“Fantastic! Can’t wait until the next show!” Cathy Williamson, Exmouth Festival
2012
Spirits of Place, Saturday 21 April
Did you know that monks could fly? That strange beasts lurk in the Forest of Dean? Or that ancient gods dwelt on the Downs? A sparkling evening of tales from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Oxfordshire by three of the region’s fine storytellers. Fire Springs members Anthony Nanson, Kirsty Hartsiotis and Kevan Manwaring have scoured the three counties for their collections of Folk Tales, published by the History Press. Whether a newcomer to the region or a long-term resident, you'll never look at your neck of the woods in the same way again. storytelling concert. Hawkwood College, Stroud. 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. Tickets: 01453 759034; www.hawkwoodcollege.co.uk/events/
Forgotten Lives, Inspiring Stories, Sunday 11 March
Take a trip back through time to meet, in person, an astonishing assembly of the city’s forgotten and half-remembered denizens. Adventurers and inventors, kings and clerics, writers and visionaries, they’ll all be here to tell their own true stories – brought back to life by Bath’s own storytelling company, Fire Springs, in this specially commissioned performance. Performers from Fire Springs are Anthony Nanson, Kirsty Hartsiotis, Kevan Manwaring, David Metcalfe. Part of Bath Literature Festival, Holburne Museum, Bath, 4.30 - 6.00pm.
Storytelling with Fiona Eadie & Kirsty Hartsiotis, Saturday 28 January
Enchanting stories, enthralling tales and elaborate lies. Enjoy the wonder, wit, mystery and magic of stories from around the world. Suggested minimum age 5. This regular monthly storytelling session runs on Saturdays. Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth, 10.30am, £4 adults, £3 children, £10 family
2011
Storytelling with Fiona Eadie & guest storytellers, Saturday 17 December
Enchanting stories, enthralling tales and elaborate lies from a whole host of storytellers: Fiona Eadie, Kelvin Hall, Alison Cumberbirch, Kirsty Hartsiotis, Valerie Dean, David Phelps and Anthony Nanson. Enjoy the wonder, wit, mystery and magic of stories from around the world. Suggested minimum age 5. This regular monthly storytelling session runs on Saturdays. Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth, 10.30am, £4 adults, £3 children, £10 family
Stroud’s Story Cabaret, Thursday 8 December
Special guests: Austin Keenan: magical fireside tales for a winter’s night from Ireland and beyond with this warm and engaging Herefordshire storyteller. David Metcalfe: Bath based storyteller and musician, from Fire Springs and Dark Tarn, showcasing songs from Ireland. 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
The Golden Apples, 17, 18, 19 November
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. Friday's performance includes a comedy-opera by Malcolm Hill, loosely based on ‘The Bear’, a story by Chekhov. Rondo Theatre, Bath. 8.00 p.m. £10 (concessions £8). Tickets: 01225 463362.
Garden of Awen: Salutation to the Sun, Monday 20 June
Summer Solstice! Special Come and celebrate the eve of the longest day with us... An enchanting evening of the finest grassroots performance poetry, storytelling, song, acoustic music, and other Arcadian delights, featuring eco-poet Helen Moore; Jay Ramsay (Chrysalis/The Poet in You); storyteller Kirsty Hartsiotis (Firesprings); Kevan Manwaring (former Bard of Bath); Dawn Gorman (Words & Ears); Rick Vick (the voice of the Fringe); fine music from Jehanne & Rob Mehta; & other dazzling guests. Set the controls for the heart of the sun... 7pm at Star Anise Cafe, Courtyard, Gloucester St, Stroud, £5/3 conc. Contact: 01453 765660 or publisher@awenpublications.co.uk. Part of Stroud's Site Festival 2011.
‘Stories for all, outdoors on a summer evening’, Sunday 19 June
Storytellers Fiona Eadie and Kirsty Hartsiotis will be weaving yarns and telling tales for your delight in the Ruskin Mill Woods on 19th June at 6.30pm. Ruskin Mill, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0LA. Children £3 (suggested minimum age is 5); Adults £4; Family £10. More information: 01453 834793 or fiona@fionaeadieltd.co.uk.
Stroud’s Story Cabaret, Friday 17 June
Stroud Storytelling Circle presents its successful quarterly entertainment event in Stroud. Stroud's Story Cabaret is a storytelling and music event that features storytelling and musical talent from around the region, showcasing both familiar names and fresh talent for a vibrant and exciting evening. Our June performance is going to be an exciting night with two fantastic acts from Oxford, the storyteller Vergine Gulbenkian and the musician Matt Sage. 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 or info@kirstyhartsiotis.co.uk. Part of Stroud's Site Festival 2011.
