Basket: £0.00
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(Sun 8 Dec - Sun 26 Jan) Join us on a journey of discovery where the old history of Edinburgh and the magic of young minds collide! Witness the magic and unlock the secrets! As part of Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh International Magic Festival, Edinburgh Young Carers charity and illusion expert Professor Richard Wiseman have created an innovative, exhibition of mind-bending photographs taken in locations around the city themed around Edinburgh’s magical heritage. Each photograph features young carers (aged 5-17) doing what they do every day of their lives – making the seemingly impossible possible. Can you figure out how they created each illusion? Enjoy the illusions on the wall and watch the video to see behind-the-scenes and learn more about the Edinburgh Young Carers. Photographer: GEEBZ Photography
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Wed 11 Dec: 7:30pm) A cursed army, two twisted lovers, a mighty hero, and a magnificent bull set in motion a terrible war which shapes the landscape and defines the heroic age of Ireland... In this modern retelling of Ireland’s most ancient and beloved myth, Young Edinburgh Storytellers Mark Borthwick and David Hughes weave together music and myth, blood and laughter, gender and magic, to explore the dark delights of the Táin Bó Cúailnge. An intimate performance of traditional storytelling with music, this show explores how our internal wilderness is just as powerful today as when the ancient stories were written. ~~~~~ 'It’s a great piece of theatre, intimate and open but still flooded with a sense of secret welcome. A brilliant performance and an absolute highlight of the Fringe.' ★★★★★ (British Theatre Guide) ★★★★ (The Skinny) ★★★★ (The Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 12 Dec: 7pm) Outside the Beechwood by Scottish author Ellie Buchanan is a beautiful and moving children’s story. Discover the wonderful tale of Macky, a great and furry creature, who meets a little Smoothling child. Together they travel to new places, face challenges and have many an adventure. Illustrated by Lizzy Mikietyn, this dazzling hardback will make a fantastic Christmas present for any 8-12 year old, and readers of all ages. Come and hear the author read extracts, and see the stunning illustrations. Free refreshments of juice, snacks, or a glass of wine with each ticket. Copies of the book (£15.99) will be on sale at the event, as well as some of the book’s original artwork.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 13 Dec: 6:30pm & Sat 14 Dec: 8:30pm) The most divisive, most controversial, most hotly contested referendum of the century is upon us – a vote on the future of Christmas! With the vote open to those aged 14 and above, Pro- and Anti-Christmas factions within PeculiarTown Youth Theatre are ready for action. The dress run for the end-of-term show approaches, offering each group one last chance to make their case heard. From saccharine Christmas propaganda to the antics of Just Stop Christmas, it promises to be a polarised affair. With all friendships badly frayed by this fierce Christmas argument, will the members of PeculiarTown Youth Theatre survive this democratic split? Written by Emily Ingram & Gerry Kielty, directed by Amy Wilson. Performed by the Strange Town 11-14 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: The Caram Trust, The Cordis Charitable Trust, Dr Guthrie's Association, The John Watson's Trust, The Russell Trust, The Stafford Trust and the Tillyloss Trust.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 13 Dec: 8:30pm & Sat 14 Dec: 6:30pm) The natural order will prevail. Centuries ago, a red-hooded figure slew the last wolf in Scotland.Centuries ago, the Forest was angered.Biding its time, Nature plans to restore what was taken. Four hundred years later, a night of celebration suddenly turns sour. The deer have been attacked and a new howl lingers on the wind… A new thriller taken from the fairy tales of wolves gone by – of those who cry wolf, of the red-hooded girl, and of the dangers of the deep full moon. Written by Cara Watson, directed by James Beagon. Performed by the Strange Town 11-14 group (Wednesdays). Strange Town are supported by: The Caram Trust, The Cordis Charitable Trust, Dr Guthrie's Association, The John Watson's Trust, The Russell Trust, The Stafford Trust and the Tillyloss Trust.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 14 Dec, 11am & Sun 15 Dec, 2pm) Gather round the Christmas tree with storytellers Linda Williamson, Jane Mather and Heather Yule for an hour of stories, songs and live harp music inspired by, and drawing from, Tell Me a Story for Christmas: Traveller Tales by Duncan Williamson. A session sure to delight all ages, young and old. In true seasonal spirit there will also be a special gift for every family to take home! Held in the beautiful Storytelling Court space with sessions at 11am (Sat 14 Dec) and 2pm (Sun 15 Dec).