Storytelling Events 2011
Wednesday 21 December
Garden of Awen: Midnight Sun.A festive-spoken word showcase celebrating the launch of Places of Truth by Jay Ramsay and The Immanent Moment by Kevan Manwaring. Both collections feature poem sequences inspired by the deserts of Egypt. With special guests Adam Horovitz, Jehanne & Rob Mehta, Will Mercer, Josie Felce, Anthony Nanson, Herewood Gabriel, and more. Performance poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, and dance to mark the winter solstice. Dress to dazzle. Limited floor spots (3 mins) on winter solstice theme. Bring your wishes and prayers for the mandala of light. Lansdown Hall (The Space), Stroud. 7.00 p.m. £8 in advance/£10 on door. Free glass of mulled wine and mince pie on entry. Tickets: 01453 767576, info@lansdownhall.org; www.lansdownhall.org <http://www.lansdownhall.org>; www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk/>
Monday 19 December
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.45 for 8.15 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Saturday 17 December
Storytelling at Ruskin Mill. As autumn deepens into winter, we invite story lovers young and old to join us at the Ruskin Mill fireside. Sit back and enjoy wonderful stories from a Christmas bonanza of local storytellers: Fiona Eadie, Kelvin Hall, Allison Cumberbirch, Val Dean, Kirsty Hartsiotis, David Phelps, and Anthony Nanson. 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth. Children £3 (suggested minimum age 5); adults £4; family £10. Coffee shop open for drinks and home-made cakes in the interval. Contact: Fiona 01453 834793
Thursday 8 December
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Storyteller Austin Keenan tells legendary tales of Ireland's ancient hero-gods, the Tuatha De Danann, in which the Sons of Turann struggle for honour and redemption. Folk-singer and guitarist David Metcalfe (of Fire Springs and Dark Tarn) sings stirring songs from Ireland's troubled history of conflict, famine and faith. Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm. £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer (British School), Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Saturday 3 December
Winterfest. Transition Stroud invite you to a day of stalls, activities, food and entertainment - ‘inspiring ideas and practical workshops from across our community’. We also welcome the sublime storyteller Anthony Nanson, who will share some ‘Stories for our Times’. Bring your friends and neighbours. Venue: Riffs empty music shop, Threadneedle Street, Stroud. 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Contact: Helen 01453 755509; www.transitionstroud.org <http://www.transitionstroud.org>
Monday 21 November
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.45 for 8.15 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Saturday 19 November
The Golden Apples. In a unique collaboration, storytellers Anthony Nanson and Kirsty Hartsiotis, of Fire Springs, and the Chandos Singers, one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs, bring to life the wonder tales of Russia. It’s a journey into the dark hidden forests of the imagination to the land of the firebird and the tragic rusalka, where Ivan, the Tsar’s youngest son, must ride with the wolf to save his life and win the princess of his dreams. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Friday 18 November
The Rusalka and the Bear. In a unique collaboration, storytellers Anthony Nanson and Kirsty Hartsiotis, of Fire Springs, and the Chandos Singers, one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs, bring to life the wonder tales of Russia. Tonight’s performance comprises the ‘The Rusalka’, presented in storytelling and song, and a comedy-opera by Malcolm Hill, loosely based on Chekhov’s story ‘The Bear’. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Thursday 17 November
The Golden Apples. In a unique collaboration, storytellers Anthony Nanson and Kirsty Hartsiotis, of Fire Springs, and the Chandos Singers, one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs, bring to life the wonder tales of Russia. It’s a journey into the dark hidden forests of the imagination to the land of the firebird and the tragic rusalka, where Ivan, the Tsar’s youngest son, must ride with the wolf to save his life and win the princess of his dreams. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Saturday 12 November
Storytelling at Ruskin Mill. As autumn deepens into winter, we invite story lovers young and old to join us at the Ruskin Mill fireside. Sit back and enjoy wonderful stories from local storytellers Fiona Eadie and Anthony Nanson. 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth. Children £3 (suggested minimum age 5); adults £4; family £10. Coffee shop open for drinks and home-made cakes in the interval. Contact: Fiona 01453 834793
Monday 17 October
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Sunday 16 October
Stroud Short Stories returns for another sparkling night of short stories read by their authors, at Stroud Valley Arts, John Street, Stroud. This time we promise used car salesmen and children looking to swap parents, beds in forests and lust in coffee shops, Chris Moyles, daleks, and finding the ANSWER TO EVERYTHING. With headliner Roshi Fernando, prize-winning author of Homesick. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/30/homesick-roshi-fernando-review> 8 p.m. £3 on the door. http://www.stroudshortstories.blogspot.com
