Author Archives: darkheartblackink

WONDER- seeking short story writers for a candlelit immersive live lit event PLUS FREE writing workshop!

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White Rabbit is Bernadette Russell and Gareth Brierley- a multi  award-winning arts organisation which creates films, podcasts, theatre and immersive live lit /storytelling events. 

We are writers and performers who are passionate about stories and storytelling. We are delighted to be working with Revelation in Ashford to create two immersive live lit evenings of short stories on the theme of WONDER.

We are inviting short story submissions inspired by the  theme of WONDER, with a maximum of 1500 words in any style. Priority will be given to Kent writers or writers with an association with Kent. 

We will select stories from the submissions to be performed live on two consecutive evenings by our team of professional actors, in  the candlelit environment of the beautiful and ancient St Mary’ Church (referenced in the Doomsday Book in 1086!).

We look forward to this event being a great opportunity for Kent writers to showcase their work. As writers you need do no more than submit your work, once it is selected then you can come along to the event, relax and enjoy the show!

Deadlines for submissions are: Midnight on 14th February 2020. Please submit your stories on the theme of WONDER to gbbrierley@btinternet.com with the subject heading WONDER. Please ensure your name is on each page of your story (in the header or footer if possible) 

The shows are 21st and 22nd March 2020 at 7.30pm. 

We are also hosting two FREE writing and performing workshops- the first being on 9th November- a chance to be inspired by the beautiful church and graveyard and to have a space to write! Details are here

Our website is currently under re-construction- so in the meantime please visit this link for further information and FAQ: https://www.bernadetterussell.com/single-post/2019/10/10/WONDER–FAQ-for-writers 

If you would like to see a film of previous storytelling events please go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogo9Pl6LSCE 

This project has been commissioned by Revelation Ashford and is supported by Ashford Borough Council, Arts Council England, Kent County Council and Music Venues Alliance

The Hunters Grimm- a storyhunting show in the streets of London

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Bernadette Russell of White Rabbit  joins the wonderful Teatro Vivo cast in “The Hunters Grimm” a promenade performance in the streets of Catford and Stratford, London,aiding Jacob and Wilhem Grimm along with their companion Dot Wilde, in their search for a story of hope with a happy ending. Such stories seem in short supply in our troubled times….

The Hunters Grimm on the streets

The Hunters Grimm on the streets

Come and join us on our search! Who knows who you might meet on the way: a beggar Prince, Rapunzel now working in sheltered housing as a single mum, a young jobseeker in pursuit of 12 dancing princesses, a hungry wolf reminiscing about his glory days as a restaurant critic,  a step mother who needs a Kardashian make over….and many more

Dates are:

Stratford- 30th May- 1st June- please go here for more details and tickets

 

Catford- 6th-16th June- please go here for more details and tickets

 

For a tantilising taster go here

World Kindness Day Party- stories can change the world

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November 13th is World Kindness Day, and we at White Rabbit are celebrating it with a FREE storytelling event at Arts Admin!

World Kindness Day Party

Fundraiser, book launch and the “Story of Kindness” extravaganza!

When: Monday 13th November 2017 7.30pm- late
How much: FREE- donate whatever you are able to
Where: Arts Admin,Toynbee Studios,28 Commercial St, London E1 6AB. Tube: Aldgate East
Details here (no need to book just turn up or let us know you are coming on our facebook page here):

The Little Book of Kindness

What’s occuring?:
Bernadette will be telling a story and reading from her new book “The Little Book of Kindness”, there will also be short stories on the theme of kindness from storytellers Heather Burton, Jules Craig and Vanessa Woolf, plus a poem from Dan Thompson and some surprises on the night. We will be joined by representatives from 999 club, a homeless charity in SE London for whom we will be fundraising on the night. They will be showing  a film of their work and letting us know how to get involved.  There’s free party food, nice music, a bar serving cocktails in teapots, and a chance to join in crafting/creative writing by sharing your own story of kindness on the night. We hope to counter the negative narrative about our fellow humans, share more positive stories, and have fun!
Bernadette’s books will be on sale on the night, all profits to go to the 999 club.

“Be Kind” sign from People United

NEWS FLASH! we’re mega proud to announce that we have been chosen as one of the recipients of People United’s Be Kind signs, which will be on proud display in our HQ in Deptford from the 13th November!

Come join us and help change the world!