Berkeley Castle Storytelling, Sunday 1 to Monday 2 May
Butterfly House Opening – Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Kirsty Hartsiotis. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
Book Launch: Iona - Easter Special, Wednesday 20 April
Celtic poetry, story & music: To celebrate the 2nd edition of Iona, Mary Palmer's 2008 collection, an evening of readings of her work by friends, with live music and storytelling about the sacred isle of St Columba and the druids. Featuring David Metcalfe, Anthony Nanson, Kirsty Hartsiotis, Kevan Manwaring & special guests. Friends of Mary are invited to read a poem from Iona on the night. Waterstones, Milsom St, Bath, 6.30pm (doors) 7.00pm (start)Free admission (tickets from Waterstones tel: 01225 448515)
***in conjunction with Bath Writers' Workshop***
Morning of stories for all ages at Ruskin Mill, Saturday 26 March
Come and sit by the fire and lose yourself in a wealth of wonderful stories, myths, legends and tall tales from around the world. Storytellers Fiona Eadie and Kirsty Hartsiotis will be weaving yarns and telling tales for your delight on 26th March 2011, 10.30 to 12.30 at Ruskin Mill (Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0LA) Children £3 (suggested minimum age is 5); Adults £4; Family £10. Coffee shop open for drinks and delicious home-made cakes in the interval. More information: 01453 834793
Stroud’s Story Cabaret, Friday 18 March
Join Stroud Storytelling Circle 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
Storytelling Book Launch, Thursday 24 February
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. The History Press: www.thehistorypress.co.uk
Voices in the City, Friday 25 February
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.
2010
Greek Tales – Old and New, Friday 24th September
From ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’ to ‘The Girl Who Went to War’ and more, Fire Springs storytellers Kirsty Hartsiotis and Anthony Nanson tell ancient myths and modern folktales from Greece, exploring the resonances that ring across the centuries and drawing upon anecdotes of their own travels through the mythscape of that country. The Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton. Tel: 01823 283244 or email: info@thebrewhouse.net
Children’s Activity Day, Tuesday 24 August
Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
Children’s Activity Day, Tuesday 17 August
Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
A Twist in the Tale, Wednesday 11th August
From folk song it’s a short hop into bed with a folk tale and you're never quite sure what you might find there. Bath’s legendary wordsmiths Fire Springs are back, ensemble, with a feast of stories and songs of the outré and yarns with a twist. Back to a place where Conal Crovi tells tales within tales within tales … and Teig O’Kane has a problem with a talkative corpse … and then there's the one about this fine woman who has a good need to be a man. Add a powerful voice and brilliant guitarist singing a story or two in song and it all adds up to a evening of guaranteed twists, turns, tunes and tales. Bath Folk Festival. Gallery Room St James Wine Vaults 7.30 - 9.30pm. £5 (concessions £3)
Tuesday 10 August
Children’s Activity Day – Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
Tuesday 3 August
Children’s Activity Day – Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
Sunday 2 to Monday 3 May
Butterfly House Opening – Berkeley Castle. Children’s activities all day with storytelling for all the family from Fire Springs. Contact: 01453 810332; www.berkeley-castle.com
2009
10th Anniversary Meeting of the Bath Storytelling Circle, Monday 21st December,
Upstairs at the Raven, Queen Street, Bath. 8pm, Entry Free, Contact: David 01225-482170
Garden of Awen, Sunday 6 December
An enchanting evening of the finest spoken word: poetry, storytelling, monologue, song, acoustic music and other Arcadian delights. This month’s theme – Light and Darkness. Licensed bar. Tickets £5 on the door. Doors open 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm start. Chapel Arts Centre, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Contact 01225-461700, bookings@chapelarts.org
Bath Storytelling Circle, Monday 16 November
Upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
What a Performance!, Friday 30 October
What a Performance! Spoken word, music, and verbal antics. Featuring Kirsty Hartsiotis. Gallery Room, St James Wine Vaults, Bath. 8 p.m. Donation. Contact: Richard 01225 420683
Stroud Storytelling, Thursday 22 October
At a private venue in Stroud, contact Kirsty: 01453 840887
Bath Storytelling Circle, Monday 19 October
Upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Cabaret, Coleford Festival of Words, Tuesday 13th October
