Zoe Mortimer, David Derrington and Richard Sandle-Keynes chat about Humble Productions' 'Humble Boy.' It's at The Bear Pit Theatre from 5th to 11th February. It's a dream team producing this show and a few tickets remain: https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/humble-boy-2/
2023-01-2938 minfirstlight meets...The production, episode 8. Pause.Sadly, our production is paused. We can't take it to a stage this year. It's heartbreaking. So, I say farewell and thank you to the project - for now.
2022-08-2409 minfirstlight meets...The production, episode 7 ”Paying back debts to my ancestors.”I share an extract from 'Katyń, Stalin's Massacre and the Triumph of Truth.' I owe so much to my wonderful cast and stage team. And I owe an even greater debt to my ancestors who suffered so much pain and injustice. Our production is a privilege to work on because it honours ordinary men and women.
2022-08-0711 minfirstlight meets...The production podcast, episode 6An insight I had after the first readthrough ...
2022-07-2809 minfirstlight meets...The production. Episode 5. 10 weeks to opening night.This episode features an extract from one of the diaries discovered at Katyń. It was written by Waclaw Kruk and is contained in the astonishing 'The Katyń Diaries' edited by Marek Sobieralski.
2022-07-2509 minfirstlight meets...The production podcast. Episode 4: discoveriesMy Polish friends have made some amazing discoveries...
2022-07-1612 minfirstlight meets...A chat with David Derrington - episode 2/2The second part of my chat with David Derrington. David tells us about how The Bear Pit Theatre came about - and we are so grateful for his continuing work keeping alive this jewel of Stratford's public theatre.
2022-07-0839 minfirstlight meets...A chat with David Derrington - episode 1/2David is one of the most fascinating and important people in public theatre. He is very influential in my life - a genuine role model. David is known to us all as a real gentleman: an extraordinarily skilled actor and director.
2022-07-0433 minfirstlight meets...The production - episode 2. 15 weeks to opening nightThe production of 'An Announcement By General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev On April 13 1990' is cast. In this episode, I chat about what the play is about, offer some thanks to people who have got involved and try to keep calm!
Copernicana can be found at: https://www.copernicana.org
The Polish Cultural Institute:https://instytutpolski.pl/london/
Tickets for the show: https://secondthoughts.org.uk/bookings/
2022-06-2613 minfirstlight meets...The Production - episode 1. 16 weeks to opening night16 weeks to go to opening night. A personal podcast documenting 'An Announcement' - a production of this precious, precious play I've written. Performance dates 5th-8th October 2022.
2022-06-1506 minfirstlight meets...Emma Beasley and Tom Purchase-RathboneTwo of the most lovely people any of us know. They are incredibly busy in the Stratford public theatre scene. Emma and Tom combine talent with charm and wit. How do they do it?
2022-03-041h 04firstlight meets...Part 2 of our Steve Farr chatSteve's humble self -portrait: 'He is frequently extremely annoying, a Marmite character who frequently rattles cages. Like many actors Steve exhibits a level of self obsession tempered only by his acknowledgement of it's absurdity.' Judge for yourself. (I think we'd all agree he's a bit of a public theatre genius.)
2021-12-1845 minfirstlight meets...Steve Farr. Part 1 of my chat with the gifted Stratford-upon-Avon directorAward winning playwright Steve Farr is our guest on the podcast this month. Steve is a gifted director and actor. He has directed in many productions at The Bear Pit theatre and other theatres in the area and wider afield. Steve has an exciting and original directing style. In the podcast Steve shares fascinating thoughts about what drives him as one of the most significant artists in regional public theatre.
2021-12-1327 minfirstlight meets...Part 2 of my chat with the fascinating Alex KapilaIn part 2 of my chat with acclaimed actor Alex Kapila, I find out more about the huge range of media Alex is working with. We talk about what makes theatre and film so essential - and we even opine on the theory of self!
2021-10-2933 minfirstlight meets...My chat with super-talented actor Alex KapilaIn this fascinating chat with the very talented Alex Kapila, we talk about the world of professional theatre and film making. Alex shares the joys and sheer hard work that goes into making a successful production. Many of us know Alex from the local public theatre world but she is more widely known for her ambitious performances across a variety of media. As well as this podcast, you can find out more via her Spotlight weblink https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1977-8972-1919 and imdb entry https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8029797/ We talk a bit about her n...2021-10-2533 minfirstlight meets...Part 2 of my chat with Andrew AndersonAndrew Anderson is a highly gifted writer, director practitioner and researcher of Celtic spirituality. This is a great chat about his new book Artio and Artaois https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pagan-Portals-Artaois-Journey-Towards/dp/1789044626. I learned so much about the significance Celtic understanding has for our world today. It’s a modern, generous and compassionate force for good. Andrew shares with us how the book came about and the astonishing place bears and bear mythology has in our consciousness.