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 14 Dec: 3pm & Sun 15 Dec: 11:30am) I wish…I wish…I wish… Every year, the Spirits of Christmas gather to grant one aggressively average child a special Christmas wish. This wish could make the world a better place of puppies and kittens, of sunshine and rainbows, except - Except they didn’t count on Bertha. Bertha wishes for an avalanche of presents. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go! Determined to get the ‘right’ wish, the Spirits of Christmas rewind time until Bertha gets it right – but time is awfully fragile, and Bertha can be awfully stubborn... Written by Daniel Orejon, directed by Catherine Ward-Stoddart. Performed by the Strange Town 8-11 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: The Caram Trust, The Cordis Charitable Trust, Dr Guthrie's Association, The John Watson's Trust, The Russell Trust, The Stafford Trust and the Tillyloss Trust.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Tue 17-Mon 30 Dec) Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops to bring wonder and fun to the festive season. We can't wait to see you this winter for our 2024 edition helping us "share the magic". Programme Events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre Tricky Ricky: The After Christmas, Christmas Show Richard Wiseman: Edinburgh's History of Magic Dan Bastianelli: Deception Dr Houston's Conjuring Lorenzo: Oracle - Do You Want to See the Future? Tim Licata: Close-Up and Personal Richard Wiseman: The Invention of Magic Magic 101: Workshop with Will Houston and Richard Wiseman Magic Bros: Tinsel & Tricks
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multiple Spaces
(Wed 18 Dec: 7:30pm) Join some of our amazing apprentice storytellers as they venture into the dark winter nights in search of stories to share. A chance to come together before the festive break and enjoy some great stories! Hosted by Janis Mackay, with Eleanor Bell, Dakota Jones, Ryan Martin, Emma Milton, Lababa Naqvi, Neel Paul, Katie Proven and Kate Walter.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 21 - Mon 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm - SOLD OUT) "Robin Hood, Robin Hood riding through the Glen...” Sherwood Forest comes to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for this season's fun-filled festive Macastory Panto! We're off on a right good rollicking adventure deep into Sherwood Forest, where the dastardly duo of Sir Guy of Grisslebone and his mother, the evil Sheriff of Morningside, are plotting to capture Robin and his band of Merry-Makers: Friar Tuck, Wilma Scarlett and Maid McMarion... They need YOU to join the gang, help win the contest for the Golden Arrow and outsmart the shifty Sheriff. Sing along! Cheer the goodies! Boo the baddies! And watch out… SHE’S BEHIND YOU! Perfect Panto Patter especially devised for a young audience and their grown-ups, full of fun and laughter with all your favourite panto moments, all packed into a cracker of an hour It’s a BIG story for LITTLE people! PANTO IS BACK! OH YES IT IS!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 18 Jan: 7:30pm) This is for all the girlies who love Co-Star and can’t afford therapy. It’s late at night, Jordy has just finished DJing at Sneaky Pete’s. Suddenly she’s approached by a young girl - in tears - begging for dating advice after being messed around by a guy. We follow both to Jordy’s afters, where Jordy dishes her own awful dating history in a bid to help this girl make better decisions - through the only way she knows how… ASTROLOGY and wine. Featuring original monologues about why dating men of all star signs is a total nightmare, and musical performances to evoke self love, Jordy’s stories about each zodiac sign will look back at a decade of sex and embracing your inner slut through the process. Join Non-Binary Diva Jordy Joans at the afters in her very own living room for her third autobiographical show at the Netherbow Theatre, following on from Wasted Youth (2019) and The Honeymoon Period (2020).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 25 Jan: 2pm) Come and celebrate Robert Burns as we learn his favourite love song and some of his lowland mooth-music in this workshop with acclaimed singer John Morran. Suitable for all abilities and experiences. With his richly expressive, subtly poignant voice, John Morran is widely recognised as a leading exponent of Scots song. He hails originally from the Ayrshire ex-mining community of Muirkirk, deep in the heart of Burns’ kintrie. With the nearest town in any direction being ten miles away, the village remains a stronghold of the Scots language, which inspires much of John's singing, whether in Burns ballads or contemporary compositions from the region. He has been a member of and produced albums for some of Scotland's finest traditional bands and artists, acclaimed both here and abroad. John is also a lifetime honorary member and former Director of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
