"This irreverent romp through the dark ages is wildly funny. Not recommended
if you have a bladder problem, it's fast moving 'n' you might miss something…
Maureen James is captivating; you would believe the moon is made of green cheese
if she told you… Both costumes and performances were superb; in short it
is a pure joy.. An evening both entertaining and informative, a must for those
who like history".
Audience member after adult medieval storytelling performance
“It is difficult to study history through the ears, eyes and understanding of those that lived in the past. Maureen was able to describe events of the past though the lives and feelings of the Clarksons and their contemporaries with great success. She spoke with emotion and feeling about the work of real people”. Review of talk
"Thankyou for making our event extra special. We have had many comments
from children and adults all expressing their delight at the stories"
School PTA after storytelling at a medieval fair
"the stories were great I loved them because they were so adventurous"
Year 4 primary pupil after Viking afternoon
"Excellent stories....the children buzzed for days!"
teacher after primary school storytelling sessions
Members of the Eastern Group of the Exmoor Pony Society thrilled to the tale of the Exmoor and Boudicca when Maureen James, whilst cuddling a pony, took them back to a time when they smelt blood and rose to the challenge. You could almost see the Roman army and feel the courage of the small, tough British ponies in her descriptions. At the end of her story, everyone looked round, almost surprised that there were no chariots, so real and gripping was her invocation. Liz Wright - Exmoor Pony Society
Who said that the art of story telling was dead? Not so here in March! A ribald and entertaining evening was hosted by Maureen James at March Library as part of National Storytelling week. We were treated to an evocative flavour of Chaucerian England, enlivened with tales of greed, murder and lust! The whole was enwrapped in a lively mix of song and costume, appealing to an attentive and highly amused audience! One of the key characteristics of Maureen's ability to tell stories is her innate love of the medium, which makes the whole such a pleasant and enjoyable experience. It is clear that her knowledge of the period, her spirited personality and unerring knack of compiling a great program makes her events the successes that they are.
Dr. Vanessa Champion"I enjoyed reading it. I'm very impressed by the scope and quality
of the information."
Anti-slavery International on 'Thomas Clarkson' resource pack
"it's the most well written guide that I have seen for a long time"
Museum visitor after reading town trail.
"absolutely fascinating to read."
Key Stage One teacher commenting on resource pack.
"Everyone was pleased with the Tudor event. We got very good coverage
in the local press...and had a good day too."
Harlow Museum after Tudor day
"Thanks for your excellent contributions to our event."
Cambridgeshire Archaeology Field Unit after schools week
"All the year 2s (6-7 year olds) were totally involved...a fantastic
session which exceeded our hopes"
Teacher after Living History characterisation session
"Thankyou for your enthusiasm and hard work last week. It's appreciated."
Hinchingbrooke Country Park Iron Age farm after schools week
"Thankyou for the fantastic contribution you made to our "Roman
Weekend"...the talk in the morning, your work in the afternoon and your
excellent contribution to the Roman Banquet"
Parish Council after Millennium Monuments event.
"Thank you for the activities you brought us they were very fun and
I enjoyed it...the stories were great...your costume was good...I can't wait
till you see us again"
Year 3 pupil after a Viking day.
"The children were fully motivated throughout the day...It's all about
the children experiencing it for themselves, and this is exactly what they did
from beginning to end of their day"
A key stage 1 teacher after a Castle day.
"Maureen has a wonderful 'can-do' attitude, which brings out the best
in any creative team, be they professional colleagues, volunteers or participants."
Arts Development Officer after a Community Victorian Weekend.