Dave Brookes
I have worked collectively with Mick Whysall as The Woolly Tellers for some considerable time
From May 2025 Mike has decided to take a back step from joint performances, but remains as a guest teller and collaborator
The goals remain the same to strive innovate a promote to new audiences
Primarily and for want of a better phrase, 'I am a story teller for grown ups'
I 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. In addition I add in traditional material where it is appropriate for the theme of the that performance
I am primarily performer. to entertain , provide escapism. More than just storyteller.
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
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.
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
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!
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
13th May 2025
Hello All
Mike and I have worked together for some 20 years and we met today to go over recent performances. Both of us work independently.
Today we looked to the future of the Woolly Tellers and Mike felt it was a good time for him to step back from full performances as one of The Woolly Tellers.
He will still appear as a guest speaker and will, be involved in some of the background work needed to create effective performances
This being the case it was decided to keep the title and now be called The Woolly Teller
I will be back at the Fox and Grapes beginning in September.
Take care all
Dave Brookes
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.
Previous Events
Ghostwalk at Papplewick Papplewick Pumping Station Rigg Lane Ravenshead Nottingham 5.30pm Sunday 6th October 2024 SOLD OUT
Halloween at Papplewick
7.30pm Thursday 31st October 2024 SOLD OUT
Ghostwalk at Papplewick Papplewick Pumping Station Rigg Lane Ravenshead Nottingham 5.30pm Sunday 24th November 2024 SOLD OUT
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 RAISED £98 PRIVATE BOOKING
DARK TALES FOR DARK NIGHTS
FOX AND GRAPES 21 Southwell Road Nottingham Sunday 17th November 2024 Doors Open 5.30pm (Performance commences 6.30pm)
Christmas Tales
Thursday 5th December 2024Sandiacre and Stapleford Historical Society
Christmas Tales
FOX AND GRAPES 21 Southwell Road Nottingham Sunday 8th December 2024 Doors
A Most Victorian Murder
5.30pm Sunday 16th February 2025
Future Events
Fen Giants Gobbits and Marsh Horrors
5.30pm Sunday 27th April 2025
Tickets £12.00 from the premises or tel 0115 841 8970 ADVANCED TICKETS £10.00
doors open 5.30pm performance commences 6.30pm ( includes hot buffet )
Fox and Grapes 21 Southwell Road Nottingham NG1 1DL
show to be announced
fox and Grapes September 2025
watch this space
Private booking Mysight Worksop
Halloween Tales
Halloween Tales
5.30pm Sunday 2nd November 2025
Tickets £12.00 from the premises or tel 0115 841 8970 ADVANCED TICKETS £10.00
doors open 5.30pm performance commences 6.30pm ( includes hot buffet )
Fox and Grapes 21 Southwell Road Nottingham NG1 1DL
Private booking Mysight Nottingham
Halloween Tales
Private booking Mysight Bassetlaw
Tales
CHRISTMAS TALES
5.30pm Sunday 7th December 2025
Tickets £12.00 from the premises or tel 0115 841 8970 ADVANCED TICKETS £10.00
doors open 5.30pm performance commences 6.30pm ( includes hot buffet )
Fox and Grapes 21 Southwell Road Nottingham NG1 1DL
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.
From May 2025 Mike is taking a step back from performing fully with Dave Brookes but will still do guest performances
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.
Dave from May 2025 will be perfuming at Dave Brookes 'The Woolly Teller' with Mick stepping back from a full commitment.
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.
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Sales and Publicity
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
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
Booking conditions
Please contact us by email telephone, text or email to us at:
Ask for a brochure and our terms of booking.
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 .