George Mackay Brown Library
(Fri 7 Feb: 7:30pm) The great Scottish novelist James Leslie Mitchell, better-known as Lewis Grassic Gibbon, died on 7 February 1935. Just thirty-three years old, he had published an astonishing range of books in his cruelly short but hugely influential writing career, including Sunset Song, a novel of truly iconic status regularly voted Scotland’s favourite by the reading public. This event, chaired by Prof Alison Lumsden, will mark the 90th anniversary of his death. Renowned academics, Gibbon specialists and writers will celebrate his legacy and explore the enduring fascination of his life and work: Dr William K. Malcolm, Gibbon's authorised biographer; Dr Alison Baxter, granddaughter and biographer of Jean Baxter to whom Sunset Song is dedicated; Gibbon experts Dr Scott Lyall and Prof Uwe Zagratzki, plus choice readings by Dr Shane Strachan. Join us for what promises to be a lively, informative, and thought-provoking celebration of one of Scotland’s best-loved authors. Supported by the School of Arts and Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier University. Image: Lewis Grassic Gibbon and his wife Ray, copyright Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 15 Mar: 2pm) Join an esteemed line-up of tradition-bearers on an extraordinary journey... Listen to a treasury of ballads and tales that flow like the clear waters of a Highland burn, with this unique gathering to celebrate and honour the memory of one of Scotland's great balladeers, Jeannie Robertson (MBE), on her 50th Anniversary. Featuring Steve Byrne, Joss Cameron, Tony Robertson, Jess Smith and Sheena Wellington.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 5 Apr: 2pm) Iddo: "I'm making this performance piece Svjetlana. It explores human freedom. Would you like to be part of it?" Svjetlana: "Absolutely yes, Iddo, of course. What did you think?" Iddo: "Great. Here's the script" Svjetlana: "Thanks Iddo. I really don't want to memorize lines though. Can I improvise?" Iddo: "Yes OK, if that's what you want" Svjetlana: "It is!" Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. Join us for this world premiere performance of an enthralling new work. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Creative Mentoring from Mark Kydd. Funded by Creative Scotland. Sponsored by the Authentic Artist Collective and the Salisbury Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Tue 8 & Wed 9 Apr: 7:30pm) The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. 1760. Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spreads far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but is it built on deceit? 2025. Scottish poet Martin O’Connor reads Macpherson’s epic and questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie? Through The Shortbread Tin is a brand-new show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity. Join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. Because it takes a lot ae imagination tae tell a true story. A National Theatre of Scotland Production. Written and performed by Martin O’Connor. Directed by Lu Kemp.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Explore Edinburgh as a city by the sea by enjoying this specially created story film. Follow the coastline from Fisherrow, on the boundary with East Lothian, to South Queensferry. A trail of harbours and wildlife havens that glimmers with stories from folklore, history and ecology. Devised by the SISF with storytellers Beverley Casebow, Douglas Mackay, Janis Mackay, Linda Perttula, Nicola Wright and Donald Smith, with music by Kenneth Linklater and the Bowling Ceilidh Band. Produced in support of the Forth Rivers Trust and Restoration Forth, Blue City: A Storytelling Journey along Edinburgh's Coastline is free to access. This film will be available on YouTube from Fri 14 Oct. View the film ~~~~~~~~~~ Over the past two years we have enjoyed being part of a fantastic online storytelling community across the world. We would love to further connect with you in our digital storytelling and development sessions, so whether you are based in Scotland, or further afield, let’s keep that fire lit on our global platforms. ~~~~~~~~~~ In Scotland’s Year of Stories, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Keep It Lit invites everyone to the ceilidh; locally, nationally and globally. At the core of Scotland’s culture and identity is the hospitable hearth - a place of solidarity and welcome for friend and stranger alike. Round that symbolic fire, experiences and memories are shared and hope affirmed.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Green City: Healing and Hope is a new storytelling film exploring the grassroots movement to turn Edinburgh green. The struggle for net zero will be won or lost in cities, so how is Edinburgh doing after 900 years as a burgh? Hear directly from people and places who think global and act local. Green City is a companion piece to Blue City (2022), which explored Edinburgh as a city by the sea. Narrated by Donald Smith, with contributions from fellow storytellers and activists. Co-Directed by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A) & Donald Smith. Produced by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Green City: Healing and Hope will be free to access from Friday 16th February 2024. View the film
