Reviews and comments for recent gigs

My performance of Can the Mountains Love the Sea? got a review by A Small Mind.

“An excellent night.” * * * *

Read the full review here.

I also got these kind words from some Viking reinactors who came along:

“What a great experience this was! My friend J~ and I were completely enthralled by your enchantment and sheer professionalism. This was storytelling at its best and we were truly privileged to have witnessed it.

Not one single word was wasted. The pacing was spot-on. The characterisation was vivid and varied. You were totally absorbed ‘in the moment’ of the story, as was your audience. You made mythology live and breath…”

– the wannabe Vikings!

~ ~ ~

And some great audience comments from my performance of Jonathan and David at Night of the Storyteller. (All comments used with permission.)

“A few centuries ago listeners might have found the intimacy between David and Jonathon unsettling, but not have baulked at the violent massacre of the Amalekites. Now our sensitivities are reversed, but it is a credit to Tim Ralphs’ telling that he does not flinch at nor soft-pedal the difficult parts of this story. The show that results is touching and tender, rich and many-layered. A paean to love, friendship, and promise-keeping.”

Sarah Rundle, Storyteller

“I thought your performance at The Miller was beautiful! I loved the multiple narratives, juxtaposition and how many layers there were. Deftly, discretely & generously done (because you never demanded we think any particular thing). Congratulations!”

Giles Abbott, Storyteller

“Thank you for last night’s performance which I found profoundly moving. There are scenes which, although understated in your telling, remain vividly etched in my consciousness – the deeply human interaction between Saul and the Witch of Endor, for instance, to name just one.

Your subtle and deeply respectful crafting of links between Bible story and Life story created a rich tapestry which brought the spinning of story, and the fabric of life to life, a subtle veil through which you facilitated the potential to get a glimpse of the ineffable.

The formal musical framing device you used was masterful.

You are truly breaking new ground in the form.”

Leon Conrad, Voice Specialist

Can the Mountains Love the Sea?

Surprise! I have a new show coming out in May for two dates in London. As yet there are no further bookings confirmed so don’t take a risk and miss it! I love this story. It has viking podiatry hygiene. Loki does something hilarious with a goat. But mostly, it’s a story where the wedding isn’t immediately followed by The End, where we get to see marriage as that grand crucible of person making, and we get to find out if the unlikely couple will grow together or apart.

Skadi Longs for the Mounains – The Poetic Edda

“There is a Giantess at the gate. Her burning fury melts the ice. She will be avenged against us all. Three things she demands as blood price: The most handsome man in our hall as her husband. A joy filled marriage feast. And that her dead father’s cold eyes see her wedding day. She will have these things or she will have her vengeance.”

BASE winner Tim Ralphs invites you to a wedding at your local storytelling club. Ruthless Skadi, daughter of murdered Thiazi, will wed Njord, the peaceful God of the Sea. You might think that this curious union is unlikely to lead to happiness ever after. But it would be rude to say anything and, come bloodshed or bliss, we’ll be watching from ringside seats.

Can the Mountains Love the Sea? is a brand new adaptation of The Marriage of Njord and Skadi, a Norse myth brimful of anger, magic and adult-humour.

RSVP.