London, 11 March 2023

Paranormal Panel Party

The new series of the hit BBC Podcast Uncanny is around the corner so it’s a good time to look back at the highlights so far – and that’s just what the first ever Uncanny Convention did, in Kings Place in early March.

The audience had a chance to listen to new perspectives from some of our favourite cases, from holidays from hell to haunted houses. One panel also gave us a debate with experts we know and love from along the entire spectrum of viewpoints. Audience participation, both in-person and via tweet, added to the debate and while that may have been nerve-wracking for those on stage, it was interesting and very on-brand for the #UncannyCommunity, respectful as always.

Then there were the big guns, our friends from room 611 talking about not only their paranormal experiences, but the way the podcast and level of public interest has been eye-opening for them. It was lovely to hear that the case witnesses have had good interactions with Uncanny fans, and feel safe sharing their stories. It’s indicative of the respectful yet candid space that Danny Robins has created to explore the unexplained.

A hotly contested University Challenge-style quiz topped out the main event, all sprinkled with some cheeky humour, before the evening’s entertainment. If we needed an appetiser for the new content about to come our way from 5th April, then this amuse-bouche certainly satisfied.

Verdict: A great chance to get deeper under the skin of our favourite paranormal podcast as the second series waits in the wings. 8/10

Claire Smith