Storytime | Bringing Communities Together

Bringing Communities Together Through the Ancient Art of Storytelling

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​I am a professional writer and editor with a passion for creative writing. With a marketing background, I love playing with language to deliver powerful messages and tell brands’ stories in an engaging way. I am a keen advocate for children’s reading and nurturing a love of books from an early age. Follow me on Twitter @MelBrannlund or email me at [email protected]

Storytelling is an ancient form of communication that is fundamental to humanity. Before writing existed, oral storytelling was used to pass down traditions and history, and to help us understand the world and our place in it. Storytelling isn’t just about communicating information; it’s about bringing people together to share experiences, bond, and build a sense of community.

Is storytelling a lost art?

With the prevalence of digital screens in our modern society, oral storytelling may seem like a lost art, relegated to telling ghost stories around campfires, or reading out loud to kids at bedtime. 

Instead of sitting around a fire and telling stories, we stare at flickering screens and listen to actors reciting scripts on TV shows and movies. But oral storytelling, when done well, is a powerful way to explore complex ideas, and to nurture a connection with other people.

Telling stories orally is pure live performance; the storyteller can enchant the audience, using dramatic techniques to entertain with their words, tone of voice, body language, eye contact and gestures. This is what makes it a creative art form, rather than an exact science - each individual storyteller brings their own personality and style into the performance.

Stories that bring people together

Live storytelling brings people closer together - the audience gathers around a storyteller, being physically close, but also nurturing a feeling of closeness and connection through the dynamic relationship developed between the storyteller and the audience.

As the storyteller reveals and shares their words, they reveal themselves; as the audience receives and reacts to the story, they too reveal themselves in their response to it. It is a creative process which actively involves the speaker and the listener - the audience are part of this creativity, so no two performances will be quite the same.

Humans have always had a strong desire to share their experiences in a narrative form. There is something primal and vital about people gathering together to share their hopes, fears, beliefs, and values, attempting to explain the unexplainable and make sense of the world.

Storytelling connects us to our past, present and future, which is why it has been used for thousands of years to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next.

Join our FREE Storytime Event at the Trafford Centre

Enjoy a live storytime session with Green Bean and friends

For several years, we have held live storytime events, with Author and Founder Anita Frost telling stories to children and parents from the much-loved Green Bean Collection. These events have been a huge success, with both kids and caregivers enjoying the experience of hearing their favourite stories brought to life. 

The Green Bean team is excited for our upcoming interactive summertime storytime sessions on 2nd and 3rd September 2021, held at the iconic Trafford Centre in Manchester - home of Green Bean Studios and where the Green Bean Collection was born.

These FREE storytime events are open to everyone and no ticket purchase is necessary. They are ideal for children aged one to six. So, if you find yourself at a loose end and would like to experience the immersive joy of live storytelling with Green Bean and friends, we’d love to see you there!

To find out more about these upcoming events, please visit: https://www.greenbeancollection.co.uk/media/category/latest-news​
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Look out for Melissa's latest articles on Anita Frost's author website, where she'll talk about topics including business and publishing, author news and events, and giving back to communities. You can find her in-depth monthly feature on the News & Media page of the Green Bean Collection website, discussing children's books and reading, early years education, living a greener lifestyle and all things Green Bean!