Nook and Cranny

Professors Nook and Cranny are curious. They want to find the formula in the fable, the alchemy in the allegory, and test tales.

A usual session with them includes a 15 minute performed story followed by a 45 minute storytelling workshop.

Additional extras include an Arts and Craft workshop, poetry build session and a dance class.

Incorporating drama, history, arts and crafts and literacy skills, the professors unpick and demystify the act of storytelling, making it an act for all.

Perfect for schools, libraries, festivals and family focused events!

Current Studies:

THE EXPEDITION – FAMILY FESTIVALS

Professors Nook and Cranny are looking for answers. They want to crack the formula of the perfect stories. They have dissected tales in their lab, but now they are on an expedition, from here to there to solve the mysteries and patterns of spinning a good yarn. Families are invited to come on their quest, and make their own discoveries in the world of story telling.

• Musicians of Bremen
• The Three Sillies
• The Tale of Dick Turpin

Festival friendly, this pop-up piece can adapt to surroundings and audiences. The running time is 45 minutes and can be repeated up to three times a day. It can be taken for a walkabout as promenade characters, or fill a tent, nook or cranny (hehe- see what we did there)!

THE DISCOVERY – KS2

This collection of stories takes a different folk tale from the six different continents of our world. Antarctica is left out as there is no indigenous people/inhabitants in which oral storytelling could be passed on. Children explore the traditions and cultures accompanying each of the stories.

• The Red Shoes (Europe)
• Yuuki and the Tsunami (Asia)
• Why the Hen Pecks (Africa)
• Strong Wind (North America)
• The Myth of the Condor (South America)
• Kupe and the Giant Wheke (Australasia)

Each story lasts 15 minutes and comes with an accompanying 45 minute storyteller workshop, ideally suited to a class of 30. This collection is perfect for family events at libraries, museums and school halls. An exciting trip around the world for Key Stage 2 with one story teller.

Additional options are: a second storyteller, an arts and crafts session making masks or puppets or a music workshop covering traditional folk songs.

THE HISTORIAN – KS2

Come back in time, as Professor Nook takes you to the time of the Norsemen -an exploration into Viking and Saxon storytelling. Turning your school hall into a Viking Longhouse, Professor Nook becomes Bjornolf the Yarn Spinner. Children discover Norse Gods, Saxon Spirits, the art of trading purple carrots and weaving a leather belt. Bjornolf will teach the children survival skills with Songs, Skins and Shield Walls.

• King Canute Against the Sea
• The Runcorn Dragon
• Odin in Search of Wisdom

The entire session lasts an hour, for up to 30 children in Key Stage Two. Can be run indoors in the hall or outside in the school field or playground. This session comes with a lesson plan for Shield making, ideally to implement before arrival. Within the hour there is a 15 minutes story session and a 45 minutes workshop.

Additional options are: a second storyteller, an arts and crafts session covering materials and craftsmanship and a cooking session covering farming methods and diet. (No actual fires or cooking takes place.)

THE ZOOLOGIST – EYFS & KS1

Professor Cranny helps the little’uns explore what it is to tell stories and create characters. Cranny likes nothing better then getting outdoors and learning about nature. From Big Cats to Caterpillars and Bears to Bees, there is always something to discover about the world we live in. These interactive workshops incorporate movement skills, singing, puppetry and are great fun!

Popular stories that Cranny likes to explore are:

• The Hungry Caterpillar
• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
• Squash and a Squeeze
• Grimm Tales

The entire session lasts 45 minutes, with a 15 minute story and accompanying 30 minute workshop. Its a fun and friendly session for 15 children at a time. These sessions come with a lesson plan for craft activities to put in place after the visit.

Additional extras are a craft/session or a second story teller.