In this episode, Danny Hurst is joined by Ronnie Golden, aka Tony De Meur, of the post-punk pub rock band The Fabulous Poodles. They had several hits and appeared regularly on TV and radio. The Fabulous Poodles supported many bands including The Ramones and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Later, Ronnie transitioned into stand-up, comedy, acting and song-writing. He worked with Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders and was in The Young Ones, The Fourth Protocol and more. Later, he collaborated with comedy legends such as Arthur Smith, Rich Hall and, until his death, Barry Cryer, with whom he performed regularly as a double-act.

 

Ronnie shares some fascinating stories about his career, the people he has worked with and his influences. He also explains how he learned maths through music and how the Comedy Store and The Comic Strip Presents… changed British comedy.

 

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

• Despite writing a lot of music Ronnie, like many other musicians, cannot read music.
• Ronnie learned maths through music, he explains how during the episode.
• Never turn down the chance to do something new. Repeatedly, Ronnie took on projects despite not having 100% of the skills required. He simply learned what he needed to know.
• All performers have bad days, including Bob Dylan.
• Ronnie shares what it was like to see Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix and more perform in small London venues.
• A lot of the comedy of the 80s came out of people being sick of the Tories.
• In the 60s, going up west and to Denmark Street was a buzz.
• Today, London has become so corporate that it has lost much of its character.

 

 

BEST MOMENTS

“From doing comedy songs, I developed repartee, and it became a mix of stand-up and music.”

“I  recognised the mathematics in music, and I connected with it. 12 bar blues and that kind of stuff.”

“I bought myself a harmonica, and I didn't take it out of my mouth for about a week until I learned it.”

“You´ve got to trust yourself.”

“That´s the way Dylan works – he likes to surprise himself.”

“In the 60s, it was a complete buzz.”

“I see less of places that I used to love going to and everything’s changed.”

 

 

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

 

 

https://x.com/ronniegolden1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronnie_Golden

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

 

 

For this episode of the Unusual Histories Podcast, Danny is joined by the actor, director and singer Ray Shell who was the original Rusty in Starlight Express. He is also the author of the impossible to put down novel – Iced, which is being developed as a film. 

Ray grew up in America and moved to London in 1978. He shares his fascinating first impressions of London and the UK and how things have evolved since, including different approaches to crime, racism, the structure of society, politics and far more. Ray has had an amazing career and life, including some low points. He shares it all here.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Compared to New York, London was very quiet.
• London used to be far less colourful, almost grey.
• For Ray, the UK was very much a haven. There were barely any guns or cocaine in the UK at the time. In New York, they were rife.
• Racism in the UK was there in the 70s, but it was more subtle than in America. 
• In some ways the UK was less racist than America e.g. interracial relationships were more accepted. 
• Opportunities come from some surprising places; it really pays to be nice to people.
• Push yourself to do new things to create opportunities you never expected.
• Ray´s book "Iced" transformed his finances. If you have a book in you, write it.
• When Ray landed the role of Rusty in Starlight Express he couldn´t roller skate.
• Ordinary people do not realise the power they have if they stick together and act in unity.
• If you have an idea, someone will buy it, so make it a reality.

BEST MOMENTS

“My first impression of London was that it was so quiet compared to New York City.”

“We could walk down the street without looking over our shoulder.”

“Meatloaf could sing his ar** off .”

“I´ve had an incredible career, but most of these things happen by accident.”

“Poverty has no colour.”

“We are just unconsciously giving our money away - we have power.”

“My total book deal was worth about £350,000.”

“Your life is not hopeless.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://x.com/rayshell

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ray-Shell/author/B001KE89ZS

https://streetangelsbooks.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/tribewilson22 

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

For this episode Danny Hurst is joined by Martyn Ware, the multi-platinum producer, composer, 3D soundscape artist, Electronically Yours podcast host and founding member of The Human League and Heaven 17. As a producer, Martyn worked with artists as diverse as Tina Turner and Terrence Trent Darby, before co-founding with Vince Clarke the world-leading immersive 3D soundscape design and composition firm -  Illustrious Company.

Martyn shares how the unique soundscape of the steel producing town he was raised in influenced his music. He also talks about living in London for 40 years and shares the creative processes behind his music.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The sound of the steel forges created a unique soundscape that had a profound effect on Martyn and other musicians from the area.
• Regardless of what type of music you want to experience you can find it being played somewhere in London. 
• The decision to go down the electronic path arose in part from wanting a way to merge the many different forms of music they liked together.
• Being exposed to such an eclectic mix of people and experiences has helped Martyn to keep the music he produces fresh and different. It's always evolving.
• Martyn provides a fascinating insight into how a track is built up element by element.
• Martyn shares how the process he follows when writing a song has evolved, including the pros and cons of having access to new tools such as software.
• London is a place of extremes; a blend of small villages.

