The Curiouser Man

Would you like to trade your curiosity to hear a well-worn, tinkered-with tale?


The Curiouser Man has been gathering curios from neither here nor there
Whilst on the long road that lies between this and that:
each one a keepsake wrapped in a tale that speaks to him of something that's true.

A comically quirky and beguiling solo storytelling performance
that re-imagines traditional folk-stories with a flair for theatricality and illusion.

About The Curiouser Man:

The Curiouser Man has been conjured up from James' memory of the old, horse-drawn ‘rag-and-bone’ man passing down his childhood street and from the Romany and Traveller history in his family.

At its heart The Curiouser Man celebrates the art of oral storytelling found in the Travelling community, where news was traditionally passed between places and people. Such tidings would fuse the factual with the far-fetched and would compellingly cast light on the lesser-known world.

"I loved the stories! It was a really captivating performance and the magic effects were lovely addition." - NRTF Promoter

The Curiouser Man turns up anywhere with a tailored performance to suit those with whom he is ‘trading’:

Three-in-a-day 25 minute shows at outdoor events.

One indoor 60 minute show suitable for families.

One indoor 90 minute show suitable for adults and young people 15 years and above.
 

JACK AND THE DEVIL'S PURSE

"The Devil dances in empty pockets"

“I am the temptation... but I am not the sin.” So says the Devil in a vibrant re-telling of a traditional Scottish Travellers' tale. In it an idle young lad by the name of Jack lives alone with his poor old ma and  wishes he were rich! 

Enter the Devil...

In an hour long performance that blends physical theatre, puppetry and live music it is the Devil himself (with a little help from his associate Mr Stokes) who recounts the tale of how he met Jack at the crossroads of life and offered him his enchanted purse.

A darkly humorous and devilishly thought-provoking show that explores the value of money and the nature of individual responsibility, played out with verve and comic bravado.

This show is suitable for 10 years and above.

Performed by James Richardson and Dave Oliver

Live music by Lizzie Bennet & Felicity Hollow

Puppets and costumes by James Richardson and Lisa Green

Directed by Sophie Sterckx and James Richardson

From an original story told by Duncan Williamson

JACK AND THE DEVIL'S PURSE COMMENTS:


Brilliant performance. Wonderful live music. There were moments that were absolutely electrifying.

- Dan at Skipton Puppet Festival, Skipton, North Yorkshire. 


One of the most original pieces of theatre I've seen. Even though I know the tale I was so wrapped up in the performance it was like I was hearing it for the first time.

- Peter at Plymouth Barbican, Plymouth, Devon.


Not seen anything like it. The blend of story-telling and performance was wonderful. So much energy and humour in it.  

- Lydia at Stainsby Folk Festival, Stainsby, Derbyshire.


 A wonderful evening, enchanting, funny, compelling and brilliantly performed.

- Jez at St Thomas Library, Exeter, Devon.

THE TALE BEHIND THE TALE:


James' great-grandmother was an Irish Traveller called Ellen Cahill. When she married she settled in Mitchum, London, with a Romany man by the name of Henry Richardson.

James' dad remembered how Henry used to impress him and his siblings by pouring a pint glass, full of gold sovereigns, all over the kitchen table and letting the kids scramble to gather them up.

Whilst wondering where all that 'gypsy gold' went James was drawn to this old tale about wealth and trickery and, of course, the dealings of Devil.

'Jack and the Devil's Purse' is an old tale, as told by the late master storyteller, Duncan Williamson. Duncan was a member of the Scottish Travelling Community and by his own reckoning held over 3000 stories in his head! This unique cultural tradition of oral storytelling among Scottish Travellers goes back as long as they themselves have been travelling the roads and by-ways of Scotland, since before the 12th century.


There are many tales told about young Jack and how he manages to overcome all manner of trials and tribulations, including several in which he must pit his wits against the Devil himself. Such stories served to reinforce the notion of self-reliance and ingenuity as tools to survival among young Travellers.


In choosing 'Jack and the Devil's Purse' we sought, and gained, the kind permission of Dr. Linda Williamson to adapt Duncan's story. Linda has worked with dedication to document and publish Duncan's trove of Scottish Traveller stories; ensuring their survival and enjoyment by a wider audience.