Cellist clowns, Greek mythology and local stories — Gather Together Storytelling Festival kicks off at The Rosemary Branch

The Rosemary Branch lies on the border between Hackney and Islington. Photograph: Mx. Granger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

On the border of Hackney and Islington sits The Rosemary Branch Theatre. A pub downstairs with a performance space above, the venue boasts of its commitment to ‘good beer, good food, good people’.

From today (14 January) it will be the people taking centre stage — literally and figuratively — at the venue’s annual Gather Together Storytelling Festival, which runs until 12 February. Here, seasoned performers will rub shoulders with locals for a season of comedy, live music and mythology, with one evening dedicated to the history and community of the area in the residents’ own words.

Local Stories, taking place on 21 January, is hosted by acclaimed storyteller Casey Jay Andrews and will encourage local residents to get up on stage and share their stories. It is described by the team at the Rosemary Branch as “a highlight of the festival” each year.

Would-be participants will have their names added to a hat and will be chosen at random. They will then have five minutes to share their story. Whether you have a story to share or just want to listen, the event is free to attend.

Before that, cellist and clown Karen Hall will kick off proceedings with Delusions and Grandeur — a show which won a FringeReview award for Outstanding Theatre at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was branded a ‘must-see show’ by the team. Described as a “genre-blurring jester”, Hall’s work explores what it’s like to be a woman working in the world of classical music with a comedic twist.

“I’m very excited to be performing at the Gather Together Storytelling Festival,” Hall told East End Review. “Delusions and Grandeur made its world premier at a pub theatre in London in 2022 so it feels like a return to the start.

“Unlike the world premiere, the show now has a long history behind it and has won awards around the world. Since then I have been curious about putting it into storytelling spaces. While the show is heavily autobiographical around my career, it is in constant conversation with the audience challenging everyone to examine their ideas of success, identity, and meaning.

“Not only am I a professional cellist but I am also a trained clown and since the show was devised out of my clown training, there are plenty of moments for laughter.”

Other performances include Silent Rocco: UNTOLD STORIES, a mime performance without any set, props, or words; and The Marvellous Adventures of Mary Seacole, first written and performed 14 years ago by former Rosemary Branch artistic director, Cleo Sylvestre.

With Trailblazer Award winner Daniella Pollendine playing Seacole in this “bold reimagining”, this one-woman show aims to pay “tribute to Black history reclaimed and remembered”. Meanwhile, HELIOS tells the story of the son of the Sun God, but in the modern age. 

The festival will also include a monthly comedy storytelling show called Tall Tales & Cocktails. Tickets to all performances are available here.