Feminist theatre company Scary Little Girls invite the people of Cornwall to join them at a free summer tea party this July and August – in return for sharing your favourite Cornish stories, myths and legends.

Talk to story-gatherers Jenny Beare, Bec Applebee and Shazz Andrew as they work to create a legacy of our collective community storytelling heritage.

The trio – well-known for their contribution to the Cornish arts scene – are heading up a project to gather stories from across Cornwall, part of a three-year project to create an archive of Cornish folklore.

A new play, festival of storytelling, live tours and a digital map with augmented reality app will also be created to keep these stories alive.

Rebecca Mordan, artistic director of Scary Little Women, said: “Cornwall has such a rich heritage and tradition of storytelling, stretching back for many generations. It’s part of the fabric of the county, and many tales and stories from Cornish folklore will have been passed down through families.

“We’re excited to get out on the road around Cornwall over the next few weeks and listen to some of the favourite stories from across the county.”

The three story-gatherers will be hosting FREE tea parties at the following venues – come and join us for a bite to eat and a cup of tea between 10am and 1pm:

Saltash Library
Friday 21 July

Bugle Village Hall
Tuesday 25 July

Grampound Village Hall
Friday 4 August

Liskerett Centre, Liskeard
Friday 11 August

The Orchard Centre, Launceston
Friday 18 August

Kresen Kernow, Redruth
Saturday 19 August

Concern: John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge
Monday 21 August

St Petrocs Church Rooms, Padstow
Tuesday 22 August

Penlee Park Theatre, Penzance
Thursday 24 August

Ruan Minor Village Hall
Friday 25 August

The Cornish Storylines project has received £296,200 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is part of a £4.4m investment in a cultural events and talent programme across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for the economy, said: “This is a great project that will mine and keep alive Cornwall’s rich seam of folklore and stories while celebrating diversity and inclusion across our communities year-round. Community and place are a key investment priority under the Shared Prosperity Fund, and supporting cultural events and talent is a vital part of that.”

Find full details of the tour on the Scary Little Girls website here:

https://scarylittlegirls.co.uk/2023/07/14/come-and-share-your-cornish-stories/

Tell us your favourite Cornish tales and legends over cakey tea this summer