You Can't Trust Trees

Testing set up for Problem Tree (2013)

I've written about Problem Tree before, I'm sure.  It's been in the repertoire since 2009 when I wrote the first version for a random storytelling event.  It's a story within a story, a format that I'm very fond of, where the storyteller and the story they tell feed off each other.

The most satisfying version of the story (so far) was a one-to-one version I did in 2013.  I built a little room within a room, a little newspaper cave (the early test design you can see half built in the pictures), and connected the audient with headphones, so that, whilst we were but a couple of feet away from each other, the story was related via a microphone, with additional sound effects.

Let me tell you a story...

I really loved the contradiction of it - that we were so close and yet also quite far removed from each other - separated and intimately joined together by technology.  The audients really enjoyed the story and I think it also brought out the best in it.  Before 2013 the story was told in a conversational but quite an open way, this was more intimate and warm.

In recording it for audio I tried to make it intimate, as if I'm talking only to you, as though it's a secret that I'm only telling one person.
And if you're one of my patrons you can hear it now!  My patrons help make all my work possible, so they get first dibs in new audio work as it comes out.  If you want to help me make new stuff then join up below.  And if you want to find out some of the other audios currently planned, go to this blog post.

Problem Tree

Written & Performed by Robert Crighton

Problem Tree is the impossible story of one man’s father and a tree that can’t exist. A story of the First World War, of running away from your past and hiding in the future. 

First performed in 2009, this story has undergone many changes and minor rewrites, but it's now time for it to come out on audio.  

Release Date: Wednesday 18th January for my patrons 

My work couldn't happen without the support of my patrons - if you think you could contribute to the work I create, go to www.patreon.com/robertcrighton and see if you can help.

Also, as there's a lot being planned at the moment, if you want to keep up to speed, why not join my mailing list.  I know, so last century. 

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

Story Hour: The Complete Alice

Robert Crighton: Storyteller Presents...

Story Hour: The Complete Alice

Saturday afternoons with stories from the Alice books by Lewis Carroll

Adapted and performed by Robert Crighton

Sit back and be enthralled as award winning performer Robert Crighton leads you through the worlds of Lewis Carroll.  Each afternoon Robert tells a different selection of stories from the classic books Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass.  A different selection every two weeks – you can catch one or them all.  

Limited seating - only 20 tickets available.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets £4 (No Concessions)

Box Office: 01787 374 745

Tickets also available online at www.quaytheatre.org.uk

Down the Rabbit Hole - Saturday 14^th February at 1pm

A Mad Tea Party - Saturday 28^th February at 1pm

Looking Glass House - Saturday 14^th March at 1pm
Humpty Dumpty & Co - Saturday 28^th March at 1pm

Listen to our Story Hour Trailer Below!

listen to ‘Story Hour: The Complete Alice’ on audioBoom

Out and About With Death

The other day I, and a few friends, did a bit of a photoshoot.  It's for a Storyteller Saturday show called An Audience with Mors De'ath.  So, I sent a lot of time wandering around Sudbury, Suffolk, dressed a bit like Death.
This elicited a number of responses - from laughter, confusion, wry smiles, open hostility ("what a weirdo") and a near fatal heart attack.  (Okay, it wasn't as bad as all that, but the nice old lady who saw me didn't half jump.)  Interestingly a number of people wanted to take pictures with me.  Quite a lot of people.  So, I'm incorporating a 'have your picture taken with Death' booth to the show.
But that's not for another couple of weeks - still got Problem Tree and The Summoning of Everyman to go before then and another exploration of the Chester mystery plays.  So I'll leave you with the first batch of pictures of poor Mors De'ath - taken by Mark Pavelin, who was documenting the taking of pictures by John Bethall, whose pictures will go up next week.

