Review of Feast Of Fools Storytelling #6 - Open Mic Night at the NN Cafe, Northampton

The Curious Incident Of The Traffic Jam In The Nighttime
The Tale Of The Broken Chair
The Mystery Of The Shattered Glass

None of these were the stories told as your hero returned to the monthly gathering of the Feast Of Fools. Your hero was triumphant in his return following a battle with the evil and wicked spirit Chestus Infectious preventing an adventurous visit the month before. On this sixth evening of mysterious storytelling the open mic night returned, the lesser supported of the evenings but never the less entertaining.

We were welcomed to the evening with Richard "Many Instruments" York's performance on the mesmerising sounding Hurdy Gurdy. Your hero was astounded by the sound, the almost electronic sound this instrument provided.

Second to the stage was our host for the evening Sue "Teddy Bear" Martin who as well as providing the welcomes and links of the evening provided a most entertaining early Halloween trick or treat themed tale.

Dave "Puntastic" Blake was the first guest of the night who to the delight of your hero was very much back in his high comedy form, back to the puns we all love. His tale, both topical and reminiscent was a delight. His hope indeed of getting Sepp's head on a Blatter did indeed not take long either. A hilariously funny and entertaining tale.

Next to the stage was your hero's favourite, the most marvellous Lisa "No Mic Required" Shepherd. Once again strutting and striding across the stage telling a most entertaining tale of a very indecisive spirit. Our performer even willing to totally mess her hair up for her art. It was a delight, although I am sure there was something missing...

The final act of the first half was a new person to your hero, Steve "Guitar Strummer" Gifford. Although as he strolled to the stage, I suspected what we might get, it looked like music to me. It may have been the guitar that gave that away. What we did get were two tune some songs telling tales of a father's protection of their child and another of a box of possessions. The latter was your hero's favourite as we went through the most wondrous contents in tune.

After the interval, the first to the stage was Theresa "Three Stones" Kelleher who told a creepy, creepy tale of a possessing dead man. It was much in the traditional sense of the ancient tales and was suitably stirring.

Our penultimate teller of the evening was debutant Tamsyn "Shades Of Red" Payne who provided a most cautionary tale for young ladies. It was a highly entertaining tale which for a moment alarmingly featured a red room. Your hero, who knows things he shouldn't in this world, adjusted his non-existent tie as the room got slightly warmer. Fortunately for all of us, the red was of the crimson bloody variety. It was a spectacular, entertaining and very confident first tell from Tamsyn and hopefully the first of many.

Closing the evening was Stephen "Vinyl Licker" Hobbs and his tale of a battle lost is a battle won. A very entertaining tale of his failure to see The Beatles, but his suffering of seeing Take That. A father says no to his son losing a memory, but a father says yes to his daughter and has in latter years a wonderful memory. A lovely tale which as Robbie had left, provided the best line of the evening, as Steven has to only put up with "four of the little shits."

This third Open Mic night was by far the most varied in the tellers and by a long shot the most entertaining so far. It was once again sad to see a small turnout (outside influences permitting) and people really do need to see beyond the "star names" of storytelling and see the wonders of these other stars. They are quite brill.

Superb tales, magnificent company and a thoroughly entertaining night!

Now you just come to the next Open Mic or I shall set the serpent on you!

Performance reviewed: Wednesday 7th October, 2015 at the NN Cafe, Northampton.

Feast Of Fools is held on the first Wednesday of each month at the NN Cafe, Guildhall Road. There is a Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/StorytellingFeast and they are also on Twitter @FOFStorytelling

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