Posts on 'Tis Tales

Monty + The AnyWhens : Protest Days. Rebellion Nights — October Books Southampton — 04/12/25

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:03:00 +0000

A first off-island trup for Monty + The AnyWhens, taking Protest Days, Rebellions Nights: songs and stories of the Luddites to October Books, Southampton, on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, 7-9pm, tickets priced £10 available from the bookshop of online.

Monty + The AnyWhens : Protest Days. Rebellion Nights — St Lawrence — 22/11/25

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:56:00 +0000

A reprise of the sell out Ventnor Fringe 2025 show, Protest Days, Rebellion Nights: Songs and Stories of the Luddites.

St Lawrence Village Hall, Isle of Wight, Saturday 22nd November, 2025, 7.30pm, tickets £8 available from the Village Hall or online.

Holly and Merl — The Diabolical and the Damned — Babushka Books, 30/10/25

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:51:35 +0000

Monty — Carvel Lane Coffee House — 23/10/25

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:55:21 +0000

Maritime Folk'n'Stories — Monty + The AnyWhens

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:05:46 +0000

Not that you should ever need an excuse to go into The Star in Ryde, if you do happen to have nothing better to do next Thursday, September 25th, 2025, from 7pm, Monty will be there taking turns telling tales between songs from The AnyWhens, aka Glenn Koppany and Sue Cain.

Entry is free, the beer is good, and so is the coffee, and the pizzas always hit the spot, so why wouldn’t you want to make a night of it…

Protest Days, Rebellion Nights: Monty + The AnyWhens @ Ventnor Fringe, 2025 SOLD OUT

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:24:22 +0000

On Friday, July 25th, 2025, 3.30-4.30pm, Bijou Tent, Monty is teaming up with folk duo Glenn Koppany and Sue Cain, aka The AnyWhens, for a set of stories and songs featuring tales of the Luddites.

They were days of direct action: the Diggers and the Levellers, the Plug Drawer rioters and the Pentrich rebels; the followers of King Ludd, and of Captain Swing; of juries, and spies; of executions, and alibis.

What Do Women Want? Holly @ VFringe, 2025

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:29:57 +0000

Gawain has a problem. He insulted the Queen and now has a year to find the answer to the seemingly impossible question: “What do women want?” If he fails, he’ll lose his head.

Thus begins a quest across the kingdom, where our hapless knight encounters a parade of peculiar characters, each armed with a bizarre tale they’re convinced holds the answer.

After her sell out show at Ventnor Fringe 2024 Holly Medland returns with more tales packed with medieval mayhem, misunderstandings and just enough wisdom to stay alive.

Storytelling Events for July, '25

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:45:21 +0000

It’s that time of year when several members of the Island Storytellers stage a small take over of the Ventnor Fringe…

…but before we get to that, this Friday, July 4th, 2025, several of the Island Storytellers will be telling tales “Under the Tree” as part og the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival, at Northwood House. Wander into the park just before 7pm, and you should spot the appropriate tree… [bring a blanket / picnic / bottle…. tickets available here]

Monty-stories: Unforeseen Consequences

Wed, 07 May 2025 16:28:16 +0000

Taking some tales off the island, show-wise, for the first time, Monty will be doing a work-in-progress / warm-up telling of Unforeseen Consequences at Better Days Cafe, Ventnor on Friday, May 9th, doors at 7pm (and not before), bring your own bottle/booze/bag of (quiet) crisps, before taking it off to Chichester and Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festivals.

A young girl and her brother are given a secret that brings a community together, before a King’s purchase from a traveling tinker ruins his banqueting table. A family heirloom and a kindly deed bring other stories to mind, set against a world where there was too much time.

Holly'n'Merl, Wild and Wondrous Women

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:31:00 +0000

A shapeshifting witch outruns her pursuers. A demon princess leads an army across the sea. A girl learns how to conjure other people’s dreams. Come and immerse yourself in these and other magical stories of women who stood no nonsense and kissed no frogs. You can leave your glass slippers at home.

Suitable for ages 16+.

Tickets £10 including drinks and snacks
Booking essential: 07511 220038 / 01983 652880

Holly'n'Sue, Thor and More

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:30:05 +0000

In the beginning there was only fire, ice and the yawning void of Ginnungagap.

From this came the world of the Norse gods - all-seeing Odin, enchanting Freya, thunderous Thor and the trickster Loki.

Step into this world of gods and giants with storytellers Sue Bailey and Holly Medland for an exciting and unexpected journey though the ancient Norse myths.

Cowes Combined Services and Social Club, Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. Doors open 6:30pm for 7pm start. Tickets, priced £8, available here.

Holly'n'Sue at Monkton Arts, Jan '25

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:19:52 +0000

As the new year begins, ‘Tis Tales tellers Holy and Sue are taking a set of monkish tales — Monk Tales: bad habits and Good Resolutions — to Monkton Arts, Ryde, on Thursday 16th January 2025, 6.30pm. Tickets priced £7 available here.

Step into a world where ancient wisdom meets timeless humour.

In this set of traditional folktales, Sue and Holly will weave together stories of monks’ journeys through temptation, redemption and spiritual growth. From humorous mishaps to moments of profound insight, these stories explore the age-old struggle between the divine and the wretched.