Storyteller Saturdays

I've been testing out a regular Saturday slot for storytelling down the Quay  (where I am Artist in Residence don't-ya-know) and have been very pleased with the results so far.  So, I'm going to keep it up.  It's now called Storyteller Saturdays and, excepting the the odd week when it won't happen (like this week), I'll be down the Quay Theatre every Saturday lunchtime performing stories, many of them one-to-one, some not.  It'll be mostly for those who pre-book, just send me a message via email, twitter, text or even by phone, though if I have gaps I will take anyone who's in the building - and it's all Pay-What-You-Want, so no pressure to break the bank. 

Each story will be around 15/20 minutes long and will utilise different techniques - both the stories I'm telling for the rest of the year will use a lot of technology to work, but next year I'll be going commando... technology wise.

So, two stories for the rest of the year - the very well received (see audience feedback below) Problem Tree returns for another two Saturdays in November, then a world premiere of a new piece, An Audience with Mors De'ath, which features one very sad figure who is not unlike the grim reaper - who is not only Death, but also deaf.  It's the bane of his odd existence.

Next year I'm planning to tell a number of stories - a new version of Sleep Inc. which I've only performed a couple of times and never got round to tidying up.  It's a doctor's appointment with a difference, where the patient finds that his sleep has been stolen from him and he'll have to pay to get it back.  I performed it earlier this year and I want to make it a bit further, darker - though it is largely a comedy.  Then there will be a piece currently titled Ambassador for the Future, which it literally what it is about - an embassy building over a hole in time and space, where the future holds court with the present.  

There are other stories and I'll probably ring the changes every month or two - depending on the audiences over the year.

The bar is open, there is often food, it's a lovely way to waste a bit of your afternoon.

Milk Bottle Productions Presents...

Storyteller Saturdays

Lunchtime Storytelling at the Quay Theatre

Problem Tree

Performing Saturday 2nd & 9th November from 12.20pm

“My father was a lovely, kind, reserved...

Nut job.  I say this in the nicest possible way.

When he died he believed that he was both fifty

and a hundred at the same time...”

Problem Tree is the impossible story of one man’s father and a tree that can’t exist.  A story of the First World War, of running away from your past and hiding in the future. 

The World Premiere of...

An Audience with Mors De'ath

Saturdays 16th, 23rd & 30th November from 12.20pm

Mors De'ath has an odd life – being Death and all.  But really he just wants to be understood.  This is his story.

All stories written and performed by award-winning storyteller Robert Crighton, Artist in Residence at the Quay Theatre.  Let Robert guide you through his alternative vision of the world in the genial environs of the Quay Theatre. 

All stories performing at 20 minute intervals from 12.20pm

Book your story by calling 07704 704 469

or email contact@milkbottleproductions.co.uk

The Quay Theatre, Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN

www.milkbottleproductions.co.uk

Praise for Storyteller shows – Problem Tree (2013)

“How fabulous!  Thank you Robert.  I will keep thinking about aspects of that story or two stories!  Truly wonderful!”  - Jacqueline Cooper Clarke

“Absolutely brilliant!!  Light and airy, dark, happy, sad, perfectly crafted and enjoyed every minute.  Bravo!” – Peter Day

“Funny, weird, intriguing, enthralling.  That’s the story.  The storyteller, knockout.  Beautifully delivered.  A thoroughly enjoyable experience.” – Kevin Roychowdhury

“Totally brilliant!  Mesmerising, intriguing, I could have sat for another 20 minutes!  Thank you!” - Marion Tuke

“Strange – atmospheric – absorbing...” Peter Walker

“Keep on inventing, please.” Maria Walker

“Transported to another world – interesting and totally relaxing!”  Liz Cole

“Superb piece.  Interesting concept and staging.” Alan Scott

“Really enjoyed this story, a truly original and bizarre tale told very well.”  Jo Brooker

“Mesmerising experience, the story and the telling.  A worthy experiment of form, pleasing, disturbing, absorbing.  High recommendations.” Cecil Qadir

“A lovely experience, both soothing and stimulating.  Highly original – well performed – transported to another world.”  Anthea Halstead

“The Shanachie lives!  A weird and wonderful experience!” Denis Brogan