Unusual Histories

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 [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Silkman] Petticoat Lane Market History - https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/1742/detail [https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/1742/detail] Demographics of Stepney - https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Documents/Borough_statistics/Ward_profiles/SDSG-Ward-Profile.pdf [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://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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cable_Street] https://www.jewisheastend.com/garden.html [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 [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Pirroni] https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-pirroni-433373b4 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-pirroni-433373b4]     Convent - https://dvrbs.camdenhistory.com/camden-religion/camdennj-church-perpetualrosaryconvent.htm [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 [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 [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst] facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [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://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feng-shui-mastery-show-with-cathi-hargaden/id858155885] https://www.fengshuimasteryshow.com [https://www.fengshuimasteryshow.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-hargaden-064ba7151 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-hargaden-064ba7151]   Wall Street - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291 [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. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst] facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]

In this episode of Danny Hurst´s Unusual Histories Bridge Series, he reaches the last of the bridges that cross the river Thames, in London – Hampton Court Bridge. You will find out why a bridge had to be built in this specific location and why it had to be torn down and redesigned multiple times. The first, of which despite being so stunning that Canaletto created an engraving of it, only lasted for 25 years. You will also gain a fascinating insight into the history of Hampton Court Palace, including its ghosts, most famous residents and the King James Bible. 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 * Hampton Court bridge was not built for Henry VIII as many people think. * The bridge is the only one that enables you to cross from Greater London into a different county. * The structure in place today is the 4th Hampton Court Bridge iteration. * Hampton Court Palace has been open to the public since 1838. * Unusually, the bridge was built by a ferry master. * When the latest version of the bridge was built, two smaller rivers had to be diverted. * The current version of the bridge was the first ferro-cement bridge over the Thames. BEST MOMENTS “It opened in 1753 and was built in the fashionable Chinese Willow pattern style, with seven steep curved spans and pagoda style piers in the centre.” “Changing the flow of the Thames and causing navigational issues when trying to get through the arches of the bridge.” “The oldest surviving hedge maze in Britain, Hampton Court is a mixture of Tudor and Baroque styles after a huge redesign.” “The palace (Hampton Court) itself is noted by architecture historians as an example of transitioning styles.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk [https://www.citybridgefoundation.org.uk] https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace [https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace] https://www.orleanshousegallery.org/collection/the-first-bridge-at-hampton-court 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 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 [https://instagram.com/dannyjhurst]facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 [http://facebook.com/danny.hurst.9638] https://twitter.com/dannyhurst [https://twitter.com/dannyhurst]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720]