Scottish Storytelling HAT'S W N O Centre

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The story is told eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart
Scottish Traveller proverb

Box Office 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

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to the home of Scotland's stories! Join us in celebrating the spring season, as we present a packed programme of live storytelling performances and encounters with creative arts, offering events to suit all ages. April continues where March left off with Edinburgh's traditional arts festival, Ceilidh Culture, as well as some fantastic puppet theatre with a revisit from our French ami Lapin and the Puppet Animation Festival, along with lots of story experiments as part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival. May brings our usual storytelling treats of Caf Voices and Tiny Tales, along with an array of fresh and exciting plays ranging from mystery to comedy courtesy of popular young company Strange Town. In June we welcome Scottish Opera and their new event for toddlers, as well as plenty of theatre courtesy of Alistair Rutherford, Theatre Objektiv and Theatre Alba, plus a Father's Day Network event. Green Room musical theatre company also return again with the Scottish premiere of Ordinary Days.
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Event bookings By phone: Call the box office on 0131 556 9579 and book your tickets by credit or debit card. In person: The Centre's box office is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm. Online: Coming Soon Keep an eye on our website! Event and training enquiries For training events contact Davide on 0131 652 3272. For all other events contact Daniel on 0131 652 3273. We try our hardest to make sure event details listed here are correct, but to avoid disappointment please check with the box office and book in advance. Sometimes the Exhibition space is not accessible to the public because of a private function booking. Please call ahead to check. Stay in touch Why not sign up to our email bulletin and receive regular updates on events? Or you can become a member of the Scottish Storytelling Network to receive discounts on training and access to special events. Call our outreach team on 0131 652 3272 or visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

We are open 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday Visiting the Centre is free, with a small charge for entry to the John Knox House. As a four-star attraction we provide you with a caf, a Storytelling Court, a free exhibition space and bookshop. Families are welcome! Highchairs and baby changing facilities are available. Events with this symbol are particularly suitable for children and families. The Centre is accessible Accessible to wheelchair users, there are audio loops in our performance areas and Braille signage throughout. Please let us know if you'd like any of our publications in a different format or if you need help once you're here.

Diary of Events
The Edinburgh International Science Festival Mon 2 Apr Oops! Another Bright Idea Tue 3 Apr From Trees to Galaxies: Wonder Tales from Science Wed 4 Apr Which Came First Thu 5 Apr Eureka! Ancient Greece and its Brilliant Scientific Discoveries Fri 6 Apr Shearwater: Seabirds, Stories, Songs and Science! Mon 9 Apr Mac-a-Story: Champion of Champions Tue 10 Apr Lapin Wants an Easter Carrot
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Puppet Animation Festival Wed 11 Apr Potato Needs a Bath Thu 12 Apr The Selfish Giant Apr Ceilidh Culture Tue 10 Apr Wed 11 Apr Fri 13 Apr Sat 14 Apr Sat 14 Apr Sat 14 Apr Fri 13 Apr - Tue 5 Jun Tue 17 Apr Sat 21 Apr Fri 27 Apr Sat 28 Apr Wed 9 May Fri 11 & Sat 12 May Fri 11 & Sat 12 May Sat 12 May Tue 15 - Thu 17 May Sat 12 May Tue 15 May Fri 25 May Sat 26 & Sun 27 May Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jun Sat 2 Jun Wed 6 - Sat 9 Jun Fri 8 Jun - Fri 13 Jul Fri 8 Jun Wed 13 Jun Fri 15 & Sat 16 Jun Sat 16 Jun Sun 17 & Mon 18 Jun Sun 17 & Mon 18 Jun Tue 19 Jun Tue 19 Jun Thu 21 - Sat 23 Jun Thu 28 Jun Fri 29 Jun