Twelve Days of Christmas in Cowes

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 23:29:51 +0000

Following on from the Somewhen Storytelling “Twelve Days of Christmas” in Ventnor last year, the Island Storytellers are taking the Twelve Days window spotting competition and story sessions to Cowes for 2024.

Find the window spotting forms on the Somewhen Storytelling website.

A Sackful of Stories at Babushka Books

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:40:33 +0000

Come and hear tell, of the tale of Gambrinus, King of Beer… And more…

A final show of the year — A Sackful of Stories — for ‘Tis Tales teller, Monty, at Babushka Books, Shanklin, Thursday, December 12th, 7pm, 7 quid, reserve a place on 01983 652880, or chat to Reuben in the shop.

It's NOT Christmas, at Camelot...

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 17:10:45 +0000

BOTH SHOWS CANCELLED — UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAD TO CANCEL THESE SHOWS DUE TO INJURY…

It’s Christmas time at Camelot, as King Arthur sits waiting, for a tale of great chivalry, and derring do.

As he waits, the harpist plays, the singer sings, and the storyteller tells a tale or two…

A new show from Island Based trio Stories’n’Harp, featuring storyteller Tony “Monty” Hirst, harpist Theresa Ellis, and singer Jenni Charity.

Tales for Halloween 2024

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 10:03:13 +0000

It’s getting to that time of year when this word, and that world, collide. It’s getting to that time of year when stories of a particular flavour call out to be told…

For Halloween this year, ‘Tis Tale teller Holly is teaming up with Merl Fluin to bring a set of Tales of Darkness and Dread at Babushka Books in Shanklin.

Bringing stories of the restless dead and vengeful spirits, and tales that will twist and turn and follow you home, doors open at 7pm for 7:30pm start on Thursday 31st October . Tickets £7 including refreshments. Suitable for ages 16+

Unforeseen Consequences at IW Steampunk Festival 2024

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:25:07 +0000

‘Tis Tales teller Monty is giving a new performance of his first show from back in February, 2023 — Unforeseen Consequences: Travelling the Road — at FuBar, Ryde, on Saturday September 21st, 2024, 3-4pm, as part of the first Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival.

'Tis Tales Tellers at IW Steampunk Festival

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:51:41 +0000

‘Tis Tales tellers Holly and Monty will be appearing at the first Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival in Ryde on Saturday, September 21st, 2024.

Show times:

Holly, tales directed at kids / families: 2-3pm
Monty: tales not directed at kids: 3-4pm

Stories at Waverley Park Beer Festival

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 08:44:43 +0000

A three day beer’n’spoken word festival at Waverley Holiday in park, East Cowes, Friday-Sunday Spetember 13th-15th, 2024? What’s not to like about that? Particularly when there are stories too…

‘Tis Tales teller Monty will be doing a couple of twenty minutes slots around about 4.50pm on Saturday, and 2.15pm on Sunday.

Somewhen Storytelling Tent at Chale Show, 2024

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 18:56:23 +0000

For a second year in a row, we honoured to be hosting the Somewhen Storytelling tent at Chale Show, Saturday-Sunday, 3rd-4th August, 2o24.

Featuring tales for all ages throughout the day, both days.

Saturday 3rd August ’24 11-4pm

TimeStorytelling/ActivityAimed atLed by11:00Opening tales - Porridge and potsAllSue Bailey11:30Musical stories3+Izzy Norwood12:00Monsters and mayhem8+Nell Phoenix12:30Circus skillsAllAlicia Dent1:00Kings, coins and Chickens5+Holly Medland1:30Tales from the sea4+Sue Clark2:00Magical Gardens4+Nell Phoenix2:30Musical stories3+Izzy Norwood3:00Circus skills (outside the tent) / Myths and magic transformations (inside tent)All / 7+Alicia Dent / Sylvia Clare3:30Stylish Stories5+Holly Medland4:00Closing tales – Beds and ByesAllSue Bailey

Nell Phoenix @ CHOYD, Sat Aug 3rd, 2024

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 09:45:00 +0000

We’re delighted to announce that on the weekend of Sat/Sun August 3rd-th, 2024, we have the wonderful Nell Phoenix back on the Island, with a couple of short all-comers sets in our story tent at Chale Show, and full adult audience storytelling set at CHOYD (Yarmouth Community Hall) on Saturday, August 4th, 2024, 7pm.

So if you’re wondering what to do about getting your next cultural fix as Ventnor Fringe comes to a close, now you know….

Ventnor Fringe 2024 — 'Tis Tales "Elemental Tales"

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 21:53:19 +0000

Closing off our storytelling festival within a fringe, your last chance to catch a Somewhen Storytelling set at Ventnor Fringe, 2024, with our ‘Tis Tales performance “Elemental Tales” — Saturday, July 27th, 2024, Ingrams Yard. Tickets available here.

Ventnor Fringe 2024 — CANCELLED— Sarah Liisa Wilkinson

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:30:32 +0000

For a second year in a row, it seems our “story festival within a fringe” headline act has had to cancel… Sara Liisa has been hit by the Covid lurgy, and unfortunately won’t be able to perform this week…

Headlining our “storytelling festival within a fringe” series of events, the fabulous Sarah Liisa Wilkinson will be back on the Island on Friday, July 26th 2024, at Crackerjack time, 5pm-6, in Ingrams Yard, with her show The Girsl and the Snake Witch.
Tickets for all the storytelling shows we’re supporting available here.

Ventnor Fringe 2024 — Island Storytellers "Seven Ages"

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:57:06 +0000

With Ventnor Fringe week upon us, don’t forget that the Island Storytellers’ “gang show” will be hitting Ventnor Library this Wednesday, July 24th, 2024, 7-9.30pm. Tickets available here.

Island Storytellers’ is an informal story circle that meets once a month, somewhere on the Island, to swap tales and share stories. For more details, see the Island Storytellers’ Facebook page. (Also see here.)

Ventnor Fringe 2024 — Middle Age Crisis [SOLD OUT]

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 22:42:05 +0000

If you were hoping to catch ‘Tis Tales teller Holly’s show Middle Age Crisis at the Ventnor Arts Center next week as part of Ventnor Fringe, this show has now sold out :-)

Holly is also performing in two other shows next week — as part of the Island Storytellers gang show The Seven Ages on Wednesday, 24th July, 7—9.30, at Ventnor Library, and with ‘Tis Tales for Elemental Tales on the second Saturday of Ventnor Fringe, Saturday, July 27th, 2024, 11am—noon, Ingrams Yard.

VFringe 2024 — A Storytelling Festival Within a Fringe

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 08:49:01 +0000

Building on our funded Somewhen Storytelling project last year, we’re please to announce a whole host of storytelling related events at this year’s Ventnor Fringe, with shows from a wide range of Island-based storytellers and a welcome return to the Island from Sarah Liisa Wilkinson.

Ticket links for all shows available here: /ventnor-fringe/

VFringe 2024 — Stories'n'Harp

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:24:54 +0000

As part of Ventnor Fringe, ‘Tis Tales teller Monty will be performing two shows as part of Stories’n’Harp, along with harpist Theresa Ellis and singer Jenni Charity.

So why not make a date in your diary for a pre-show lunch at the Better Days Cafe, then a matinée of tales…

And with different tales each day, there’s no reason not to come twice:-)

Tues, July 23rd, 2-3pmStories’n’Harp: Tales of Britain and Ireland (Wales & Ireland)Ingrams YardTicketsWeds, July 24th, 2-3pmStories’n’Harp: Tales of Britain and Ireland (England & Scotland)Ingrams YardTickets

Stories'n'Harp — Tales in Progress

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:22:49 +0000

In part as a warm-up for a couple of shows at Ventnor Fringe, ‘Tis Tales teller Monty will be performing as part of Stories’n’Harp at Babushka Books, Shanklin, on election day, Thursday, July 4th, 2024.

As ever with Babushka storytelling shows, sevens apply: doors at 7, tickets £7 (incl. refreshments…mmm, cake…). Tickets in advance from the shop, or tel. Reuben on 07511 220038‬ / 01983 652880.

"Under the Tree" Show @ IW Biosphere Festival

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:42:54 +0000

We’re pleased to announce our first ‘Tis Tales show for the summer will be as part of the IW Biosphere Festival — a selection of tales told “Under the Tree” at Northwood House, on Saturday, June 29th, 7.30-9pm. Tickets available here. Meet at the Northwood House War Memorial, Cowes.

"Middle Age Crisis" Show @ Babushka, June 4th, 2024

Wed, 29 May 2024 19:49:12 +0000

A first solo show for ‘Tis Tales teller Holly at Babushka Books, Shanklin, on Thursday, June 4th, 2024, 7pm doors with first story 7.15pm.

Tickets, as ever, £7, including refreshments, with reservations in advance on 07511 220038‬ / 01983 652880 or via the bookshop direct.

Early booking for all Babushka events is: a) much appreciated, and b) increasingly necessary, as the word starts to get out about the joy of storytelling, or perhaps it’s the cake and other refreshments?! (But that’s still no reason not to share the word: the bigger the audience, the more shows we can run, and hopefully the more tellers we can get onto the Island:-)

An Isle of Wight Miscellany (WIP — POSTPONED)

Tue, 07 May 2024 12:15:08 +0000

REGRETFULLY POSTPONED — the coughing, however, continues…:-(

Upcoming this week — Thursday, May 9th, 2024 — ‘TisTales teller Monty will be back at Babushka Books in Shanklin with a set of Island-based tales and legends. The first half of the show will feature a legend of how Godshill got its name, a macabre tale from Arreton, and a well known, and still told, children’s nursery tale that was originally set in Shanklin… The second part will feature a work-in-progress historical tale of life in the city of vice that was Newport in the 1850s, an evangelical preacher with a penchant for publishing inflammatory tracts, and a link to Jane Eyre…

'Tis Tales at Lake Coffee House, Thurs, April 25th, 2024

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 13:00:48 +0000

**POSTPONED DUE TO ILLNESS — REPLACEMENT DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED**

We’re pleased to announce our first ‘Tis Tales set at the Coffee House, Lake, (on the No. 8 bus route, opposite Morrisons, next to Aldi; other supermarkets are available, just not there…), on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, doors at 7pm, first story 7.15, tickets £6 available from the ’ Tis Tales ticket site.

So come all ye and hear Holly, Monty and Sue regale you with tales for grown ups of fantastical beasts and maybe a mythical monster or two…

Stories'n'Harp, Monkton Arts, April 10th, 2024

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:42:18 +0000

Another outing for ‘Tis Tales teller Monty with Ryde based harpist Theresa Ellis, also featuring special guest Jenni Charity, at Monkton Arts, Ryde, on Wednesday April 10th, 2024.

Doors 7pm, first story 7.15pm. Tickets, price £5, are available here.

Somewhen Presents — Clare Murphy, UniVerse

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:28:10 +0000

A mathematician finds a gift from a god. Blacksmiths beat out the music of the spheres. And why are there turtles everywhere?

Where does myth meet science? Is it only in the middle of the night when we half wake and half sleep? In this timeless place of wonder and insight, time stretches and a fissure opens that builds a dream bridge between many worlds…

All you need to know:

Storytelling for Science Educators Workshop

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:14:07 +0000

Clare Murphy, a highly respected international storyteller will
be leading a storytelling workshop from 9.00-5pm on
Wednesday 6th March, 2024, at Quay Arts, Newport. It will focus on developing new and different ways to communicate [ Clare Murphy, training].

Clare says:

Whether you are a climate change scientist, a paramedic, a UN Policy maker, an academic, you need to be able to talk fluently about your work and make an impact on your audience. Storytelling skills will help you and your team improve your impact and message, no matter what sector you work in.

Tis Tales Show in Cowes — Love and Where It Takes You

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:01:47 +0000

Making use of the extra day in the year, Holly and Sue will be telling a set of tales on the theme of luurrrrve, and where it takes you, at Medina Bookshop in Cowes, on Thursday, 29th February, 2024 . Doors open at 6.15 for 6.30pm start.

A wife plays a trick on her husband, a soldier holds a secret and a woman has a tough choice selecting a husband. Discover the funny, thoughtful and shocking place that love can take you in these wonderful traditional stories old by island-based storytellers Tis Tales.

National Storytelling Week — Extra Event

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 15:21:07 +0000

Just a reminder that this week is National Storytelling Week, as promoted by the Society for Storytelling (who seem to have decided that now is a good time to refresh their whole website, which is to say, the site is currently down…;-)

If storytelling still means little more to you than reading bedtime tales, to children, from illustrated books, then DEFINITELY LEAVE THE YOUNGER KIDS AT HOME and come to see one of the sassiest tellers of traditional tales that I think I’ve ever seen: Sarah Liisa Wilkinson’s “Strange Girls, Beautiful Monsters” is on at the Cowes Combined Services Club, Tuesday, Jan. 30th, 2024, 7pm, tickets available here. Not really for children..

Somewhen Stories on the Isle of Wight, for National Storytelling week, 2024

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:12:20 +0000

It’s that time of year when the National Storytelling Week comes around again — Saturday, 27th January - Sunday, 4th February 2024 — and we’re starting things off early with a performance by ‘Tis Tales teller, Monty, alongside harpist Theresa Ellis, at Babushka Books, Shanklin, on the theme of Tradtional Tales from England and Wales.

_Poor Sir Orfeo, a King of Winchester whose wife has been taken prisoner by the fairies. A master harper, can he beguile the good people to win her back?
_
For the sorceress Ceridwen, a year and a day is a price she’ll happy pay to brew a potion of inspiration for her talentless. But when the prize goes elsewhere, a magical chase ensues….

Strange Girls, Beautiful Monsters

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:02:13 +0000

As the new year begins, what better way to start than with a Somewhen Storytelling promoted storytelling event in Cowes as part of National Storytelling Week….

If you haven’t been to a storytelling show before, try this one…

A girl enters the woods clutching a skull with burning eyesAnother tumbles out of a barrel and falls in loveA third erupts into the world riding a goatOne more opens a forbidden door…

Seasonal Stories, 16-17th December, 2023

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:56:40 +0000

For your delight and delectation, the Island Storytellers will be present two storytelling showcases on the theme of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in Ventnor on Saturday, December 16th, 2023:

Ventnor Exchange, 11.30-12.30
St Catherine’s Hub (in St Catherine’s Church opposite Ventnor Exchange), 1.30-2.30

The Island Storytellers monthly storyround is also in Ventnor this month, Thursday, December 14th, 7-9pm, Ventnor Library. This is an informal, round table telling event, all welcome, tellers, old and new, and listeners alike.

"Twelve Days of Christmas" Tales at Ventnor, 2023

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:12:54 +0000

As part of the Somewhen Storytelling initiative, the Island Storytellers have been hard at work crafting characters for a window spotting competition in Ventnor based on the Twelve Days of Christmas cumulative song.

The competition runs across participating shop fronts in Ventnor from Saturday to Saturday, the 9th to the 16th of December.

The Island Storytellers will also be performing two shows, telling tales inspired by the gifts referred to in the song, on Saturday, December 16th prior to the Ventor Illuminated Carnival. The first show will be at Ventnor Exchange at 11.30am and the second in St Catherine’s Church Meeting Room at 1.30pm. There will be tales about swans, golden rings, drummers, hens and more. Entry is by donation on the door, of food, or cash, or Christmas supplies, to Ventnor Community Foodbank.

Seasonal Tales at Babushka Books

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:21:43 +0000

In what’s becoming something of a regular venue for storytelling on the Island, Monty is returning to Babushka Books in Shanklin on Thursday, December 7th, EXTRA DATE Friday, December 8th, 2023, with a set entitled The Winter Cherries And Other Seasonal Tales. As ever, doors are 7pm for a 7.15pm start, and refreshments are included in the £5 ticket price.

Booking tickets in advance is essential, (not least so Reuben knows how much cake to bring!), from Babushka Books direct or via ‭07511 220038‬ / 01983 652880.

2/3 'Tis Tales Hallowe'en Stories

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:30:02 +0000

Setting the scene for Hallowe’en, Holly and Sue are taking a `Tis Tales set of sinister and strange stories to Babushka Books in Shanklin on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, whilst Monty is gallivanting off on the mainland somewhere…

Tickets priced £5 including refreshments are selling fast, but there’s still a few available from Babushka Books, or on 07511 220038 / 01983 652880.

Somewhen Promotes "Tangle of the Commons" at IW Lit Fest

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:36:23 +0000

After a summer of otherwise activities, the Somewhen storytelling adventure makes a welcome return as we bring Lisa Schneidau onto the Island from the West Country to with her performance of Tangle of the Commons.

Tales and the land often go together, and Lisa’s tales are often steeped in the landscape and acutely aware of the local ecology. So what are you waiting for? Tickets are available from the Isle of Literary Festival website now…

Chale Show Saturday Cancelled But Can't Wait for Sunday...

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 16:55:53 +0000

It was blowing a bit of a hoolie as we were putting the final touches to the Somewhenever Story tent at the Chale Show showground this morning, so much so that with tents lifting the organisers were forced to cancel today’s (Saturday’s) show.

But as the storm passes through, we’re really looking forward to bringing a plethora of short storytelling slots to the show tomorrow, with tales for all ages on the hour, every hour, 11 till 4 inclusive, and with family friendly sets and activities on the half-past…

'Tis Tales Tellers Appearing Somewhen at Chale Show, 2023

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:41:41 +0000

With Ventnor Fringe over for another year, there’s no stopping the stories this summer… Upcoming this weekend, all three ‘Tis Tales tellers will be popping up in the Somewhenever Story Tent at Chale Show.

There’s a full programme of tales and other activities across both days (Saturday and Sunday), with 20 minutes of tales on the hour each day, from 11am to 4pm inclusive.

As part of the Somewhen Storytelling project, we are looking to raise awareness of storytelling as oral culture — tales told, not read — across the island, and across ages. Whilst the Chale Show story tent activities on the half hour are intended as family friendly events, many of the stories told on the hour are likely to be appropriate for all ages…

Stories Galore at Ventnor Fringe

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:16:20 +0000

Giants, green dragons, wonder tales, sock hunts…. The Island Storyteller’s Somewhen team brought a myriad of stories to Ventnor Fringe last week in a multitude of events. Internationally renowned storyteller Xanthe Gresham Knight enthralled the audience with her tales chosen by the audience; Xanthe had stepped in at the last moment as well-known storyteller, Daniel Morden, had been taken ill. Sue Bailey said “ It was great that Xanthe was able to come. We were looking for someone of a similar calibre to Daniel, and Xanthe pulled the stops out to fill the void with mesmerising stories and accordion playing”.

"Dark Tales" CANCELLED... Xanthe Gresham-Knight's "Bag of Wonders" Now at Ventnor Fringe

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:10:43 +0000

We’re gutted to have had to announce that Daniel Morden has had to withdraw from this week’s Ventnor Fringe Festival show — we hope he makes a speedy recovery to full health — but really excited that Sue Bailey managed to catch up with Xanthe Gresham whilst at Festival at the Edge over the weekend and persuade her to bring her “Bag of Wonders” show in place of Dark Tales.

All tickets for “Dark Tales” will transfer to the replacement “Bag of Wonders” show (refunds also available on request… but you’d be missing a treat!)

Island Storytellers at Ventnor Fringe, 2023: "Green"

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:15:54 +0000

A new gang show from the Island Storytellers will be presented at Ventnor Library on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tickets: £6, Under 25 £3, Culture / Unlimited Pass 2for1 (pass holders only) available here.

GREEN is life itself. From the smallest flower to the oldest oak; flashing eyes of love to the dark plots of jealous envy; ‘The force through the green fuse drives the flower…’. And don’t forget lizards, parrots and dragons with their GREEN Scales and Tails. Come to hear GREEN stories of every description as told by the Island Storytellers.

'Tis Tales Show at Ventnor Fringe, 2023

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:37:07 +0000

Don’t miss out, there’s still time to book your tickets for our new show, Here Be Giants, at the Ventnor Arts Club on Friday, July 28th, 3-4pm. Tickets available here.

Taking Somewhen Stories to Calbourne Water Mill

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 16:50:00 +0000

Over the weekend, ‘Tis Tales teller Monty took a selection of stories to the Water Mill at Calbourne.

The weather didn’t really suit telling outside using the rather fantastic story-telling chair, but maybe next time?

And when it came to trying to pull the sword from the stone…?!

