Ukrainian Tales for Children Ukrainian storyteller Alla Goeksu together with David Heathfield tell Sister Fox and Crane and more Ukrainian folk tales for children in two languages – English and Ukrainian. Українські казки для дітей Українська казкарка Алла Гьоксу разом із Девідом Хітфілдом розповідають казку про Журавля та Лисицю та інші українські народні казки для […]
James von Leyden worked as a copywriter and travel writer before becoming a novelist. He first visited Morocco in 1985. Fifteen years later, while researching a travel article for The Independent, he came across an old customs house in Oualidia, the Villa La Diouana, which he restored and now rents out as a holiday home. Last Boat from Tangier is his second thriller featuring a Marrakchi detective and his adoptive sister. James divides his time between Oualidia and Lewes, East Sussex.
Taffy Thomas trained as a Literature and Drama teacher at Dudley College of Education. After teaching for several years in Wolverhampton he founded and directed the legendary folk theatre company, Magic Lantern, illustrating traditional stories and songs with shadow puppets and circus skills. He founded and directed the community arts company, Charivari, with their popular touring […]
Any stories
Right now remembering what day it is, is challenging enough, so let’s keep it simple. ‘Any Stories’ is a storytelling show where no-one knows what will happen, at least not yet. So why not come along and see how it plays out?
Join Hannah Need, Storyteller of Southfields, for an evening of superb storytelling. You’ll escape into stories, traditional tales will have a twist, personal anecdotes, observations and perhaps a smattering of news will be skillfully added to the mix. A few happy endings will even be thrown in.
If you’d like to know a little more…..Imagine its February 2021, we’re in the midst of another Lockdown, concentration is fleeting, zoom overdoses are common and cabin fever is rife. So how on earth can plans be made for a storytelling show in June? Don’t you love deadlines! Then, an idea….’I’ll just keep it simple and tell any stories that pop into my head’. Its an exciting idea, the stories will be pertinent, heartfelt and definitely leave you with a smile on your face.
This show is brought to you in partnership with Wandsworth Arts Fringe 2021.
Tahir Shah is the author of “The Caliph’s House” set in Casablanca as well as many other non-fiction books and novels. He will talk about his experience of writing during lockdown, his comical time in quarantine at a hotel in Heathrow as well as his enduring affinity with Morocco.
We will be conducting polls to decide the Menu: starter, main and desert. Chef will share ingredient shopping lists before the night so that those of you who want can cook along. Donations are welcome and every penny will be spent on food ingredients for the henna cafe soup kitchen during the holy month of […]
Luc has written a wonderful book called “The Unknown Fallen” which is about the vast contribution and sacrifices made by Moroccans and other Muslims towards the Allied forces during the First World War.
More than 2.5 million Muslims fought on the battlefields for the allies and yet their efforts have often been ignored and overlooked.
The talk will include documents, testimonies, maps, photos and illustrations. Luc hopes that the book will foster greater understanding between different faiths and nations and counter some of the misunderstandings and false narratives about Islam.
Multi-award winning writer, Paro Anand writes for children, young adults and adults. She started out telling lies but has graduated to telling hard truths in her reality fiction. As a performance storyteller, she has travelled all over India and the World. She works with children, especially those in difficult circumstances, whether special needs or those […]
Co Founders of Henna Cafe Marrakech Mike Wood and Lucie Andersen Wood discuss with Richard Hamilton, writer and Storyteller. During lockdown they have turned the Cafe into a soup kitchen and have already distributed more than 5,000 free meals to those in need. They are very keen to spread the word about the project as it offers support to vulnerable and marginalised people in a very practical and immediate way. The BMS is supporting the project financially but we want to encourage more direct donations and raise greater awareness. Every £1 donated funds a delicious and nutritious meal making a real difference to the day of the person who receives it.
Mike and Lucie will also be telling us about their other very successful project, The World Storytelling Cafe, which is bringing together storytellers from Morocco and around the world to entertain online audiences. It also provides much needed income (on a voluntarily donation basis) to storytellers who have been unable to perform in public during the pandemic. When the Covid crisis is finally over, they intend to create a physical cafe devoted to storytelling.
Dave Hingley, illustrator and animator, who works for Frontier Developments – a company that makes computer games for franchises such as Disney Parks and Jurassic Park – and who just happens to have produced the illustrations for all our stories…!
Mann Matharu, author of books on the art of Reiki, and also CEO of a blockchain developer, who’ll be talking about how technological endeavours such as cryptocurrencies are improving the future’s equality.
The story will be Queen Emma’s attempt to prove her innocence of witchcraft by walking barefoot over scalding hot plough blades.