BEST MOMENTS

“I can hear that industrial sound in your music.”

“As you entered the town, it sounded almost like a heartbeat.”

“I like the homogenization of different social strata.”

“It seems to me like they're trying to make London into a gated community for rich people .”

“Do you like what it evokes in you? … If it doesn't make me feel anything, it goes in the bin.”

“I can't ever imagine Tina Turner finding anything difficult to sing.”

“There were those who thought electronic music was witchcraft.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://martynwareofficial.co.uk 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/electronically-yours-with-martyn-ware/

https://illustriouscompany.co.uk

https://www.inplaceofwar.net 

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Today, Danny is joined by Lizzy Roper, a comedian, actress, DJ, the face of Aunt Bessie´s and more. Her grandfather was a Londoner, but her father was born in Spain. When the civil war erupted, they became refugees. Lizzy was born and raised in Whetstone.

Lizzy´s career has included numerous stage roles and parts in 63 movies and TV shows, including Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road. As well as a significant period doing stand up alongside Lenny Beige, Matt Lucas, Sasha Barron Cohen, David Walliams and more. She shares some interesting stories, including why she had to learn Middle English to get her equity card, a funny Pink Panther story and tales of an eclectic mix of celebrities, including Tom Baker, John Hurt, Barry Cryer, Leo Sayer and Robbie Williams.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• By the age of 5 Lizzy was already imitating entertainers she saw on TV. She was born to act.
• In the late 80s, early 90s, London was still affordable, even for struggling actors.
• London is really a series of little towns that are patched together. 
• In the West End, wherever you look, history hits you in the face.
• Once you have lived outside of London for a while you forget that the city has its own behavioural norms.
• The Gielgud Theatre had two previous names.
• The Regency Rooms was known for its cabaret comedy, but a lot of big bands also played there.
• Acting in a soap opera requires a different skillset. The insights Lizzie shares about how they make 2.5 hours of TV in under a week are fascinating.

BEST MOMENTS

“If I go back up there, they tell me I sound like a Cockney t**t.”

“It took me a while to get London.”

“Do you remember that wonderful word “profit share” that translates to profit loss?”

“My acting career took off by going through the back door of Cabaret comedy stand up.”

“When I met you, you were running the asylum at the time.”

“I know I can do a bit of stand-up, but I could not be a street performer.”

“There´s something magical about Liverpool.”

“Hollyoaks, it's more dangerous than a Mexican drug cartel.”

“I haven´t got the London code anymore.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1575301

https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/lizzie-roper

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode, Danny is joined by Chris Spedding, one of the most versatile and well-respected guitarists in the world. As a singer, he had a hit in 1975 with Motorbikin´, produced the Sex Pistols" first recordings and opened for the Rolling Stones in the 1969 Hyde Park concert. Chris has worked with pretty much everyone in music. And most impressively of all, was the Womble with the Flying V.

He and Danny discuss his remarkable musical journey from violinist to guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Chris´ career has spanned many genres of music including Skiffle, Country & Western, Jazz, punk, rock & roll and the CBGB scene; a career that included headlining the 100 Club Punk Festival and playing with Joan Armatrading, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, Katie Melua and many more.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Chris grew up in Sheffield and arrived in London in 1961, living in Pimlico, Islington, Canonbury, Baker Street and Wimbledon.
• He moved to LA in the 70s and New York in the 90s.
• Chris came back to the UK in part because he was working mainly for Bryan Ferry.
• From the 1950s Denmark St became home to some of the world´s biggest modern music publishers. In the 70s it was the place to go to buy instruments.
• The Rolling Stones recorded their first album on Denmark St.
• Chris started his career playing country music on US Air Force bases, in the UK.

BEST MOMENTS

“At the time, it was much sexier to have a guitar than a violin .”

“Having played with some orchestral members, they're just as bad as the rock and rollers.”

“That was quite depressing seeing so many of the old music shops empty.”

“I was in New York, interesting times.”

“I used to love Amy Winehouse.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

http://www.chrisspedding.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Spedding

Motorbikin´- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Juz4W9yEYA

Toc H - https://tochcentenary.wordpress.com/2021/03/16/the-headquarter-buildings-of-toc-h

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Podcast, he is joined by musician, singer, comedian and podcaster Earl Okin, who has lived in Portobello Road since 1952. He has worked with musicians as diverse as Paul McCartney, Fairport Convention and Van Morrison, regularly headlined on the comedy circuit and celebrates 60 years in showbiz. 