Thursday 22 September
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. The bewitching Somerset storyteller Jane Flood and mesmerising Bristol harpist Martin Solomon will share stories from Ireland, Russia, and Lapland. ‘Her storytelling is magical … truly inspired and inspiring’ (Merlin Theatre, Frome). Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer (British School), Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Monday 19 September
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Monday 15 August
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Wednesday 10 August
What A Folk Festival! WAP! special performance event for Bath Folk Festival: ‘The Giant's Daughter’ and an evening of stories and music. Stories from Richard Selby and Kirsty Hartsiotis, music from Beth Porter, plus guests Sarah Jones and Anthony Nanson. St James Wine Vaults, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £6 (£5 concessions). Contact: Richard 01225 420683
Monday 18 July
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
01453 840887
Monday 20 June
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 17 June
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Vergine Gulbenkian will perform stories from Fire, the 17th-century Armenian love-epic of Kearam and Asli (‘Mesmerising … I have never been so captivated’ - Christina Patterson, South Bank Centre Education). Matt Sage - founder of Oxford’s legendary Catweazle Club, which now has branches in London, Brighton, and New York - will showcase songs from his latest album Let the Music Out (‘Seriously gorgeous sounds’ - Mike Scott, The Waterboys). Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm. £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer, Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
453 840887
Monday 16 May
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Wednesday 20 April
Iona. This Easter week, come and celebrate the launch of the second edition of the late Mary Palmer's poem sequence Iona, with an evening of Celtic story, music, and poetry, including readings by Mary’s friends of her poems about the sacred isle of saints and druids. Waterstone’s, Milsom St, Bath. 6.30 p.m. Free admission. Waterstone’s: 01225 448515. Awen Publications: www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk>
Monday 18 April
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 25 March
Dark Age Deeds of the Celtic Saints. Born from Druids, and tuned to wild nature and the memory of old gods, Irish monks carried the torch of civilisation through a dark age of conflict. Patrick, Columba, Colman, Brendan - they parleyed with pagan heroes, battled with words for the spiritual compass of these isles, and ploughed the waves in search of earthly paradise. With Fire Springs’ distinctive blend of story and music, Anthony Nanson and David Metcalfe bring legend to life. The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton. 7.30-9.30 p.m. £8 (concessions £6). Tickets: 01823 283244, www.thebrewhouse.net
Monday 21 March
World Poetry Day: Soul of the Earth. Celebrating the launch of Soul of the Earth: The Awen Anthology of Eco-spiritual Poetry, edited by Jay Ramsay, a showcase of some of the twenty-one contributors, poets with soil under their fingers and fire in their bellies: Jay Ramsay, Rose Flint, Helen Moore, Adam Horovitz, Margie McCallum, Karen Eberhardt-Shelton, Alyson Hallett, Jennie Powell, Jehanne Mehta, Kevan Manwaring, Lynne Wycherley, Dawn Gorman, Gabriel Bradford Millar. ‘All poetry seeks to “renew the face of the earth” ... I hope this collection will serve the renewal that we so badly need’ - the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams. Waterstone’s, Milsom St, Bath. 6.30 p.m. Free admission. Waterstone’s: 01225 448515. Awen Publications: www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk>
Monday 21 March
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 18 March
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Join us for the launch of a brand-new quarterly storytelling and music night. Includes Old Tom’s Tales by Martin Maudsley and Fiona Barrow: spellbinding oral storytelling and live acoustic music weaving a poignant and endearing account of one man’s life and the stories that surrounded him. Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer, Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Friday 25 February
Voices in the City. This year’s Bath Literature Festival begins with a series of free events in and around Bath to celebrate the spoken word - culminating in a veritable vortex of varied voices at an evening session at St James Wine Vaults, Bath. 7.30-8.45 p.m.: Tellers from Bath Storytelling Circle, hosted by David Metcalfe and featuring Anthony Nanson, Kirsty Hartsiotis, and others. 9.00-11.00 p.m.: What A Performance! hosted by Richard Selby and including John Christopher Wood, Brian Madigan, Verona Bass, Mike Scott, Mark Sayers, Kevan Manwaring, and Beth Porter. Contact: David 01225 482170 or Richard 01225 420683. Free.