2021-09-3030 minfirstlight meets...Part 1 of a chat with Andrew AndersonAndrew Anderson is a highly gifted writer, director practitioner and researcher of Celtic spirituality. This is a great chat about his new book Artio and Artaois https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pagan-Portals-Artaois-Journey-Towards/dp/1789044626. I learned so much about the significance Celtic understanding has for our world today. It’s a modern, generous and compassionate force for good. Andrew shares with us how the book came about and the astonishing place bears and bear mythology has in our consciousness.
2021-09-2528 minfirstlight meets...Part 2 of a chat with Georgina Wood and Jane GraftonGeorgina Wood and Jane Grafton are two of the most engaging and talented performers on the Stratford upon Avon public theatre stage. In this captivating podcast, we talk about our theatrical hopes and joys. Georgie and Jane share plenty of stories and wisdom about what it means to have drama in our hearts.
2021-08-2536 minfirstlight meets...A chat with Georgina Wood and Jane GraftonGeorgina Wood and Jane Grafton are two of the most engaging and talented performers on the Stratford upon Avon public theatre stage. In this captivating podcast, we talk about our theatrical hopes and joys. Georgie and Jane share plenty of stories and wisdom about what it means to have drama in our hearts.
2021-08-2228 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Persona Teatro Performance Art TheatrePersona Teatro Performance Art Theatre was founded by Roberta Arato and Aurora Sahatci in 2013. They feature authors and performers in Italian and English, offline and online. I got to know them when I found the wonderful 'A Woman Without Qualities' performance on zoom. I was inspired by their visual style and by their incredible story-telling techniques. Our conversation is about their work and the future of zoom theatre. Do have a look at their output. It is superb. Links IG: @personateatro YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ8jd-ewJVUBUX6crGXx_Qg https://www.facebook.com/siamopersonateatro/
2021-07-181h 02firstlight meets...A chat with Nic Walsh
Nicolas Walsh is my June guest on the 'Conversations With Some Friends.' The second term chair of #SecondThoughts #drama group based in #stratforduponavon, gives us a glimpse into his fascinating theatrical life.
I learned about many of Nic's high profile jobs in theatres round the UK and about his hopes for the next step in Second Thoughts' future.
2021-06-1959 minfirstlight meets...A chat with Pam Hickson and Nick Le MesurierWe have a chat full of hope for the future of theatre. We talk about the wonderful Bear Pit Theatre, the joy of acting and the importance of reviewing theatre. We hope you enjoy. I certainly did!
2021-05-1554 minfirstlight meets...My chat with the brilliant Amanda LaidlerAmanda is an inspiration to so many of us. We owe Amanda a very great deal for her patient and brilliant teaching, directing and producing.
2021-04-1154 min
firstlight meets...Part 2 of my chat with Michael Rennie: 'Signs of optimism.'Michael is an extraordinarily successful school leader. We are also both proud Mancunians and therefore, lifelong supporters of Manchester City.
2021-03-0144 minfirstlight meets...Another chat with Michael Rennie. Part 1 of 2 'Looking For Hope.'Michael is one of the best school leaders in the country. He and I worked together since 2005. We're also both Mancunians and therefore, Manchester City supporters.
This podcast is also available in visual for on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNNzsGdDLV2Sg6haVNztfbQ
The music is:
Music: Clarion by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/-clarion
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/zWz0_Krqmzc
2021-02-2330 min
firstlight meets...Part 2 of my chat with Street Arts' Jackie Lines and Doug ArmstrongOnce again, I'm inspired by hearing from Jackie and Doug what they are others are doing. Working with our homeless friends is something from which we can all learn. The Street Arts website is https://www.streetartsproject.com
Allen Stokes' book of powerful poetry is called 'Love, Life And The Legion' and is available on Amazon.
2021-01-181h 14firstlight meets...Part 1 of a chat with Jackie Lines & Doug ArmstrongThey won't thank me for saying it, but Doug and Jackie are inspirational. Their work, along with other individuals and agencies, have supported many, many homeless people. Our podcast chat is about what the Street Arts Project is, how it works and how we can help. Their website is https://www.streetartsproject.com and both Jackie, Doug and Street Arts are on Facebook.
2021-01-1126 minfirstlight meets...Part 2 of my chat with Roger GowlandIt's a delight to share with Roger stories about some splendid times in the theatre. It's a privilege to record tributes to some of my heroes.
2020-12-1822 minfirstlight meets...A chat with Roger Gowland, part 1 of 2Roger Gowland is one of the region's most successful actors and educators. Thousands of pupils benefitted from his skilled leadership and teaching. Thousands of us are honoured to act with him. Roger is an inspiration, a gentleman and a role model for lesser mortals like me.
Music courtesy of:
Campfire by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/al-campfire
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lxdDvNO5aD0
2020-12-1530 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Kevin and Estelle HandNo one has been more important in my love for theatre than Kevin and Estelle Hand. They are two of the most engaging and influential people in Stratford-upon-Avon's public theatre and music world. Entertaining, wise and insightful, Kevin and Estelle are iconic local heroes.