Caf Ceilidh Caf Voices: April Fools A Braw Nicht Oot Northern Streams Workshops Northern Streams: Children's Workshops Northern Streams: Nu-Nordic Music & Song Concert Frank Boyle Exhibition: Frank on Football & Boyling Point Tiny Tales Free Picture Kelpies Storytelling Day Guid Crack: Yestreen a stranger was at my door Telling Tales Storytelling Competition Caf Voices: Hope in Spring The Ollissey Gender Specific BANG! Limited Editions 2 The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling Tiny Tales: Butterflies, Bees and Dancing Sunbeams Guid Crack: We're a' Jock Tamson's Bairns Scottish Opera - SensoryO (at Scottish Book Trust) Scottish Opera - SensoryO (at Scottish Storytelling Centre) A Most Curious Detour Wojtek the Bear St. Philibert and the Devil Exhibition St. Philibert and the Devil in Performance Caf Voices: Thorns and Roses The Cocktail Party Father's Day Network Love Bites Occupy Meadows Tiny Tales: Sea Adventures Caf Ceilidh Ordinary Days The Warrior Poets: A Multinational Perspective on World War Two Guid Crack: Tales for the Journey

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The Edinburgh International Science Festival

The Festival of Science returns with a packed programme of scientific fun for everyone this April, including visits from some well-known children's writers and scienceinspired storytelling sessions! Box Office 0844 557 2686 or www.sciencefestival.co.uk
Mon 2 Apr | 10.30am (1hr) | 4 | 7+ Oops! Another Bright Idea Storytelling What do crashing and flying, the shocking truth about light bulbs, sharp teeth and animal intelligence have in common? Come on a journey of scientific discovery and invention with storyteller Linda Bandelier and discover how mishaps become bright ideas. Tue 3 Apr | 10.30am (1hr) | 4 | 5+ From Trees to Galaxies: Wonder Tales from Science Storytelling The universe is an amazing place, so come and explore its mysteries through story! Storyteller Alette J Willis has worked with local scientists to develop original stories for children, mixing these scientific wonder tales with ancient creation myths. Wed 4 Apr | 10.30am (1hr) | 4 | 7+ Which Came First Storytelling Join storyteller Amanda Edmiston to explore the use of plants and their roles in fairy stories and legends. But what did come first? Was it the science or the stories? If the weather suits there may be a garden adventure as well! Thu 5 Apr | 10.30am (1hr) | 4 | 3+ Eureka! Ancient Greece and its Brilliant Scientific Discoveries Storytelling A celebration of science from ancient Greece! Storyteller and puppeteer Carolyne Latham and her friendly little dog invite everyone to travel back in time to discover the stories behind the science. Fri 6 Apr | 2pm (1hr 30mins) | 4 | 8+ Shearwater: Seabirds, Stories, Songs and Science! Storytelling Follow the extraordinary life cycle of the manx shearwater with biologist-storyteller Malcolm Green and musician Tim Dalling, and explore the relationship between people and seabirds. Mon 9 Apr | 10.30am (1hr) | 4 | 5+ Mac-a-Story: Champion of Champions Storytelling Join Mac-a-Story for a mythological Olympics, featuring high-energy stories, songs and drama. Learn about the gods and heroes who have inspired sporting triumph throughout the ages and join in to discover how the body enables these sporting achievements! The Storytelling Centre is delighted to host many other wonderful events. Some highlights are below but please see the Science Festival brochure or website for full details. Mon 2 Apr | 1pm (1hr) | 4 | 7+ Planet Basher Take a trip through the solar system with the team that creates the Basher Science books. Mon 2 Apr | 3pm (1hr) | 4 | 5+ Loon on the Moon Join author Chae Strathie for a fast-paced hour of imaginative, interactive fun. Tue 3 Apr | 1pm and 3pm (1hr) | 4 | 9+ Steve Cole Author Steve Cole talks about his sci-fi page-turners, the fantastic Z-Rex (1pm) and the acclaimed Astrosaurs series (3pm). Wed 4 Apr | 1pm (1hr) | 4 | 6+ How Big Can We Go? How Small Can We Go? What would the world look like if you were the size of a bug? Join engineer Jamie Gallagher to explore the hidden worlds all around us. Wed 4 Apr | 3pm (1hr) | 4 | 5+ Diabolical Baddies, Eccentric Professors & Boy-Eating Monsters Join award-winning author-illustrator John Fardell as he shows us the scribbly processes behind his work and gets us to join in! Wed 4 Apr | 8pm (2hrs) | 8/6 | 14+ Brave New Worlds The members of Edinburgh's premier spoken-word performance collective offer their unique perspectives on science and fiction in all-new stories. Thu 5 Apr | 1pm (1hr) | 4 | 5+ Taff in the WAAF & Bletchley Park With live drawing and readings from their fascinating book, Mick and Brita Granstrm will bring the exploits of Taff and Bletchley Park to wonderful life. Fri 6 Apr | 1pm (1hr) | 4 | 11+ Jordan Stryker: Cyber Terror Discover the true scientific facts behind Malcolm Rose's bionic action hero, Jordan Stryker, and the technology and real-life threats that inspire the series.