Join storyteller and historian Chip Colquhoun on his medieval quest to uncover Who
Made England
–
and why. This brand new second edition features more amazing
facts, more fabulous illustrations… and even the Devil!
Hear Chip tell some of the stories from
the book, some cut from the book due to
space, and even one performed on a medieval instrument! Plus buy the book during
the event, and watch Chip as he signs your personal copy…
Only at the World Storytelling Café! Suitable for all ages from 7+.
Support Chip : PayPal.me/storytellerchip
Our Enhanced Epics are especially designed for advancing readers. But note: we deliberately didn’t say “advanced” – your young learners will enjoy these videos at any age from 7+, and will grow their vocabulary as they go!
This week we welcome the rustically charming Gary Cordingley. Storyteller, with his adaptation of a Takuna folk tale from the Amazon Rainforest first collected by Aaron Shepard.
Perhaps your young learners could use Gary’s tale as inspiration for their forest poems asked for by Amy and Chip? Find the original Epic Challenge at epictales.co.uk/forestpoem
There you’ll also find a list of the new vocab used by Gary in this story. See how many new meanings your children picked up!
Plus check the Epic Learning Podcast for teacher tips on other learning outcomes in this week’s Epic double-act – including PSHCE, science, and even numeracy!
Wendy Shearer, London-based storyteller of Windrush heritage, and author of Caribbean Folk Tales.
There will also be a pre-recorded interview with Dr Charles Insley in the presence of Knut’s 1027 Proclamation, in which the Viking king strengthened his policy of equal justice for all (totally contrary to King John 200 years later, who signed Magna Carta then immediately ran to the Pope to get it annulled!).
Our Enhanced Epics are especially designed for advancing readers. But note: we deliberately didn’t say “advanced” – your young learners will enjoy these videos at any age from 7+, and will grow their vocabulary as they go!
This week we welcome the bedazzling Sarah Lloyd Winder to tell you TWO incredible tales in one – one true, one fable, but both remarkably intertwined. Can your young learners spot the differences and similarities between these stories and the tale of “The Woodcutter’s Golden Wand” shared by Chip?
To discuss the differences between this and the English folk tale from last week with your children, visit epictales.co.uk/woodwand
There you’ll also find a list of the new vocab used by Sarah in this story. See how many new meanings your children picked up!
Plus check the Epic Learning Podcast for teacher tips on other learning outcomes in this week’s Epic double-act – including PSHCE, science, and even numeracy!
Both the storytellers from the Oxford Owl’s “Traditional Tales” series, Amy and Chip, are joining you to celebrate National Poetry Day, Forest Friday, and all things fairy tale!
How many fairy tale favourites can you identify in the picture for this video? You can find at least 6…
Meet these characters and many more in Amy and Chip’s special forest poem! Then maybe have a go yourself for our Epic Challenge…
Plus: teachers and educators should check the Epic Learning podcast at epictales.co.uk/woodwand for tips on learning outcomes using this story – including DT, numeracy, and even modern foreign languages!
Every Friday at 2pm, we share your young learners’ responses to our Epic Challenge – and, in return, we also tell the end of our most recent Epic Tale…
This week’s tale was inspired by 25th September 2020’s “Forest Friday”, and saw a woodcutter receive an incredible gift for his kindness. But what will he do with all this power? Let your children enjoy Part 1 and see them inspired to hit the Literacy goal of our Epic Challenge – just visit epictales.co.uk/woodwand
PLUS listen to the Epic Learning Podcast for activities exploring the many other learning outcomes in this story – including numeracy, science, and PSHCE!
Our Enhanced Epics are especially designed for advancing readers. But note: we deliberately didn’t say “advanced” – your young learners will enjoy these videos at any age from 7+, and will grow their vocabulary as they go!
This week we welcome the stunning and agile Sola Story, an African storyteller… and martial artist! Sola combines both arts to bring your young learners an unforgettable, mesmerising tale of a young outcast’s desire for revenge – which, like Robin Goodfellow from last week’s Epic Tale, doesn’t quite go as planned…
To discuss the differences between this and the English folk tale from last week with your children, visit epictales.co.uk/shapeshifter
There you’ll also find a list of the new vocab used by Sola in this story. See how many new meanings your children picked up!
Plus check the Epic Learning Podcast for teacher tips on other learning outcomes in this week’s Epic double-act – including DT, science, and even numeracy!
Epic Tales Enhanced is back for the 20-21 Academic Year!
These storytelling videos are especially designed for advancing readers. But note: we deliberately didn’t say “advanced” – your young learners will enjoy these videos at any age from 7+, and will grow their vocabulary as they go!
