Vandal Factory

Factory Floor Cuts: Do It Yourself: Making Political Theatre (Common/Wealth)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Common/Wealth are a theatre company based in Bradford and Cardiff, making work with, for and about working class communities and urgent social issues. Henry and Natalie took a trip to Bradford to chat about their first book, Do It Yourself: Making Political Theatre. The book is a retrospective of their work, it shares their methodology, personal experiences and belief in theatre being a tool for social change. Joining the episode are Ezra, May, Soarise and Evie discussing how they create vibrant, political work, the vital effect it's had on audiences, particpants and communities...plus a hint towards their next show.

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You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists! Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

#38 - Crochet on the Barricades (Kallemi & Sarah Corbett)

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Henry and Natalie discuss recent protests, the Bussing In installation, their gig with Bob Vylan and Nat's dog, Ivy, pops by. Featuring interviews with Sarah Corbett and the band Kallemi. Founder of the Craftivist Collective, Sarah is known for pioneering "gentle protest" or "craftivism" as a form of strategic, mindful social change. Kallemi (كلّمي) an outernational all-female genre-fluid powerhouse ensemble. Kallemi is a result of a collaborative musical project between Swiss, Dominican and Palestinian musicians.

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Factory Floor Cuts: A Grain of Sand (Elias Matar, Sarah Agha, Good Chance theatre company)

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

'A Grain of Sand' is a new play written and directed by Elias Matar and performed by Sarah Agha. It tells the story of Renad, an 11-year-old Gazan girl, who embarks on a dangerous journey. Carrying only the echoes of her grandmother’s tales and the spark of her own imagination, she searches for her family and the ‘Anqaa’ - the mythical Palestinian Phoenix.

The play is touring the UK across 2026, visit Good Chance theatre's website and book a ticket for this astounding and profound piece of story-telling.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Boff Whalley

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The full, unedited chat with Boff Whalley taken from episode #37. Boff is the former guitarist for Anarchist Pop-Stars Chumabwamba and founder and lead trespasser of Commoners Choir. He talks about his new book, 'But Life Isn’t Like That Is it?', which is a collection of stories, memories, anecdotes about disruption and digression.

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#37 - The Disruptors (Boff Whalley & Yung Yusuf)

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Henry and Natalie interview musicians Boff Whalley and Yung Yusuf. Boff Whalley is the former guitarist of Anarcho-Pop stars Chumbawamba and is the founder of Commoners Choir, talks about his new book - 'But Life Isn't Like That, is it?' and saying thank you to the people who inspired him. Yung Yusuf is a British-Palestinian rapper whose work spans sun-drenched jazz and wider fierce, bass-fuelled politics.

Plus Henry and Natalie discuss local activism, Henry performs a classic poem and Natalie recommends a fresh musician.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Mohammed Moussa (Gaza Poets Society)

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Mohammed Moussa is a poet, podcaster and founder of Gaza Poets Society. Joining us at Vandal Factory HQ half-way through a UK tour, Mohmmed talks about his love for language, what it means to be a Palestinian poet on stage and whether poems can change the world.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Pins For Peace (Mek Summat, Black Lodge Press & Alasdair Beal)

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Pins For Peace is a vibrant exhibition inspired by The Peace Museum's unique pin badge collection, featuring large-scale badge artworks by over 30 artists. Henry took a roadtrip to Shipley to speak to DIY curators Adam and Jenna, joined by CJ of Black Lodge Press. You'll also hear Alasdair Beal, a long-time CND campaginer who created the satirical '...Against The Bomb Badges' in the early 1980s.

The exhibition runs until the end of November so check out this bold artwork in-person or online.

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#36 - Live at Greenbelt Festival 2025! (Mohammed Moussa, Fadi Murad, Ste Bardgett)

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Deep in the woods of Greenbelt Festival, you'll find the Rebel Rouser stage, a home to distrupters, hopers and gobheads... and Henry and Natalie hosting a live episode!

Joining the duo are Mohammed Moussa, Fadi Murad and Ste Bardgett. Ste is half of indie-punk noise-makers Mouses and is part of the team programming the Rebel Rouser line-up. After they perform a racketty banger, poet Mohammed joins us. Mohammed is the founder of the Gaza Poets Society, a collective of Palestinian poets dedicated to sharing verse and stories. Finally Fadi Murad, a writer and performer from Jerusalem, shares a piece from his latest project.

Thanks to everyone at Greenbelt and the Amos Trust for putting us in contact with Fadi and Mohammed. Also, if you hear the odd random voice appearing in the background, it's just the recording picking up the tech team, don't worry about it.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Amber Massie-Blomfield (Live at Greenbelt Festival 2025)

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Recorded live at Greenbelt Festival 2025!

