- Suitable for ages 16+
- This performance is free
- There are 35 places available for this performance
- The performance will last approx 1 hour 20
Enjoy a part stand up, part storytelling performance author Bernadette Russell.
Hear Bernadette reflect on her mission to ‘be kind to a stranger every single day for a year’.
On August 18th 2011, in response to the UK riots and after a chance encounter in a post office, Bernadette Russell embarked on a reckless mission to be kind to a stranger every single day for a year. This show, part stand up, part storytelling, charts this amazing year, which began with burning buildings, and ended with the flame of the Olympic torch. It attempts to answer the question: “is it possible to change the world just by being kind?”
Presented by Culturapedia, supported by the Creative Alliance and funded through the Place Partnership.
Performance Information
Saturday (Drop in)
The performance is taking place in the Hornby Theatre at Blackburn Library. The theatre is on the first floor with access either via a staircase or lift
Sunday (Bookable)
The performance is taking place on the ground floor of The Drummers Arms – access is via the entrance on King William Street. The venue entrance features a small step. The pub will be closed to the public during the workshop but you’re welcome to buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the bar.
Please arrive at the venue 5 minutes before the performance. Unfortunately your place may be allocated to a participant on the waiting list in the event of late arrival.
Advanced booking required.
Pricing Guidance
The National Festival of Making is delivered through a combination of public funding, partnerships, sponsorship and ticket income. You can make a donation to our work here.
About Bernadette Russell
Bernadette Russell is an award winning published author and professional storyteller. Her sixth book “Conversations on Kindness” is the culmination of 14 years of campaigning to make the world a kinder place. She is storyteller in residence at Lesnes Abbey Wood, where she hosts “Rough Magic”- a regular storytelling and seasonal celebration event. She is also one of the storytelling team at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire. She has told stories and written plays and short stories for many organisations including Royal Albert Hall, National Theatre, Tate Britain, and Southbank Centre, but she is mostly to be found telling stories in the woods around a fire. Bernadette has been campaigning to promote kindness, hope and peace for all earthlings since 2011.
About Culturapedia
Culturapedia is an arts company based in Blackburn, committed to enriching cultural life through diverse creative experiences. They focus on curating, developing, and producing arts projects, often working with communities to deliver inclusive and accessible programs. Their work spans various disciplines, including theatre, literature, music, and visual arts, emphasising engagement and participation for people of all ages and backgrounds.
In March 2026, Culturapedia was officially certified as a B Corp organisation. The B Corp certification recognises businesses that benefit people, communities and the planet. There is a holistic and robust assessment framework, and Culturapedia went through a rigorous process and was tested under five categories – Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers – to meet exacting international standards.