London Expat

by Cecilia Gragnani | In our final episode we’ll talk about commitment, to a country and a choice of life. For many people it’s through the citizenship ceremony that the journey towards full integration happens. However, over the past few years citizenship has become not just a choice but also a necessity for many Europeans in order to keep their rights. In the UK, this journey is particularly long, complex, expensive and solemn. You’ll find out through the diary of Cecilia’s ceremony and the testimonies of many Europeans who have chosen the path of naturalisation.

by Cecilia Gragnani |

The fifth episode goes outside London to talk about the country in its entirety and complexity, as happened to Cecilia when she toured her theatre show that inspired this podcast. We will understand the relationship between cities and outskirts and see what life has been like for many Europeans across the country, outside of London's bubble. Perhaps the United Kingdom never truly felt European. The question then becomes: why did we, acquired Brits, become so surprised by Brexit?

by Cecilia Gragnani |

In this episode we find Cecilia on the verge of a faith crisis: after years of living in the UK, chasing the dream of freedom, diversity and inclusivity that London represents, the events of June 2016 have left her heartbroken. London has always been the place where people felt they could be whoever they want to be, without prejudice and judgement. Will it still be like that in the future? Cecilia tries to shed a light on this matter through the testimonies of atypical religious men and women that work in communities around London. Heaven and Hell at the same time.

By Cecilia Gragnani |

Am I Italian? Have I become British? People who live abroad inhabit a sort of third space. In this episode we explore the feeling that many expats have described as being indefinitely suspended in between two cultures and countries, because peaceful coexistence with local communities is a daily conquest to be fought with all possible weapons, starting from irony and humour.

By Cecilia Gragnani | In the second episode we explore the role of the Crown as the expression and symbol of Britain’s national identity. To help us understand the British Monarchy and the consequences Brexit might have on it, we chatted with Colin Crouch, sociologist and Emeritus Professor at Warwick University, and Grant Harrold, royal butler and etiquette expert. Because the monarchy is not just a lucrative business. If for British people the monarchy is taken for granted, for any foreigner wishing to embark on the process of naturalisation, it’s harder to grasp the concept. Especially when the process includes having to swear allegiance to the Queen in charge, her heirs and successors, from whatever part of the world someone might come from and whatever their religion might be.

Cover image by Giacomo Botto
Music by Epidemic Sound

By Cecilia Gragnani | In the shadow of Brexit, the first episode of LONDON EXPAT explores the reasons why many European citizens decided to venture to London in search of fortune, their expectations and desires, the drive to leave as well as the first impact when arriving in the city. It will be London itself, through the welcoming but yet unforgiving voice of a drag queen (performed by Jonny Woo), that will welcome Cecilia and her friends into their new home, sharing wisdom on how to survive and navigate the chaos and the shimmering lights of the English bubble. Through the testimonies and contributions of citizens from all over Europe we tell the story of what drives them to leave and why more than 3 million Europeans have been choosing London for decades.

Cover image by Giacomo Botto
Music by Epidemic Sound

LONDON EXPAT is the comic story of the encounter between a modern migrant and London.

What’s the day-to-day life for an expat in a multiethnic glamorous city? And what changed after Brexit and the recent Corona virus pandemic?

The podcast explores the long road to becoming a citizen in another country, embracing a new nationality whilst staying true to your roots, and the existential crisis when no country claims you as their own. From amusing encounters to bewildering technicalities, Cecilia delves into what lives as a foreigner looks and feels like. In this journey, Cecilia is guided by the Spirit of London, interpreted by the Drag Queen Jonny Woo, and the book “Life in the UK”, the bible for new citizens. The story is also accompanied by direct testimonies of many expats.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices