Stroud Story Cabaret Launch Event



Stroud Storytellers present an all-new quarterly event in Stroud.  Stroud's Story Cabaret is a new storytelling and music event that will feature storytelling and musical talent from around the region.  Each session is a mix of booked performances from professional storytellers and musicians and floor spots from the audience. 

We kick off on Friday 18 March with Bristol performers Martin Maudsley and Fiona Barrow, who will be performing Old Tom's Tales, spellbinding oral storytelling and live acoustic music weaving a poignant and endearing account of one man’s life and the stories that surrounded him.

Old Tom’s Tales is framed by the life story of Thomas Molloy, a second generation Irish immigrant who lived and worked his whole life on a small farm in rural Lancashire. The narrative is gently threaded with folktales and local legends from the landscape and heritage of Old Tom’s homeland in Ireland and England: stories of boggarts and spirits that inhabit the shadowy places between reality and imagination; tall tales of country capers and ribald rural life; magical myths imbued with deep connections to the land; and gentle yarns that hold the bitter-sweet emotions of life and loss. Fiddle, guitar and voice sympathetically underscore the piece through original music alongside traditional tunes and folk songs. Old Tom’s Tales was originally performed at Bristol Storytelling Festival 2010.

Martin Maudsley is a professional storyteller based in Bristol.  He is the artistic director of the Bristol Storytelling Festival, was the Bard of Avalon in 2006/7, and also runs Folk Tales, a popular storytelling and music club in Bristol.  Fiona Barrow is a Bristol based multi-instrumentalist and composer, and with Edward Jay is a member of the group the Bristol Players. 

Floor spots welcomed – bring a story, song or poem – or just come to listen.  Floor spots should be ten minutes or less, and the only rule is no reading allowed!

7.30 for 8pm £6 (concessions £5). The Hall, Five Valleys Foyer, Gloucester Street, Stroud.  Refreshments will be available at Star Anise Arts Cafe.

Bookings: Star Anise Arts Cafe 01453 840021. Contact: Kirsty 01453 840887 or info@kirstyhartsiotis.co.uk

Stroud Storytellers are: Fiona Eadie, Kirsty Hartsiotis, Di Humphries and Anthony Nanson - a small contingent of the storytelling talent in this small Cotswolds town!

Stroud Story Cabaret is proud to have funding from Stroud Arts Festival.