Amber Massie-Blomfield's book 'Acts of Resistance' is about the power of art to make a better world. Covering 10 stories of political and protest art from history, this chat takes a deep dive into art & activism and how everything from Blue Peter to Beckett inspired social change.

Amber is formerly Executive Director of Complicité and Camden People’s Theatre, she has worked for clients including Actors Touring Company, tiata fahodzi, Barbican, Pro Helvetia, English PEN, Free Word Centre and China Plate. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, and as an activist, she has been involved with Writers Rebel and Extinction Rebellion.

#35 - Hope In The Making (Bruce Kendrick, Portia Kamons & Nara Kim)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

We're at Greenbelt Festival 2025 to recharge our activism! We discuss the powerhouse acts we see, and bump into Kate from Hot Squash and folk musician Maddie Morris.

This episode features nature photographer Bruce Kendrick talking about his love of nature. Then we speak to Portia Kamons and Nara Kim about SEVENTEEN, a libretto using classical music and verbatim to platform young voices in America.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Scott Burrell (Three Rivers Bexley)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this Factory Floor Cut, Nat talks to Scott Burrell, Director of Three Rivers in Bexley, London. Three Rivers is a free-floating, social arts agency that brings local people and partners together to make a difference in Bexley. In this chat, Scott and Nat talk about power structures, community arts and the importance of place .

Factory Floor Cuts: Dr David Hayley (Art and Ecology)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Dr David Hayley is an ecological artist and researcher. In this Factory Floor Cut, Nat talks to David about his creative practice, his career and the time he met Paul McCartney whilst dressed as a gorilla. If you would like to see more of David's work you can go to his website. https://davidhaley.uk/

Other Vandal Factory episode that discuss environmental issues are listed on our website:

https://www.vandalfactory.co.uk/climate-crisis-episodes.html

#34 - Dance Through This Crisis (Joshua Idehen & Alexia Roditis of Destroy Boys)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +0000

It's the Comrade Conga! Have a dance with hope and anger! Poet Joshua Idehen discusses his new, powerful collection 'Songbook'. Alexia Roditis from Destroy Boys shares thoughts on their new punk album and the issues facing the U.S.

We have dancer Penny Chivers share their experiences for the Freelance Feelings Factory, and Arwa and Mati share reflections on a dance event raising money for the al-Harah theatre in Palestine.

Dancers at that event were: Trace Collective, Aamina Stenhouse, Annabella Fernandes, Julianna Nagy, Kai Dwyer, Harbi Alhatini, Ahmed Alsatri, Maddy Kirk, Rachel Ensoll, Sarah Selwood, Didi, Eirini, Mati Torres, Anouska, Fleur, Phoebe, Silva. Visit here for event materials:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v7S--nlIYzh3R9Eh7gw_cJiLAT1duxJ9/view

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Factory Floor Cuts: chamæleon (Farah Chamma & LIEV)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

chamæleon is a collaboration between Palestinian writer Farah Chamma's poetry and Brazilian producer LIEV's musical soundscapes. They explore the intersection between spoken word and musical texture, diving into the unknown to search for belonging and identity.

Henry interviews them about So many ways To Move, a combination of audio, visuals and words which they performed in York on 1st June 2025.

For more episodes featuring Palestinian artists, check out episodes #19, #26 and #29 as well as various other Factory Floor Cuts bonus episodes.

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#33 - Live at Manchester Punk Festival 2025 (Millie Manders & The Shutup)

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Henry & Nat return to MPF for another gobby live episode! We're joined by Millie Manders who talks about her musical influences, the politics on her latest album and performs some cracking acoustic bangers alongside musician Joe. We discuss collectivism, ask the audience what brings them hope and play Punk band Or Ale?

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Factory Floor Cuts: A Collective Action Towards Access (Daneka Etchells & Kit George)

Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

"We should be the brick in your wall and not just the morter you put on top."

As part of episode #32, we spoke to artists about their freelance experiences. Taken from that episode, this is Natalie's full interview with actor Daneka and visual artist Kit. We discuss life as a disabled creative and their current projects, including Kit's Trans Saints Project. We unpack ideas of access, inclusion, Spoon Theory and the challenges of being a self-employed.

Check out episode 32 for more freelance experiences, and episode 20 for more disabled voices and activism.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Hannah Khalil (Irish-Palestinian playwright)

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Hannah Khalil is an Irish-Palestinian playwright whose play My English Persian Kitchen recieved rave reviews after sold out shows. Hannah spoke to us about freelancing for episode #32, but here is the full interview where Hannah also discusses her plays and craft.

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Factory Floor Cuts: Zita Holbourne (Artists Union England)

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:15:00 +0000

This is the full interview with Zita Holbourne multidisciplinary artist, poet, musician, Trade Unionist and educator. Zita spoke to us about her workshops and her work for Artists Union England. An edited version first appared in episode #32. They take on casework and support members through workplace disputes, connect artists in their local area and campaign for sustainable futures, equality, respect and access in every aspect of life and work.

