Join In With Songs And Stories About London

James Drury
By James Drury Last edited 114 months ago
Join In With Songs And Stories About London

Vanessa, Nigel and a puppet. Photo by Jenny Woolf

Here's something special for the littler Londonist readers — the chance to help create a new London song and get involved in stories aboard 'Dazzle Ship', HMS President.

Professional storyteller Vanessa Woolfe, and songwriter Nigel of Bermondsey — collectively known as London Dreamtime — will be regaling audiences with yarns based on the river and the city at a special family-friendly event, as part of Totally Thames.

During A Trip Down the Thames in Story and Song, Nigel will be inviting the audience to provide ideas and themes, before writing a song around the suggestions on the spot — and then performing it live.

"It's going to be really exciting," says Woolfe. "We'll be filming the song for YouTube too."

Among tales which may feature include a golem made from Thames mud, and the story of two queens — Queen Rat, and Margaret Finch — Queen of the Gypsies.

"In some ways, we've lost the art of storytelling in Western society, but these tales are every bit as gripping as Game of Thrones or Mad Men," says Woolfe. "While we don't have so much of a formal storytelling tradition as we used to, it still lives on through a vibrant spoken-word scene.

"Plus all the YouTube stars who present their shows via the internet, keeping our oral tradition alive."

A Trip Down the Thames in Story and Song takes place on 21 September at 3.30pm-5pm aboard HMS President. Tickets are £7.50, £5 concessions​, FREE for children aged 11 and under. Aimed at 5-11 year olds but all welcome.

This event is part of Londonist Afloat: Terrific Tales of the Thames events for the Totally Thames festival — come and meet Londonist writers on HMS President.

Last Updated 05 September 2014