In stories of cunning, compassion, discovery and of magic in the 'real' world John tells of earth, sea and sky, tricksters, fools and elders, courageous girls and unlikely heroes. This is traditional storytelling, coloured by John's theatre work and background in music, with enough time between the tales for chat about stories, storytelling and pictures in the mind.
The stories are an international collection of legend, myth, folk-tale, history and fable, mostly from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Greece, The Middle East and Japan, chosen to suit the occasion, audience, date, place and whatever else is relevant on the day.
John’s War, Peace, Justice & Potatoes project - twice awarded funding by the Scottish Arts Council - brings together tales of wise and quirky approaches to the making of peace - be it between people, gods, superpowers … or just two dormice.
John’s tendency to 'become' his characters, to make music with penny whistle, jaws-harp or voice is particularly appreciated by those with special needs, deafness or ADS. He prefers working with people of 4 years or older, and particularly with 10 – 14 year olds who keenly engage with the challenges, quandaries and questions of honour that usually feature in the myths and legends.
John started life in Savernake Forest, Wiltshire in 1946 and was brought up in London where Granny and father were the family storytellers, and everybody sang. He later discovered the hills of Dyfed and was caught by the magic of the Old Language and the world of the Mabinogion. In 1980 he and his young family arrived in Dumfriesshire where he lived on and worked the land while setting up Hatrick & Friends - the family street theatre/circus workshop company which he still directs. It was his children's enthusiasm for oral stories that paved his way to becoming a professional teller in 1991.
John Travels far and wide working with adults and children at national and local festivals, ceilidhs, libraries, universities, care homes, castles and especially schools, around fires, indoors and out in Scotland and further a-field.
John’s CV includes:
Residency at Ardnamurchan Book Fest.
Multiple appearances in Edinburgh's International Storytelling and Book Festivals.
In service workshops for Library and Education Depts; Glasgow and Dumfries.
Co-director of SAC funded storytelling development projects across Dumfries & Galloway (CatStrand).
Member of Equity.
SAC/BTS Writers List since 1996.
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| Address: Townhead Cottage, Kirkland, Moniaive, Thornhill DG3 4HD |
Email: jwstoryteller@googlemail.com |
| Telephone: 01848 200478 |
Mobile: N/A |
| Fax: None |
Area: Dumfries & Galloway |
| Website: www.johnwheelerstoryteller.co.uk |
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