Listen to episode #32 for more conversations about self-employed life.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: Janie Nicoll & Megan Chapman (Scottish Artists Union)

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This is the full interview with Janie Nicol and Megan Chapman, visual artists and organisers for Scottish Artists Union. An edited version first appared in episode #32. SAU is the representative voice for visual and applied artists in Scotland and is one of the largest arts membership organisations in the country. We discuss the needs of the membership and enpowering and connecting self-employed freelancers.

Listen to episode #32 for more conversations about self-employed life.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: Annabel Turpin (Storyhouse)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the full interview with Annabel Turpin taken from episode #32.

Annabel is Chief Executive Officer at Storyhouse in Chester, which incorporates a library, theatres, an independent cinema, a restaurant, and is a community and creative social hub. We talk about how Annabel works with freelancers and the processes she puts in place. Annabel also talks about calling out other organisations for late payments.

Listen to episode #32 for more conversations about self-employed life.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

#32: The Freelance Feelings Factory

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Freelancers: Assemble!

In this bumper special episode, Henry and Natalie have gathered unique contributions from across the UK. Featuring writers, dancers, musicians and visual artists and Trade Unionists, we explore the good, the bad and the ugly parts of being self-employed in the arts and culture sector.

Thank you to our wonderful contributors: Annabel Turpin, Hannah Khalil, Zita Holbourne, Janie Nicoll, Megan Chapman, Stephanie Roberts, Sara Amini, Megan Faye Hanson, Alice Foxall, Harry Ward, Lucy Sheen, Eirini Papadopoulou, Nicole Joseph, Tyler Pickles, Kit George and Daneka Etchells.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: Culture As Resistance (Sarah Agha, Saied Silbak & Abed Al Ju'beh)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

A live panel discussion recorded at the 10th Leeds Palestinian Film Festival on 6th December 2024.

Three Palestinian creatives share their thoughts on the role of arts to tell urgent stories. Featuring actor and presenter Sarah Agha, classical musician Saied Silbak and director and producer Abed Al Ju'beh. Hosted by Natalie Quatermass.

Thank you to the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival and the panel to allow us to release this audio.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: Sarah Brigham

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The unedited interview taken from episode #31.

Artistic Director of Derby Theatre Sarah Brigham talks about 'Welfare', a show written about the Derbyshire mining community. Sarah talks about her career directing political stories and facilitating community work. We discuss gate-keeping, accessiblity, inviations and how Derby Theatre creates routes for the community.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: B. Dolan

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The full unedited interview, taken from episode #31.

On his last ever UK tour, rapper and activist B. Dolan discusses his latest album 'The Wound Is Not The Body', his writing process and his feelings ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

#31 - Let Your Action Be The Answer (B. Dolan & Sarah Brigham)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Henry and Natalie return after a haitus to discuss political music, theatre and community work.

On his last ever UK tour, rapper and activist B. Dolan discusses his latest album 'The Wound Is Not The Body', his writing process and his feelings ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections. Theatre director Sarah Brigham talks about 'Welfare', a show written about the Derbyshire mining community. Sarah talks about her career facilitating community work and how Derby Theatre works with community groups.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

#30 - Live at Greenbelt Festival 2024! (Lunatraktors)

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Henry & Natalie host a live episode recorded on the Rebel Rouser stage of Greenbelt Festival 2024. Featuring 'broken folk' musicians Lunatraktors: choreographer and percussionist Carli Jefferson (she/her), and partially-sighted vocalist and researcher Clair Le Couteur (they/them).

As well as a hearty performance, we discuss the questions: what’s left when we’ve have post-apocalyptically lost everything? What is the difference between solidarity and chairty? How can we roll deeper?

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Factory Floor Cuts: Amber Massie-Blomfield

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Taken from episode #29, this is an unedited interview with Amber Massie-Blomfield about her new book 'Acts of Resistance'. The book is a vital exploration about art and it's power to make a better world.

Amber Massie-Blomfield writes about the artists who have treated the protest site as their canvas and contributed to movements that have transformed history.

#29 - Joy Is Resistance (Marina Barham & Amber Massie-Blomfield)

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Your friendly podcast about hope & anger, joy & rage, love & justice.

Featuring Marina Barham, the co-founder and General Director of Al-Harah Theater talking about their work bringing joy to communities living in the West Bank of Palestine. We also interview Amber Massie-Blomfield about her new book 'Acts of Resistance' about the power of art to make a better world.

We also have a contribution from curator and arts producer Katrina Man for our Freelance Feelings Factory feature.