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Enjoy several multimedia storytelling performances filmed live in the Scottish Storytelling Centre's Netherbow Theatre in October 2022, where a world of local Scottish stories unfolds through the live voices of traditional storytellers and site-specific film footage of the landscapes they emerge from. Featuring stories from Dumfries and Galloway, the North East, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Perth and Kinross. ~~~~~~~~~~ These live performances were part of Tales, Tongues and Trails, a celebration of regional and international language, landscape and identities for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2022. Map of Stories YouTube playlist of all five Film Ceilidhs Scottish International Storytelling Festival Live filming by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A). ~~~~~~~~~~ Map of Stories is a collaboration between Transgressive North, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland and Rectangle Design, supported by Creative Scotland and EventScotland as part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
(Sun 8 Dec - Sun 26 Jan) Join us on a journey of discovery where the old history of Edinburgh and the magic of young minds collide! Witness the magic and unlock the secrets! As part of Edinburgh 900 celebrations, Edinburgh International Magic Festival, Edinburgh Young Carers charity and illusion expert Professor Richard Wiseman have created an innovative, exhibition of mind-bending photographs taken in locations around the city themed around Edinburgh’s magical heritage. Each photograph features young carers (aged 5-17) doing what they do every day of their lives – making the seemingly impossible possible. Can you figure out how they created each illusion? Enjoy the illusions on the wall and watch the video to see behind-the-scenes and learn more about the Edinburgh Young Carers. Photographer: GEEBZ Photography
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Wed 11 Dec: 7:30pm) A cursed army, two twisted lovers, a mighty hero, and a magnificent bull set in motion a terrible war which shapes the landscape and defines the heroic age of Ireland... In this modern retelling of Ireland’s most ancient and beloved myth, Young Edinburgh Storytellers Mark Borthwick and David Hughes weave together music and myth, blood and laughter, gender and magic, to explore the dark delights of the Táin Bó Cúailnge. An intimate performance of traditional storytelling with music, this show explores how our internal wilderness is just as powerful today as when the ancient stories were written. ~~~~~ 'It’s a great piece of theatre, intimate and open but still flooded with a sense of secret welcome. A brilliant performance and an absolute highlight of the Fringe.' ★★★★★ (British Theatre Guide) ★★★★ (The Skinny) ★★★★ (The Scotsman)
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Thu 12 Dec: 7pm) Outside the Beechwood by Scottish author Ellie Buchanan is a beautiful and moving children’s story. Discover the wonderful tale of Macky, a great and furry creature, who meets a little Smoothling child. Together they travel to new places, face challenges and have many an adventure. Illustrated by Lizzy Mikietyn, this dazzling hardback will make a fantastic Christmas present for any 8-12 year old, and readers of all ages. Come and hear the author read extracts, and see the stunning illustrations. Free refreshments of juice, snacks, or a glass of wine with each ticket. Copies of the book (£15.99) will be on sale at the event, as well as some of the book’s original artwork.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Fri 13 Dec: 6:30pm & Sat 14 Dec: 8:30pm) The most divisive, most controversial, most hotly contested referendum of the century is upon us – a vote on the future of Christmas! With the vote open to those aged 14 and above, Pro- and Anti-Christmas factions within PeculiarTown Youth Theatre are ready for action. The dress run for the end-of-term show approaches, offering each group one last chance to make their case heard. From saccharine Christmas propaganda to the antics of Just Stop Christmas, it promises to be a polarised affair. With all friendships badly frayed by this fierce Christmas argument, will the members of PeculiarTown Youth Theatre survive this democratic split? Written by Emily Ingram & Gerry Kielty, directed by Amy Wilson. Performed by the Strange Town 11-14 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: The Caram Trust, The Cordis Charitable Trust, Dr Guthrie's Association, The John Watson's Trust, The Russell Trust, The Stafford Trust and the Tillyloss Trust.