FRANCIS MAXEY
I have been performing for 30 years and for the last eighteen years I have been working as a contemporary storyteller. As a storyteller I use traditional tales to explore the richness of emotions and truths that old stories carry for people today.
My main work is in schools; encouraging children to read, running creative writing projects and teaching storytelling. My joy though is to go into Junior and secondary schools and tell stories. Children’s understanding of narrative is broadened and their imagination and emotions are brought to life. We should never underestimate the value of a well-structured and well-performed show. For some young people it is their first experience of a live show and can have a lasting effect.
I also work with other storytellers and musicians creating shows and concerts throughout the country. It is in these shows that the richness of traditional material can be moulded and brought to life for more challenging and enjoyable shows for adults.
A list of current shows available for theatres and club venues is available at ???? .
Whether at festivals, theatres or schools a good story well told is a joy.
For 28 years worked in circus and theatre as a clown and ropewalker recently due to the ageing process I have left the extreme circus skills to younger performers. However one of the joys of discovering storytelling was that the skills I have learnt as a performer are relevant and add depth to a storyteller. It’s as if I’ve served a 28-year apprentiship.