This episode was recorded at Greenbelt Fest, a celebration of arts, activism and belief.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: Lynn Faces (Laura Horton & Peyvand Sadeghian)

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this bonus episode, Henry chats with playwright Laura Horton and actor Peyvand Sadeghian up at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Their show, Lynn Faces, is a funny, farcical and poignant new play, exploring the impact of abusive behaviour, the power of friendship and how silliness can be healing.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

Factory Floor Cuts: Emilia Elfrida (The Menstrual Cramps)

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Emilia from queer punk band The Menstrual Cramps talks about the origins of their scrappy DIY band, their new EP and the Bands Boycott Barclays campaign.

This is a unedited version of the interview from episode #28. Check out that episode to hear a song chosen by Emilia inspired by the Bands Boycott Barclays campaign.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

#28 - Don't Let Your Guard Down (The Menstrual Cramps & The Hangout Youth CIC)

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

We finally got rid of the Tories! But don't let your guard down, as we're still discussing hope & anger and social justice in these changing times.

In this episode, Emilia from queer punk band The Menstrual Cramps talks about the Bands Boycott Barclays campaign. Lighting designer Jess Brigham contributes to the Freelance Feelings Factory.

Billy and Lou from The Hangout Youth CIC talk about creating space for LGBTQIA+ Youth and their film Beyond Ls14. Speaking of space, Henry and Natalie discuss heterotopia and place-making community work.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

#27 - The Activist Arts Manifesto (General Election special)

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

With the 2024 Genral Election round the corner, we asked: What would you change about funding, structures and management of arts and culture?

This is exactly what we put to actors, writers, directors, thratre-makers and musicians across the UK. In no particular order, you’ll hear ideas and provocations from: Dermot Daley, Boff Whalley, Lisa Holdsworth, Daniel York Loh, Luke Skilbeck, Peyvand Sardegian, Daneka Etchells, Richard Burgon (MP), Seth Mowshowitz (Fold) and Jarmouse. With input from your hosts, Henry Raby and Natalie Quatermass.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: Slash Fiction

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Slash Fiction are a south Yorkshire punk band whose new album 'We'll Hold This Line Until Hell Freezes Over' is a masterpiece of raw and wonderful anthems. Henry is joined by Niamh, Jess and Dan who discuss principles of Trade Unionism, DIY culture, solidarity and song-writing.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: Palestine Unveiled art exhibition

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Natalie visited the Palestine Unveiled art exhibition, a one-day pop-up event at Cole's Gallery in the Leeds Corn Exhange. Celebrating solidarity through visual art and fund-raising for medical aid, Natalie met artists speak about their work and the vital importance of fund-raising.

She speaks with artists Salma Kuhail, Mahgull Khan, Fatima Asad and Josh Sutton.

Follow them on Instagram: @mahgulls.art, @salma.kuhail, @its_fatimaasad, @redfezbooks.

With reflections and insights from Leeds poet Tallullah Howarth and friend-of-the-show Fozia.

#26 - Friends of Salt and Revolution (Taqi Spateen, Juman Quneis & Jon Wakeman)

Sun, 19 May 2024 17:00:00 +0000

"People of Leeds are friends of salt and revolution."

Henry and Natalie visit East Street Arts and meet Juman Quneis and Taqi Spateen, with special thanks to the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival.

Juman is a film-maker from Ramallah in the West Bank whose documentary work has influenced Palestinian law. She's in the UK studying film and volunteering with the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. She talks about her work, as well as her vision for a documentary about murdered journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Taqi Spateen is a visual artist-activist who has worked across the world. He's visiting Leeds to paint a mural on the side of East Street Arts' building. He talks about the inspiration for his artwork, being arrested by the Israeli Occupation Forces and why he loves a classic Italian song.

And finally we are joined by Jon from East Street Arts talking about the importance of visual street art, large and small.

Photograph by Shui.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

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Factory Floor Cuts: Richard Weston

Sat, 18 May 2024 17:01:00 +0000

Film director and actor Richard Weston chats about his latest film 'Sparked', a drama about boxing and men's mental health set in working class Birkenhead. Richard talks about his love for film, his own experiences of mental health as well as the importance of boxing clubs for working class communities. To listen to a song chosen by Richard, head on over to episode #25: Rage Is Valid.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: Shareefa Energy

Sat, 18 May 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Our full, unedited interview with poet and activist Shareefa Energy. We discuss her jounrey into performing, her work in the West Bank of Palestine and the power of political poetry.

A poem performed by Shareefa and a song she selected can be heard on episode #25 of the Vandal Factory podcast 'Rage Is Valid'.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

#25 - Rage Is Valid (Shareefa Energy & Richard Weston)

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Arts & activism, hope & anger, solidarity & rage!

Henry & Natalie are back with an interview with indomitable poet and activist Shareefa Energy, who talks about her journey into performance poetry. Film director and actor Richard Weston chats about his latest film 'Sparked', a drama about boxing and men's mental health set in working class Birkenhead. Plus Khairani Barokka shares one of her latest poems from brand new collection 'amuk', and theatre director Viv Gordon shares a song that inspires her work.

