The gentle spicy waft of mulled apple juice tickling the nostrils and the glow of the Christmas tree set a suitably festive tone for this month’s Tales from the Undercroft – Yule to Misrule. What else could it be at this time of year but a wintery concoction of delicious tales served up with the unmistakably generous spirit of the tellers to bring you in from the cold and warm your cockles? And what a lot of folks there were warming said cockles as word seems to be getting out that this storytelling lark that’s going on down at The Undercroft ‘aint half bad.
Laurie was first up, taking us back to the time of Saxon rule to bring us the tale of Elfreda (or that could be Alfreda?) and her battle to win the trust of her stepson. Cue the entrance of the wise woman (who else?) to save the day with the daunting task of plucking a whisker from a live wolf. Task completed, Elfreda learns that most valuable lesson that trust is gained by taking small steps - little by little. And suffice to say all is well in the world in time for Christmas (hurrah!)
Our next tale of the evening came courtesy of Mark, with cameo roles from Su (oh, that’s me!) Our tale of the way in which the robin got his red breast was almost as enjoyable to tell (possibly more) as it was to plan the night before over a few glasses of wine. Obviously tricky to review oneself so maybe I’ll take this opportunity to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed telling a tale with Mark (our first together at the Undercroft). The two of us enjoyed many a year telling tales together down in the West Country before I found my way to the fine city of Norwich some five years ago. Mark took his time, following the same path earlier this year and it really is a joy to be spinning yarns with him again.
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| Jim Kavanagh telling at the Undercroft |
Next to tell was Jim, first with a brief tale about how the Goldfinch got his red face. Seems there was a certain bird who plucked the thorns from the crown of a certain iconic fellow associated with this time of the year. Well, I never knew that… Jim followed this short tale with the true story of an acquaintance - the wife of a well travelled couple, skilled in the art of making a house a home despite the many relocations. The most important aspect of this, by all accounts, is the act of trying every brand of tea available in order to find the perfect brew (anyone else getting a mental image of Mrs Doyle?) Jim’s tale ended with a shiver down the spine as the ever-vigilant lady wakes in the night to find all the doors in her house inexplicably open…
Then Sarah took to the tellers chair to bring us a tale of love beyond the grave. ‘Christmas’, she explained, ‘is a time when spirits walk,’ and they certainly did in this chilling and lyrical tale beautifully told by Sarah with her lulling voice.
Liam was next with the story of the Apple Tree Man, a tale with a goodly amount of supernatural tree action and a generous helping of talking beasts. A fitting tale for the time of year – ‘The time when beasts do talk’ – Liam spun a great tale of moral retribution for the greedy son who tries to pull a fast one on his brother (not to mention his ox and donkey). Worth pointing out Liam’s convincing Somerset accent, surpassed only by his impression of a talking donkey!
A noticeable hush fell as Paul took to the chair to bring us the enchanting story of ‘The Old Man of the Woods’. Casting a magic winter spell with his singing bowl, he then went on to weave an age-old tale of the way in which those who have so very little are happy to share what they have and those with plentiful supplies hold on to their wealth with a vice-like grip. Several yards of linen and a good number of sneezes later and needless to say everyone gets what’s coming to them. A great yuletide tale.
To bring us to the end of the first half, Rita told us of the way in which an ordinary man in the street became a legend and an inspiration among men as she gave a heartfelt and timely account of Kett’s Rebellion (it being the anniversary of his being hanged from the walls of Norwich Castle). Clearly a subject close to Rita’s heart, the tale was told with a great deal of passion and was made even more poignant by the mention at the end that members of ‘Occupy Norwich’ were planning to place a wreath at the castle in his memory and to honour his role in the ‘long and painful fight for democracy’.
Thanks to all who came and helped make it a great night.
Unfortunately Jurnets is still closed for Christmas break the first Wednesday in Jan, so we will be meeting on the 2nd Wednesday (The 11th) instead.
The theme is Old and New, so hopefully a good mix of old favourites and something different to welcome in the New Year!
See you all at 7.30 for and 8.00 start and by all means contact the Dave Yarnsmith at theyarnsmith@yahoo.co.uk if you want to tell.
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