Our Storytelling night out for Halloween!!!

As our storytelling weeks came to a close, we decided to take ourselves to the big city, the shining metropolis that is Waterford City. Hearing of the wonders that are to be found in the Open Mics in the city, the group thought this would be an ideal place to waggle our storytelling tongues.

The night we chose was a Speak Up event Halloween Special and was hosted by Derbhile Graham ( who hosted in ghostly spirit ) and Deborah Somers. In hindsight this was a great night, as it was hard to distinguish many for all the wonderful fancy dress!

I ( being an utter bore ) went dressed as a bodhran player, which is pretty scary in my book ( which is rich coming from me as I'm a tin whistle player ). I don't know how to play the thing but that didn't stop me scaring people to death playing it regardless of this fact. Many laughed, a worrying amount were impressed and the rest? Well I couldn't tell for all the masks.

Discloser ( I do love bodhran players and none were injured, nor offended during the night, as it was merely a joke ).

Anyway, as luck would have it I was called first, not to be put under pressure to be the shining beacon of strength for the rest of the crew or anything like that. I told a, somewhat comedic story about a mature students experience in third level education and finished off with a poem.

Next to brave the stage was a member who told a story about an adventure to Youghal to see the Florence Newton memorial event. This was followed by a questionnaire about "What made you a witch". The performance was followed by a wonderful piece in our mother tongue and then a hysterical poem!

In situations like these, I am always so, so proud of all that stand in front of a room of anticipating humans, that are all awaiting some form of entertainment. I get so nervous myself, and I have been doing this a hell of a long time. I can't even being to guess what it is like for those that have never tried it before, but the sense of achievement is always worth it, in my humble opinion!

I don't think there could ever be enough credit passed to another for braving the stage and I suppose risking hurting their pride.

So what is in store for our group?

We will catch up upon my return from Irish Design Week at ECO – LAB, an environmental Time Lapse and Stop Motion collaboration with Sean Corcoran of The Art Hand!

So watch this space and please get in touch if you would like to get involved!

These meetings would not have been possible without the aid of Creative Waterford and Waterford City and Council!