2020-11-3041 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Dave GouldstoneDave and I have known one another for about forty years. We trained at Durham as teachers and we both retired in recent years. In this episode I have the pleasure of discussing David Copperfield with him. The book I chose is the collection of letters and diaries by the gifted and humbling Etty Hillesum. It's called An Interrupted Life the Diaries, 1941-1943 and Letters from Westerbork published by Picador. It's easily one of the most important works I'll ever read.
2020-11-3042 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Penny Sandle-Keynes and Richard Sandle-Keynes. Part 3 of 3.In part 3, Penny tells us how things are for her health and her family. We talk about the superb blog Penny is writing about her cancer journey. It's so helpful, inspiring and a 'must follow.' Penny and Richard have found this YouTube upload valuable. It helps families talk together about managing illness. https://youtu.be/czzAicecxiQ
Penny's excellent blog: https://darkmutterblog.wordpress.com
2020-11-2524 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Penny Sandle-Keynes and Richard Sandle-Keynes. Part 2 of 3In this part of my chat with the brilliant Richard and Penny, we talk about the future and make some exciting plans to zoom some Shakespeare and Webster. Jacobean tragedy was made for zooming!
2020-11-2518 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Penny Sandle-Keynes and Richard Sandle-Keynes. Part 1 of 3Penny and Richard are charismatic, gifted actors, directors and teachers. It's been my honour to have known them for a quarter of a century. In the first part of our our chat we talk about how important theatre is to our lives.
2020-11-2525 minfirstlight meets...Part 2 of Francesca's pre-election conversationIn the second half of our pre-election chat, we do our best to be cheerful and hopeful. I make some bold predictions.
2020-11-0324 minfirstlight meets...Another chat with Francesca Lee Winch - pre-Election nerves part 1Francesca shares her wise Maryland perspective with my 'Pollyanna' optimism. We recorded this the night before the US Election. Both Biden-Harris supporters, we hope for the best but cannot conceal our nerves!
2020-11-0313 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Jean Sztul-BeldaThis is a real gem. I met Jean Sztul-Belda through the Kresy Family Facebook Group and the Kresy-Siberia Facebook Group. We chat about the heroism and trauma of our Polish ancestors. Their stories are astonishing and humbling.
2020-10-1952 minfirstlight meets...Another conversation with Michael RennieWe chat about Manchester City. Michael has more extensive knowledge of Manchester City and indeed of football, than anyone else I know.
2020-10-1742 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Clive AndersonClive is one of my oldest friends. He is a truly gifted musician, composer and teacher. Clive lives in Norway and we meet, usually about once a year to solve the world's problems. In this chat, we try to solve them on Zoom.
2020-10-0942 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Pamela HicksonPam is an inspirational actor. Pam is part of the team bringing us the wonderful, volunteer run The Bear Pit Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Pam and I chat about how the The Bear Pit got started and our hopes for its future. Visiting https://www.thebearpit.org.uk will tell you more about this beautiful theatre.
2020-09-3029 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Nicky ShortNicky and I chat about living through the Christian faith. Nicky has a wonderfully wise, thoughtful and humble approach to faith. I learn so much every time I talk with her.
2020-09-2834 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Martin RobsonMartin Robson is an inspirational friend. I got to know Martin through the Barn Baptist Church in Bidford. He has a wealth of experience in church leadership and is one of the wisest chaps I know.
2020-09-2842 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Mairi MacdonaldMairi and I chat about Stratford-upon-Avon Wills, 1348‒1701, which she has recently edited with Stephanie Appleton. The book contains edited copies of 522 wills throwing important new light on many of Stratford’s townsfolk from all walks of life. It is an astonishing achievement. Further details of this work can be found at: http://www.dugdale-society.org.uk/News.html
2020-09-2340 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Ian McLeanFor ten years, Ian was chair of the Stratford-upon-Avon theatre group, Second Thoughts. Ian and I chat about the importance of community theatre, why it is so important and what the future might hold. Second Thoughts' website is: https://secondthoughts.org.uk
2020-09-2339 minfirstlight meets...A conversation with Michael RennieIt's been my privilege to have known and worked with Michael for fifteen years. Michael is Director of School Improvement at Lordswood Boys' School in Birmingham, UK. In this chat, we talk about how the school has become so successful at improving pupils' life chances. There's a little bit about Manchester City too. And an Amazon delivery. (All the views we express are personal and don't represent any organisation for which we work.)
2020-09-0448 min
firstlight meets...A conversation with Francesca Lee Winch.Francesca is one of my oldest friends. She is a gifted teacher and proud of her Irish heritage. In this episode we chat about the upcoming US election. In part 2, we'll discuss the way things stand for Joe Biden in October. Then in part 3, we'll review where we are after the election and what it means for our families and communities.
2020-09-0144 min
firstlight meets...A conversation with Chris MussonChris and I chat about his life on the boat. Chris is a gifted musician, actor, paramedic and physicist. In this pilot episode we have a thirty minute conversation about living on the canal and some hopes for the future.
2020-08-2529 min