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Fri 13 Dec: 8:30pm & Sat 14 Dec: 6:30pm) The natural order will prevail. Centuries ago, a red-hooded figure slew the last wolf in Scotland.Centuries ago, the Forest was angered.Biding its time, Nature plans to restore what was taken. Four hundred years later, a night of celebration suddenly turns sour. The deer have been attacked and a new howl lingers on the wind… A new thriller taken from the fairy tales of wolves gone by – of those who cry wolf, of the red-hooded girl, and of the dangers of the deep full moon. Written by Cara Watson, directed by James Beagon. Performed by the Strange Town 11-14 group (Wednesdays). Strange Town are supported by: The Caram Trust, The Cordis Charitable Trust, Dr Guthrie's Association, The John Watson's Trust, The Russell Trust, The Stafford Trust and the Tillyloss Trust.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 14 Dec, 11am & Sun 15 Dec, 2pm) Gather round the Christmas tree with storytellers Linda Williamson, Jane Mather and Heather Yule for an hour of stories, songs and live harp music inspired by, and drawing from, Tell Me a Story for Christmas: Traveller Tales by Duncan Williamson. A session sure to delight all ages, young and old. In true seasonal spirit there will also be a special gift for every family to take home! Held in the beautiful Storytelling Court space with sessions at 11am (Sat 14 Dec) and 2pm (Sun 15 Dec).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Storytelling Court
(Sat 14 Dec: 3pm & Sun 15 Dec: 11:30am) I wish…I wish…I wish… Every year, the Spirits of Christmas gather to grant one aggressively average child a special Christmas wish. This wish could make the world a better place of puppies and kittens, of sunshine and rainbows, except - Except they didn’t count on Bertha. Bertha wishes for an avalanche of presents. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go! Determined to get the ‘right’ wish, the Spirits of Christmas rewind time until Bertha gets it right – but time is awfully fragile, and Bertha can be awfully stubborn... Written by Daniel Orejon, directed by Catherine Ward-Stoddart. Performed by the Strange Town 8-11 group (Fridays). Strange Town are supported by: The Caram Trust, The Cordis Charitable Trust, Dr Guthrie's Association, The John Watson's Trust, The Russell Trust, The Stafford Trust and the Tillyloss Trust.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Tue 17-Mon 30 Dec) Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back this Christmas with a mind-blowing programme of shows, events and workshops to bring wonder and fun to the festive season. We can't wait to see you this winter for our 2024 edition helping us "share the magic". Programme Events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre Tricky Ricky: The After Christmas, Christmas Show Richard Wiseman: Edinburgh's History of Magic Dan Bastianelli: Deception Dr Houston's Conjuring Lorenzo: Oracle - Do You Want to See the Future? Tim Licata: Close-Up and Personal Richard Wiseman: The Invention of Magic Magic 101: Workshop with Will Houston and Richard Wiseman Magic Bros: Tinsel & Tricks
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multiple Spaces
(Wed 18 Dec: 7:30pm) Join some of our amazing apprentice storytellers as they venture into the dark winter nights in search of stories to share. A chance to come together before the festive break and enjoy some great stories! Hosted by Janis Mackay, with Eleanor Bell, Dakota Jones, Ryan Martin, Emma Milton, Lababa Naqvi, Neel Paul, Katie Proven and Kate Walter.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 21 - Mon 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm - SOLD OUT) "Robin Hood, Robin Hood riding through the Glen...” Sherwood Forest comes to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for this season's fun-filled festive Macastory Panto! We're off on a right good rollicking adventure deep into Sherwood Forest, where the dastardly duo of Sir Guy of Grisslebone and his mother, the evil Sheriff of Morningside, are plotting to capture Robin and his band of Merry-Makers: Friar Tuck, Wilma Scarlett and Maid McMarion... They need YOU to join the gang, help win the contest for the Golden Arrow and outsmart the shifty Sheriff. Sing along! Cheer the goodies! Boo the baddies! And watch out… SHE’S BEHIND YOU! Perfect Panto Patter especially devised for a young audience and their grown-ups, full of fun and laughter with all your favourite panto moments, all packed into a cracker of an hour It’s a BIG story for LITTLE people! PANTO IS BACK! OH YES IT IS!