We also discuss the importance and plight of freelancers in the arts sector, play some banging tunes and shout out student activism across the world!

Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: Protest Photography

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0000

For months in Leeds, a sparky crew of photographers and video-makers have been documenting the demos. They've been capturing moments of anger, grief, hope and community with the sharpest shots. We gathered a handful of these snappers to discuss technique, story-telling and camaradiere.

You can find their inspiring photos on Instagram:

and honourable mentions to:

mikebettney

outcast77

#24 - Live at Manchester Punk Festival 2024! (Erica Freas & Liv Wynter)

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0000

We are the artists! We won't be silenced!

Henry and Natalie storm MPF with a special live episode about hope, anger, arts and activism. The duo are joined by folk-punk shredder Erica Freas who plays a few tunes and talks about the value of softness to be powerful. Next up is Liv Wynter: punk poet, host, play-wright and musician. We talk about class, Palestine and their high energy night How To Catch A Pig!

Henry performs a poem and Natalie provokes the audience!

"Punk is valuable, but guess what, you can be soft and be just as powerful." - Erica Freas.

Find us on social media and our playlist on Spotify!

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists! Info here: patreon.com/VandalFactory.

#23 - Decorated with Solidarity (Red Ladder & Music For Science)

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Henry and Natalie interview Elvi and Chris about We're Not Going Back, a powerful play about Women Against Pit Closures during the 1984-85 Miners Strike. Argentinian artists Florencia and Clare from Music For Science discuss how they collaborated with scientists.

Natalie talks about her nourishing International Women's Day activities, and Henry shares a brand new poem recorded live. Plus music from Grace Petrie, Joe Solo and a brand new feature: The Freelance Feelings Factory!

Episode photo copyright Mike Bettney

Factory Floor Cuts: Shaymaa's Story

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Natalie talks to British-Palestinian Shaymaa Tannira who is desperately fundraising to help her family escape from Rafah, Gaza.

Please donate whatever you can via her Go Fund Me page: https://gofund.me/82a0748c

Shaymaa chooses to share two songs that have been giving her strength in recent months Habayebna by Angham and Ghorbet Watan by Mohammad Jneid.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

#22 - A Protest Is A Performance (Andrew O'Neill & Johnny Campbell)

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Nat and Henry talk to two special guests: Occult metalhead comedian Andrew O'Neill about their 5-star show Geburah and trad folk singer Johnny Campbell about their latest album True North. Plus Cerys from Leeds band Ómoia introduces their track 'The Sickness'.

Stick around for Henry & Nat's chewy chat about silence, messaging and impact in performance and protest.

Come get naughty with the landscape! Find us on Facebook, Instagram and X and search Vandal Factory Playlist on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: The Watermelon March

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Why did hundreds of protesters carry placards featuring watermelons through Leeds?

Every Saturday, over 1000 people of different faiths, ages and backgrounds march to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the miltary occupation of Palestine. On February 10th 2024, not only did this march centre the story of the watermelon, it featured the first ARTISTS & CULTURE WORKERS BLOC. People working in the arts sector marched shoulder-to-shoulder.

Featuring the voices of some of those artists, songs from the Commoners Choir and Henry & Natalie introducing the story of the watermelon as read by Zara, Harris and Safiya.

Find out more about Cultural Resistence by checking out our other podcasts on Palestine.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

#21 - It's Called The Struggle (Mark Thomas & Fold)

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Political theatre, anti-war music and protest poetry!

Mark Thomas talks about England & Son, his one-man play by Ed Edwards about class, crime, capitalism, empire, stolen youth and stolen wealth. Seth Mowshowitz from Fold discusses their latest single 'Forever War' about the Military Industrial Complex. Fold are a Leeds band amplifying humanitarian perspectives & critical reflections.

Meanwhile Henry and Natalie are in That London for a Palestine Solidarity march, and meet Temina talking about her handmade stickers and hoodies from Gaza Activists.

Please subscribe and share! Find us and get in touch on Facebook, Instagram and X. Find for the Vandal Factory Playlsit on Spotify.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: Crossgates Library Protest

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Saturday 6th January 2024 we attended an important community demonstration down our road. Crossgates Library is over 75 years old and for generations has been at the heart of this community in East Leeds. Unfortunately, due to 14 years of austerity and councils being desperate to balance the books, Leeds City Council have decided to sell the Library at auction.

People from 8 to 89 years old came together to say, 'Give us, the people of Crossgates, more time to try find an alternative!' listen to this clip to hear just a few of their voices.