From Earl´s first-hand account you will gain a great insight into how the area around Portobello Road has evolved. He speaks about the Jewish, West Indian and Muslim communities as well as the Fascists, the slum landlord Rachman and a local serial killer. He also shares his memories of the 1st TV´s, trams, early cinema and dozens of stories about some of the world´s biggest music and comedy stars including Billy Connolly and Rik Mayall.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Portobello Road used to be a very poor area.
• When Trinidadians moved in, the British fascists targeted the area to try to drive them out.
• In such a racially and culturally mixed area you soon learn that people rarely fit the stereotypes and labels assigned to them.
• Originally a full orchestra accompanied silent film showings.
• An audience of 12- to 92-year-olds all laugh at Earl´s shows. His comedy crosses the generation gap.
• Alternative comedy has its roots in folk clubs.

BEST MOMENTS

“I discovered from his behaviour that his surname is actually Cockney rhyming slang.”

“By the time I was 8 I was an atheist.”

“The funny thing is that there were less channels, but somehow more choice.”

“He then changed his name to Elton John, so he's sort of got my career.”

“Mine have got English words, so I call it Bossa Britannica.”

“I certainly never do drugs, apart from just standing in Portobello Road and breathing in occasionally.”

“I quit my job, and on Friday, I was on the tour (Wings).”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.earlokin.net

Yellow Petals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aDJug04Cd0

https://folklondon.co.uk

Driving out the Fascists from Portobello Road - https://libcom.org/article/beating-back-mosley-notting-hill-1958-baker-baron

Rillington Place Murders - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Christie_(serial_killer)

Café Continental - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Continental

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

Today, Danny speaks to actor, writer, voice artist, comedian and impressionist, Steve Nallon. In this lively episode, Steve shares some great stories about his time working on Spitting Image and with Janet Brown, Mike Yarwood, Rory Bremner, Rik Mayall and scores of other stars. He explains how he developed his iconic Margaret Thatcher impersonation.

Steve shares why, despite being such a prolific performer he actually prefers anonymity over fame. They also discuss the personal and professional adjustments those involved in the entertainment industry make as they age.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As a kid Steve had a vivid imagination and loved acting out the characters he made up, but he was so shy he couldn´t perform in front of others.
• Even well-known comedians like Les Dawson worried about “dying on their arse”.
• There are comedians that say funny things, those that do funny things and those that simply are funny. Steve explains the difference.
• When an audience does not laugh, it feels incredibly personal.
• Spitting Image became so culturally significant that the FT used photos of the show's puppet versions instead of real politicians.
• The Spitting Image puppets were powerful. Some stars even found themselves becoming more like the puppet version. 
• Most `politicians develop a persona that they use in public.
• Impressions are a caricature, just the essence of a person.
• As you get older doing impressions of certain people becomes harder.
• Writing about things that catch your attention and things you have experience of works well e.g. Steve using Maggie Thatcher in a ghost story.
• From a certain angle the statue of Nelson looks like he is pleasuring himself.
• Steve explains why he has always resisted appearing on TV as himself.

BEST MOMENTS

“I always was a performer. As a kid .. I would become all these different people.”

“What didn't come naturally was performing in front of an audience.”

“You die on your arse.”

“Be open to anything, and everybody…that was the BBC training in 1975.”

“I did attempt Trump, but it was so bad they cut it.”

“I was walking down Brewer St a couple of days ago and there was only one sex shop.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.nallon.com

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Podcast, he is joined by former Manchester City midfielder and  football agent, Barry Silkman, who grew up in the East End. He shares his insights into what it was like then as well as how he became a professional football player despite there being quite a lot of prejudice against Jews at the time.

Barry talks about the pubs, local characters (including The Krays) and how people from different cultures developed a close community. As you would expect there are also a few footballing insider stories.

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The area has changed so much that when Barry went back there 18 months ago at times he didn´t really know where he was.
• When Barry was a kid, the area was very Jewish. Now, not many Jews live there.
• Despite its bad reputation, the East End of Barry´s childhood was a very safe place.
• The community was quite mixed. There were differences but most people integrated so everyone got along.
• Petticoat Lane market, one of London’s oldest, was always very busy. Both of Barry´s parents worked there for many years.

BEST MOMENTS

“Now everyone's so wary .. the dimension of the East End has changed.”

“I'm very proud of my heritage.”

“Three out of four doors were wide open until 10 at night…There weren’t people getting mugged, getting stabbed.”