In our first Enhanced Epic of the new term, we continue our celebration of 13th September’s Roald Dahl Day, this time with a folk tale from his mother’s homeland of Norway – though you may spot some similarities between this and the tale from Dahl’s home town of Great Missenden…
To see if your young learners picked up the new vocab, show them the list at epictales.co.uk/mycake
Plus check the Epic Learning Podcast for teacher tips on other learning outcomes in this week’s Epic double-act – including DT, science, and even numeracy!
2020 marks 1,000 years since the UK’s first equality law, which laid the foundation for the progress that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate and discuss this significant millennial, the World Storytelling Café is bringing together storytellers, historians, and creators to explore the themes of equality, diversity, and compassion.
Your donations during this event will support Youth for Human Rights.
In this episode we are joined by Min Kaur, a journalist for BBC and Sikh channels whose stories highlight communities being left behind. She’s also a freelance Mendhi/Henna artist, and will share tips on how you can #GetCreative and decorate your body to celebrate the millennial of equal justice.
Plus we’ll hear how a young king’s quest for love brought out the worst of medieval Britain’s aristocracy…
After some medieval storytelling and a discussion with Min, there will be a live Q&A for the audience who join us in the Café Zoom Room by clicking “Join story” at kingdom1000.com. PLEASE NOTE: Joining the Zoom room will NOT reveal your face to anyone – all questions are posted via the Zoom chat.
‘The Molten Boy and the Falling Star’ is an ancient story from the vast, windswept plains of the Caucasus. A strange secret birth and suspicions about paternity lead to an isolated childhood. Will the call to adventure lead to a triumphant return home? What will it take for the Molten Boy to claim his place and fulfil his heroic destiny?
2020 marks 1,000 years since the UK’s first equality law, which laid the foundation for the progress that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate and discuss this significant millennial, the World Storytelling Café is bringing together storytellers, historians, and creators to explore the themes of equality, diversity, and compassion. Your donations […]
2020 marks 1,000 years since the UK’s first equality law, which laid the foundation for the progress that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate and discuss this significant millennial, the World Storytelling Café is bringing together storytellers, historians, and creators to explore the themes of equality, diversity, and compassion.
Donations during this event are being taken to support Youth for Human Rights – and in this episode we are delighted to welcome the organisation’s founder and president, Mary Shuttleworth, to discuss exactly how widely equal justice is really being observed in the world today.
We will also get to look at the founding law of equal justice itself – Knut’s Proclamation of 1020 – in the company of Dr Charles Insley from Manchester University, and historian and author M.J.Trow.
At the end will be a live Q&A with the audience who join us in the Café Zoom Room by clicking “Join story” at kingdom1000.com or worldstorytellingcafe.com
2020 marks 1,000 years since the UK’s first equality law, which laid the foundation for the progress that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate and discuss this significant millennial, the World Storytelling Café is bringing together storytellers, historians, and creators to explore the themes of equality, diversity, and compassion.
Your donations during this event will support Youth for Human Rights.
In this episode we are joined by John Row, a wordsmith of poetry and stories who curates the spoken word spaces for various festivals – including the Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury’s Kidz Field. John will share tips on how you can #GetCreative with your own personal stories, and the reminiscences of those around you.
Plus we’ll hear how Chester was defended by a medieval “queen of the people”…
After some medieval storytelling and a discussion with John, there will be a live Q&A with the audience who join us in the Café Zoom Room by clicking “Join story” at kingdom1000.com
Raine will be reading from her two pamphlets: Apple Water: Povel Panni’ & ‘they lit fires: lenti hatch o yog’ plus new poems from her forthcoming collection The Talking Stick: O Pookering Kosh.
She will also be sharing stories about her Romany family and singing songs and Gypsy lullabies, accompanied by Simon Callow on piano and guitar – we’re hoping for some spoon playing too!
2020 marks 1,000 years since the UK’s first equality law, which laid the foundation for the progress that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate and discuss this significant millennial, the World Storytelling Café is bringing together storytellers, historians, and creators to explore the themes of equality, diversity, and compassion.
Your donations during this event will support youthforhumanrights.
In this episode we are joined by Rebecka Eriksson, a Norwegian artist and seamstress who has worked on commission for history societies, clothes stores, and even cafés. Rebecka will doubtless inspire you to #GetCreative with ordinary household objects, transforming them into beautiful representations of folklore, history, equality and diversity.
Better not tell the Venerable Bede what she’d do if she got her hands on his library, though…
After some medieval storytelling and a discussion with Rebecka, there will be a live Q&A with the audience who join us in the Café Zoom Room by clicking “Join story” at kingdom1000.com
Join Alastair for a set of stories inspired by the Brothers Grimm collection. Some unfamiliar tales nudge alongside variations on well-known stories – such as the 2000 year old version of Cinderella and a Little Red Riding Hood who is not going to wait around to be rescued by a man.
