In this episode I chat with Greer Ralston, an artist who has won many awards across her distinguished career, including the Greenshields International Scholarship for figurative art and She has exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery.

We talk about being a female artist in Glasgow in the macho 1980s, contraversial queer art and the importance of making visible historical women in art.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with Polly Shute a multi award winning Inclusion Specialist working with DIVA Media Group, Pride Sports, Women in Sport, Co Founder of Out and About LGBTQIA and was a former Board member of Pride in London.

We talk about LGBTQIA events, how the Diversity and Inclusion agenda has changed over the last 10 years, Corporate Sponsorship of Pride and "Rainbow" events, positive representation and coming out in later life. 

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with the legendary Horse, Singer and Songwriter. She has released 9 albums since 1990. She is the patron of Switchboard an LGBT+ helpline, An Ambassador for the Clutha Trust an arts and music charity and an Ambassador for Nordoff Robbins which provides music therapy.

We talk about growing up gay and being different, the amazing portrait by Roxanna Halls, the importance of Switchboard the LGBT+ helpline and her experiences of working with music therapy and Autistic people.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with Em Stroud, Creator, Clown, Podcaster, MC, Author and Entrepreneur. We discuss coming out, clowning, living life to the full, the importance of music and we meet Orange the clown who shows us why we all need to play...

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change. 

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…  

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests. 

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues & Clowns. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with Jane Asher actor, author and entrepreneur. Jane has also been the President of the National Autistic Society since 1997 after serving for many years as Vice President. Jane supports the charity in various fundraising and awareness activities.  *We discuss terminology around Autism and how our understanding has changed over the last 30 years. As we revisit this journey, we reflect on how much work we all still have to do. Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change. Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…  Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley Graphics by Poke Marketing Sound Engineering by Jack Townley at Low Post Ltd Photography by Karen Kodish Photography www.socroc.co.uk Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests. Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to Autism Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, historical treatment for autism, mental health issues. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

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Ryver Cooper (Mabz Beet) needs a break and in order to learn their lines for the lead role in a new but dismal play, they book into a B&B in a quiet leafy backwater in Stratford upon Avon.

Margaret Grainger (Jane Asher) who owns the establishment is desperately trying to keep the mansion roof over her head with innovative ways to pay the bills.

Her lodger Libby Lentil (Lesley Joseph) provides some of this much needed cash and surplus to requirements drama. An unexpected weekend of revelations, desperations and reparations... while they all learn the fine art of how to drop a piano...

Tackling themes of love, loss and living an authentic life, “How to Drop a Piano” is Samantha Griersons latest neurodivergent and LGBT+ comedy.

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Ryver Cooper by Mabz Beet

Margaret Grainger by Jane Asher

Libby Lentil by Lesley Joseph

Monica by Suzy Bloom

Lionel / The Major by Andrew Spooner

Sound Production Jack Townley

Written Directed and Produced by Samantha Grierson

Theme Tune “Drop it and go” – lyrics written by Samantha Grierson, piano and composition by Madge Woollard, Vocals by Rosie Eggleston, Bass by Jo Whateley, Mixed by Paul Reynolds. The team who created the theme tune all identify as autistic.

Samantha Grierson, Writer, Director and Producer of How to Drop a Piano, received a later life diagnosis of Autism in 2018, changing the course of her life forever. What was initially a shock, became the driving force behind her creativity and allowed her to revive her love of writing. In addition to Kitty, Sam has written a series of plays which deal with later life diagnosis of autism/ADHD and motherhood, including Henpire, Crocodile (Heather Peace), Mole (Sharon Morgan) and Kitty (Miriam Margolyes) which are available on all major platforms. Sam lives in Rugby with her 3 children.

Kitty (Miriam Margolyes) is about to turn 90, and is considering the merits of an autism assessment, whilst having industrial grade plans for Mistletoe production. Rae (Jenny Hulse) her youngest granddaughter is autistic & ADHD and considering IVF. The idea of having a child is providing her with a dilemma about the genetics of autism and what that means to her giving birth, but first she needs to return a friend's ancient campervan to the other side of Scotland… Forbia (Lorraine McIntosh) her corporate career driven sister has just been put on an enforced sabbatical at work in order for her to "regroup" and find herself..  A family road trip… perfect. Breakdowns, meltdowns and showdowns all sprinkled with a little bit of Caledonian magic.. A journey across Scotland like no other...

The So Crocodile Trilogy

Kitty is the final play of the "So Crocodile" Trilogy, which chart stories of women in their 30’s, 40's, 50’s and 90's with a later life diagnosis of autism. This represents a perhaps less understood and certainly greatly under-represented group of women. As the Trilogy portrays, everyday life for these women carries significantly greater and unexpected challenges.

Trigger Warning: Panic Attacks, Autistic Meltdowns.

Kitty - Miriam Margolyes OBE

The Age of Innocence, Harry Potter and the Chamber   of Secrets, Ladies in Lavender, The Vagina Monologues

Forbia – Lorraine McIntosh

Hope   Springs, Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, Aberdeen and River City. Lorraine is   also a member of Deacon Blue.

Rae – Jenny Hulse

Outlaw   King, In Plain Sight, Taggart and River City.