We’ll hopefully be taking some tales to other island events over the summer as part of the Somewhen Storytelling initiative, so keep an eye out for details…

"Unforeseen Consequences" at Ventnor Fringe

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:00:00 +0000

We’re involved with a whole host of stories at Ventnor Fringe this week, in part under the banner of the Somewhen Storytelling initiative.

First up, ‘Tis Tales Monty is bringing his “Unfortunate Consequences (Verging on Nonsense)” set to Boniface Studios on Sunday 23rd July, 2023, 5-6pm. Tickets: £8, Under 25 £5, Culture / Unlimited Pass 2for1 available here.

Whatever the streaming services try to tell you, the best stories, and the best storytelling, are NOT best told through a screen…

Variously Assembled at RhythmTree Festival, 2022

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:48:36 +0000

Although not all appearing on stage at the same time, all three members of ‘Tis Tales will be performing on the Spoke’n’Heard stage at the RhythmTree Festival at Sticelett Farm, Thorness Bay, Isle of Wight, over the weekend 8th-10th July, 2022.

Helping kick things off, Holly & Monty, Friday 8th July, 5pm-6pm, with a set on Fantastical Tales. Followed by an open storyround for anyone wanting to tell a story (max 5mins) of their own.

A Weekend at Beyond the Border, Part I

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:48:29 +0000

Although this year saw the Beyond the Border International Storytelling Festival celebrating thirty years since the first event, this is the first time we’ve actually made it. (That’s not quite as bad as it sounds: the festival only takes place every two years…)

Set in its new home in the grounds of Dinefwr Castle in Llandeilo, Wales, the festival ran Friday evening to Sunday evening, with two main performance tents (each with a capacity of about 200?), three smaller performance and workshop tents (one mainly for the kids’ performances) and a covered social eating area.

Promoting Somewhen Storytelling at Ventnor Fringe

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:42:36 +0000

Just a fortnight or so to go before Ventnor Fringe — have you started getting your tickets yet? There are 2for1 offers on many shows, if you’re quick, and it’s a real confidence boost be performers knowing in advance that there will be audience there!

A huge treat for us is having Daniel Morden at the Ventnor Fringe. One of the most compelling tellers of dark tales out there, Daniel’s set will feature his own reworked versions of several late 19th century tales from the Woods’, a legendary Welsh gypsy family. A show not to be missed. Tickets available here.

'Tis Tales and More at Ventnor Fringe 2023

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:25:02 +0000

As part of the Island-based Somwhen Storytelling initiative, ‘Tis Tales will be appearing as one of several Somewhen affiliated events at Ventnor Fringe.

Search for somewhen storytelling on the Ventnor Fringe website.

Tickets for all our events are already on sale from the Ventnor Fringe Box Office. Please help spread the word…

DANIEL MORDEN — DARK TALES FROM THE WOODS (performance storytelling from internationally renowned, award winning Welsh storyteller, Daniel Mordern)
‘TIS TALES — HERE BE GIANTS (performance storytelling from Island based storytelling trio ‘Tis Tales…)
ISLAND STORYTELLERS — GREEN (Island Storytellers’ storytelling gang show)
TONY “MONTY” HIRST — UNFORESEEN CONSEQUENCES (performance storytelling that doesn’t quite fit the two song folk night/open mic slot format )
SUE BAILEY — ONE SOCK - A STORYTELLING RIDDLE FILLED SOCK HUNT (ever popular, family friendly story walks with Sue)

If you like storytelling (stories as traditionally told (NOT read), or are just intrigued as to how stories might not just be for children, please try to support these events. Any profits generated will go back into the pot to help us bring more professional storytellers to the Island.

Somewhen Storytelling Festival, June 3-4, 2023

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:01:22 +0000

Two Storytelling Shows for May...

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:04:46 +0000

Following on from two successful shows in February, at pop up venues The Athanor in Ventnor, and Babushka Books in Shanklin, ‘Tis Tales teller Monty will performing two new back to back shows at the same venues in May.

First up, on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, with doors open at 7pm, at The Athanor, Ventnor, “And the Girl Played On…”. What happens when King’s daughter claims to love him only as much salt? What is the significance of the leaves that hung but never grew? How should a young girl respond when the local lord tells her she can only marry when she had spun her wedding shift, and his death shroud, from nettles? And what price ambition — for love, for fame? — when a bargain with the Devil is part of the story? Tickets, priced £4, are reservable in advance from the venue or by calling 07405 346388.

'Tis Tales' Favourites at Freshwater Library

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:40:30 +0000

In the land of story, there are many tales to tell. Of good deeds and bad, of gifts and desires, of tricksters and terrible ends.

So join us for a magical evening of storytelling in which Tis Tales will enchant you with a selection of their favourite traditional tales, hailing from places as near as the Back of the Wight and as far as the mountains of Marrakech.

Through these skilfully told tales, you’ll discover the object more valuable than gold, learn why you should never interrupt a story and meet the woman who terrified death himself.

Announcing "Spring Stories", 2023, @ Bar 74

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 20:43:28 +0000

With spring in the air, ‘Tis Tales are pleased to announce a new collection of traditional tales — Spring Stories— presenting for the first time on the Ides of March — Wednesday, March 15th, 2023, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start — at Bar 74, Ryde.

