“Gather Together” Festival: A Winter of Storytelling Magic at The Rosemary Branch Theatre
This winter, The Rosemary Branch Theatre in London is set to host its first-ever “Gather Together Storytelling Festival” from January 18th to February 4th, 2024. The festival promises a rich tapestry of folklore, illustration, local stories, modern classics, community events, poetry, and live music, celebrating the art of storytelling in all its forms.
The festival kicks off with an array of captivating events, including live illustration by Chris Riddell during a special performance of “Unwanted Objects,” a story and song show by David Head and Matt Glover. This unique collaboration will see Riddell, a multi-award-winning illustrator, bring tales of whimsy and warmth to life like never before.
Audiences will also be treated to “Honey B Mama: Exposed,” a personal narrative by the legendary Cleo Sylvestre MBE, accompanied by live music. Sylvestre’s story spans her groundbreaking role at the National Theatre, collaborations with the Rolling Stones, and a discovery of a family secret that changed her life.
The festival will showcase “The Selkie’s Wife,” a feminist retelling of the classic Selkie myth by Scottish folk musician Essa Flett. Flett’s performance is a blend of live music, academic insights, and a narrative that intertwines with her own story.
Other highlights include work-in-progress performances by acclaimed storytellers like James Rowland, Ben Target, Casey Jay Andrews, Joe Sellman-Leava, and Aniruddh Ojha, offering glimpses into their new creations.
“The Rosemary Branch: Local Stories” invites community members to share their tales, contributing to a living archive at Islington Museum. Additionally, “Come Here ‘Til I Tell Ya” celebrates the spirit of Irish women through storytelling and poetry, accompanied by free workshops exploring the theme of Irish women and power.
The festival also features comedy nights with “Tall Tales & Cocktails” and “Sketch Book,” centering on stories and storytelling.
Tickets and more information are available at The Rosemary Branch Theatre website.