Storytelling event “The People of the Sea”

Also showing at the Barn, Banchory.  

“Step into a magical world where music, myth and memory are intertwined. Inspired by David Thomson’s classic book from 1954, The People of the Sea is a spellbinding performance. Storytellers and musicians Ruth Kirkpatrick (N.E Scotland) and Colin Urwin (N. Ireland) weave melodies, gentle humour and subtle gravitas these stories, bringing to life some of the haunting seal and selkie lore gathered by Thompson from the coasts of Scotland and Ireland eighty years ago.

Acclaimed by the sell-out audiences at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, The People of the Sea blends traditional folklore with more contemporary music exploring themes of love, loss, and the balance of nature. It is a homage to voices from the past, an exploration of ancient beliefs ,and a celebration of our enduring fascination and relationship with the sea. Above all it is a moving and memorable experience for all who love laughter, song and good stories well told.”

Colin Urwin:

Colin Urwin has been described as a modern-day Seanachaí. He is a folk singer, songwriter, storyteller and recording artist. He regularly appears at events and festivals all over Ireland and much further afield. 

As well as his beautifully woven, self-penned stories drawn from the local legend and folklore of his beloved Glens of Antrim, Colin tells many traditional Irish and Scottish folk tales. 

He has released an album of original songs, A Kind of Love Song. He has also produced three albums of magical stories entitled The Madman’s Window, The Swan Maiden and The Last Wolf. His first book of folk tales is due for publication with Orkneyology Press in early 2023.

Colin is Storyteller in Residence with The Waterways Community, a Northern Ireland based charity.

Ruth Kirkpatrick:

Born in the North East of Scotland, Ruth is widely seen as a Tradition Bearer, having been lucky enough to ‘sit at the knee’ of some of the great storytellers which Scotland has borne- Sheila Stewart, Duncan Williamson, Stanley Robertson and David Campbell. She has a broad repertoire of stories and songs from Traditional and local Traveller sources. More recently she has experimented with biographical storytelling, and annually performs a sell-out show about the life, songs and poetry of Robbie Burns.

Her real strength is in forming a warm, authentic rapport with her audience, respecting the tradition and giving her performance a loving, feisty sparkle. This makes her a popular guest at Festivals worldwide, including Iceland, England, Singapore, Belgium, Dubai, Ireland and India. She was awarded the Commission at Festival at the Edge in 2017 where she successfully created a ‘one woman’ show.