 

Storytelling fundraiser for Refugee Week

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White Rabbit is proud to be hosting a short story cabaret for Refugee Week.

In line with this year’s Refugee Week theme of ‘Our Shared Future’, we invite you to an evening of read aloud brand new short stories responding to the theme of The Future. In a rapidly changing world, we are inspired to explore what Utopian/dystopian futures might lie ahead.

Tickets includes free food, competitions and prizes and all proceeds will go to Greenwich Refugee Aid 

The Show

Date and time:23rd June 2017, 7.30pm (ends 11ish)

Place: Toynbee Studios
28 Commercial Street
E1 6AB
London
UK

Nearest tube: Aldgate East

Tickets : £8 with free food, all proceeds going to GRACE (see above)

Book here

We are looking for writers!

We are looking for FICTION stories of around 1000 words on the theme of The Future. We would love to hear from writers who have a personal connection, indirectly or directly, with the refugee experience, AND/OR writers who are moved or inspired by the refugee experience. We prefer writers to attend so please let us know if you are unable to. We can give you complimentary tickets for two of your guests. Please email us at areyousittingcomfortably@live.com by midnight Friday 2nd June.

“Comic… haunting… offbeat… unexpected… an enchanted night” ****
Total Theatre

“Tree of Light” at Lighthouse Poole

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White Rabbit’s Bernadette Russell is telling her story The Tree of Light at a Wintertime Event at the Lighthouse Poole on Sunday 27th November. It’s a folktale for the 21st century, a reminder of the power of hope and love in troubled times.

“A very long time ago, this land was all forest. At the heart of the forest was a very special tree, that everyone spoke of, but only a few had seen: the Tree of Light. It is said that this tree is the keeper of all our hopes and dreams… it is said that in the darkest hours of night as we lay dreaming, something magical happened…

english_oak_tree_in_winter__sweden

But this was all a long time ago. The forest is no longer here. The forest  is only a distant memory to the eldest citizens, the forest’s whose whispering trees can still be heard. Where there were trees, there are roads, houses, shops…so what becomes of our hopes and dreams now? And what happened to the Tree of Light?”

Come and find out, and listen to this magical mid winter story, full of forest creatures familiar and unfamiliar, night time adventures and poetry. Plus you will be invited to add your own stars to the Tree of Light, and the opportunity to have your wishes come true.

night-sky-hd-wallpaper-2

FREE and suitable for all ages. Please go here for times and information

 

Spooky Stories for families

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White Rabbit’s Bernadette Russell is teaming up with fabulous London Dreamtime for Spooky Storytelling at Farmopolis this Halloween Eve, 30th October.

Join in with halloweeny interactive stories, music and making (with something crafty to take home ), perfect for everyone older than five. Plus… FRIGHT NIGHT EXTRA are you brave enough to stay for the later session where the stories are not just spooky but actually scary?

screen-shot-2016-10-07-at-13-01-19

Details:Children’s Storytelling & Crafts
Sunday 30 October
12.00-13.30£3Venue: Farmopolis, Greenwich Peninsula
SE10 0FL.Nearest tube: North Greenwich on the jubilee line

To book tickets go here

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Tricks and treats!

 

 

WILD- stories and craft for families

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Bernadette Russell of White Rabbit has written some new stories about animals for family audiences especially for Farmopolis- come and find out all about the creatures that live with us in London and make something to wear to the Animal Ball. You will hear about how squirrels can time travel and why rats live mostly underground, plus you’ll hear a song from the pigeon choir and learn to dance the Fox Trot.
White Rabbit have created work for National Theatre, LIFT Festival, Birmingham Rep and the Southbank Centre amongst others. Bernadette’s books “Do Nice Be Kind Spread Happy” and “Be The Change” are published by Quarto

fox-jpg

The event is on 24th September 12-1.30pm and tickets can be bought here 

FREE storytelling for families in August

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Throughout August, White Rabbit’s Bernadette Russell is performing some of her new story colection WILD about urban wildlife in the beautiful environment of Farmopolis in Greenwich.

You are invited to listen to stories and poems about the secret lives of foxes,squirrels, pigeons and other creatures who we share our city with. The stories are inspired by Aesop and Beatrix Potter, and relocated to Greenwich.After the stories there is a craft session with stuff for you to make, colour and take home! Suitable for families, all ages welcome.

wild

Dates and times are:

1.5 hour sessions at 10.30am and 2.30pm

Fridays 12th, 19th and 26th of August 2016.

