Story Slam is where you can hear people's amazing true stories told live on stage. All stories are told by volunteers from the audience. Our show has been running since March 19th 2014 when we hosted our first event in the basement of a Bristol café, organised for and attended by friends. Since then we have grown hugely, moved to our incredible venue The Wardrobe Theatre, and have been lucky to welcome over 1,500 storytellers and over 10,000 attendees and counting. Our live shows are normally held on the third Sunday of the month at the Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol, UK.

Themes

Each of our monthly shows welcomes stories on a theme. In the past we’ve had themes such as Animals, Passion, Curiosity, Late, Superheroes, Forbidden Fruit, Risks, Milestones and many many more.

We use themes as an aid to memory rather than to be restrictive. If you are having trouble thinking of a story we suggest using the theme, but if you’ve got a story you’re ready and rearing to tell? Then come tell it! Nobody will get told off for telling a story that is off-theme, it happens all the time.

How to Take Part

Come along in person! If you would like to tell a story there is no need to inform us. Simple turn up on the day and put your name in the hat for a chance to tell your story. Or simply come along and enjoy everyone else. Have a look at our Events page for our upcoming shows.

If you are not able to make it along to the theatre for one of our shows, you can listen to our show for free via our Podcast!

Story Rules

Live stories on the Story Slam stage must follow a few simple rules. Our rules are in place to ensure the smooth running of the show, the integrity of the event, and to ensure that everyone get’s a chance to tell a story if they wish.

  • Stories must be true.

  • Stories must be about you, or at least involve you heavily as a major part in the story.

  • No rants, stand-up routines, monologues or poems. We are interested in stories only. A story has a beginning, middle and end, and some change and/or conflict occurs.

  • Stories must be told without notes or props.

  • Stories must be told in 5 minutes or less

Content Warnings

In the interest of making out show a safe and comfortable place to be, storytellers are able to attach content warnings to their stories, to warn of any sensitive or distressing topics. Content warnings are read out before each story to give people a chance to leave the room/skip the podcast ahead, if they so wish. Details of how to add content warnings to your story will be explained on the day.

Age Limit

Story Slam has no age limit. However the live and spontaneous nature of the show means that profanity and adult themes are to be expected. Children are welcome at our live shows if accompanied by an adult, but parental discretion is advised.