Talks for adult groups

The remarkable lives of the Brothers Grimm, including  some of their stories; you may think you know tales such as Cinderella - but the Brothers Grimm's versions may hold a few surprises!  

How Charles Dickens' early life shaped his famous novella, A Christmas Carol, including readings from the book.  Great for getting into the Christmas mood!

 So many of the best stories are set at Christmas: here are three: The cat on the Dovrefell from Norway; The Grateful Statues, from York via Japan; and the charming fable of Silverclogs and Greenbeard.  Be prepared for some seasonal magic!  

  What we know - and don't know - about this slave who had the power of storytelling.   Aesop's tales have been teaching lessons for 2,500 years, and the talk features three - The Eagle and the Beetle, The Fox and The Crow, and The Three Axes.

The history of the Viking Gods, focussing on the stories  of Mimir's Well, Sif's Hair, Thor's Hammer and The Master Builder: tales filled with intrigue, action and humour. 

Learn about Japanese storytelling culture, featuring stories like The Spider Weaver and Mr Lucky Straw, Then hear The Grateful Statues, another Japanese yarn but translated to Yorkshire!  Gentle stories with elements of humour. 

The true story of St Paulinus, a medieval missionary whose life was a bit like Game of Thrones without (most of) the nasty bits!  Thrilling battles, perilous journeys, dramatic banquets...    

 Everyone's favourite outlaw, but just who was he?  Did he even exist?  The talk features three stories - The Two Harts, Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, and the marriage of Alan a Dale - but there are plenty more, so if there's another you'd like to hear let me know! 

Myrdal, Vesuvius and Krakatoa: three epic volcanoes and three epic tales.  A nervous elephant, a young historian and a pair of magic trousers.  What else would you be expecting?!

 Brazil:  A vibrant culture, mixing native tribes with colonial heritage, has produced some cracking stories!  Here are three fascinating tales: a one legged capoeira fighter, a yeti-like creature called the mapinguari, and a musician who courts the Sea King's daughter

Did you know that story of the Red Slippers from Egypt may be the earliest version of Cinderella?  We also hear how Isis and Osiris infuence the river Nile, and how a Golden Lotus became lost.

Fire: as creative as it is destructive; we explore this in three stories - Prometheus and The Gift of Fire; the bitter sweet story of the Phoenix; and the quest to possess The Fire Bird.