Theme Tune – Fur Coat Queen – Megan Black

Sound Production Jack Townley

Executive Producer Elise Grierson Schwarz

Written and Directed by Samantha Grierson Schwarz

Listen on Spotify, Tunes, Amn Music, Anchor and Google Podcasts

Samantha Grierson Schwarz - Writer, Director of Kitty, received a later life diagnosis of Autism in 2018, changing the course of her life forever. What was initially a shock, became the driving force behind her creativity and allowed her to revive her love of writing. In addition to Kitty, Sam has written a series of plays which deal with later life diagnosis of autism and motherhood, including Henpire, Crocodile and Mole (audio comedy dramas) which are available on all major platforms.

www.socroc.co.uk

Kitty (Miriam Margolyes) is about to turn 90, and is considering the merits of an autism assessment, whilst having industrial grade plans for Mistletoe production. Rae (Jenny Hulse) her youngest granddaughter is autistic & ADHD and considering IVF. The idea of having a child is providing her with a dilemma about the genetics of autism and what that means to her giving birth, but first she needs to return a friend's ancient campervan to the other side of Scotland… Forbia (Lorraine McIntosh) her corporate career driven sister has just been put on an enforced sabbatical at work in order for her to "regroup" and find herself..  A family road trip… perfect. Breakdowns, meltdowns and showdowns all sprinkled with a little bit of Caledonian magic.. A journey across Scotland like no other...

The So Crocodile Trilogy

Kitty is the final play of the "So Crocodile" Trilogy, which chart stories of women in their 30’s, 40's, 50’s and 90's with a later life diagnosis of autism. This represents a perhaps less understood and certainly greatly under-represented group of women. As the Trilogy portrays, everyday life for these women carries significantly greater and unexpected challenges. Crocodile staring Heather Peace and Mole staring Sharon Morgan are also available on this platform.

Kitty - Miriam Margolyes OBE

The Age of Innocence, Harry Potter and the Chamber   of Secrets, Ladies in Lavender, The Vagina Monologues

Forbia – Lorraine McIntosh

Hope   Springs, Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, Aberdeen and River City. Lorraine is   also a member of Deacon Blue.

Rae – Jenny Hulse

Outlaw   King, In Plain Sight, Taggart and River City.

Theme Tune – Fur Coat Queen – Megan Black

Sound Production Jack Townley

Executive Producer Elise Grierson Schwarz

Written and Directed by Samantha Grierson Schwarz

Listen on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, Anchor and Google Podcasts

www.socroc.co.uk

It’s never too late to start being happy. Not only is Mo(le) a lonely 50 something autistic Welsh woman, she is also an unsuccessful face-painter, lost in her own world. Sylvia, the "tragically English" Lady of the Manor, who is also seeking purpose and a way out of her loneliness, takes Mo under her wing. The two soon discover that they have more in common than first meets the eye. Through Mo’s honesty and openness about autism, Sylvia finds a way to access her love for the child she lost a half a lifetime ago. As their friendship develops, the two step out of their respective shadows. Initially a tale of loneliness, love and lost motherhood, “Mole” serves as a beacon of hope for all of us.

The So Crocodile Trilogy

The "So Crocodile" Trilogy charts stories of women in their 30’s, 40's, 50’s and 90's with a later life diagnosis of autism. This represents a perhaps less understood and certainly greatly under-represented group of women. As the Trilogy portrays, everyday life for these women carries significantly greater and unexpected challenges.

Mole is the second play in the "So Crocodile" Trilogy. Crocodile, staring Heather Peace is the first play, now available on Spotify, Amazon Music, iTunes and Anchor.

Crocodile (Heather Peace) tells the story of a woman dealing with her recent Autism and ADHD diagnosis, the death of her dysfunctional mother and the start of a new relationship. The play provides stark flashbacks and insights from the 8-year-old Crocodile in Halifax, Yorkshire, set against the chaotic adult life Crocodile has in London. Crocodile is currently an Audio Play on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music & Google Podcasts staring Heather Peace, Sherise Blackman and Gurkiran Kaur.

#Autism #Identity #Love #Loss

Follow us on facebook.com/socrocodile

Crocodile is fast talking, fast acting and does whatever occurs to her. Her best mate Beau tries to keep her on track and her irreverent sense of humour goes someway to curb her behaviour, enter Syd a decorator with a love of ice cream and looking for something more…. exit Crocodile who is always looking for something different... until she isn’t. A bitter sweet play that navigates identity, neurodiversity, loss, love and mushrooms. Fasten your seatbelt... #autism #crocodile #love #loss #identity

Crocodile - Heather Peace

Beau - Sherise Blackman

Syd - Gurkiran Kaur

Crocodile, aged 8 - Mia Wray

Casting of Crocodile aged 8 by Matt Zina, The Yorkshire School of Acting

Music Heather Peace

Sound Production Sade Giliberti

Photography Rosie Powell

Stunt Coordinator Julie Wilson

Executive Producer Elise Grierson Schwarz

Producers Sade Giliberti and Samantha Grierson Schwarz

Written and Directed by Samantha Grierson Schwarz

Samantha Grierson Media Production Ltd