Hi I’m Vanessa! I tell stories and create wonder for adults and children. Find out about my work and how much it costs. I’m very friendly – contact me with any questions, bookings, commissions or just to say hello!
“London’s resident storyteller”
Time Out London
“Storytelling Phenomenon”
Nest Collective
LATEST NEWS
Tv, video and Radio
Interview and performance on BBC news… watch a school visit… extended interview in Curse of the Highgate Vampire (Discovery+) …watch us storytelling at the Union Chapel …Interview with Matt Lucas on BBCRadio2… “once Upon A Time”: Telling a scary story to a live studio audience for Tortoise. Interview in Lonely Planet Kids (“the planet’s coolest jobs”) Chat and performance on Islam Channel TV…. watch us launching a new school library for Acorn Book Club… more here!
wonder and imagination
TEDx talk about magic & storytelling… curating & hosting an afternoon of stories with Guy Garvey for Meltdown at the Southbank Centre … fairytale walk for Fulbright Scholars …storytelling guide for Michael Rosen’s “We’re going on a Bear Hunt” …. Summer ‘school of wonder’ in a remote Italian Castle… Storytelling on a steam-hauled Pullman train… special guest at Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival… stories onboard the London Eye… tales in Shakespeare’s Globe… lates at RA and Dulwich Picture Gallery… and much more!
New
Vanessa is now driving force and programming director of “Space For Storytelling” a groundbreaking free provision for Londoners, launching in September 2023! Also: Created and programmed a free, fully accessible Festival of Storytelling in Southwark Park. Begun a live-after-dark storytelling collab with The Royal Parks. Took a visit to Ljungby International Storytelling Festival (Sweden.) Told late night stories for adults at the Science Museum. Had adventures on the roof of the London College of Fashion for an international academic conference about folk narrative. Told stories for staff wellbeing at National Gallery. Created a night of scary tales for adults at night in Pollocks Toy Museum London. Wrote and toured a new show celebrating Little Miss and The Mr Men for Literary festivals across the country. As always, George and Vanessa create adult storytelling adventures every month for adults in secret corners of the city.
What People Say
—Such a wonderful series of events, can’t thank you enough Vanessa! The Royal Parks (12 days of storytelling events)
—Sent shivers up and down the back of my neck Philippa Thomas BBC TV News
—Absolutely spectacular … the audiences were hanging on your every word!
Royal Academy of Arts (Gallery Late for adults)
—You were an absolute superstar coping with unprecedented numbers today. I wanted to feedback as well how much the visitors loved you and enjoyed your sessions. I could hear the cheering, and we also had lots of visitors saying how much they enjoyed it so thank you so much!
Museum of London (Half-term family events)
—One of our best UK storytellers! Elaine Walters Southwark Library Change Management
—Inspirational storytelling! What a fantastic final piece – it all came together so beautifully. Some of the parents were very moved and were so keen to come again
Royal College of Music (storytelling with orchestra workshops for RCM Summer School, ages 9-12)
—As if you were magic – the way you were able to communicate with children on their own level …
Community projects Director, Unicorn Theatre (under-fives)
—Thank you for coming to visit us here in Milan. We have had some fantastic feedback from the children and staff who all thoroughly enjoyed your stories
Literacy Co-ordinator, British School in Milan Italy (whole school)
—Hit just the right note and was exactly what I wanted for my mythical creatures. It was a delight to work with you
Jane Ray, Smarties award winning author and illustrator (a year-long collaboration for Pop Up Festival of Stories)
—I’ll definitely be changing some of the ways in which I tell stories. Listening to Vanessa was an inspiring experience
Workshop participant, ‘Storytelling in Bookshops’ for experienced storytellers, commissioned by Walker Books
—I wanted to say a massive thank you for Saturday. We all had an amazing time! All the mums were so impressed by your performance (they all asked for your details) and the kids loved it! It made me very happy that Leon participated so well, he simply loved it!!
Emmanuelle (Leon’s 3rd birthday)
—We were very interested in your work, including it in our program presented a great benefit for our guests … your enthusiasm and positivity helped make your participation at SCRF both productive and fun. We hope to collaborate in future events
Sharjah Book Authority, United Arab Emirates
—Great stories and originality … the whole package: costume, props, visuals …
HRP Kensington Palace (Magic Lantern performances for families)
—Hypnotic to the point where I was as eager as a child to hear what would happen next
Southbank Centre (stories for adults)
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