Look forward to an enchanting evening of traditional spring tales, featuring gods and goddesses, flowers and fog, making it perfectly balanced between the darkness of winter and the lightness of summer.

'Tis Tales Tellers at IW Story Festival, 2023

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:38:13 +0000

As part of the family friendly Isle of Wight Story Festival, ‘Tis Tales tellers Sue and Holly are both in action over the course of the festival.

On Friday, February 17th, 2023, 14:30 – 15:15, Holly will be telling Marvellous Medicine Tales appropriate for children, ages 3-11:

Daring doctors, curious cures and quests for rare ingredients!

Discover some strange historical cures and make a pomander bag to stay healthy and keep foul smells away in this fun, interactive storytelling session.

National Storytelling Week, 2023, Event Round-up

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 13:20:40 +0000

As we come to the end of National Storytelling Week, a quick round-up of events that took place over the last or so here on the island.

Last Friday saw internationally renowned storyteller Peter Chand telling a wonderful collection of elephant related tales, from the origin story of the Hindu god of new beginnings, Ganesha, to the title story of the set, Jayamala, and a short, but powerful, tale of the King of the Elephants and the cruelty of man ( variant). If you missed the set, ask one of the Island Storytellers to tell you their favourite tale from the evening:-)

An Evening of Elephant Tales, With Peter Chand

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 18:49:18 +0000

From ancient stone carvings, to the Indian epics and many a folktale in between - the elephant has played a large part in many a story from the subcontinent. Whether it is the kind and trusting beast who suffers at the cruel hands of man, or the Remover of Obstacles himself the wise and powerful Ganesha- the elephant is as much a part of the myth and folktale of India as the pantheon of gods themselves.

Events for National Storytelling Week, 2023

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 18:49:10 +0000

You may not have heard of it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening… Dates vary depending on where you look it up, but National Storytelling Week, 2023, — a celebration of storytelling in all its forms — will be running over the first week of February.

Here on the Island, we’re starting early, with the Island Storytellers promoting what we’re sure will be a believably unbelievable set of Indian tales from internationally renowned professional storyteller Peter Chand.

Announcing "Winter Tales", 2022

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 18:12:07 +0000

Following on from our two previous sold-out performances ( Island Tales and Sinister Stories), we’re pleased to announce our next show will be back at Boojum & Snark in Sandown on Thursday, December 15th, 2022. Doors open at 7pm, stories from 7.30pm.

Tickets in advance, priced £6 including booking fee, from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tis-tales.

"Sinister Stories" Pop-Up Venue

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 16:58:28 +0000

For the sold-out first outing of our “Sinister Stories” set, we took to the woods in pop-up venue in the woods at Fort Victoria Country Park…

Thanks to everyone who braved it into the woods…

If you have any photos or videos from the event, please share them with our tistales Facebook page, tag them via @TisTales_IW Twitter account, or email them to mediashare@tistales.org.uk …

To sign up to our mailing list, email subscribe@tistales.org.uk.

Sinister Stories at Fort Victoria

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 20:57:20 +0000

Taking a step out into the woods, our next ‘Tis Tales performance is a seasonal outing of sinister stories and chilling tales, at Fort Victoria on Friday, October 28th, 2022, 7pm-8.30pm (subject to weather…).

An atmospheric evening of chilling traditional tales.

The evening will start in the car park at Fort Victoria, where the tale tellers will meet you before guiding you to a clearing in the woods. There we will settle in for an evening of stories about Death and the Devil, spectres and ghouls, close calls and unfortunate ends.

'Tis Tales Tellers Telling a Hullabaloo, Autumn 2022

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:07:00 +0000

Retrospectively posted, but it’s all about keeping track of the stories and lies…

Taking a step away from a troupe performance, Holly, Monty and Sue and all made individual appearances at the Sandown Hullabaloo science, art and community festival over the weekend.

Featuring early morning breakfast tales, animal tales, and tales of wonder, the three ‘Tis Tales tellers provided tales for all ages at this fantastic island event.

Island Storytellers Promoted Event: Keith Donnelly

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 20:38:08 +0000

On Monday, October 17th, 2022, 7.30-9.30pm, the Island Storytellers storytelling circle are promoting a special event at the Ventnor Arts Club, a one-night only performance event by singer and teller of the tallest of tales, Keith Donnelly.

Tickets, priced £6 + booking fee, are available from the Ventnor Arts Club or via online ticket sales here.

The Island Storytellers meet once a month or so, typically on the third Tuesday of the month, typically in a pub somewhere on the Island, for an informal hour or two of round table storytelling. Tellers new and old, as well as listeners old and new, are always most welcome. Check out the Island Storytellers Facebook group, or the Island Storytellers page here on the `Tis Tales website, for regular updates about where the group is meeting next…

'Tis Tales Performance at IW Literary Festival, 2022, Now Sold Out

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:41:42 +0000

If your haven’t bought your tickets for our “Island Tales” performance this weekend at Medina Bookshop in Cowes, as part of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, 2022, the tickets have now sold out.

We are hoping to announce some dates for a couple of new performances in the near future, so make sure you keep checking back here for updates.