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Tue 10 Apr | 11am & 3pm (40mins) | 8/6 | 3-5 yrs Lapin Wants an Easter Carrot Puppet Theatre After a successful Fringe run, join Tania Czajka and Lapin for a puppet show about a French rabbit who really wants a carrot for Easter. How will he get one? Could the Easter Bunny help him?! A fun tabletop puppet show with French keywords carefully scattered throughout, creating a story for all budding young French speakers and Lapin lovers. www.lepetitmonde.co.uk

Puppet Animation Festival

The Puppet Animation Festival offers children and their families opportunities to be transported to magical worlds of make-believe. We are pleased to host two wonderful shows as part of PAF. www.puppetanimationfestival.org Wed 11 Apr | 3pm (35mins) | 8/6 | 3-6 yrs Potato Needs a Bath Puppet Theatre It's a birthday bash and all the guests are ripe for a good time! Eggplant shows off her glamorous new jewels, the pair of Pears flirt and flit, and Plum needs a potty break. But where is Potato? We can't dance the Mango Tango without Potato! Before he can celebrate with his produce pals, the muddy little spud needs a bath. Superstar storyteller and puppet master Shona Reppe (Cinderella, New Vic 2009) gets giggles and grins galore in this lighthearted, gentle and highly visual show that's perfect for the very young (and young at heart). This tater is a tot-sized treat! Thu 12 Apr | 3pm (40mins) | 8/6 | 3-7 yrs The Selfish Giant Puppet Theatre Based on Oscar Wilde's much-loved children's story, The Selfish Giant is performed in the Folding Theatre Puppet Company's distinctive and beautiful style. Whilst taking tea in his garden, the Giant tells of how he returned home one day to find his garden full of children! How did he react and why is he so grumpy and selfish?! Performed with found objects, puppets and shadows, this show is intended to be a gentle introduction to puppet theatre.

Ceilidh Culture
Ceilidh Culture continues to bring the traditional arts to life in April, providing great events to discover and get involved with, whether it's music, song, dance or storytelling, right here in the heart of Scotland's capital city. Tue 10 Apr | 2pm (2hrs) | Free | All ages Caf Ceilidh Music Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for a relaxed afternoon of music and song as part of the Ceilidh Culture festival. Wed 11 Apr | 7pm (2hrs) | 5 | 14+ Caf Voices: April Fools Storytelling Has another April Fools Day slipped on by without incident? Oh well, it's never too late for a dollop of daftness! Join host James Spence for an evening of funny stories and accidental wisdom at the Centre's monthly storytelling evening, with open-floor opportunities to get up and have a go at perfecting your own raconteur skills.

