Storytelling with Hotch Potch

Hotch Potch have been making performances for outdoor audiences since 2012. We are passionate about making accessible arts experiences for a wide range of outdoor and indoor events and venues. We have found that street theatre has a magical way of inviting audiences into the performance- they can really be part of the art, feel seen and heard. Storytelling is one of the oldest art forms and an important part of our companies roots and culture. Over the years we have explored many ways of delivering storytelling indoor and out but always keeping in line with the theme of our natural world.

Our storytelling shows have gathered large audiences and been part of wider community projects. In 2021 we brought our show Detritus and the Mermaid to Portreath beach following a series of community workshops with the local school and nursery, commissioned by Portreath Improvements Committee. The children’s recycled plastic creations featured as part of the the shows decor and relayed a strong message of saving our seas. As emergent artists in 2014 we received support from ACE to develop our first storytelling show. Cafe Petite invites audiences of 5-12 at a time into a short theatrical experience - where tiny cups of tea are served and a live musician serenades your stay. The audience are led in by Bertie the stilt walking butler and waited on inside by Doris who tells stories of Cornish piskies and giants. For part of this project we also worked with the University of the 3rd age to gather insight into the old tales and folklore of Cornwall.

We love to create storytelling experiences for audiences and have created a number of storytelling shows over the years. The Tiny Tour is a one man storytelling show which brings audiences on a journey exploring different miniature installations in natural spaces.

Cafe Petite is a static show inviting small groups of audiences in at a time.

Detritus and the Mermaid our current work in development, is a larger scale storytelling show for indoor and outdoor audiences.

Our Storytellers;

Laura Wheeler- Originally from Belfast, N.Ireland Laura has a background in street theatre and outdoor performance. A passionate singer and storyteller and currently studying an MA in Arts, Health and Wellbeing. ‘Storytelling is a way for me to connect with my Irish roots and Celtic culture and Cornwall has been a great place to explore that’

Ross Wheeler- Born and raised in Cornwall Ross has a background in Circus Arts and studied a BA in Street Arts alongside Laura, where they met in 2009. He is often seen on stilts at many festivals and events in Cornwall and the wider South West. ‘I grew up listening to stories and Cornish folklore, now as a parent, artist and Cornishman, I can really see the value in it and love to be able to share it with others.

Storytelling can be incorporated into many community events and is a great way to bring people together. Stories after all... help shape us and storytelling is the thread that runs through much of our work as artists. If you'd like to know more about our storytelling shows, solo storytellers and characters head to www.hotchpotchperformance.co.uk for more info!