By: Mariam Elhamy
Ever heard about Story Party? It’s a live performance done by professional storytellers who travel the world, seeking funny dating stories that people share and telling them in front of a live audience. Story Party has been touring around the world for audiences in Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Warsaw, Berlin, Helsinki, Istanbul and more, and now they’re touching down in Cairo for one night only to share the laughter.
We caught up with Rachman Blake from the award-winning how for some insight on how Story Party started, his own experience with dating and the funniest stories he has ever come across.
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get started with Story Party and what is the inspiration behind the “Dating Stories” idea?
Story Party was born from a bad break-up. I needed relief from the struggles of a toxic 2-year relationship and so I started unloading my thoughts at open mics. It was liberating and much cheaper than paying for therapy. Then I had a few friends with similar crazy dating stories, so I asked them if they wanted to make a storytelling show as a form of group therapy, it got popular and we started world touring.
How did the idea of doing shows around the world come about?
We mainly do world tours to see how dating differs from one country to another. We also love how our show about real dating stories brings a smile to our audience’s faces, especially the ones who are currently struggling with dating.
Such a unique idea must have a mission, so what’s Story Party’s?
At the end of each show our aim is to make the audience feel better about their own stories, because they’ll realize it could be worse. Much worse!
What is the funniest story you have ever told on stage?
Here’s one of our favorite stories from an attendee: “Started a fight mid-coitus, cause he yelled the wrong name. Forgot I was using a fake one”
Do you find the idea of sharing dating stories internationally relatable?
Yes … dating sucks everywhere!
Which country has had the best audience so far and how do you handle dealing with a bad audience?
Any audience is a great audience as long as you are sharing relatable content. Besides, there’s no such thing as a bad audience in my opinion.
In your experience so far, what is the most common way people mess up when it comes to dating?
I believe that some people are too quick to blame others for their dating problems. Don’t involve other people in your issues, take ownership of your dating life and you’ll be happier.
What’s the most shocking or hilarious memorable story you’ve told on stage?
“Went to a guy’s house, didn’t know he lived with his mum. She came home, he freaked out and I had to pee. He made me pee outside on the lawn”
“Went on a 1st date with a guy. I was pretty boring so I backed out of the second date by saying I was sick. He had flowers delivered to my house… I didn’t tell him where I lived.”
“I went on a date with a guy. In the first 5 mins I knew I wasn’t into him. I said “I’m going to the loo”. I waited 15 mins. I poked my head out to see if he had left. He didn’t. So I walked out, past him and through the door to the street. Looking sideways the whole time to avoid his gaze.”
What’s the best advice you can give single people based on the stories you’ve heard?
Don’t give up hope.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in storytelling or stand-up comedy?
Get as much stage time as possible. That’s it.
Story Party is happening at the Greek Campus on Sunday, August 19th – find out more here.