“The first time I played against Spurs, it was just a strange feeling.”

“What I went through being Jewish as a kid made me mentally and physically very strong, so nothing gets me down.”

“A lot of our friends were Indian people from Brick Lane, because we went to school with them.”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Silkman

Petticoat Lane Market History - https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/1742/detail

Demographics of Stepney - https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Documents/Borough_statistics/Ward_profiles/SDSG-Ward-Profile.pdf

Jewish Football Players - https://www.jta.org/2022/02/25/sports/british-jews-love-soccer-so-why-are-there-no-jews-in-the-premier-league

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cable_Street

https://www.jewisheastend.com/garden.html

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s podcast he once again speaks to someone who grew up in London. Today, it is the turn of Adam and the Ants guitarist, songwriter and record producer Marco Pirroni, who has appeared alongside some of the most well-known names in music, including not only Adam Ant, but also Sinéad O'Connor, Siouxsie Sioux, Sid Vicious, Shakespeare's Sister and many others.

He shares some memories of growing up just off the Caledonian Road, Camden when it wasn't fashionable, Soho and the West End; a life that compared starkly with living in America. Naturally, he also shares some great insights and stories about London´s music scene, especially in the 70's, 80s and 90s, punk and New Wave, Vivienne and Malcolm's shop on the Kings Road, the story behind Prince Charming and whether the Ants are ever likely to tour again.

 

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Until the late 80s, virtually every shop in London closed early.

Each area of London had its own very distinctive character, usually heavily influenced by which immigrant groups lived there.

Malcolm McClaren´s punk clothes shop originally sold Teddy Boy clothing designed by his then girlfriend, Vivienne Westwood.

Malcolm liked to be mischievous, sometimes he involved Marco. Marco shares a couple of those stories.

The Roxy launched some great bands including Generation X and The Clash.

 

BEST MOMENTS

“In the early 80s, it (London) was still pretty dead… nothing was ever open.”

“All their fans were trying to gravitate to something else. Suddenly, this 50s clothes things was happening on the King's Road.”

“My mum and dad ran a restaurant. Everyone in it was Italian. Anyone who ever came around was Italian.”

“I was born in London. I am very happy to die in London, when the time comes.”

“Punk sort of influenced everything so much so that everyone forgets that it was that that did it.”

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Pirroni

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-pirroni-433373b4

 

 

Convent - https://dvrbs.camdenhistory.com/camden-religion/camdennj-church-perpetualrosaryconvent.htm

Pet shop - https://nickygrace.co.uk/2013/01/10/the-old-pet-shop-in-camden-town

Malcolm McClaren´s punk clothes shop - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_(boutique)

HOST BIO

Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

CONTACT AND SOCIALS

https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst
facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638

https://twitter.com/dannyhurst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720

In this episode of his Unusual Histories Podcast, Danny Hurst changes things up a bit by talking to experts and residents of London. This time he speaks to Cathi Haragaden, a global citizen, holistic health and well-being consultant, director of Healthy Spaces Limited and Feng Shui consultant.

 

Today, she and Danny discuss the role history, architecture, Feng Shui principles, evolving population demographics have on an area. They do this using Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Thamesmead, where Cathi has lived, as examples.

 

 

If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos.

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

·      Notting Hill has always been home to an eclectic mix of people from different classes and countries.

·      Even before the Roger Miller film made the area famous, it had a unique vibe.

·      Despite the prevalence of racism in the UK, at certain stages, the community spirit of Notting Hill has remained strong and giving.

·      Thamesmead was built on an old chemical works, and a lot of its residents looked ill.

·      The stark concrete buildings of Thamesmead significantly impacted how the place felt, which in turn influenced the people who lived there.

·      For thousands of years Feng Shui has been used in architecture as a way to channel energy to one place in a city. Examples can be found throughout the world.

·      The space we live in is to some extent a reflection of who we are. But it also influences who we become, so making changes to your home´s look and layout will have a significant impact on you.

 

 

BEST MOMENTS

“The energy of the cultural difference basically allowed the Portobello Road and beyond it to have a different energetic match.”

“I've lived all over the world, and one of the best places I've lived was Notting Hill.”

 “I could see there were good intentions there to cater for overspill from London ... but it was made with concrete.” (Thamesmead)

 

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

 

Feng Shui Mastery Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feng-shui-mastery-show-with-cathi-hargaden/id858155885

https://www.fengshuimasteryshow.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-hargaden-064ba7151

 

Wall Street - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291

Film – Notting Hill - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125439/

 

HOST BIO

Historian, performer and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can.

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