June 17th Final Lineup Announced!
Click here for tickets to our June 17th Birthday Show!
Come along to True Story London on Monday, June 17th as we celebrate our 5th birthday with an unforgettable live show of true, personal stories and original songs. Tickets available here.
Expect a stellar lineup of 5 storytellers along with 5 musicians who each will be performing an original song live, inspired by one of the stories. This special night is all about connecting people through stories (and music!) that will make you think, laugh, maybe even shed a tear.
Don't miss out — grab a friend or come solo to enjoy a great evening out with a fun and welcoming community at 21Soho. We look forward to seeing you.
OUR STORYTELLERS:
ANIL QASEMI
Anil Qasemi is a project lead at USPUK helping Afghan refugee resettlements, providing essential information and directing refugees towards vital services and resources. His professional journey has included collaborative ventures with international organisations in Afghanistan and entrepreneurial initiatives, including his latest, HATOPIA, an online provider of quality headwear. He’s contributed extensively to prominent publications and engaged in humanitarian work since the onset of COVID-19. His ultimate aim is to empower fellow refugees, guiding them towards successful pathways amid challenging circumstances.
BENJI WATERHOUSE
Dr Benji Waterhouse is a front-line NHS doctor specialising in psychiatry. He is also an award-winning stand-up comedian who performs sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival. He has written for the Guardian and Independent, and was included in a list of 'Inspiring Psychiatrists' by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. His first book, You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here, was published by Penguin Random House in May 2024 and was described by The Times as “hilarious, shocking and urgent... a deeply compassionate book".
MARTHA MCBRIER
Martha McBrier is a writer, comedian and storyteller. She is deaf and a keen belly dancer.
MICHAELA AGAPIOU
Michaela Agapiou is a biologist by day and a storytelling enthusiast by night. She loves to talk about feelings and encourages scientists and others to do so as a producer for The Story Collider in London.
SERGEY KATSUBA
Sergey is a PhD student at University College Dublin. His research is on authoritarian politics and persecution of minority groups in Russia.
Get your tickets here!
MUSICAL ARTISTS:
EMILY TRAN
Emily Tran is a composer and pianist from South-East London, inspired by a wide range of genres from experimental music to jazz. She developed her playing with Tomorrow's Warriors and has performed at many venues in London, including The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Ronnie Scott's, and the Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Currently, she is studying composition at the Royal Academy of Music. Emily performs jazz with her trio, Phtalo, and recently performed with her quintet at Pizza Express.
ESSII
Since launching her career in 2020, British-Zambian artist Essii has established herself as an exciting new voice in the UK R&B scene. In her first year, she gained recognition from the likes of Clash and Wonderland, accruing a growing fanbase that has earned her over 1 million streams across streaming platforms and over 2 million views on YouTube. Essii credits her lyrical artistry to her journey in relationships and heartbreak.
SIMON HOWARD
Contemporary country-folk artist Simon Howard tells heartfelt stories through his effortlessly passionate vocals. After spending a secluded summer writing in Texas, he returned home to begin performing regularly bringing folk styled storytelling alongside a twist of country instrumentation.
VICKY TRANTOU
Vicky Trantou is a 21 year old alternative R&B singer/songwriter from West London. After discovering her passion for music, a shy teenage Vicky found her voice and released her first single in 2020. With influences such as Jazmine Sullivan, Yebba and Tori Kelly, Vicky has been called a vocal gymnast for her range and distinct tone and has been captivating audiences up and down the country.
RHIAN!
Rhian! is a London-based singer/songwriter originally from Trinidad and Tobago. He started releasing self-penned music in 2022 and has since racked up over 100,000 Spotify streams and appeared in the top 10 on multiple iTunes charts around the world with his 4 singles. He has been featured on BBC Radio, BBC Introducing, Pride Radio, Gaydio and more.
OUR MC
Vic Dry, after achieving a Diploma in Acting from the GSMD, thought it a wise career move to take a 28-year break from doing what she loved most - comedy and acting. She is now writing and performing with the Hoopla comedy group's Next Level Sketch, is part of the cast for "The John Dredge Nothing To Do With Anything" comedy series and helps produce, direct, co-write and pop up in the sell out "Miss Take" show at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. She loves her role as MC for the True Story nights at 21Soho which includes helping coach storytellers.
Get your tickets here!
Concession price tickets available for those in full-time education, or in receipt of government financial support.