Fri 13 Apr | 7.30pm (2hrs) | 6/4 | All ages A Braw Nicht Oot Storytelling The second Braw Nicht Oot will feature Scots speaking storytellers telling tales in different dialects, plus a wonderful mixture of music and song, along with short comedy Costa del Port Seton. A fun celebration of the Scots language and its diversity which is suitable for ages 5 to 105!! Sat 14 Apr | All Day | 7/5 | 12+ Northern Streams Workshops Workshops A series of Ceilidh Culture workshops presented by TMSA Edinburgh & Lothians Branch. 11.30am-1pm: Choose from Norwegian Songs with Kim Andr Rysstad teaching medieval ballads, lullabies, and 'stevs' (4-lined verse unique to his Norwegian home area) or Norwegian Tunes with fiddler Lajla Buer Storli who comes from Hardanger. 1.30-3.00pm: Choose either option 1: Karin Ericsson Back and Maria Misgeld - two of Sweden's foremost folk singers covering Harmony in Songs from the North Sea area or option 2: Daniel Reid (saxophone) and Emma Reid (fiddler) from Sweden cover Harmony in Music. 3.30pm-5.00pm: Song & Accompaniment: Danish singer, Jullie Hjetland, and Swedish bouzouki player, Jens Ulvsand join Norwegian singer, Annlaug Borsheim and accordionist, Rannveig Djnne. Sat 14 Apr | All Day | 5 per child* | 6+ Northern Streams: Children's Workshops Workshops Edinburgh & Lothians Branch 10.15-11.30am: Discover mouth music or diddling (singing) with Karin Ericsson Back and Maria Misgeld, two of Sweden's foremost folk singers. Suitable for all levels and great fun for children and their parents! 2-3.15pm: Explore Iceland through its songs and dances with FUNI (Bra Grmsdttir and Chris Foster). Many children have enjoyed this workshop with its examples of different styles of music, song and dance. www.northernstreams.org *Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sat 14 Apr | 7.30pm (2hrs 30mins) | 10/8 | 12+ Northern Streams: Nu-Nordic Music & Song Concert Music Featuring Danish singer, Jullie Hjetland, accompanied by Swedish musician, Jens Ulvsand on bouzuki (who is part of Trio Mio recent winners of a Danish Folk Award); leading Swedish folk musician on soprano/baritone saxophone - Daniel Reid (formerly Carlsson) and Emma Reid, equally rooted in the fiddle traditions of Britain and Sweden; and to round off the evening singer, Annlaug Borsheim and accordionist, Rannveig Djnne from Norway. www.northernstreams.org Northern Streams acknowledges financial support from the Norwegian Consulate General and Swedish Embassy.

Apr

Fri 13 Apr - Tue 5 Jun | 10am-6pm | Free | All ages Frank Boyle Exhibition: Frank on Football & Boyling Point Exhibition An exhibition in two parts celebrating the satirical cartoons of the award-winning Edinburgh Evening News cartoonist Frank Boyle. From Fri 13 April an exhibition of Frank's football-related cartoons organised by the Scottish Football Museum will be on show for the first time in Edinburgh. Over the years Frank's work has covered the fortunes of Scottish football, particularly Hearts, Hibs and the Scottish national team. Essential viewing for every Hibby and Jambo. Then from Fri 11 May the exhibition will focus on Frank's political satire of Holyrood. Since 1999 Frank has spared no one and poked fun at the antics of politicians from the City Chambers to Holyrood, Westminster and beyond. Tue 17 Apr | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | 6 per child | 6mths - 2yrs Tiny Tales Storytelling Come and share the magical world of fairytales with storyteller Lesley O'Brien. Lesley will bring her guitar, percussion, puppets, rhymes, songs and stories. You should bring your imagination, a small friend and the desire for a fun filled morning!

