The Minotaur. A cat, a mouse, and a pot of cream. The devil, death and god…

Comedic, brutal and beautiful, these tales provide a mirror to the complexities of life.

Renowned for his playful and physical performances, Jonathan D’Young will enchant, startle and surprise in these myths and folktales of friendship, faith, love and betrayal. 

Emerging out of the cocoon of a spinning bed following spinal surgery in her childhood, Louise encounters Frida Kahlo’s paintings. Through Storytelling and Poetry, with humour and humanity these two women’s tales interweave. Accompanied by beloved and renowned co-teller Amabel Clarke, and Olivier nominated actor Melody Grove, who will sing some haunting lyrics and premiere the poem:”From the Frocks”.

About Louise’s work:

‘Downright compelling and funny, giving courage – inspiring creativity.’ Ashley Ramsden, Founding Director, The School of Storytelling

”Engaging,stimulating and refreshing. Important work in the bringing together of art and science”. Lyn Darnley, Head of Text, Voice and Artist Development, The Royal Shakespeare Company: 2003-2014

“Empathic & entertaining – using stories as seamless healers.”.David D. Campbell,Storyteller, Poet, Writer and Broadcaster

*This performance contains some intense themes, and is suitable for people of sixteen years upwards.

Unholyland is a love story in 264 sonnets. Against the background of daily events in Israel and the West Bank, an Israeli DJ meets and falls in love with a Palestinian rapper. 

Aidan Dun, dubbed Voice of King’s Cross after the launch of his critically-acclaimed poem Vale Royal (Goldmark 1995) at the Royal Albert Hall, performs a selection of Unholyand’s sonnets over two sittings that take us on ‘a pyrotechnic, apocalyptic dance through these uniquely benighted, maddened and mystifying lands’ (Heathcote Williams).

“It’s often said, with despairing wit, that “if you understand Middle Eastern politics you’ve been misinformed.” However, Aidan Andrew Dun wields an unusual tool – a poetic scalpel – and he uses it to bring a whole new perspective to what he calls Unholyland. Dun experiences gunship tyranny, random snipers and fragmentation bombs “that take away the souls of their victims” but importantly, he leaves you with striking images of a transcendent unification.” (Heathcote Williams)

“I was deeply moved by Unholyland – it has extraordinary energy, wit, knowledge, and beautifully marries the vernacular with rhyme. It reads beautifully and is like nothing else I’ve read.” (Tom Paulin)

Uniformed Patient: If you wish to pass the test of life, you must put on your white gown. It is up to you whether you let The Cells help you release what’s lurking beneath, or let them finish you.

Lashes of Limerence: Influenced by the Gothic, mythology, Whatsapp and experience, Odette explores unrequited love, quixotic delusions, identity and how one must heal after their own mind questions: was it love or limerence that made their fairytale a fantasy?

Odette Clark is an actor, writer, performance artist and educator based in London/Essex. Compelled by cups of tea (or cats), Odette seeks to provoke deeper-thinking and healing in her work.