"Maureen has the knack for putting people at their ease and being
able to tell great tales in a lively way...Maureen's ability to
reach across age groups, subject matter and social boundaries, enusre she is
achieving her aim to put storytelling on everyone's lips...Everytime we see
Maureen perform, it is clear that she is blossoming into one of our great storytellers,
her confidence and choice of tales provide a wonderful evening's diversion!"
A relatively new and exiting development by Maureen James is performance storytelling for adults and children over 12 years.
Each show lasts approximately one and a half to two hours (with a short interval) and includes authentic historical stories or stories based on historical facts from a number of time periods interspersed with ballads and songs or music.
Maureen will bring a backdrop to your venue/locality which will evoke the spirit of the time and will perform in appropriate historical costume.
For advice on requirements when booking see requirements page.
The present list of shows, which is slightly biased towards the medieval period reflecting Maureen's love of that time and the ease with which she slips into that frame of mind (from having studied Medieval History at Cambridge University) is as follows
Romano-Celtic tales to evoke the spirit of the time, just after the Roman conquest
of Britain and the putting down of Queen Boudicca of the Iceni tribe. This performance
which sees Maureen telling tales of the land and Paul telling the heart wrenching
story of Boudicca is enhanced by the magical playing of Paul Jackson on the
Cora.
…"we were impressed by how much history Maureen was able to retain and recite …we liked the contrast of styles between Maureen and Paul, and found the second story quite spellbinding, especially the use of the instruments to augment it". Performance organising committee for Local Heritage Initiative funded project.
..."At the end of her story, everyone looked round, almost surprised
that there were no chariots, so real and gripping was her invocation".
Event organiser
A selection of Medieval Tales of the indiscretions and insurrections of the lower classes, this bawdy performance draws on diverse sources including Chaucers' Canterbury Tales and Boccaccios' The Decamaron and intersperses the stories with songs in a medieval style. Maureen performs in a costume such as might have been worn by Chaucer's 'Wife of Bath'.
"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 feedback
"From King John to a bawdy tale of a romp in a Miller's dwelling, we weren't disappointed with the programme, which had been advertised as adults only and was a great evening's entertainment" Audience feedback
This bawdy selection of Medieval tales and songs mostly from Chaucers' Canterbury Tales, reflects the many aspects of human behaviour. Maureen performs in a costume such as might have been worn by a woman of the time.
"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!" Audience Member
The tale is told from the viewpoint of a woman living in the time of Queen Mary, looking back at the life of the Saint who founded Ely Monastery and whose shrine became famous for its healing properties. Join Storyteller Maureen James in Tudor costume, on the royal progress of Etheldreda from her childhood as a princess of the East Anglian Wuffings, through her brief spell as the wife of the Earldorman of the Fenland Girvii tribe to her finding her faith whilst the wife of the troubled King of the Northumbrians. Listen to the tales of her escape to the sanctuary of her monastic retreat, her early death and the miracles that made her shrines so famous. Etheldreda - princess, abbess, saint will take audiences on an exciting rollercoaster journey through the dark ages, a time when Christianity was growing in popularity and the people still lived with the magic around them. The performance will be further enhanced by beautiful songs.
"Storytelling is a wonderful medium for adding to knowledge already gained or by establishing historical fact… This performance was interspersed with verses from the haunting folk hymn 'The Seven Virgins' (or 'The leaves of Life'). The setting gave a dramatic feel to this thought provoking event, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed." Event organiser
Tales of the changing fenland at the time of the draining of the Great Level interspersed with ballads and songs. Maureen will perform in a costume such as might have been worn by a woman of the time.
A mix of stories on the heroes of the fens, including Hereward the Saxon hero and Tom Hickathrift the Wisbech giant intersperse with ballads and songs from the area. Maureen will perform in a costume such as might have been worn by a country-woman in Victorian times.
A blend of stories that will send a chill down your spine. Maureen will perform in a costume such as might have been worn by a well to do woman in Victorian times.
Other performances can be tailored to your requirements. Please email or phone for further details.
Also find out about other tales on the storytelling page.