About this Event
Some nights you still talk about the next day. This is one of them.
RAW is London’s original storytelling and live music night, where real people share true stories from their own lives. Part storytelling, part human gathering, and part something you won’t have a word for until you’ve been.
WHAT IS RAW?
It started as one woman’s obsession with strangers’ stories, and it’s become a first-of-its-kind night out.
Every storyteller, performer and artist is hand-picked, so this isn’t an open mic.
Each night brings together a highly curated line-up of incredible humans, each with their own take on the theme, and no two RAWs have ever been the same.
People come to RAW to discover new artists before anyone else. We find them, give them a stage and champion the grassroots, alongside everyday people whose stories deserve to be heard.
“In a room full of strangers, I felt I could talk to anyone, and I did! It was more than a night out. It felt like joining a community.” – RAW attendee
ON THE NIGHT
- Uncensored true-life stories from a curated line-up of storytellers
- Live music
- DJ set
- Interactive activations and pop-ups (🤫)
GOOD TO KNOW
- Do I have to tell a story? No. The storytellers are selected in advance, so you can just come and listen.
- Are the stories true? Yes. Every story at RAW is a true story from the storyteller’s own life.
- Is it an open mic? No. Every storyteller is curated before the night.
- Can I come on my own? Absolutely. Many people do, and you won’t leave a stranger.
- Want to tell a story at RAW? Submit your story here or DM us on Instagram.
- Age: 18+ Stories are uncensored and may include adult themes.
- Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible. For any questions please get in touch.
- How often is RAW on? Once a month, and no RAW has ever been the same.
ABOUT OUR TICKETING STRUCTURE: Pay what you can, not what’s cheapest
Think of it as your random act of kindness. RAW runs on a pay-what-you-can model, and we mean it. Higher-priced tickets keep the cheaper tiers available, so RAW stays open to everyone.
The ticket price doesn’t come close to reflecting the love, care and time behind each RAW. Instead, it reflects our belief that culture is a birthright, not a privilege. So pick the tier that’s honestly right for you.
RAW is lovingly produced by a team of three women and is entirely bootstrapped. Your support genuinely keeps it alive.
THE RAW ORIGIN STORY
RAW began decades ago in inner circles, with an IYKYK vibe born from What Does Not founder Christine’s insatiable curiosity about real, human stories. It started as stories shared at lock-ins (Christine used to run bars), around kitchen tables and on street benches.
Since going public five years ago, RAW has grown by word of mouth into a monthly night, ritual and community gathering at some of London’s most interesting venues, and has inspired many events across London. It’s built a patchwork tribe of curious, creative, deeply human people who keep coming back, and keep bringing others. Same spirit, bigger rooms.
Read more about RAW .
All components and timings of RAW are subject to change. By booking tickets, you agree to our .
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WDN Terms and Conditions
- We regret that tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase.
- This is an 18+ event and IDs will be required for entry, so please make sure that you have booked the correct ticket.
- The ticket holder voluntarily assumes all risks and danger incidental to the event for which the ticket is issued, whether occurring prior, during or after the event. The ticket holder voluntarily agrees that the management, venue, event participants, What Does Not LTD and all of their respective agents, officers, directors, owners, employers and employees are expressly released by the ticket holder from any claims arising from such causes.
- It is a condition of your admission to the Event that no commercial (non-private) use may be made by you of the Event or any part of it.
- Tickets are issued subject to the rules and regulations of the venue.
- Occasionally, events are cancelled or postponed by the promoter, team, performer or venue for a variety of reasons. If the event is cancelled, please contact us for information on receiving a refund from the responsible party. If the event was moved or rescheduled, the venue or promoter may set refund limitations. It is your responsibility to ascertain the date and time of any rearranged event.
- The Organiser does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property brought to the Event.
- What Does Not LTD, including all employees, volunteers, participants and directors are released from any liability for anything consumed (food or drink) at the event. It is your responsibility to understand any food or drink items you consume, informing us in advance of consumption, of any allergies you may have. Adverse reactions to consumables are wholly the responsibilty of the consumer.
- The venue and WDN reserve the right to refuse admission and may on occasion have to conduct security searches to ensure the safety of the patrons.
- Tickets are sold subject to the venue or promoter’s right to alter or vary the programme due to events or circumstances beyond its control without being obliged to refund monies or exchange tickets.
- What Does Not, venue management accept no responsibility for any personal property.
- The event listed on the purchased ticket is strictly for ticket holders who are over 18 years of age. WDN and the venue reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone without explanation.
- What Does Not RAW is a safe space that promotes freedom of expression. All stories are uncensored and are real life events, which we as curators do not have any input on. Speaker views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of What Does Not or its team.
- We do not advocate overconsumption or the abuse of alcohol. Drinking excessively will cause harm to your body and mind. Please drink mindfully.
- Please be respectful of others, What Does Not events are a safe space. We have no tolerance for racism, homophobia, misogyny, or any form of hate speech.
- A photographer and videographer will be present at this event. The images and videos taken may be used in website content and on social media to promote What Does Not WDN. By attending a WDN event you consent to be photographed, filmed, or recorded as an audience member.
- Upon registration, you consent that any data you submit will be saved by WDN. Your information will only be used for the limited purpose of current and future event updates via our newsletter. Your data will never be passed on to any third parties.
- By booking tickets to this event you agree to our full Terms & Conditions as outlined
Event venue & nearby stays
Old Sessions House, 22 Clerkenwell Green, London, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.