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 18 Jan: 7:30pm) This is for all the girlies who love Co-Star and can’t afford therapy. It’s late at night, Jordy has just finished DJing at Sneaky Pete’s. Suddenly she’s approached by a young girl - in tears - begging for dating advice after being messed around by a guy. We follow both to Jordy’s afters, where Jordy dishes her own awful dating history in a bid to help this girl make better decisions - through the only way she knows how… ASTROLOGY and wine. Featuring original monologues about why dating men of all star signs is a total nightmare, and musical performances to evoke self love, Jordy’s stories about each zodiac sign will look back at a decade of sex and embracing your inner slut through the process. Join Non-Binary Diva Jordy Joans at the afters in her very own living room for her third autobiographical show at the Netherbow Theatre, following on from Wasted Youth (2019) and The Honeymoon Period (2020).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 25 Jan: 2pm) Come and celebrate Robert Burns as we learn his favourite love song and some of his lowland mooth-music in this workshop with acclaimed singer John Morran. Suitable for all abilities and experiences. With his richly expressive, subtly poignant voice, John Morran is widely recognised as a leading exponent of Scots song. He hails originally from the Ayrshire ex-mining community of Muirkirk, deep in the heart of Burns’ kintrie. With the nearest town in any direction being ten miles away, the village remains a stronghold of the Scots language, which inspires much of John's singing, whether in Burns ballads or contemporary compositions from the region. He has been a member of and produced albums for some of Scotland's finest traditional bands and artists, acclaimed both here and abroad. John is also a lifetime honorary member and former Director of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA).
Scottish Storytelling Centre
George Mackay Brown Library
(Fri 7 Feb: 7:30pm) The great Scottish novelist James Leslie Mitchell, better-known as Lewis Grassic Gibbon, died on 7 February 1935. Just thirty-three years old, he had published an astonishing range of books in his cruelly short but hugely influential writing career, including Sunset Song, a novel of truly iconic status regularly voted Scotland’s favourite by the reading public. This event, chaired by Prof Alison Lumsden, will mark the 90th anniversary of his death. Renowned academics, Gibbon specialists and writers will celebrate his legacy and explore the enduring fascination of his life and work: Dr William K. Malcolm, Gibbon's authorised biographer; Dr Alison Baxter, granddaughter and biographer of Jean Baxter to whom Sunset Song is dedicated; Gibbon experts Dr Scott Lyall and Prof Uwe Zagratzki, plus choice readings by Dr Shane Strachan. Join us for what promises to be a lively, informative, and thought-provoking celebration of one of Scotland’s best-loved authors. Supported by the School of Arts and Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier University. Image: Lewis Grassic Gibbon and his wife Ray, copyright Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 15 Mar: 2pm) Join an esteemed line-up of tradition-bearers on an extraordinary journey... Listen to a treasury of ballads and tales that flow like the clear waters of a Highland burn, with this unique gathering to celebrate and honour the memory of one of Scotland's great balladeers, Jeannie Robertson (MBE), on her 50th Anniversary. Featuring Steve Byrne, Joss Cameron, Tony Robertson, Jess Smith and Sheena Wellington.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 5 Apr: 2pm) Iddo: "I'm making this performance piece Svjetlana. It explores human freedom. Would you like to be part of it?" Svjetlana: "Absolutely yes, Iddo, of course. What did you think?" Iddo: "Great. Here's the script" Svjetlana: "Thanks Iddo. I really don't want to memorize lines though. Can I improvise?" Iddo: "Yes OK, if that's what you want" Svjetlana: "It is!" Balancing in Freedom is a journey through the landscape of personal story, searching for meaning, connection and expression. In this unique blending of multiple art forms, Iddo Oberski takes us on a deeply personal exploration of his family’s Holocaust history, his own disability and Rudolf Steiner’s Philosophy of Freedom. In regular dialogue with his larger-than-life collaborator Svjetlana, Iddo is shown gently how such diverse and challenging experiences may never be fully understood. They shape us and through creating art we may come closer to making some sense of ourselves, human life and the world we live in. Join us for this world premiere performance of an enthralling new work. Written and performed by Iddo Oberski with Creative Mentoring from Mark Kydd. Funded by Creative Scotland. Sponsored by the Authentic Artist Collective and the Salisbury Centre.