“Fabulously entertaining storyteller, such a vivacious character, who lights up a room with her smile and personality. We love her ability to engage everyone in the room, with wit and charm. Can’t wait to see another story soon“. Julie, after seeing “Seven Years a Wolf”.
Maria can help you create a truly memorable and enjoyable event which will leave everyone with a smile on their face and a warm glow in their heart – or perhaps a shiver down their spine if it’s ghost stories you are after!
Performances, specially created story walks, after dinner talks, and workshops are all available. Have a look at the current story shows on offer below, or do you have something different in mind? Maria can create a storytelling event especially for you, a loved one, a particular venue or event. Get in touch by using the contact form, or emailing mariacredali@yahoo.co.uk to discuss your ideas.
“You have a way of hypnotizing your audience and give them an experience that they are part of the world that you conjure up. It is a magic that some other storytellers cannot muster. I am always keen to hear your next one as I know I will be in for a treat” Matthew
“I was completely and totally mesmerised by your stories and style. Just magical.” Mary
“I feel that those two afternoons were remarkable, and will live on in my memory for a long time. Magical…I loved the way you tailored the stories to settings, and the way the telling of them celebrated the surroundings was wonderful. My family could recollect all the stories, and there was much debate about the one we enjoyed the most. I’m particularly grateful and impressed that you personalised it so effectively – you had really done your research.” Lynda, Shenstone Community Library. Specially created Shenstone story walk.
Story shows for adults.
The following shows have been developed with adult audiences in mind although they are family friendly too. Each show is approximately and hour and a quarter long, and can be split with an interval if desired.
A Day at the Seaside
Sandcastles! Donkeys! Iced cream! Pickled whelks (urgh!) Deckchairs! Fish and chips! The fun fair!
And dad.
Join Maria Credali for a trip down memory lane, reliving the very best bits of the seaside in the 70s. Liberally sprinkled with the very best of traditional tales. Expect laughter, tears and lots of love.
What have people said about “A day at the seaside”?
“It was like we were having a chat over a cup of tea about you and your dad at Blackpool and then all of a sudden we were whisked away with fishermen and mermaids and love and dancing….amazing” Mel Wardle Woodend, Staffordshire Poet Laureate.
Seven Years a Wolf
A tale of witchcraft, wonder and wit from the days of King Arthur.
A knight betrayed, can Sir Marrok ever find a way to serve his people again? Based on a 12th Century French Lais, this inspiring story is brimming with beautiful imagery, survival against the odds, and the triumph of good over evil. A sensual delight!
What have people said about Seven Years a Wolf?
“What an absolutely enchanting story telling cafe we had last week from Maria Credali Storyteller we were all spell bound. Thank you for bringing your magic to Gloucester!”
“I loved listening to you because you bring a story to life visually. No props, just words creating a rich story making it accessible to everyone and transporting us with your words” Faye.
“I came to your candle lit event at Tamworth castle and tell everyone about it!” Fay.
Letters Through Time
An Arts Council England funded commission for Festival at the Edge, now on tour as a solo show.
Simon Evans was an ordinary man with an extraordinary story.
Like many thousands of others, Simon Evans was quite literally a broken man, in more ways than one, after his terrible ordeal in the trenches. He was badly wounded both physically and mentally. But this ordinary postman was a man of optimism and drive. His story is one of hope. We walk with Simon along the path his life takes from the busy, noisy post war city of Birkenhead to the quiet restorative calm of the countryside and we witness the very personal struggle of a man coming to terms with life after conflict.
The story of Simon’s life is woven together with traditional tales from all over the world – and their messages of hope and perseverance are just as relevant for audiences today as they ever were. Perhaps we need them even more.
Praise for Letters Through Time
“Joyous, beautiful, inspiring and poetic.” Taffy Thomas MBE, Storytelling Laureate
“Fantastic evening yesterday at the Birmingham Storytelling Cafe watching the amazing Maria Credali deliver an absolute masterclass in storytelling. “Letters through Time” was beautiful, funny and poignant. If you get the chance to see it, don’t hesitate” Julian
Stories for Christmas
A nostalgic walk down a snowy memory lane! This relaxing and enjoyable set includes a selection of Christmas themed stories from around the world along with shared memories our own childhood Christmases long ago.
Expect heart warming tales, traditional ghost stories, riddles and laughter.
Approximately 90 minutes, can include an interval is desired.
“A perfect Christmas event … a magical evening of good old fashioned story telling!” Richard.
“What a wonderful evening, we absolutely loved it! Thank you so much and can’t wait for the next one!” Lisa.
Fireside Tales
Frosty days, cosy nights, tingling fingertips and that first snowflake of the season…
A cosy collection of stories about Autumn and Winter, woven together with memories of frosty days long ago. Expect traditional tales explaining such mysteries as why some trees are evergreen, and why the first Winter even had to happen.
“I was mesmerised – what a lovely intimate evening.” Sheila.
“Fabulous telling tonight. Loved the story of your day to link it all together. It really brought the whole thing together beautifully.” Suzanne.
“Spine Tingling Tales” and ” Devils and Demons and Ghouls – oh my”
Featuring deliciously dark tales from around the world. Ghosts, demons, witches, unexplained mysteries and encounters with the other world… Moving, entertaining and down right scary – these are stories for adults only and will send shivers down your spine…
“An awesome evening – beguiling! Transported to other worlds and places while playing with Maria’s stories and riddles – one of the best storytellers around,” Niamh.
Stories for Midsummer
A captivating evening of traditional storytelling where the rich tapestry of Midsummer folklore and fable comes to life. Hear the tale of a clever maiden who outwits the Devil himself, lose yourself in tales of transformations, of fairy frolics and terrifying ordeals. You will even learn how to read your own future from a handful of wildflowers. These words are woven together with memories of a childhood spent in the meadows and forests at dusk…
Perfect for lovers of folklore, this mesmerizing show also features a specially crafted, original story which was commissioned and performed for The Royal Shakespeare Company.
An unforgettable journey into the heart of tradition, brimming with ancient myths and celebrating the magic, mystery, and mischief of Midsummer.
Tales of the Heart
A traditional telling of love stories from around the world.
Love comes in many shapes and forms. And whether we recognise it or not, we are surrounded by love all the days of our lives.
During this enchanting evening, you will hear traditional tales of love and longing from different cultures and different times. Tales of romantic love, platonic love, even the love of a dog for its master are beautifully stitched together with memories, hopes and dreams.
Expect laughter, tears, moments of revelation and happy endings. The perfect way to celebrate love – in all its guises.
The Struggle for the Breeches – a battle of the sexes fought in stories.
Taking its title from a broadside ballad dating to the seventeenth century, this raucous romp through historical tales deals with discord between the sexes. For as long as there had been marriage, for as long as men and women have shared a home, there has a been a battle being fought for dominance over the household.
Sometimes a delicate dance for power between them, sometimes all out war!
Are men really the strongest? Are women really the gentle sex?
Professional storytellers Maria Credali and Dave Tonge use traditional tales woven together with irreverent banter to explore that age old question – who should wear the trousers?
Dave, is an itinerant storyteller of over 25 years’ experience, telling at heritage sites and storytelling festivals across the UK and beyond. Maria has created and told tales for The Royal Shakespeare Company and many national and international storytelling festivals.Together, they bring you a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking show, full of mischief, laughter and sensational storytelling.
Maria Credali 