Thursday 24 February
Storytelling Book Launch. Join us on the eve of the Bath Literature Festival for a double launch by local authors and storytellers Anthony Nanson (Words of Re-enchantment: storytelling, myth & ecological desire, Awen) and Kirsty Hartsiotis (Wiltshire Folk Tales, The History Press). Includes author talks, stories, question time, and refreshments. Waterstone’s, Milsom St, Bath. 6.30 p.m. (talks start 7.00 p.m.). Free admission. Awen Publications: www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk>. The History Press: www.thehistorypress.co.uk <http://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/>
Monday 21 February
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Saturday 29 January
Emergence - Creative practice for a sustainable future. An initiative from Cynnal Cymru/Sustain Wales in partnership with Volcano, Emergence is a series of conferences for people working in the arts in Wales: an opportunity to network, share ideas, ask questions and get tools for a more sustainable practice; to celebrate the questioning spirit of art and determine how artists can make a difference in these times of ecological, economic and social instability. The initiative has two main themes: developing a low-carbon arts infrastructure, including venues; and developing the arts as a crucible of ideas and visions for a low-carbon, one-planet Wales. Today’s theme: interconnectivity. Guest Speaker: Satish Kumar (Resurgence). Presentations also from Judith Knight (Arts Admin), Tom Andrews (People United), Axel Tangerding (Meta Theater, Munich), and Lucy Neal (Transition Town Tooting), and others. Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., £15 (freelancers), £25 (organisations). Contact:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/Emergence_Eginiad_Taliesin
Monday 17 January
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Wednesday 21 December
Garden of Awen: Midnight Sun.A festive-spoken word showcase celebrating the launch of Places of Truth by Jay Ramsay and The Immanent Moment by Kevan Manwaring. Both collections feature poem sequences inspired by the deserts of Egypt. With special guests Adam Horovitz, Jehanne & Rob Mehta, Will Mercer, Josie Felce, Anthony Nanson, Herewood Gabriel, and more. Performance poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, and dance to mark the winter solstice. Dress to dazzle. Limited floor spots (3 mins) on winter solstice theme. Bring your wishes and prayers for the mandala of light. Lansdown Hall (The Space), Stroud. 7.00 p.m. £8 in advance/£10 on door. Free glass of mulled wine and mince pie on entry. Tickets: 01453 767576, info@lansdownhall.org; www.lansdownhall.org <http://www.lansdownhall.org>; www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk/>
Monday 19 December
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.45 for 8.15 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Saturday 17 December
Storytelling at Ruskin Mill. As autumn deepens into winter, we invite story lovers young and old to join us at the Ruskin Mill fireside. Sit back and enjoy wonderful stories from a Christmas bonanza of local storytellers: Fiona Eadie, Kelvin Hall, Allison Cumberbirch, Val Dean, Kirsty Hartsiotis, David Phelps, and Anthony Nanson. 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth. Children £3 (suggested minimum age 5); adults £4; family £10. Coffee shop open for drinks and home-made cakes in the interval. Contact: Fiona 01453 834793
Thursday 8 December
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Storyteller Austin Keenan tells legendary tales of Ireland's ancient hero-gods, the Tuatha De Danann, in which the Sons of Turann struggle for honour and redemption. Folk-singer and guitarist David Metcalfe (of Fire Springs and Dark Tarn) sings stirring songs from Ireland's troubled history of conflict, famine and faith. Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm. £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer (British School), Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Saturday 3 December
Winterfest. Transition Stroud invite you to a day of stalls, activities, food and entertainment - ‘inspiring ideas and practical workshops from across our community’. We also welcome the sublime storyteller Anthony Nanson, who will share some ‘Stories for our Times’. Bring your friends and neighbours. Venue: Riffs empty music shop, Threadneedle Street, Stroud. 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Contact: Helen 01453 755509; www.transitionstroud.org <http://www.transitionstroud.org>
Monday 21 November
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.45 for 8.15 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Saturday 19 November