An evening of otherworldly tales from the Newent Storytellers, as part of the October Garden Cafe cabaret evening. Tickets must be booked in advance (call 01594 860075) and are £10 per person, including great food! 7.30pm at the Garden Cafe & Gallery at The Malt House, Lower Lydbrook, Glos., GL17 9NN
Bath Storytelling Circle, Monday 21 September
Upstairs at the Raven, Bath. 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. Entry free. Contact: David 01225 482170
Newent Onion Fringe, Saturday 12 September
Join the Newent Storytelling Group for a day of storytelling for children as part of the activities in the town of Newent as it celebrates its historic Onion Fayre. Contact: Kirsty on 01453 840887Tuesday 8 September
Stroud Storytelling, Wednesday 9 September
At the Bear at Rodborough, Rodborough nr. Stroud, 8pm. Free. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887
Tidal Shift, Tuesday 8 September
The launch of my dear friend Mary Palmer's posthumous Tidal Shift: Selected Poems, from Awen Publications, with readings from friends and family plus acoustic music. Profits from the book will go to Dorothy House Hospice, where Mary spent her final days. Waterstone’s, Bath. 6.30 for 7.00 p.m. Free. Tel: 01225 448515. www.awenpublications.co.uk
Back from the Brink, Saturday 1 to Sunday 2 August
Beavers, otters, and other mammals once abundant in Britain will be the new residents at Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s exciting new exhibit now open. To celebrate the new launch, families can sit together around the campfire and hear ancient beaver, otter, and other animal stories from Kirsty Hartsiotis. Otter and beaver hat making, footprints trails, and footprint rubbings will also be running. Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Contact: 01453 891900, info.slimbridge@wwt.org.uk, www. wwt.org.uk
Stories of the Stones, Saturday 25th July
A free event, Story of The Stones, organised by Bath and North East Somerset Council's Heritage Services and Planning Services takes place at Stanton Drew on Saturday 25 July. With the help of Stanton Drew's local voluntary groups and Village Hall committee, the famous standing stones at Stanton Drew are in the spotlight, as visitors are invited to consider the stories that surround them, both fact and fiction. The event is organised as part of the Festival of British Archaeology, co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology. Kirsty Hartsiotis will be telling stories based around the myth of the stones and other local legends.
Bristol Folk Tales, 25th February, 8pm
£3.00 on the door, Scout Hut, Redcliff Backs ( Black Wooden Building across the bridge and opposite Severn Shed and Riverstation, Welshback way, Bristol
2008
Winter Tales, Saturday and Sunday 29th & 30th November, 6th & 7th and 13th & 14th December, 12-4pm Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire
Join us this Christmas, as Compton Verney gets you into the festive spirit with our Winter Weekends. Visit Compton Verney's winter wonderland and let our storytellers take you on a magical winter journey through our collections. Tel: 01926 645500
Dancing for the Earth, Friday 28th November, 7.30pm British School, Stroud
On William Blake’s birthday come and celebrate the Earth with a cabaret of inspiring Earth-centred music, storytelling, and performed poetry from Kirsten Morrison, Helen Moore, Phoenix, and Fire Springs, plus the launch of An Ecobardic Manifesto, and dancing with deejay Christina McLaughlin. 7.30–10.30 p.m. Doors open 7.00. Entry £10. Contact: Jay 01453 759436 or Anthony 01453 840887
Feast of Friends, Saturday 8th November, the Abbey, Sutton Courtenay, near Abingdon.
A dynamic evening of spoken poetry, storytelling, and music including the didgeridoo; to warm your heart and soul and quicken your spirit. With Jay Ramsay, Gabriel Millar, Ella Bloomfield, Sam Bloomfield, Anthony Nanson, Kirsty Hartsiotis and Geoff Mead. Contact: 01235 847401, admin@theabbey.uk.com. 7.30 p.m. Entry £8
Sea of Light, Saturday 25th October, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath
Sail on a sea of stories with Fire Springs storytellers Kirsty Hartsiotis and Kevan Manwaring. Embark on an adventure across the sea to rocky coasts and sandy beaches around the world with tales of love, magic and exploration. Tel: 01225 477233
Saturday 30th August, 10 – 4.30pm Shortwood, Haresfield Estate, nr Stroud
Open day with storytelling about the beech wood at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm Tel: 01452 814213 for booking and information
Sunday 10th August, 2-4pm Lydiard Park, Swindon
Teddy Bears’ Picnic in the Walled Garden. Bring your teddy bear and a picnic tea to sit on the lawn and hear some special stories.