True Stories Live is a lively, moving and unpredictable event where people tell true stories about their lives in front of a warm, supportive audience. There is no audition process or strict set of criteria – you just have to have a story to tell, based loosely on the set theme. Our speakers come from a wide range of different backgrounds. If you perform regularly in another context, you're welcome. If you haven't been on a stage since that incident in primary school, you are also very welcome. And if sharing your story isn't for you, come down and join our fast-growing audience. We recommend you buy tickets in advance as the event usually sells out on the night. Regular events are priced on a 'pay what you can afford' basis, because we don't want money to be a barrier to people enjoying this event. In these uncertain times we believe more than ever in the power of community and empathy to galvanise and inspire.

If you are interested in speaking at one of our events, please send a short synopsis to truestorieslive@gmail.com. Stories need to be under ten minutes, should be true and about you. At each event we set a theme, which can be interpreted in any way that works for you.  

TSL's home is at Norwich Arts Centre and all our regular events are held in the bar area, which is a relaxed, intimate environment. We also take TSL on tour to other towns, cities and festivals.

Here's what some of our past speakers have said about their experience of telling a story: 

'Amazing experience' - Mel James

'It was great to do something completely new.' - Ade Jolly

'It was fun and liberating to tell a story,fascinating to hear others tell theirs,and wonderful to meet lots of lovely people.' - Nick Walker

'I really enjoyed last night. I love the fact that EVERYONE has a story and this is a great way of getting people to share them.' - Kate Roma

'A one of a kind, intimate night of storytelling and fun. It is beautifully designed in a lovely, friendly space, and is run in a really professional but wholesome, human way. I loved it! It was scary to tell a story but I definitely want to do it again, and I urge everybody to go because there isn't a night quite like it. Listening to people tell you about their lives in a spotlight situation is such a treat.' - Joe Litten

Small Fires is our programme for young people. Its aim is to develop self-confidence, creative expression and communication skills. Our pilot project was successfully completed in April 2017 and consisted of a series of workshops with year nine pupils from Open Academy, followed by a performance at Norwich Arts Centre. We are keen to work with more groups of people who may particularly benefit from this programme. If you know any groups or organisations who may be interested in working with us, please get in touch.