The Golden Apples. In a unique collaboration, storytellers Anthony Nanson and Kirsty Hartsiotis, of Fire Springs, and the Chandos Singers, one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs, bring to life the wonder tales of Russia. It’s a journey into the dark hidden forests of the imagination to the land of the firebird and the tragic rusalka, where Ivan, the Tsar’s youngest son, must ride with the wolf to save his life and win the princess of his dreams. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Friday 18 November
The Rusalka and the Bear. In a unique collaboration, storytellers Anthony Nanson and Kirsty Hartsiotis, of Fire Springs, and the Chandos Singers, one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs, bring to life the wonder tales of Russia. Tonight’s performance comprises the ‘The Rusalka’, presented in storytelling and song, and a comedy-opera by Malcolm Hill, loosely based on Chekhov’s story ‘The Bear’. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Thursday 17 November
The Golden Apples. In a unique collaboration, storytellers Anthony Nanson and Kirsty Hartsiotis, of Fire Springs, and the Chandos Singers, one of Bath’s leading chamber choirs, bring to life the wonder tales of Russia. It’s a journey into the dark hidden forests of the imagination to the land of the firebird and the tragic rusalka, where Ivan, the Tsar’s youngest son, must ride with the wolf to save his life and win the princess of his dreams. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Saturday 12 November
Storytelling at Ruskin Mill. As autumn deepens into winter, we invite story lovers young and old to join us at the Ruskin Mill fireside. Sit back and enjoy wonderful stories from local storytellers Fiona Eadie and Anthony Nanson. 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth. Children £3 (suggested minimum age 5); adults £4; family £10. Coffee shop open for drinks and home-made cakes in the interval. Contact: Fiona 01453 834793
Monday 17 October
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Sunday 16 October
Stroud Short Stories returns for another sparkling night of short stories read by their authors, at Stroud Valley Arts, John Street, Stroud. This time we promise used car salesmen and children looking to swap parents, beds in forests and lust in coffee shops, Chris Moyles, daleks, and finding the ANSWER TO EVERYTHING. With headliner Roshi Fernando, prize-winning author of Homesick. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/30/homesick-roshi-fernando-review> 8 p.m. £3 on the door. http://www.stroudshortstories.blogspot.com
Thursday 22 September
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. The bewitching Somerset storyteller Jane Flood and mesmerising Bristol harpist Martin Solomon will share stories from Ireland, Russia, and Lapland. ‘Her storytelling is magical … truly inspired and inspiring’ (Merlin Theatre, Frome). Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer (British School), Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Monday 19 September
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Monday 15 August
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Wednesday 10 August
What A Folk Festival! WAP! special performance event for Bath Folk Festival: ‘The Giant's Daughter’ and an evening of stories and music. Stories from Richard Selby and Kirsty Hartsiotis, music from Beth Porter, plus guests Sarah Jones and Anthony Nanson. St James Wine Vaults, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £6 (£5 concessions). Contact: Richard 01225 420683
Monday 18 July
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
01453 840887
Monday 20 June
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 17 June
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Vergine Gulbenkian will perform stories from Fire, the 17th-century Armenian love-epic of Kearam and Asli (‘Mesmerising … I have never been so captivated’ - Christina Patterson, South Bank Centre Education). Matt Sage - founder of Oxford’s legendary Catweazle Club, which now has branches in London, Brighton, and New York - will showcase songs from his latest album Let the Music Out (‘Seriously gorgeous sounds’ - Mike Scott, The Waterboys). Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm. £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer, Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
453 840887
Monday 16 May
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Wednesday 20 April
Iona. This Easter week, come and celebrate the launch of the second edition of the late Mary Palmer's poem sequence Iona, with an evening of Celtic story, music, and poetry, including readings by Mary’s friends of her poems about the sacred isle of saints and druids. Waterstone’s, Milsom St, Bath. 6.30 p.m. Free admission. Waterstone’s: 01225 448515. Awen Publications: www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk>
Monday 18 April
