Advertisement
News

Big Issue vendor Clive has been named on Plymouth’s Happy List

The Theatre Royal vendor raises a smile locally by acting in shows with his dog Geezer – and that has earned him a place on Plymouth Live’s list

Big Issue vendor Clive spent last week wowing audiences at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and has now been named on Plymouth’s Happy List.

The seller, 56, starred in the show CITIZEN last week – along with pet dog Geezer – after beating alcoholism and conquering his mental health demons, partly by taking part in Our Space and Project X classes at the theatre.

His remarkable transformation has also captured the attention of news site Plymouth Live which included him on their 119-strong Happy List.

Clive takes pride of place on the list packed with “inspirational people from our city who go above and beyond in their respective fields, or carry out random acts of kindness to spread cheer to others”.

Ahead of his turn in CITIZEN– where he told stories inspired by his past, The Big Issue and his customers on stage – Clive told The Big Issue how his latest achievement should be a shining example to others.

“It’s a massive step up for me. The scale is immense,” he said. “From humble beginnings at the Our Space programme at the theatre I’ve got stronger and stronger.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertisement

“It’s a big thing for the theatre, it’s big for me and big for The Big Issue. There’s a lot resting on my shoulders because I’m representing The Big Issue, representing the homeless and representing people on the outside of society.

“When I do these things, I want to give a performance that is good enough for other people who are on the streets to have a way to follow and find a path for themselves to build a future.”

Image: Trevor Burrows

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

Read All
Meet the 83-year-old activist who's fought gentrification for 50 years – and is still going strong
83 year old activist Eileen Conn
Activism

Meet the 83-year-old activist who's fought gentrification for 50 years – and is still going strong

Fats Timbo: 'It was hard growing up with dwarfism – but I'm going to change the world'
Fats Timbo
Disability activism

Fats Timbo: 'It was hard growing up with dwarfism – but I'm going to change the world'

Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2025
Homelessness

Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2025

Foreign workers at 'increasing risk of exploitation' as UK sees sharp fall in work visas
Prime minister Keir Starmer dressed in hi-vis jacket and hard hat
Migration

Foreign workers at 'increasing risk of exploitation' as UK sees sharp fall in work visas

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue