ANOTHER storytelling evening in York? What the devil is going on?
Find out on Friday when York alt-folk storytelling duo Adderstone host Infernal Delights, an evening of stories and songs exploring the underworld and diabolic deeds at Rise@Bluebird Bakery,Acomb.
Joining Adderstone on the 8.30pm bill will be Nottingham stand-up storyteller Tim Ralphs, performing his Rebranding Beelzebub show to a York audience for the first time.
“Unlike most cities, York has not had an established storytelling scene for many years, but there are signs this is changing,” says Adderstone’s Gemma McDermott, who sees green shoots of a vibrant storytelling scene arising in York.
“There certainly seems to be a new appetite for a story. We’ve told our tales all over York, but there isn’t a dedicated storytelling club like there is in most cities. Maybe that’ll change?”
Gemma continues: “The Theatre Royal has been bringing storytellers to its Studio for years, but it’s great to see a scene developing that blends different influences.
“To name just a few examples: Lara McClure, who gathers packed houses in all sorts of venues with her outrageous tales of wanton goddesses; Say Owt, who have just celebrated ten years of their cutting-edge spoken-word events that have nurtured so many budding storyteller-poets.
“Experimental collectives like Navigators Art & Performance and The Good Room, who produce theatrical and gothic experiences for audiences. And a big shout-out to the independent venues like Rise, The Arts Barge and The Crescent that are hosting storytelling events and that suit the genre so well.”
In Rebranding Beelzebub, shot through with diabolical horror, absurd confessions and humour fit for the unholy, Tim Ralphs will shine a spotlight on Him Downstairs, Old Nick, Beelzebub, the Devil himself, to see if he might just be ready for a rebrand.
“Have you seen the cloven hoof prints on the cellar steps? Have you heard the fiddle player cursing? Can you smell the scent of burning secrets?” he asks. “In this wild reimagining of folktale, fairytale and urban legend, I exhume the bones of ancient Devil stories and stitch them into new skins for fresh consumption. This grand collection spans supermarket stalls, urban sprawls, mad drunken preachers, and widow’s sons with dark humour and a distinct whiff of sulphur.”
Adderstone’s Gemma McDermott and Cath Heinemeyer will guide Friday’s audience downwards to meet Ralphs’ wild underworld with songs and stories of ancient pacts, the troubles of crones and the dangers of beasts in their Songs To Meet The Darkness opening set.
Rise, the evening event hub of Acomb’s Bluebird Bakery, has become a fulcrum for storytelling with a licensed bar and menu additions. Over the past year, as well as bringing Ben Haggarty and other nationally renowned storytellers to York, the cafe has played host to regular storytelling performances by Lara McClure.
Owner Nicky Kippax says: “We opened Rise@Bluebird in late 2023 and it’s grown into a brilliant space for all sorts of events and performances. We’re thrilled that there’s an appetite for the sort of evening where an audience can relax with good food and drink and have a real connection with performers.
“We host all sorts of acts, from live music and dance nights to theatre and art exhibitions, but poetry and storytelling are a big part of what we do. I think the intimate atmosphere at Rise provides a unique experience that you wouldn’t get in a bigger space.”
Adderstone’s Cath Heinemeyer explains what differentiates storytelling from other kinds of performance: “Believe it or not, I actually have a PhD in storytelling! And what I have found in all my work is that although the story might be about a magical being or a far-off land, there are always themes that resonate with the problems of this moment in time and land with the listener, whoever they are,” she says.
“Adderstone uses songs and music to help tell the story, but essentially it’s about having contact with the people listening, and really, that’s what storytelling is about. It’s not a theatre show with loads of lights and cues and large props.
“It’s about a moment in time with that particular audience; no two shows are the same. You get the feel of what part of the story is resonating with the people in front of you and go with that.”
Gemma adds: “With Christmas now feeling far behind us but a fairly long slog of winter still to go, what could be better than coming into the warm cosy space of a bakery, ordering a beer and maybe a cheese platter and settling down to an evening’s telling?
“So, come and grab a glass of something nice, and see what it’s all about. Maybe you’ll hear a story you didn’t know or see a new way of looking at an old favourite. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a devilishly delightful evening.”
Adderstone and Tim Ralphs, Infernal Delights, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb, York, Friday, 7.30pm doors for 8.30pm start. Age guidance: 12 upwards. Box office: ticketsource.co.uk/adderstone/infernal-delights/e-xjjber.