Sat 21 Apr | 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 2.30pm (30mins) | Free | 3-6 yrs Free Picture Kelpies Storytelling Day Storytelling Hairy Highland cows, clowning puffins and magic grannies are just some of the colourful characters you'll meet at these free storytelling sessions for 3 to 6-year-olds. Join the Picture Kelpies authors and illustrators as they read from their books and bring their characters alive! This fun-filled event celebrates the latest additions to the Picture Kelpies range of original Scottish picture books. Copies of all the books will be available for sale and signing. Why not enjoy lunch at the family-friendly Storytelling Centre Caf before, or after, your session? To book your FREE ticket contact Floris Books at floris@florisbooks.co.uk or call 0131 337 2372. The last booking date is Fri 20 April. Fri 27 Apr | 7.30pm (2hrs 30mins) | By donation (suggest 3) | Adults Guid Crack: Yestreen a stranger was at my door Storytelling Stories of strange meetings and visitors with Daniel Allison at Edinburgh's monthly storytelling session. Grab a drink and enjoy stories in great company. Accompanied young adults welcome. Sat 28 Apr | 1pm (3hrs) | 5/3 | Under 16s Telling Tales Storytelling Competition Storytelling The future of storytelling starts here with a fun afternoon of tale-crafting as local youngsters compete for the first Young Storyteller award. For more information please contact Daniel Abercrombie on 0131 556 9579 or daniel@scottishstorytellingcentre.com Wed 9 May | 7pm (2hrs) | 5 | 14+ Caf Voices: Hope in Spring Storytelling Professional Chinese singer, storyteller and musician Fong Liu leads the monthly Caf evening and treats you to Chinese folk and Peking opera interspersed with traditional tales focused on celebrating the joys of May. An open floor event so come prepared with a performance piece if you wish. www.fongliu.co.uk Fri 11 & Sat 12 May | 7pm (1hr) | 7/4 | 11+ The Ollissey Theatre Strange Town 11-14s Youth Theatre presents The Ollissey by Tim Primrose. It's Penny's birthday, and Ollie has to get all the way to Colinton from deepest, darkest Trinity. Simple. Now if only he knew where his bus pass was A madcap journey across The 'Burgh, based on Homer's Odyssey. Sort of. www.strangetown.org.uk Fri 11 & Sat 12 May | 9pm (1hr) | 7/4 | 11+ Gender Specific Theatre Strange Town 11-14s Youth Theatre presents Gender Specific by Charlotte Anderson. Edinburgh comes to life, literally, and reveals the story of Sam and Jo. A young couple, destined to be together, if it weren't for Alice. www.strangetown.org.uk Sat 12 May | 2pm (35mins) | 7/4 | 7+ BANG! Theatre Strange Town 8-10s Youth Theatre presents BANG! by Jim Harbourne. Edinburgh, 1822 and there's a war on. It's a time for heroes, and one girl has found her own. A tale of love and mystery and hats. www.strangetown.org.uk Tue 15 - Thu 17 May | 7.30pm (1hr 30mins) | 7/5 | 15+ Limited Editions 2 Theatre Strange Town Young Company presents Limited Editions 2, an evening of new short plays by emerging writers including Alan Gordon, Tim Primrose and Sam Siggs. Contains strong language. Edinburgh's startlingly gifted Young Company - Joyce McMillan. www.strangetown.org.uk

