The Storytelling Company

'The OpenStoryTellers' are an award-winning company of storytellers who have learning disabilities

About Us

We campaign to have our voices heard in society. We want people to change the way they think about people like us. We ask the audience questions and make them think. We want to show people that even though we have special needs, we are the same as those who don't.

We have performed at venues and festivals including Bristol's Tobacco Factory; The Merlin Theatre, Frome; Little Theatre, Wells; Shropshire's Festival at the Edge; and Diverse City, Bristol. We run workshops in schools, homes and community centres. We tell from legend, history and personal experience.

Our history and stories are hidden: we want our voices to be heard.

We want to be the best storytellers in the world.

We want to lift our performance up onto a cloud!

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Fanny Fust

It is Bristol in the year 1787; Fanny is an heiress with severe learning disabilities. Her story is complex and compelling and addresses issues of capacity and consent which are still highly relevant today.

Who can she trust? You must decide!

The OpenStoryTellers tell Fanny's story through drama, dance and song.

"Awesome, best show this year!"

"Very moving and thought provoking"

"Truly wondrous!"

Audience feedback, Frome Festival 2018

Peter

the Wild Boy

This is the incredible true tale of an 18th Century gentleman who had learning disabilities.

Found in the woods - they called him feral; transported by King George to Kensington Palace - they tried to shape him into society; a figure of curiosity and wonder for academics.

They asked the question:

“Does He have a Soul?”

The OpenStoryTellers bring to audiences their own unique blend of bardic tradition and living theatre.

Through Peter The Wild Boy! look with them behind the myth to meet the man and consider the question:

“What is Your Wild?”