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Mick Whysall and Dave Brookes 

We have worked collectively as The Woolly Tellers  for some considerable time

Each has a different style of performance which blends together well.   Our goals however are the same.  to be different  and to constantly strive to innovate

Mike is a purist,  he performs his own material exclusively.

Dave differs.   A mixture of his  own creations, mixing in  traditional tale to suit the occasion 

Primarily  and for want of a better phrase,  'we are story tellers for grown ups' 

We use history  as a backdrop, often creating a character,  and weave a tale or story to fit the occasion, from dark and foreboding, to comic 

We are primarily performers.  We entertain , provide escapism.   More than just storytellers

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Dark Tales for Dark Nights 

We have a a catalogue of tales and stories of human nature.   Many have an historical background and our tales are interwoven.   Dark tales nights can be adapted or written to suit an occasion 

A selection of our performances

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A Most Victorian Murder 

This performance is about Nottingham in 1844.   Following the arrest through to  conviction of William Saville.

It was the alleged murderer of his family in Colwick Woods and the tragedy that occurred at his hanging on the steps of the Shire Hall  (Now the National Justice Museum).   

There has been controversy over this case ever since.   Let these experienced performers of the spoken word lead you through events.  You decide what is fiction and the truth

Fen Giants Gobbits and Marsh Horrors 

The fen marshes of Lincolnshire will ever be shrouded in myth and mystery.   These experienced performers have gathered historical facts and created a series of tales anecdotes of this era.  This goes back in history, when the Romans first drained the marshes for rich agriculture.   

Stories abound of Black Shuck, and the fen giants in the mist, not to mention what lies in the inky black waters of  the Fens.

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Halloween 

Halloween is always a good time for dark and spooky tales.   It goes way back in history.   The Celts believe it's when the dark half of the year and light half of the year join for a moment in time and the sprits can pass between the worlds.   Others believe it's when the dead roam the earth and good folk bolt their doors and leave treats for the spirits.  

This is the exception when the Woolly Tellers perform  ‘Jack O Lantern’   a  traditional tale associated with Halloween 

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Christmas Tales 

Our Christmas Tales brings out the true spirit of Christmas.   The stories and anecdotes are fun of nostalgia and poignant.   We love doing them on the run up to Christmas.   enjoy a chocolate or two with mince pies fruit cake an everything that is bad for you.  But it is Christmas!

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An Evening with The Woolly Tellers 

You just may want to sit back and relax from tales stories and anecdotes from these experienced performers of the spoken word.   

The Woolly Tellers an extensive library of material resources to draw upon.   We are able create a performance to suit most occasions or perhaps for an event with a particular theme 

News 

 

29th November 2024

 

Hello All

We would like to thank all those who have attended our events this winter .   It hasn't finished yet!    We have gone to capacity at the Ghost Walk on the 5th October and sold out for Halloween and the  Ghost Walk on the 24th November at Papplewick.    

On the 17th November 2024 we performed for the first time at there Fox and Grapes in the City of  Nottingham (it backs on to the Old Fruit Market)

​It was a great night performing Dark Tales for Dark nights.   The price included a hot buffet.   It is a Castle Rock Brewery pub and  a superb venue

 

DONT MISS OUT   we are to perform CHRISTMAS TALES on Sunday 8th December at the venue and once  more the Tickets are £10.00  (booked in advance)   and includes a hot buffet.    This is outstanding value.  

Come and join us,  and be in good company  for our final event of the year.   Tales and stories  that bring the true spirit of Christmas 

​​

Take care all    

Mick and Dave 

Dark Clouds

Christmas Tales at The Malt Cross 

Sunday 4th December 2022

At the Malt Cross St James Street Nottingham  

doors open at 6.15pm 

Tickets £7.00       https://maltcross.com/events/events?ID=4470

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re delighted The Woolly Tellers will be performing Christmas Tales 

Join us for an evening of festive stories which guarantee to capture the imagination and spirit of Christmas.

It will be an evening to remember as tales are told around the Christmas Tree! What’s more the Malt Cross bar will be open before and after the performance.

Appearances
Dark Clouds

 Previous Events 

A MOST Victorian Murder 

7.30pm Thursday 29th June 2023

Fenland Stories, Folklore and Other Tales   

7.30pm Friday 15th September 2023

Fen Giants Gobbits and Marsh Horrors

Malt Cross  St James's Street Nottingham

SUNDAY 1ST OCTOBER  

Private Booking 23 Oct 2023 

Halloween at the Cowshed 
6.30pm Saturday 28th October 2023
The Cowshed, No Mans Lane,  Dale Abbey.  Ilkeston.  Derbyshire DE7 4 PH

Ghosts of the Malt Cross and other stuff! 