FREE but please reserve a place here

ADDRESS: The Jetty – London, SE10 0JF (view map here )

Dreams 1 Podcast

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White Rabbit’s latest podcast is FREE and here!

Featuring these amazing stories on the subject of DREAMS

dream girl

 

“The Burning Pier” by Ray Morgan
“Six Dreams It’s Possible To Have” by Joel Shea
“Dream Lover” by Angela Smith
“Dreams?” by Thomas Jancis
“The Dream of the Dead” by Belinda May

One more to come before summer’s over

Sweet dreams…..

 

 

Are You Sitting Comfortably? MONSTERS

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Award winning White Rabbit  are seeking short story writers interested in having their work showcased at their next event “Monsters.”

They say we always get the monsters we deserve, that they are simply a dark reflection of ourselves, our fears and our desires. What makes a monster?
Are they amoral,inhuman beasts, eyes glittering with madness? Or beautiful and seductive beings, tempting us to sin? Or, worse of all, misunderstood creatures, unfairly hunted, lonely, unloved? We are hosting an evening of short stories read aloud, chosen and read by the team at White Rabbit. The evening will include B-movie visuals, monster mash music from the 1920s to now, ghastly games, free food served by a lycanthropist waiter, and blood drenched cocktails.

small medusa

Writers who would like their work showcased at this event should email a story of around 1000 words to areyousittingcomfortably@live.com by midnight 26th August 2016. Please note we prefer the writers to attend.

PLEASE PUT MONSTERS IN SUBJECT LINE AND ENSURE YOUR NAME IS ON EVERY PAGE OF YOUR SUBMISSION! Thanks

If you’d like to see what one of the shows looks like please go here

If you’d like to find out more about Are You Sitting Comfortably? and White Rabbit please go here

EVENT DETAILS

Friday 9th September

7.30- late

Arts Admin @Toynbee Studios

28 Commercial St, London E1 6AB

nearest tubde Aldgate East.

tickets £8 includes free food. (writers get complimentary ticket)

FREE short story writing workshops for all

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White Rabbit’s Bernadette Russell is Deptford’s writer in residence, and as part of this post is holding a series of free short story writing workshops throughout April at various libraries in South East London, plus a storytelling tea party.

Old Deptford

Old Deptford

“If you live in Deptford and love it, if you have never been but would like to , if you’re a bit wary of it and think it might be somewhere near Kent (it’s not) .. come along and find out more about our urban myths including: the dog who spoke in a French accent, a poet whose day job involved international espionage, the man who sold songbirds on the market who disappeared one day: the toshers and mudlarks, dolly birds and dandies, revolutionaries and rebels that populate and haunt our SE8. If you’d like to start your own short story to add to ours, have some cake and tea, this is the workshop for you. “

“We Are Deptford”

Free writing workshops (and tea party) for all!

10.30-12 midday- short story writing workshop with tea and cake (16+)

 1pm-5pm- drop in sessions to create a guide book for Deptford- see your words and images in print (all ages)

 Dates and locations:

Sat 9th April

Pepys Community Library

Deptford Strand

SE8 3BA

020 8691 3146

Sat 16th April

Deptford Lounge

9 Giffin Street

SE8 4RJ

020 8314 7299

Sat 23rd April

New Cross Library

283 285 New Cross Road

SE14 6AS

020 8469 0532

Sat 21st May 4pm-7pm

Also at New Cross Library

FREE “We Are Deptford” tea party and storytelling cabaret.

This will be a chance to hear some of the stories written by adults and children about Deptford past, present and yet to come. Plus there’ll be delicious cakes, tea and other treats, a Deptford Quiz with prizes, beautiful visuals and many more surprises to be announced.

New Deptford

New Deptford

Want to submit a story about Deptford but can’t make the dates?

please email Bernadette here by 7th May with stories of around 1000 words for a chance to be part of the show

WeAreDeptford@hotmail.com

 Twitter @betterussell

 

 

London Children’s Bookswap

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Bernadette Russell of White Rabbit will be telling her time travelling sic-fi kids stories “The Stinkeroos” and “The Magic Washing Machine”  at Deptford Lounge as part of London Childrens Bookswap. More details about the event can be found here.