If you would like to book ‘Tis Tales for a storytelling performance, please get in touch via bookings@tistales.org.uk

Upcoming Show at Isle of Wight Literary Festival

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 20:40:52 +0000

We’re pleased to announce that ‘Tis Tales will be performing at the Medina Bookshop, Cowes, on Saturday, October 8th, 2022, 7.30pm-8.30pm, as part of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival, with another outing of our Island Tales set.

We may not have books to sell, but we certainly have tales to tell…

Tickets, priced £10, are available from the Isle of Wight Literary Festival website.

Pandvani 108 at the Earthouse

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 12:49:41 +0000

If you ever pass by the village of Cranborne in Dorset, make sure to pay a visit to the Ancient Technology Centre, an outdoor living history centre with recreations of several ancient buildings, including an iron age roundhouse, a Viking Longhouse (eat your heart out, other museum cafés!), and a spectacular recreation of an iron age Earthouse.

The earthouse itself provides a 250 seat capacity in-the-round indoor theatre (although you might want to take a cushion to sit on).

A Weekend at Oxford Storytelling Festival, 2022

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:11:55 +0000

Last weekend seems to have been a busy one in the world of UK storytelling festivals, with both the Oxford Storytelling Festival and the East Anglian Storytelling Festival taking place.

Tellers at Oxford included Shonaleigh, Jan Blake, Emily Hennessy & Sheema Mukhurjee, Nick Hennessey, Tom Hirons, Riika Palonen, Lisa Schneidau, and David Heathfield. Shonaleigh also featured at East Anglia, along with other half Simon Heywood, Clare Murphy, Xanthe Gresham, Dave Tonge, Taffy Thomas, and more…

In Search of the Pedlar of Swaffham

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 11:49:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, on a trip to see the roundy-roundy BTCC racing touring cars at Snetterton in Norfolk, I (Monty) took a slight detour via Swaffham in search of remnants of the traditional tale The Pedlar of Swaffham (as for example collected by Joseph Jacobs in More English Fairy Tales [ notes]).

In the Church there, you can find carvings of the pedlar and his dog.

The pew ends also have various other carvings, which makes me wonder whether there are stories attached to those as well…

First Show at Ventnor Fringe

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 13:26:44 +0000

Thanks to Ventnor Arts Club, and a great audience, at our Ventnor Fringe performance of “Island Tales”: it was a fantastic venue for a storytelling event — our first in a theatrical setting — and it’d be great to see more storytelling events there.

Huge thanks, too, to the folk at Ventnor Exchange for all they do organising the Ventnor Fringe each year. If you haven’t made it to any events yet, there’s still dozens of events, both ticketed and free, upcoming: https://vfringe.co.uk/

First 'Tis Tales Gig at Ventnor Fringe, 2022

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:49:51 +0000

This Saturday, July 23rd, 2022, 7pm, we’ll be performing for the first time as Tis Tales, at the Ventnor Arts Club, as part of the Ventnor Fringe.

Tickets are still available from the Ventnor Fringe Box Office: https://vfringe.co.uk/events/island-tales

On the Festival Trail

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:45:49 +0000

Over the last couple of weekends, we’ve been out and about at various festivals.

A couple of weeks ago, we were all involved with the Spoke’n’Heard tent at RhythmTree Festival, here on the Isle of Wight. With some good turnouts, not least for our headline acts, we’ll be looking to build audiences even more if the Festival will have us back!

Last weekend, Sue and Monty also made a pilgrimage to FATE — Festival at the Edge. This is of the UK’s best, and longest running storytelling festivals, and you can be sure that we’ve brought back many of the tales we picked up there..

Storytelling at Ventnor Fringe

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:00:51 +0000

As part of of the Ventnor Fringe, we’re involved in a whole host of upcoming events.

From storywalks and the book bus, to an Island Storytellers collective event and our first `Tis Tales performance, there are plenty of opportunities to come and hear some tales told the traditional way.

‘Tis Tales — Island Tales

Following several shows as “Three Island Storytellers”, Holly Medland, Tony “Monty” Hirst and Sue Bailey are coming to Ventnor Fringe for a first performance in their new guise of ‘Tis Tales.

'Tis Tales to Appear at Ventnor Fringe

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:13:40 +0000

The first performance of Holly, Monty, and Sue as ‘Tis Tales will take place during Ventnor Fringe, 2022, at the Ventnor Arts Club on Saturday, July 23rd, 2022, 7pm-8pm with An Evening of Island Tale s.

Tickets available from the Ventnor Fringe Box Office.

Final Show as "Three Island StoryTellers"

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:09:54 +0000

Finishing where we started, the final Three Island StoryTellers performance was held at microbrewery and craft ale arts pub Boojum & Snark in Sandown, Isle of Wight on Thursday, 23rd July, 2022.

A two act performance featuring tales from a range of traditions, including Thor and the Stolen Hammer, Godmother Death, and The Birth of Music, a tale that also involved a first outing for Holly’s lyre.

No animals were harmed during the performance, although one did take part… But that’s another story…

Welcome to 'Tis Tales

Wed, 25 May 2022 11:12:59 +0000

The website for ‘Tis Tales, a band of storytellers — Holly Medland, Tony “Monty” Hirst and Sue Bailey — from the Isle of Wight.

More details coming soon…