Bringing the art of storytelling to life

Continuing our celebration of National Storytelling Week, it was a treat to welcome traditional storyteller, Andy Harrop-Smith to the Wickson Library today.

Andy has been telling stories at venues and festivals around the UK for many years and he had pupils of all ages spellbound with his entertaining tales this lunchtime. 

As well as enthralling pupils with an amusing and engaging story about monkeys, hats and the importance of taking a deep breath when you feel angry, Andy passed on his tips for great storytelling and talked about his passion for this ancient art. 

Andy said: “I tell stories because it’s fun; it makes me happy and it makes the people who listen happy.

“I have worked as many things over the years – soldier, policeman, occupational therapist – but telling stories is the best job I’ve ever had. I love reading and telling stories from around the world and I recommend it to everyone!”

Andy tasked the pupils with coming up with their own ideas for the beginning, middle and end of a story and has taken them away to craft a brand new story. We hope we’ll be able to welcome him back to hear the story soon!

Head Librarian Jodie Brooks thanked Andy for his time. She said: “What a way to spend a lunchtime! Andy has really inspired the pupils with his energetic and engaging storytelling and I can’t wait to hear the story he creates from our pupils’ ideas.”

Andy is pictured here with four of our J4 pupils who came along to the Senior School to take part in the storytelling workshop.