In 1812 the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhem, published ‘Household and Children’s Tales’, a collection of stories that have shaped the imagery of European art, narrative and collective dreaming for the last 200 years. To celebrate this anniversary the Crick Crack Club and the Unicorn Theatre present three world-class contemporary storytellers with performances for children and family audiences drawn from the magical world of Grimms, plus the UK premiere of the revival of The Company of Storytellers acclaimed adult work, The Three Snake Leaves.
The Three Snake Leaves
Sat 4 Feb, 7.30pm
by The Company of Storytellers
For adults
Stories: Hugh Lupton, Ben Haggarty, Sally Pomme Clayton
Music: Gillian Stevens, Dylan Fowler
‘A wonderful, intricate performance, based on tales from the Brothers Grimm, about the possibilities of redemption’. The Independent
The forest is a place where marvels gleam in the shadows and the mysterious snake leaves bring transformation. 200 years after the Brothers Grimm magnificent collection of stories was first published, The Company of Storytellers, the uncompromising pioneers of the British performance storytelling revival, reform to bring their seminal piece, The Three Snake Leaves, to the stage once more. This ‘remixed’ version features newly devised music by Dylan Fowler and Gillian Stevens.
Hugh Lupton, Ben Haggarty and Sally Pomme Clayton Conjure a primitive, deeply metaphorical world, where they unpick a rich tangle of humorous, moving and cruel stories in an enchanted search for contemporary wisdom.
‘The Company of Storytellers have spearheaded the revival of storytelling, helping to transform it from a moribund anachronism to a vigorous and contemporary form of entertainment’'.
The Independent
The performance lasts approximately 2 hours and is suitable for adults and young people over 14
Grimms' Sheesha
Tue 7 - Sun 12 Feb
by Peter Chand
For ages 8+
Many of the Grimm’s stories are thought to have had their origins in the oral traditions of the East, leap-frogging countries and continents to arrive in Europe via the mouths of merchants, gypsies, travellers, migrants… British Punjabi storyteller Peter Chand holds a mirror to the world of Grimms with a vivid exploration of South Asian versions of some strangely familiar tales.
Grim Grimms: Three Drops of Blood
Tue 14 - Sun 19 Feb
by Ben Haggarty, with music from Sherry Robinson
For ages 8+
Grimm by name, grim by nature. Ben Haggarty takes a journey into the darker side of Grimms’ fairytales. These full-blooded tales for brave and bold listeners, explore challenging themes of service and sacrifice, betrayal and forgiveness, and are filled with humour, sneaky tricks, daring exploits and generally high drama. With the deep shimmer of Sherry Robinson’s cello vividly underscoring this hypnotically magical performance…we invite you to enter the wild side of the fairytale forest.
'I was spellbound – I don’t use the word lightly'. The Times
Content unsuitable for under 8s
A Year in the Forest
Tue 21 Feb - Sun 26 Feb
by Sally Pomme Clayton
For ages 5+
Sally Pomme Clayton leads younger listeners on a journey into and out of the fairytale forest, as she tells four classic fairytales from the Brother's Grimm. This delicate performance follows the seasons, evoking a year of magic and change. Sally Pomme Clayton’s fresh language and sweet humour together with her collection of strange objects and musical instruments, bring these well-loved tales to life.
‘One of the country’s most highly regarded storytellers ... she awakens the imagination’.
The Independent
Suitable for children in Year 1 and over. Not suitable for reception aged children or under 5s
We're taking part in the London Children's Bookswap on Sat 25 Feb from 10.30am - 4.30pm. Bring along your old books and swap them for new stories. There will be storytelling, arts & crafts and plenty of books to swap. This event is free so just pop in or come along before the performances of A Year in the Forest.