Tea and Tales
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
7 November
5 December
9 January 2019
6 February 2019
6 March 2019
2.30pm - 3.30pm
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
7 November
5 December
9 January 2019
6 February 2019
6 March 2019
2.30pm - 3.30pm
I have to confess that being asked to review a storytelling for grown-ups performance was something that left me rather bemused. Isn't that sort of thing just for children? Apparently not, it would seem. Therefore, being one to embrace anything involving the arts, darlings, I headed on down to the Palace Theatre. Here, professional oral storytellers (why does no one ever tell you about these sorts of jobs when you're at school?), Hannah Brailsford and Peter Optical were waiting to engage an audience, which on this particular October afternoon were made up of around 25, in the theatre foyer.
Once everyone had got their tea and cake - not going to lie, this was one of the reasons I was there, (the Palace Theatre do very good cake) - Peter plays his Celtic harp by way of introduction and Hannah launches into the first tale. This was a fairytale type yarn about a girl who went for a long walk and ended up in a cottage with a strange little man in it. The second story, as told by Peter, did go on a bit and had a groan inducing conclusion but at least at this stage no one had gone to sleep. Hannah then engaged us with a story her mother had told her as a child about talking apples and cakes, followed by a nice little ballad from Peter on the guitar called Lady of Autumn - very apt. The penultimate tale from Peter was an amusing story about a camel and the final tale told by Hannah was about an apple tree and a rose bush with the moral of the tale being kindness over beauty.
Once everyone had got their tea and cake - not going to lie, this was one of the reasons I was there, (the Palace Theatre do very good cake) - Peter plays his Celtic harp by way of introduction and Hannah launches into the first tale. This was a fairytale type yarn about a girl who went for a long walk and ended up in a cottage with a strange little man in it. The second story, as told by Peter, did go on a bit and had a groan inducing conclusion but at least at this stage no one had gone to sleep. Hannah then engaged us with a story her mother had told her as a child about talking apples and cakes, followed by a nice little ballad from Peter on the guitar called Lady of Autumn - very apt. The penultimate tale from Peter was an amusing story about a camel and the final tale told by Hannah was about an apple tree and a rose bush with the moral of the tale being kindness over beauty.
The tales are all very gentle and beautifully told, not least by Hannah who reminded me a lot of Emma Thompson. Anyone who is old enough to remember the children's tv programme, Jackanory, will appreciate the value of a spoken story. Hannah and Peter don't use books to tell their tales; it is said in storytelling circles, I am told, that an oral storyteller speaks 'eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart', no script, no props, no cameras, no books or paper. Just a listener, a comfortable seat and the magic of 'Once Upon a Time...’ It was actually quite refreshing just to sit, watch and listen and become completely engaged in the storytelling taking place..
If I'm completely honest, I think it would have been rather exciting to hear some more raucous tales from the pair or maybe a ghost story or two and after chatting to Hannah after the show, she informed me that she along with other orators will be performing at Twenty One at Southend Seafront (opposite the pier) this Saturday with Spinning Yarn Theatre where they will be telling much more adult themed tales. Click here for more information about this and future performances and also for more on the Spinning Yarn Theatre Company. The evening is in support of Breast Cancer awareness, so audiences are encouraged to 'put on some pink and enjoy an evening of sassy and saucy spoken word and music'.
In the meantime, if you prefer the gentler side of storytelling, together with a nice cuppa and a slice of cake, Tea and Tales is held on the first Wednesday of every month* at the Palace Theatre from 2.30-3.30pm. Tea and Coffee will be available for £1 and a slice of cake for £1.50.
Entry: £2
*Subject to change. All upcoming dates are listed below.
If I'm completely honest, I think it would have been rather exciting to hear some more raucous tales from the pair or maybe a ghost story or two and after chatting to Hannah after the show, she informed me that she along with other orators will be performing at Twenty One at Southend Seafront (opposite the pier) this Saturday with Spinning Yarn Theatre where they will be telling much more adult themed tales. Click here for more information about this and future performances and also for more on the Spinning Yarn Theatre Company. The evening is in support of Breast Cancer awareness, so audiences are encouraged to 'put on some pink and enjoy an evening of sassy and saucy spoken word and music'.
In the meantime, if you prefer the gentler side of storytelling, together with a nice cuppa and a slice of cake, Tea and Tales is held on the first Wednesday of every month* at the Palace Theatre from 2.30-3.30pm. Tea and Coffee will be available for £1 and a slice of cake for £1.50.
Entry: £2
*Subject to change. All upcoming dates are listed below.
- Wednesday 7 November
- Wednesday 5 December
- Wednesday 9 January
- Wednesday 6 February
- Wednesday 6 March
What the Audience Thought
Florence, Leigh on Sea
"I thought it was really interesting. It takes you away from the outside world and the presenters really draw you in. It made the time pass quickly too and left you wanting more. I liked the mix of presentation styles too. I will definitely come back next month as they will be telling different tales. I would recommend it to my friends."
Rosalind, Emmie and Lynn, Southend
'It was good fun and entertaining. It reminded us of when we were children."
Florence, Leigh on Sea
"I thought it was really interesting. It takes you away from the outside world and the presenters really draw you in. It made the time pass quickly too and left you wanting more. I liked the mix of presentation styles too. I will definitely come back next month as they will be telling different tales. I would recommend it to my friends."
Rosalind, Emmie and Lynn, Southend
'It was good fun and entertaining. It reminded us of when we were children."
www.southendtheatres.org.uk Box Office 01702 351135