Please lend your support to this campaign by doing the following:

Sign the petition: https://chng.it/NtHw5bXNMN
Email local Cllrs and MP
Attend the next demonstration this Saturday (more details on the Save Our Library Building FB Page)

Factory Floor Cuts: Gill Crawshaw

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Gill Crawshaw is a curator who draws on her experience of disability activism to organise art exhibitions and events which highlight issues affecting disabled people. We discuss the history of the 19th century textile industry and her new book Rights Not Charity. Plus her exhibitions and her most recent project, Any work that wanted doing, bringing together disabled people’s voices from the past and present, as disabled artists respond to the hidden histories of disabled mill workers.

#20 - Disability Arts & Activism Special

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

ROAD TRIP! Henry and Natalie visited Manchester People's History Museum for the exhibition: Nothing About Us Without Us. How have disabled people used visual art, theatre, film and music to fight for equal rights, represention and survival in an ableist world?

You'll hear from poet and artist Vince Laws about his powerful shrouds, part of his DWP Deaths Make Me Sick series. Folk duo The Lunatraktors unpack their version of song Unquiet Grave and we chat to curator Gill Crawshaw about textiles, art and industry.

Plus we play banging music, Henry Does His Own Thing and Nat has a provocation.

Factory Floor Cuts: Marena Riyad (Kufiya Comedy)

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Marena Riyad is a Palestinian comedian, actress and Henna artist living in Dallas, Texas. She was a semi-finalist for the funniest comedian in Texas and was as a finalist for Miss Arab USA representing Palestine. She talks about the power of a story-teller and her artistry on stage working with an audience.

Natalie and Henry talk about her Kufiya Comedy events for people who don't always feel welcome at mainstream comedy spaces (and how actually the bit after a gig is the fun part!).

Plus we dissect the Great British Bake-Off and Jaffa Cakes!

#19 - Palestine Solidarity Special (part 2)

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In this special 2-parter, we champion Palestinian artists and voices in the struggle for rights and freedom against a brutal military siege and occupation. Our hearts, our rage and our solidarity goes out to everyone during this horrific time.

Thank you to all the artists who continue to guide us through humanity's darkest hour.

In part 2, Henry and Natalie share ways people in the UK have been organising, fund-raising and taking direct action. How have culture organisations and workers rallied to stand with Palestine? We play audio from incredible Palestinian artists: poet Farah Chamma, illustrator Aya Ghanameh, multidisciplinary artist Areej Kaoud and musician Saied Silbak. Khairani Barokka, Hanan Issa, Mohammad Saloo share their heartfelt poetry in support, and Em from Rootweave introduces their vital song 'From The River To The Sea'.

#19 - Palestine Solidarity Special (part 1)

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Thank you to all the artists who continue to guide us through humanity's darkest hour.

In part 1, Henry and Natalie discuss the ongoing invasion of Gaza and why we need to raise our voices in solidarity. You'll hear Palestinian hip-hop and conversations with the directors and volunteers of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. We play urgent audio from Artists On The Frontline, a collective response to the occupation in the West Bank. Plus people attending the Leeds demonstrations share their emotional insights and anger as we rally to demand: FREE PALESTINE.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

Factory Floor Cuts: Keith Saha (20 Stories High)

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Keith Saha is a writer and Co-CEO/Artistic Director of 20 Stories High Theatre Company based in Liverpool. We chatted to him after the performance of High Time & Dirty Monsters at Leeds Playhouse about the show. We discuss working on a 'state of the nation play', working with young people, making the show political, accessible and buzzing.

#18 - Live at Big Up Fest! (Community arts & activism)

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:15:00 +0000

We're proud to present Vandal Factory's first podcast in front of a live audience! Recorded as part of BIG UP FEST at The Tetely in Leeds on 4th November 2023!

We invited photographer Shy Burhan and rapper Henny Hurtz to talk about their work in social change and community arts. Henry performs a brand new poem and Nat's provocation revolves around HOPE. With a few bangers from Lowkey and Grace Petrie along the way.

Factory Floor Cuts: Peyvand Sadeghian

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

We spoke to Peyvand straight after her show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Peyvand is a performer whose show, DUAL دوگانه is an award-winning solo show made in collaboration with a multi-national team featuring drag, animation, and the voice of Pedar (if you know, you know). It’s a show about being British, Iranian, stateless, as well as punky, mischievous and dangerously political.

We talk about the show, cats and Oi! and punk music!

Check out episode #17 of the Vandal Factory podcast (titled The Seeds and the Tools) to hear Peyvand’s song choice and more discussion about art and activism.

#17 - The Seeds and the Tools (Anti-fascism & political theatre)

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Political theatre, direct action and community projects!

What a summer! Henry and Natalie talk about a community project with young people exploring food and injustice called SERVING UP. We reflect on the fight against the Far Right showing up in the local area. Problem Patterns introduce their banging punk song 'Letter of Resignation'. Henry reports back from Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he chatted to theatre-maker Peyvand Sadeghian about her show DUALدوگانه, an award-winning solo show made in collaboration with a multi-national team featuring drag, animation, and an Anglo-Persian pop soundtrack.