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 25 March
Dark Age Deeds of the Celtic Saints. Born from Druids, and tuned to wild nature and the memory of old gods, Irish monks carried the torch of civilisation through a dark age of conflict. Patrick, Columba, Colman, Brendan - they parleyed with pagan heroes, battled with words for the spiritual compass of these isles, and ploughed the waves in search of earthly paradise. With Fire Springs’ distinctive blend of story and music, Anthony Nanson and David Metcalfe bring legend to life. The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton. 7.30-9.30 p.m. £8 (concessions £6). Tickets: 01823 283244, www.thebrewhouse.net
Monday 21 March
World Poetry Day: Soul of the Earth. Celebrating the launch of Soul of the Earth: The Awen Anthology of Eco-spiritual Poetry, edited by Jay Ramsay, a showcase of some of the twenty-one contributors, poets with soil under their fingers and fire in their bellies: Jay Ramsay, Rose Flint, Helen Moore, Adam Horovitz, Margie McCallum, Karen Eberhardt-Shelton, Alyson Hallett, Jennie Powell, Jehanne Mehta, Kevan Manwaring, Lynne Wycherley, Dawn Gorman, Gabriel Bradford Millar. ‘All poetry seeks to “renew the face of the earth” ... I hope this collection will serve the renewal that we so badly need’ - the Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams. Waterstone’s, Milsom St, Bath. 6.30 p.m. Free admission. Waterstone’s: 01225 448515. Awen Publications: www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk>
Monday 21 March
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Friday 18 March
Stroud’s Story Cabaret. Join us for the launch of a brand-new quarterly storytelling and music night. Includes Old Tom’s Tales by Martin Maudsley and Fiona Barrow: spellbinding oral storytelling and live acoustic music weaving a poignant and endearing account of one man’s life and the stories that surrounded him. Plus floor spots welcomed - bring a story, song or poem (no reading!) - or just come to listen. 7.30 for 8pm £6 (concessions £5). Five Valleys Foyer, Gloucester Street, Stroud. Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Friday 25 February
Voices in the City. This year’s Bath Literature Festival begins with a series of free events in and around Bath to celebrate the spoken word - culminating in a veritable vortex of varied voices at an evening session at St James Wine Vaults, Bath. 7.30-8.45 p.m.: Tellers from Bath Storytelling Circle, hosted by David Metcalfe and featuring Anthony Nanson, Kirsty Hartsiotis, and others. 9.00-11.00 p.m.: What A Performance! hosted by Richard Selby and including John Christopher Wood, Brian Madigan, Verona Bass, Mike Scott, Mark Sayers, Kevan Manwaring, and Beth Porter. Contact: David 01225 482170 or Richard 01225 420683. Free.
Thursday 24 February
Storytelling Book Launch. Join us on the eve of the Bath Literature Festival for a double launch by local authors and storytellers Anthony Nanson (Words of Re-enchantment: storytelling, myth & ecological desire, Awen) and Kirsty Hartsiotis (Wiltshire Folk Tales, The History Press). Includes author talks, stories, question time, and refreshments. Waterstone’s, Milsom St, Bath. 6.30 p.m. (talks start 7.00 p.m.). Free admission. Awen Publications: www.awenpublications.co.uk <http://www.awenpublications.co.uk>. The History Press: www.thehistorypress.co.uk <http://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/>
Monday 21 February
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 8.00 for 8.30 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Saturday 29 January
Emergence - Creative practice for a sustainable future. An initiative from Cynnal Cymru/Sustain Wales in partnership with Volcano, Emergence is a series of conferences for people working in the arts in Wales: an opportunity to network, share ideas, ask questions and get tools for a more sustainable practice; to celebrate the questioning spirit of art and determine how artists can make a difference in these times of ecological, economic and social instability. The initiative has two main themes: developing a low-carbon arts infrastructure, including venues; and developing the arts as a crucible of ideas and visions for a low-carbon, one-planet Wales. Today’s theme: interconnectivity. Guest Speaker: Satish Kumar (Resurgence). Presentations also from Judith Knight (Arts Admin), Tom Andrews (People United), Axel Tangerding (Meta Theater, Munich), and Lucy Neal (Transition Town Tooting), and others. Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea. 10.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., £15 (freelancers), £25 (organisations). Contact:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/Emergence_Eginiad_Taliesin
Monday 17 January
Bath Storytelling Circle upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170