May

Sat 12 May | 11am (1hr) | 5 - Family ticket 16 (4 people) | All Ages The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling Storytelling Summer is almost with us! Come and enjoy some sunny stories with storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Friendly frogs, warm breezes and summer magic! Multi-sensory stories and games for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. Lots of fun for everyone! Tue 15 May | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | 6 per child | 6mths - 2yrs Tiny Tales: Butterflies, Bees and Dancing Sunbeams Storytelling Sunny summer rhymes, songs and stories to make you wiggle and giggle! Snuggle in and get comfortable with your youngsters in this interactive environment of story sharing, rhymes, songs and simple movement to capture the imagination of babies and adults alike, with storyteller Claire Hewitt. Fri 25 May | 7.30pm (2hrs 30mins) | By donation (suggest 3) | Adults Guid Crack: We're a' Jock Tamson's Bairns Storytelling Join host Donna Bowyer for an evening of quirky tales at Edinburghs monthly storytelling club, with audience contributions of stories, tunes and songs encouraged. Accompanied young adults welcome. Sat 26 & Sun 27 May at Scottish Book Trust Sat 2 & Sun 3 Jun at Scottish Storytelling Centre 11.30am & 1.30pm (30mins) | 7/5 | 18mths-36mths Scottish Opera - SensoryO Music and Storytelling Journey into a magical, night-time world, take a train ride through the jungle, and meet a friendly lion who sleeps under the stars Following the phenomenal success of BabyO, Scottish Operas groundbreaking show for 6 to 18 month olds, SensoryO is a brand new interactive performance for toddlers and their carers. Aimed at kids between the ages of 18 and 36 months, this engaging 30-minute show is rich in sound, rhythm and music. Performed on an inviting and tactile set, with its unique audience in mind, it introduces toddlers to live performance in a relaxed and intimate environment. Featuring a mixture of live and recorded vocal music, and percussive sounds performed on the playable set, SensoryO also uses smells, textures, actions and simple but striking visuals to inspire the imagination and bring the adventure to life. Please note all tickets to be purchased via the Storytelling Centre Box Office. Sat 2 Jun | 7.30pm (1hr 30mins) | 10/8 (Group discount available) | Adults A Most Curious Detour Theatre Written by Stuart Hepburn and adapted by Alistair Rutherford, this is the story of one man's life experiences before, during and after the onset of stroke. Having survived a brain stem stroke, Stuart lives with locked-in syndrome. The play chronicles his life from the early years in India where he lived the life of a yogic monk, gaining a great interest in meditation, through to his hospitalisation and the inevitable life changes. In this brand new stage production Adam Tomkins gives a powerful portrayal as he explores the many facets of Stuart's life, well-being, spirituality and love. The play remains true to the book by retaining all the witticism and infectious humour whilst providing a thought-provoking insight into the power of the human spirit. Supported by The Stroke Association with funding from Awards For All Scotland.

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Connecting with Culture Courses and workshops Story l Song l Music l Dance
For 2012 Scotland's storytellers, songmakers, musicians and dancers have come together to offer a feast of participative culture for all those who are involved in arts, education and community making across Scotland. Highlights are below and you can pick up a full training programme at the Centre or visit www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk For more information please contact Davide Panzeri on davide@scottishstorytellingcentre.com or 0131 652 3272.
Sat 5 & Sun 6 May | 10.30am-4.30pm | 40/34 per day or 55/50 for two days Scotlands Sacred Landscapes From ancient ritual to pilgrim ways, archaeological digs to contemporary arts, the landscapes of Scotland fascinate while inspiring imagination and reverence. This unparalleled weekend of talks, visual interpretation and workshops is a celebration of what makes Scotland Scottish as we mark the ancient festival of Beltane. Contributors include Stuart McHardy, Valentina Bold, Richard Batchelor, Margaret Bennett, Dougie Scott and a galaxy of research and interpretative talent. Sat 26 May | 10.30am-5pm | 40/34 Stories and Cures How have our perceptions of illness and of medical science changed over time? Is the human factor significant scientifically as well as emotionally? Stories and Cures is a public engagement project supported by The Wellcome Trust to explore these issues in creative ways. A series of presentations and workshops will look at mind, body and spirit in the context of our changing sense of human life. With Joanna Geyer-Kordesch, Donald Smith, readers and storytellers. Thu 21 - Sun 24 Jun | 295 inclusive of transport and accommodation A Bardic Journey: Skye Storytelling Festival Travel together to Skye stopping to experience the places and the events that inspired Scotland's Gaelic bards including Duncan ban MacIntyre, Neil MacLeod, Mairi Macpherson and Iain Lom MacDonald. Strathorchy to Glencoe to Inveroy to Dunvegan and Glendale. A unique and special journey into landscape, culture and tradition. Led by Seoras Macpherson, Donald Smith and Heather Yule. Sat 2 Jun | 1.30 (3hrs) | 18/15 | Adults Voicing the Songs An introduction to singing traditional songs and the associated skills, led by Amy Lord. Fri 8 Jun | 1.30-4.30pm | 18/15 | Adults Scottish Dances - Old and New An introduction to Scottish country and ceilidh dancing led by Stan Reeves. Fri 15 Jun | 1.30-4.30pm | 18/15 | Adults Gaelic Song: Singing Together An introduction to singing Gaelic songs led by Maeve Mackinnon. Bi-lingual support but ability to read and pronounce Gaelic words is recommended. Fri 22 Jun | 1.30-4.30pm | 18/15 | Adults Scottish Step Dance An introduction to Scottish step dance traditions old and re-emergent, led by Caroline Reagh.

