WILDWOOD STORYTELLING

FRANCES HARRISON

Frances Harrison, B.A., PGCE is an engaging and gifted storyteller who creates worlds with her words and brings cultures, memories and ideas to life. She is a member of the Society for Storytelling.

Frances lives in Somerset and has given performances and workshops in schools, libraries, museums, castles, gardens, woods, historic sites, churches, pubs and festivals. As well as being an experienced storyteller, Frances is a visual artist and teaches History of Art. She has been lead artist in a number of community arts projects. . .

“ . . . the deepest mysteries explored with humour & passion . . . I liked it because it gave you all sorts of pictures in your head . . . I liked it because it makes me happy because it was really funny . . . You have a wonderful gift . . . A valuable experience for the students . . . attentive listening even from very young children . . . children spellbound . . . It was beautiful . . . It's the way she tells the stories that makes them special . . . “

STORYTELLING

Children, young people and adults respond very readily to live storytelling. It is a dynamic and immediate way of connecting with our astonishing and diverse World culture - whether it's a story from our village or from the other side of the World, something we heard about yesterday or a tale that a medieval harper sang.

Listening to and participating in storytelling helps to build community, develop confidence, language and communication skills. Stories encourage and enhance empathy and creativity.

My stories include:

FOLK TALES

Folk Tales share wisdom & experience and often feature animals alongside or instead of humans. They include Trickster Tales, Anansi (Africa), Coyote (North America), Baba Yaga (Russia) and English Dragon Tales.

FAIRY TALES

Folk narratives that open up magical realms - Kings, Queens, little people and the supernatural. Most of my material comes from the collections of the Brothers Grimm.

LEGENDS & SAGAS

Stories of Kings, heroes & monsters from the deep past such as Beowulf, the legends of King Arthur and Ancient Greece.

MYTHS

which explain natural and supernatural phenomena. Creation, Constellation, Norse and Hindu myths. Myths set in modern times.

ORIGINAL MATERIAL

I have written a variety of stories for telling, including commissioned responses to sites and local history, a wood, the smallest church in England and the dark starry skies.

PERFORMANCES & WORKSHOPS

STORYTELLING

is one of the oldest art-forms
supports the development of spoken and written language
stimulates the imagination
is how we understand, narrate & transform our world
can communicate a deep understanding of art, literature, landscape & history
is ideal for all ages

is one of the oldest art-forms
supports the development of spoken and written language
stimulates the imagination
is how we understand, narrate & transform our world
can communicate a deep understanding of art, literature, landscape & history
is ideal for all ages

People of all ages and cultures tell stories and need stories. They are hugely enjoyable as well as being revealing, powerful and transforming.

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Performances can be a mixed bag or can be themed to fit in with a special topic or area of the curriculum - or a special event like National Storytelling Week or Book Week.

Performances and workshops can support key areas of the curriculum such as English, Drama, History, Religious Studies.

FAMILIES

Storytelling sessions in libraries, Visitors' Centres, Museums, National Trust properties, Folk Festivals and Storytelling Walks offer an enjoyable participatory experience for families to share together.

ADULTS

Frances also offers storytelling in Folk Festivals, libraries and pubs as well as sessions for adults with special needs.