A night of Halloween tales 

The Malt Cross St James's Street Nottingham 

the Grey Lady of  Papplewick

 

A night of Halloween tales 

7.30pm Tuesday 31st October 2023 (performance commences at 8pm)

Private Booking 1st November  2023 

Future Events 


Ghostwalk  at Papplewick 
Papplewick Pumping Station Rigg Lane Ravenshead Nottingham 
5.30pm Sunday 6th October  2024    
SOLD OUT  
Tickets from £11.50.
Go to:    
https://PPSGhostWalkOctober.eventbrite.co.uk   

Halloween at Papplewick 
7.30pm Thursday 31st October 2024    SOLD OUT 
Tickets from £11.50 
go to:
 https://PPS_Halloween_woollytellers.eventbrite.co.uk 

Halloween Tales 
for the Friends of Sawley 
2.30m Sunday 3rd November 2024
 

This is a free event for the benefit of the friends of Sawley :  Voluntary Collection for Treetops Hospice 

DARK TALES FOR DARK NIGHTS  
FOX AND GRAPES 21 Southwell Road Nottingham   
Sunday 17th November 2024
 Doors Open 5.30pm  (Performance  commences 6.30pm) 

TICKETS ARE  £12.00 ON THE DOOR           :        ADVANCED TICKETS £10.00
TICKETS FROM THE PREMISES   or      TEL 0115 841 8970
https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk      :   GO TO EVENTS PAGE   

 

Ghostwalk at Papplewick
5.30pm Sunday 24th November 2024    
SOLD OUT
tickets from  £11.50
go to:  
https://PPSGhostWalkNovember.eventbrite.co.uk 
 

Private Booking
Christmas Tales  
Thursday 5th December 2024
Sandiacre and Stapleford Historical Society 

Christmas Tales  
FOX AND GRAPES

21 Southwell Road Nottingham 
Sunday 8th  December 2024  Doors open 5.30pm  (performance commences  6.30pm)
TICKETS ARE  £12.00 ON THE DOOR           :        ADVANCED TICKETS £10.00
TICKETS FROM THE PREMISES   or      TEL:    0115 841 8970
https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk      :   GO TO EVENTS PAGE  

 

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Mick Whysall 

Mick Whysall is an established storyteller and writer.

He is involved in all aspects of performance of the spoken word,  taking the form of historical talks, guided tours at various sites and locations.

He is able to draw from half a century of experience.  Born and raised in Nottingham, he has travelled the world extensively,  before returning to his roots and settling back on his home ground

Mick uses his knowledge of Nottingham and the rich history of the East Midlands to create the background for his many tales.    He frequently focuses on Nottingham’s often turbulent industrial heritage.   Having Grown up in 1950’s Nottingham,  regularly forms an ideal backdrop for many stories, tales and anecdotes.

Having travelled extensively by ship,  Australia features heavily along side other countries in Mick travels.   The colour and vibrancy combined with an intimate style of telling,  deliver a memorable experience for the audience.

He exclusively writes and performs all his own material.   He met with Dave Brookes at the Story Tellers of Nottingham.

Working with Dave Brookes,   who works in a different style,  makes a perfect balance.  Enhancing  the presentation and performance of The Woolly Tellers

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             Dave Brookes 

Dave Brookes is a Derbyshire man who has lived his whole life in Derbyshire and by contrast has spent all his working life in Nottinghamshire working most parts of the county at one time.

He has a strong bond with both counties.   He worked on horseback for ten years and is a keen longbow archer

He has been a story teller and writer for some years.   Albeit he was already doing presentations and tours with his job,  he was introduced to the Story Tellers of Nottingham, where he met with Mick Whysall. 

He freely admits that when he finds a well written tale that suits his style he will adapt and perform it in addition to his own material.  

Constantly researching he is drawn often to the 1700, and 1800,   in particular local industrial and military history that can be weaved in to the fabric of his own tales.

There is a real thrill in performing the art of storytelling,  particularly to a new audience and observing the power of the spoken word.   

The Woolly Tellers were formed a few years ago and he joined forces with Mick Whysall,  who is distinctly different in approach and delivery.  This  produces a unique combination and listening experience.

The complete package

We have the ability to turn the most sterile or clinical space in to a welcoming environment.

An area can be illuminated effectively to suit the performance, the use of LED candles and projected images or alternatively use a back screen.

 

The lighting can be controlled independently of collectively by DMX controller. This allows a subtle colour changes to suit the story. A portable speaker system for the larger venue, allows us true flexibility in reaching the audience.

back projector
sound system
LED  candles
Light Bar
Pod lights

Sales and Publicity

 

Mike Whysall has a an extensive background. Skilled  in design and is extremely creative 

Dave Brookes is an accomplished artist and collectively both have a strong ethos in producing and projecting the correct image for our performance of the spoken word.

We have the ability to adapt and collaborate with a customer or venue to promote the show.

Albeit most of our promotions now relies on  digital outlets design is still important and we design posters,  flyers and flyer stands to suite the venue   

In the last year we have introduced online ticketing with ‘We got Tickets’ outlet.

Our contact details 

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The Woolly Tellers

 

contact details 

 

 

website :  www.thewoollytellers.co.uk

Instagram :  The Woolly Tellers 

facebook:   removed 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MickandDave

email:  thewoollytellers@gmail.com 

 

Dave Brookes:   tel   0115 9723913

mobile number:  0744 343 3324 

 

Mick.  mobile  07949 298906

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Booking conditions 

Please contact us by email telephone, text or email  to us at:

 

thewoollytellers@gmail.com 

 

Ask for a brochure and our terms of booking. 

 

Image by Tyler Delgado

further information

The Woolly Tellers have performed for a number  years and, although based in Nottingham  have performed  across the County, as well as Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.

We are happy to consider bookings  for private or public events .  Being writers we are  able to  tailor the performance  to a theme or venue.

 

Each year we perform shows for a  good cause or charity . It is  important the this helps the local community .   We have performed for cancer research, the Air Ambulance Maggie's (Nottingham)  and Treetops Hospice  at Risley Derbyshire .

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