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Wed 6 - Fri 8 Jun, 7.30pm and Sat 9 Jun, 3pm & 7.30pm | 1hr 30mins | 9/7 | 12+ Wojtek the Bear Theatre The extraordinary story of Wojtek, the loveable Polish bear who fought at The Battle of Monte Cassino in World War 2, and the man who met and mothered him. Together in an emotive journey from the Soviet Gulag and Persia to the Middle East, Italy and Scotland, they engage in conflict and try to survive in post-war Britain. Theatre Objektivs stellar ensemble bring Raymond Raszkowski Rosss tale of love and loyalty, war and peace, heroism and hope alive under the direction of Corinne Harris. Total theatre with live music. Fri 8 Jun - Fri 13 Jul | 10am-6pm | Free | All ages St. Philibert and the Devil Exhibition Exhibition Dorothy Smyths vibrant paintings and pictures have been inspired by the words of storyteller Patsy Dyer. This two part exhibition showcases paintings inspired by the magical place inhabited in St Philibert and the Devil, alongside a collection of paintings entitled The Ordinary Extraordinary Life of John Ferguson, supported by Patsys poems. www.ohtobee.com Fri 8 Jun | 7pm-9pm | Free (but ticketed) | 12+ St. Philibert and the Devil in performance Storytelling A live performance of Patsy Dyers story to mark the opening night of the related exhibition. In 2006, Patsy was commissioned to write a Tale for Telling for the Oxford International Womens Festival. St Philbert and the Devil is a story of magic set in Elizabethan Oxfordshire and was inspired by John Clares poem The Nutters, recalling forgotten members of the British rural community who were collectors of wild nuts, especially hazelnuts. Wed 13 June | 7pm (2hrs) | 5 | 14+ Caf Voices: Thorns and Roses Storytelling Join storyteller and musician Lilian Ross for a delightful evening of the nice and the nasty. Enjoy oral storytelling, poetry by memory, music and song in the relaxed atmosphere of the Storytelling Caf. This is also an open floor event so come prepared with a performance piece if you wish! www.lilianross.com Fri 15 & Sat 16 Jun | 7.30pm (2hrs) | 10/8 | 12+ The Cocktail Party Theatre Following last year's sell out success of Dracula, Theatre Alba's Adult Leisure Group return to The Netherbow Theatre with T.S. Eliots The Cocktail Party. Part satire of the traditional British drawing-room comedy and part philosophical discourse on the darker aspects of human relations, Eliots absurdist wit explores marital discord aggravated by pressures to keep up social appearances, and the mix of sweet and sour perfectly suits Theatre Alba's growing reputation and promises much entertainment. www.theatrealba.com Sat 16 Jun | 11am-4pm | Free | All ages Father's Day Network Storytelling Join us in the Storytelling Bothy for a positive celebration of fatherhood on the day before Father's Day. This is a great opportunity for Dads to enjoy time with their children, tell stories and listen to tales that promote the importance and joys of active fatherhood. There will be interactive storytelling sessions, workshops for Dads on storytelling with and for their children, exhibitions of artwork, plus poems and stories celebrating Dads' involvement with their children. Many dads have difficulties with access to their children and may or may not have access to their children on this day, but it is hoped that they will still feel able to attend to celebrate their fatherhood, perhaps by bringing and displaying artwork by their child, or a poem or verse written about fatherhood, either by the Dad or child. There will also be the opportunity to meet other Dads who have similar challenges and share ideas, whilst support and advice will be on hand for Dads who feel they would benefit from this.

