2016 in photos-and very special thanks!

Here’s a summary of the things I’ve done in 2016. It finishes with a section of extended ‘thank yous’, it occurs to me that I’ve only had the opportunity to do all this stuff because of the constant help and support I get. I am so grateful!

1. TV and Radio

Live section on BBC World News talking about fairytales and performing The Snow Queen.

NTS Radio for Nxy Chariot storytelling show (in fabulous Dalston)

I was very privileged to perform alongside Caleb Femi, (children’s Laureate for London) at the Young Muslim Writers Awards 2016 which will be televised on IslamCHANNEL.

2. So many schools!

Read about all my schools, secondary and nursery visits here.

3. London Dreamtime Storynights

Secret storytelling adventures into hidden corners of London. More stories than ever this year. As well as our various escapades in derelict houses, night gardens and damp rooftops, we were lucky enough to collaborate with some very interesting people:

This summer we celebrated the Great Fire of London by accidentally setting fire to the roof of Deptford Library with Bernadette Russell…

We had a freezing time getting lost in the forest in the depths of winter (with a magical campfire to finish) with Secret Adventures…

A labour of love for me… “UnRipped” a celebration of the lives of the women killed by Jack the Ripper with John Constable and the Museum of the Women of the East End.

Various visits to Brompton Cemetery at night with Antique Beat and London Month of the Dead.

4. Art and heritage

The Royal Academy of Music, Sadler’s Wells, Cityread, Dulwich Picture Gallery and special story commissions for various museums including The V&A Museum…

A very creative and unusual brief at the Hospital Club in Covent Garden (for the Crafts Council national exhibition “Twelve Tall Tales”)

Classic stories at Guildhall Art Gallery

Classic stories at Guildhall Art Gallery

and much more…..

5. Corporate, Training and Walks

Corporate work includes Johnson & Johnson, Lloyds Bank and Brecker Grossmith. I regularly provide training for adults in communication, teaching and storytelling techniques. This pic was taken during a day of Training to Teach for doctors at UCL Centre for Medical Education.

I also do a lot of guided walks! (Many with London Street Tours)

6. Community and Charity

A noisy crowded festival, city farm or playground full of distractions isn’t exactly the IDEAL place for storytelling…. But community festivals are so much fun!

Pic: Twinkle Park Summer Fair Deptford

Below: Brixton City Festival (Pic by Rosie Powell Freelance.)

A charity Christmas event for Auditory Verbal UK:

7. Extra Special

I’ve been lucky enough to be part of some really exciting events this year including a trip to Ispira, Italy to headline the International Evening at their Festival of Storytelling

Touring the length of the UK with Walker Books and Harper Collins to promote some of their best-loved children’s titles. (Pic: “Seven Stories” in Newcastle)

Special guest at the gala Literary evening for the Lavenham Literary Festival at the 500 year old Swan Hotel

A nine-day residency at the Southbank Centre on their Giant Storytelling Bed for the Imagine Festival….

and then… curating & hosting an afternoon of storytelling with Elbow’s Guy Garvey for Meltdown at the Southbank Centre over the summer…

8. …people who have helped me

So yes, a busy year. And now for the thanks: For everyone who booked me, collaborated with me or encouraged me this year- you will never know what a difference you have made!

Firstly, I don’t have a photo of her but you, yes you Mrs Bradford of Boutcher School– have helped me so much.

And where would I be without my fellow storytellers, eventmakers and performers? I’ve had so much help, here are just a few people I couldn’t do without:

I’ve had training, creative input and collaboration from Jo Clayton, encouragement and support from Emily Duizend, Wendy Shearer Grethe Jenssen, Helen Tozer…

incredible innovation, love, ideas and continual help and encouragement from George Hoyle, ideas and multi-faceted support from Bernadette Russell…(and)