A storytelling circus is coming to town: the StoryStock Children’s Festival hits Shepherds Bush this half term, Thursday to Saturday, 31 October to 2 November. Kids aged 0 to 13 and their families can listen to their favourite authors’ stories, learn how to write and draw stories, act in stories, and join in story parties. The festival is being held at one of our favourite hangouts, the Bush Theatre—appropriately enough, a former local library. And see below for a special WLM promotion for two talks for the price of one!
Authors such as Judith Kerr, Kristina Stephenson and Laura Dockrill will be giving talks, and children can get down to drama and crafts workshops, Halloween parties and several shows, including Rastamouse and the Wimpy Kid.
The choice is massive so here’s our Top Five:
1. Scavenger Hunt: a literary quest around W12
Every day, free, prizes for the winners
2. Art and storytelling from the witches of Kite Studios for Halloween
Thursday 31 October, all ages, 9:30am | 11am | 12:30pm, £8
3. Abie Longstaff’s talk about her latest book The Fairytale Hairdresser
Friday 1 November, 5+ yrs, 9:30am, £6
4. Judith Kerr in conversation with Lyn Gardner (Kerr is author and illustrator of Mog, The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit)
Friday 1 November, families & 8+ yrs, 2:30pm, £6
5. Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes Show
Saturday 2 November, all ages, 11:30am, £8
Storystock director Claire Gill told us:
“Storystock is not just another festival. It will be more interactive and more workshop-based so children feel they are really part of the story. And a bit more silly too. We want families to come to Storystock and discover new authors, learn new skills, immerse themselves in stories and have fun! As well as our talks and workshops, the festival is crammed with a literary treasure hunt, a book shop and lots of storytelling.”
The full programme is available on the StoryStock website. Tickets start from £4 to £15 and are for sale via the Bush Theatre box office, 0208 743 5050, and online at www.bushtheatre.co.uk.
Special treat for WLM readers: promotional code StoryTalk241 gives you 2 for 1 (subject to availability) on all Talk tickets.
