COMEDY, CONVERSATION & COMMUNITY
Welcome to The Big Smoke!
The Big Smoke Variety Show is a brand-new fortnightly podcast, drawing inspiration from classic TV variety shows and late-night chat shows. With a theatrical twist, we explore the ancient rituals of gathering and community, bringing unexpected audiences together through comedy, conversation, and community.
In an era where social media algorithms push people apart, The Big Smoke does the opposite — it invites you to laugh, connect, and discover something new in every episode.
Listen & Subscribe
Don’t miss an episode! The Big Smoke Variety Show is available wherever you get your podcasts.
STORIES, LAUGHS & THEATRICAL MAGIC
About the Show
Kevin Bennett grew up on the Canadian West Coast, where his childhood was filled with boating adventures and an unexpected devotion to dressing up as Mother Goose. With a father who was a radio program director, he was surrounded by the rhythms of audio entertainment long before beginning his own journey in theatre. He started as an actor before shifting to directing, specialising in Shakespeare and the classics. Over the past fifteen years, he has worked extensively with Shakespeare’s Globe in the UK and directed internationally, working across Canada, China, India, Europe and the USA. He trained at the Stratford Festival and later directed at the Shaw Festival, where his production of The Madness of George III was named one of the Wall Street Journal’s top ten productions of the year.
Beyond professional theatre, Kevin has been committed to working with marginalised communities, using the arts to connect people and spark creativity. His passion for bringing people together through performance eventually led him back to the world of audio, where he created The Big Smoke Variety Show—a podcast that blends his love for storytelling, live entertainment, and unexpected conversations. As its host and creator, he draws from his experience in theatre, comedy, and community engagement to craft a show that is as lively as it is thought-provoking.
Hosted by Kevin Bennett
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New episodes every two weeks
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Available on all major podcast platforms
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Hosted by Kevin Bennett 〰️ New episodes every two weeks 〰️ Available on all major podcast platforms 〰️
Each fortnight, we bring you a fresh mix from our Big Smoke London and beyond. You’ll meet people like a licensed Thames mudlark, the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London, and a judge on the Great British Sewing Bee, along with some fantastic comedians, poets, storytellers and performers of all kinds. You’ll also hear everyday people sharing their creative and unique ways of finding connection and community in this fast-paced world.
From hilarious banter to thought-provoking discussions to silly games, every episode is infused with theatrical flair and a deep appreciation for storytelling and shared experiences. Whether you’re here for the laughs or the unexpected insights, there’s always something new to discover.
LATEST EPISODES
The Big Smoke Variety Show
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LIVE SHOWS
The Big Smoke Variety Show live!
Experience The Big Smoke Variety Show live! Join us for an unforgettable night of comedy, storytelling, and surprise guests. Grab your tickets now and be part of the magic!
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Contact & Press
Have a question, collaboration idea, or just want to say hello? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out for bookings, media inquiries, or general questions, and we’ll get back to you soon.