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Tue 8 & Wed 9 Apr: 7:30pm) The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time. 1760. Scottish poet James Macpherson sets the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spreads far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but is it built on deceit? 2025. Scottish poet Martin O’Connor reads Macpherson’s epic and questions his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie? Through The Shortbread Tin is a brand-new show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity. Join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves. Because it takes a lot ae imagination tae tell a true story. A National Theatre of Scotland Production. Written and performed by Martin O’Connor. Directed by Lu Kemp.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Explore Edinburgh as a city by the sea by enjoying this specially created story film. Follow the coastline from Fisherrow, on the boundary with East Lothian, to South Queensferry. A trail of harbours and wildlife havens that glimmers with stories from folklore, history and ecology. Devised by the SISF with storytellers Beverley Casebow, Douglas Mackay, Janis Mackay, Linda Perttula, Nicola Wright and Donald Smith, with music by Kenneth Linklater and the Bowling Ceilidh Band. Produced in support of the Forth Rivers Trust and Restoration Forth, Blue City: A Storytelling Journey along Edinburgh's Coastline is free to access. This film will be available on YouTube from Fri 14 Oct. View the film ~~~~~~~~~~ Over the past two years we have enjoyed being part of a fantastic online storytelling community across the world. We would love to further connect with you in our digital storytelling and development sessions, so whether you are based in Scotland, or further afield, let’s keep that fire lit on our global platforms. ~~~~~~~~~~ In Scotland’s Year of Stories, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Keep It Lit invites everyone to the ceilidh; locally, nationally and globally. At the core of Scotland’s culture and identity is the hospitable hearth - a place of solidarity and welcome for friend and stranger alike. Round that symbolic fire, experiences and memories are shared and hope affirmed.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Green City: Healing and Hope is a new storytelling film exploring the grassroots movement to turn Edinburgh green. The struggle for net zero will be won or lost in cities, so how is Edinburgh doing after 900 years as a burgh? Hear directly from people and places who think global and act local. Green City is a companion piece to Blue City (2022), which explored Edinburgh as a city by the sea. Narrated by Donald Smith, with contributions from fellow storytellers and activists. Co-Directed by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A) & Donald Smith. Produced by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Green City: Healing and Hope will be free to access from Friday 16th February 2024. View the film
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Enjoy several multimedia storytelling performances filmed live in the Scottish Storytelling Centre's Netherbow Theatre in October 2022, where a world of local Scottish stories unfolds through the live voices of traditional storytellers and site-specific film footage of the landscapes they emerge from. Featuring stories from Dumfries and Galloway, the North East, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Perth and Kinross. ~~~~~~~~~~ These live performances were part of Tales, Tongues and Trails, a celebration of regional and international language, landscape and identities for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2022. Map of Stories YouTube playlist of all five Film Ceilidhs Scottish International Storytelling Festival Live filming by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A). ~~~~~~~~~~ Map of Stories is a collaboration between Transgressive North, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland and Rectangle Design, supported by Creative Scotland and EventScotland as part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
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