#16 - Black Lodge Press (Anarchist artwork is fun)

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0000

CJ runs Black Lodge Press, creating radgey, spikey, angry, cheeky and bold artwork for posters, stickers, t-shirts and baby clothes. CJ talks about discovering street level Anarchist culture, getting into zine-making and gig-going, joining anti-austerity protests and what it means to create angry art.

You can support the podcast on Patreon! For as little as £1 a month you can be a mega legend and help make these podcasts...and allow us to commission other artists!

Support us on at patreon.com/VandalFactory.

#15 - Defiantly Compassionate (Queer theatre & strike action)

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0000

It's been a tough old month at Vandal Factory HQ. Henry and Natalie celebrate the life of a dearly departed friend and talk about the latest wave of violence affecting the Freedom Theatre in Palestine. But we also play a new track by Fold, talk about the actors and writers strikes in America and chat with Libra, part of Middle Child/Milk Presents' show: MODEST

How to support the Freedom Theatre:

https://www.therevolutionspromise.com/take-action

Find us on X, Instagram and Facebook!

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify!

#14 - Thrown back into the fray (Feminist poetry & ska-punk)

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:10:00 +0000

Dani from Faintest Idea talks about their new ska-punk masterpiece. Performance poet Hannah Davies reads from her new collection Dolls. Plus we discuss student activism, current issues and Henry performs a classic poem that he's updated. It's all good fun for you lovely Raptors.

Find us on X, Instagram and Facebook!

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes."

#13 - Dance Like A Feminist (Social justice & environmentalism)

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:15:00 +0000

We chat and dance with Bolshee CIC about the Dancefloor Project, about making nights out safe for everyone. Henry and Nat also discuss Dougald Hine's book At Work In The Ruins. What happens when there's no future to build towards? How do we make meaningful art and change in the wake of climate breakdown...and how do we keep dancing?

Plus we play tracks from The Bricks, Gaptooth and R.E.M. and Henry reads a classic protest poet from his back catalogue!

Find us on X, Instagram and Facebook!

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes."

#12 - Pay Up! (Political poetry & strike action)

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 18:15:00 +0000

Henry and Natalie speak to workers on strike on February 1st, marching and rallying in Leeds City Centre. Workers, and young people, speak from the heart about why they are fighting for better working conditions that will benefit us all.

Henry and Natalie return to the Studio to interview Natalie Davies and Rachel Flint from People Poetry - a group that meet weekly with Space2 to write and share poetry.

This episode dives into solidarity and building accessible, welcoming, warm and political spaces to change the world...one poem at a time.

Find us on X, Instagram and Facebook!

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes."

#11 - Common Altuism (Indie punk & feminist theatre)

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:15:00 +0000

Fresh from the Seacroft Climate Forum, Henry and Nat ask how do we build nourishing, powerful and political spaces to connect and build community? The pair interview Evie Manning, Co-Artistic Director of Common Wealth Theatre, and Nathan Stephen-Griffith from functional power-pop band MARTHA. Evie talks about the company and their new show (You Are Here As A Witness) and Nathan discusses the new album (Please Don't Take Me Back) and being the Millennial Housemartins.

We have bangers, poems and really, really funny jokes.

Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes."

A sort of 'Best of' - bites from episodes 1-10

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:30:00 +0000

A few of our favourite moments, chats, provocations and poems from the first 10 episodes of the Vandal Factory show! Check out the full episodes for the meatier morsals.

Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (please).

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes"

#10 - It's getting hot in here / And I am dead inside (Anti-fascism & envrionmentalism theatre)

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 18:15:00 +0000

Anti-Fascism, envriomentalism and community activism!

Sharon Bailey talks about the Battle of Stockton, when in 1933 fascist Blackshirts were beaten back by the working class movement. The campaign talks about celebration and resistence in the 21st century. Hetty from Pigfoot Theatre chats about their new show, Hot In Here, touring to Leeds on October 28th. It uses dance, real-life stories, and music to share the action taking place internationally against climate injustice, and the UK’s place within it. The show is powered by the first energy-harvesting dancefloor in live theatre. Nat worries she might be dead inside...is she?!

Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (please).

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes"

#9 - AWWOOOOOOO!!! (Political theatre)

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:15:00 +0000

Henry and Natalie return from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (#EdFringe) - with strong opinions (as always!). We met and recorded an interview with SHEWOLVES (awooo) a company (and play) about female friendship and solidarity. We talk about the difficulty in defining community/participatory/outreach arts work using François Matarasso. Henry Does His Own Thing (aka reads a poem) and we play banging tunes.

Find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (please).

Search ‘Vandal Factory Playlist’ on Spotify for all previous stated "banging tunes."