When hungry – maybe hungry for dreams – you can look for a magic lamp or for an incredible tree with all the fruits in the world and you might find them in a journey to the Eastern World, Africa or South America. Or, no matter where you are, in a story you will certainly find some well-seasoned wishes!
Lucie Andersen-Wood (Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist and Co-founder of the WorldStorytellingCafe) invites you to join her in a journey to the Living Library. We all have a story that we tell ourselves about our life-our past life, our present and our future. This is a healing story and visualisation that enables you to examine the current story that you tell yourself about your life and to make changes as you see fit.
It allows you to reach into the deepest part of yourself and to relax and make any changes that you choose.
It is suitable for over 18s. Anyone with a physical or mental illness is advised to seek advice from a specialist before listening to this healing story.
It’s nearly Kingdom 1000 Season: Celebrating 1,000 years since Knut issued England’s first equality law. But regal determination to help the masses certainly isn’t confined to England. Wales has some brilliant examples too, including this incredible tale from guest storyteller Cath Little.
Knut is the hero from Amber’s story last week. After you’ve enjoyed Cath’s telling, you and your young learners can compare her story with Amber’s.
You can also visit Epic Tales to see how many new words you’ve picked up without realising it. You may have even learned some Welsh!
Teachers and educators: follow the link above for resources exploring how to draw various learning outcomes from this story, including science and numeracy.
King Edmund returns from battle with the most precious of treasures: a gold apple that promises good luck – but only if you give it away to the person you love the most! So who should he give it to…?
And afterwards, Epic Storyteller Chip will set an Epic Challenge – a fun task that will also hit children’s literacy learning for the week!
Teachers and educators: Visit Epic Tales to hear teachers discussing the many other learning outcomes in this story, including numeracy and science.
Frances tells her family’s stories, originally attributed to her six-times great-grandfather, the Gypsy storyteller Abram Wood, and four times great-grandfather, John Roberts aka Telynor Cymru.
As in storytelling as well as in poetry, the Gypsy’s own story of journeying from the known into the unknown world infuses our stories and poems with strange moments that have travelled with us all the way from India to Europe and now to Canada.
A special event from one of India’s most well-respected poets.
Tithi’s father, Rajendra Dani, is a renowned Hindi author and Assistant Editor of the prestigious and internationally acclaimed Indian literary magazine Pahal.
Tithi’s manuscript of the Hindi poetry collection Prarthnarat Battakhein was selected and honoured by the Indian High Commission in London in 2017. She also received the prestigious Vagishwari Award of Madhya Pradesh for this collection, and her poems and stories are widely published around the world.
Liz Weir is one of the most influential people in the storytelling revival. As well as being a master storyteller, she is a mentor to young talent and hosts regular barn sessions from her home in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
She was the first winner of the International Story Bridge Award from the National Storytelling Network, USA, which cited her “exemplary work promoting the art of storytelling”.
She has told her stories to people of all ages on five continents – from pubs and prisons and hospital rooms to the stages of the mighty Vanderbilt Hall of New York’s Grand Central Station and in London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Joining John this week are Tithi Dani, poet, writer and broadcaster in Hindi and English; singer/songwriter Samia Malik; storyteller Deeptha Vivekanand and Amajit Singh, who will holding a Bangra dance workshop.
A fantastic line-up which promises to be a powerful and fun-filled evening. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
So we’re coming to the end of the first series of Viking Myths. It’s been wonderful fun & many families have enjoyed the journey.
Chatting with the heroes in Valhalla Gylfi has learnt there are some tales that embarrass the Gods, Nervously, at his next meeting with High, Just As High & The Third, he asks…..
And he learns how Freyr, God of Fertility, becomes a fool for love & loses his magic sword that fights by itself & how Thor, desperate for a second encounter with the Giant King who made a fool of him before will do anything for a rematch. But does he really have to wear that dress???!!!!
Lightning, Lies & Unconvincing Drag Acts from Viking Myth. Come & join the fun for the last episode of this family storytelling series.
Viking Myth – telling & drawing for family audience with Giles & James
Join us every Saturday at 6pm BST. Giles Abbott tells & James Lythe illustrates live from magical Viking myth. Bring pen, paper then submit your own art to the Gallery at the World Storytelling Cafe!
IN THIS EPISODE
Gylfi gets talking to the heroes who live in Valhalla & learns how a frightened, feeble youth became a dragon slayer! And he sees one hero more mighty than all the rest, Sigurd, & so begins one of the greatest of Norse myths. It start, of course, with Loki doing something he shouldn’t…..
Adventure, magic, enchantment, large scaly monsters – come & join us!