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Sun 17 & Mon 18 Jun | 7pm (1hr) | 7/4 | 14+ Love Bites Theatre Strange Town 14-18 Youth Theatre presents Love Bites by Sam Siggs. Midsummer Night's Eve in Edinburgh. A girl with wings and a plastic bow and arrow sits sobbing on a bench. It's been a hard day. Love. Bites. Contains strong language. The young cast give impassioned performances" Informed Edinburgh. www.strangetown.org.uk Sun 17 & Mon 18 Jun | 9pm (1hr) | 7/4 | 14+ Occupy Meadows Theatre Strange Town 14-18 Youth Theatre presents Occupy Meadows by Alan Gordon. One day. One park. One tragedy. Join our wandering minstrel as he explores the lives and loves of our ill-fated collective. It's time to Occupy Meadows. Contains strong language. www.strangetown.org.uk

Tue 19 Jun | 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | 6 per child | 6mths - 2yrs Tiny Tales: Sea Adventures Storytelling Mermaids and pearls, crabs and seashells, tall ships and pirates! Come on a journey to the seaside with storyteller Rona Barbour. Feel the sand, dip your toes in the water and then take off, across the deep, deep blue briny sea. Tue 19 Jun | 2pm (2hrs) | Free | All ages Caf Ceilidh Music Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for a relaxed afternoon of music and song celebrating Edinburgh's Old Town. Thu 21, Fri 22 & Sat 23 Jun | 7.30pm (1hr 20mins) | 12/10 | 14+ Ordinary Days Musical Theatre Following the recent success of The Last Five Years, Green Room, Scotland's new touring musical theatre company, returns with the Scottish premiere of Adam Gwon's Ordinary Days, directed by Michael Richardson and musically directed by Neil Metcalfe. Ordinary Days is a refreshingly honest and funny musical about making real connections in the city that never sleeps (but probably should at some point). It tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfilment, happiness and love. This is an original musical for anyone who's ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place. With equal doses of humour and poignancy, it celebrates how 8.3 million individual stories combine in unexpected ways to make New York City such a unique and extraordinary home. Thu 28 Jun | 6pm (1hr 30mins) | Free, but ticketed | 14+ The Warrior Poets: A Multinational Perspective on World War Two Poetry This event, co-hosted by the University of Edinburghs Centre for the Study of the Two World Wars and the Scottish Poetry Library, explores the poetry of the Second World War with a particular focus on questions of national identity and Britishness. It will address the work of iconic poets who were killed in action such as Alun Lewis and Keith Douglas and the specific contribution of combatants such as Sorley MacLean and Hamish Henderson, as well as the work of lesser known poets. Fri 29 Jun | 7.30pm (2hrs 30mins) | By donation (suggest 3) | Adults Guid Crack: Tales for the Journey Storytelling A good tale can shorten a journey or offer wisdom to pick the right path. Join host teller Noel Cochrane along with guest and daughter Marie Louise Cochrane as they offer tales and songs acquired along the way, to entertain and sustain fellow travellers. Accompanied young adults welcome at Edinburgh's monthly storytelling session in the Waverley Bar.

Visit us on Edinburgh's Royal Mile

John Knox House Step inside history
Opening Times Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm Admission prices Adult 4.25 Concession 3.75 Children 1.00 Audio Tour 1.00 We also accept the Edinburgh Pass. Large group? Get in touch and arrange a tour for your party. 0131 556 9579

Come and discover the fascinating history and dramatic conflicts of the oldest house on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, exploring the life and times of firebrand reformer John Knox and Mary, Queen of Scots. This beautiful 15th century building, with ornate carvings and painted ceiling, is now part of the Storytelling Centre. Allow yourself 30mins to 1hr to visit the House and exhibition. The upper floors are not accessible to wheelchair users, but we have an interactive panel on the ground floor to ensure that nobody misses out.
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Box Office 0131 556 9579 Email: reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

The Scottish Storytelling Centre (SCO 11353) is a partnership between the Scottish Storytelling Forum and the Church of Scotland, and is supported by Creative Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and a wide range of charitable donations. Photography : Solen Collet, Peter Dibdin, Ros Gasson, Chris Scott, Steve Richmond, Ulrike Werner

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Scottish Storytelling Centre & John Knox House

Design : WAMgraphics Printed on recycled paper