#8 - Unionising Mermaids (Trade Unionism and Eco-activism)

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:15:00 +0000

Art and activism! Together at last!

Nat talks to professional mermaid and eco-artist Lucy Meredith about public space, theatre (and swimming pools) and the importance of benches.

Meanwhile Henry reports back from the TUC march in That London. We have banging music, 15 year-old Mimi talks about her Suitcase Story and Henry Does His Own Thing (e.g. reads a poem).

#7 - White Hot Panic (Feminist hardcore and folk punk)

Tue, 17 May 2022 18:15:00 +0000

Henry and Nat are back! Joe Solo talks about his new album, Never Let Them Win, and how punk shaped him. Petrol Girls talk about their new album, Baby: Changing sounds, feminist lyrics and panic attacks. Plus all your fav features: Henry Does His Own Thing (aka reads a poem), The Banger of The Hour is totally innocuous, and Nat's Provocation Station is about mental health and White Hot Panic.

https://www.vandalfactory.com/

@Vandal_Factory

www.facebook.com/vandalfactorytheatre

#6 - Revenge of the Trespassers (Punk poetry & genderqueer musical theatre)

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0000

First up, Henry reports back from Manchester Punk Festival, featuring a host of punk poets sharing their thoughts (and vibes). We play 'Ale of Punk Band' (play/drink along at home!). We have a chat with guitaist Frances Bolley, who features in the queer punk opera Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Plus discussion on grassroots vs big picture activism, the Kinder Tresspass and more poetry and banging music!

#5 - Love me, I'm a legend (Performance poetry & community theatre)

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Henry and Nat chat to theatre dirctor Freyja Winterson about ways communities can use art to challenge the climate crisis, and Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan about the power of political performance poetry.

Plus all your favourite features: Nat’s Banger of the Hour and Henry Does His Own Thing.

Links to the things discussed in Nat's Provocation Station:

https://www.ianbyrne.org/righttofood-campaig

https://www.mothersofinvention.online/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3d_UsYgt1c

https://www.vandalfactory.com/

@Vandal_Factory

www.facebook.com/vandalfactorytheatre

#4 - Vibe Journeys (Environmentalist dance & DIY Film Festivals)

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 18:15:00 +0000

It's a bit of a film special this month, as Henry & Natalie talk to Mosa Mpetha and Madeline Shann. Mosa is part of Iconic Presents and Scalarama Film Festival. She programmes queer, fun films in unusual, DIY spaces. Madeline is a theatre maker, choreographer, performer who has produced a screendance called The Spring about our relationship with the environment.

Plus all your favourite features: Nat's Banger of the Hour and Henry Does His Own Thing.

Info on Madeline Shann's The Spring here: www.madelineshann.co.uk/the-spring

The SKA playlist Henry made (and is very proud of) is here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2NpRQ5RxasXrKt67JCv7RI?si=f56a7f2cf5634a1d

https://www.vandalfactory.com/

@Vandal_Factory

www.facebook.com/vandalfactorytheatre

#3 - The Ghosts of Struggles Past (South Asian DJing & Black theatre)

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 18:15:00 +0000

How's your hope? How's your anger?

Henry and Nat chat to theatre director Dermot Daly about his work on the play 'My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored', dealing with age, sexism, class, race and education. The duo also natter with youth worker and DJ Sumayah Khan about work with young people and the joy of discovering nightclub spaces for South Asian communities. Plus banging music, perfomance poetry and a whole heap o' joy.

www.vandalfactory.com

www.facebook.com/vandalfactorytheatre

Vandal_Factory

#2 - Free Nessie! (Environmentalism, Cop26 & solo theatre)

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Henry and Nat chat: COP26 a cop out? Reflecting on the climate movement with theatre director Zoe Lafferty. We discuss 'success' and tactics, as well as the usual questions of hope. Laurence Johnson and Mairi Claire Bowser from BECTU about sustainabilty in film and TV. Plus interview and performance with poet Chris Singleton and some bangin' tunes.

Please be aware during the show we discuss Joe Solo recieving an award. This has since been withdrawn.

Hope Not Hate's statement: https://twitter.com/hopenothate/status/1461060330126258181

Joe Solo's statement: www.facebook.com/joesolomusic/posts/10226322159341961

@vandal_factory

www.facebook.com/vandalfactorytheatre

#1 - How's your hope & anger (Anti-fascism & political theatre)

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Hey Vandals! Henry and Nat's very first episode looks at subcultures, normalising activism and political theatre and music. There's a chat with Rick Blackman about his book Babylon's Burning covering Anti‑Fascism in musical movements. Róisín McBrinn from Clean Break discusses Typical Girls, a play set in a prison where the women form a punk band.

Plus special features: Henry Does His Own Thing, Provocation Stations and Nat's Banger Of The Hour.