Bernadette will be reading her stories (in about 1/2 hour slots)

on Saturday 13th February 2016

at

11.15 am
12noon
12.45pm

in Deptford Lounge,  9 Giffin St, Deptford, London SE8

The stories were originally written with and for primary school kids, have been heard by kids from 0-80 years old!

Bernadette will also be giving away a few copies of her new book “Be The Change, Make It Happen”

"Be The Change, Make It Happen" an activity books for kids of all ages

“Be The Change, Make It Happen” an activity books for kids of all ages

Tainted Love- a celebration of the darker side of love

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what big eyes you have...

what big eyes you have…

White Rabbit, in delighted collaboration with London Dreamtime, bring you a Valentine’s Day celebration of love in all its dark, weird bestial beauty under the night skies of Deptford. Plus magic, of course, from our 16th century Book of Spells….

we're all hairy on the inside....

we’re all hairy on the inside….

 

Please wrap up warm, and bring a candle in a jar.

Adults only, and spaces strictly limited. Please email vanessa@londondreamtime.com to reserve a place and receive instructions.

February 14th, 5pm start.

Tainted Love is part of the Hothouse Project with Deptford Lounge.

Midnight Feast – Christmas Eve Ghost Stories

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it's behind you....

it’s behind you….

White Rabbit presents, in the grand tradition of Christmas Eve ghost stories, this collection of spooky tales for 24th December. Recorded in a (supposedly) haunted Victorian school in Deptford, LONDON SE8.

Including these wonderful stories:

A Long Weekend Stay by Elizabeth Philips Scott
Friday 13th by Mike Murphy
A Visit to the Mad Prince by Vincent Manda
The Harrow by James Chisholm
The House by Alan McCormick
The Prisoner of Portmeirion by Zac Thraves

Read by Bernadette Russell and Gareth Brierley

You can listen to our podcast FREE here. Thanks for all your support this year, Merry Yuletide, Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2016 to all xxx

Aunt Maeve insisted on coming to Christmas dinner, even though she was dead....

Aunt Maeve insisted on coming to Christmas dinner, even though she was dead….

White Rabbit presents Heroes and Villains podcast

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video killed the radio star....

video killed the radio star…

White Rabbit is proud to bring you our long-awaited Midnight Feast “Heroes and Villains” podcast- featuring short stories from these amazing writers:

Van Demal, Michael Spring, Julie Baloo, Nigel Munson, Ahmed Siddiqui, Alan McCormick, Ruth Sedar, Stephen Keyworth, Molly Sweeney , Robert Pallot, Paul Golden. Stories read by Bernadette Russell and Gareth Brierley

You can listen in here, the podcasts will be available on Wednesday 18th and Wednesday 25th November.

Many thanks and happy listening…

dc-comics-wonder-woman

All the world is waiting for you….

 

 

Are You Sitting Comfortably? GHOSTS

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White Rabbit presents our traditional Winter Ghost Story extravaganza and we are looking for writers!

Sitting uncomfortably....

Sitting uncomfortably….

Since 2008 we’ve created a platform for short stories and writers, in a fun, lively, supportive and occasionally anarchic atmosphere!

We’re seeking a spine-chilling selection of original mid-winter spooky stories, written by you, read by us, to haunt and thrill the audience.

Accompanied by scary songs and haunting films, you can comfort yourself with scrummy FREE food served by the undead, a screaming competition and TREATS – with prizes including a voodoo doll made to your specifications, a love spell and a ouija board.

Ghost reader

Ghost reader

Writers interested in submitting a story should email areyousittingcomfortably@live.com by Friday 20 November with a story of around 1000 words.Please ensure you put GHOSTS in the subject night AND that you can attend on the night- our audience likes to meet the writers.

Details of the show are:
Are You Sitting Comfortably? GHOSTS
Toynbee Studios
28 Commercial Street E1 6AB
020 7650 2350
admin@artsadmin.co.uk
£8 with FREE food and other treats
nearest tube Aldgate East
for tickets go here

.Questions? Lots more information here

White Rabbit presents “How To Be A Hero” on tour

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White Rabbit‘s latest storytelling show “How To Be A Hero” goes on a mini tour this September!

Let's Save The World!

Let’s Save The World!

“How To Be A Hero” tells the story of desperado vigilantes Gamma Guild.
The fearless foursome, together with their canine sidekick Dangerwoof, gather outside Greggs on the High Street to take on the city’s dark side. And so their battles begin: with three- legged cats, drunk and disorderly party goers, underage smokers, and the Women’s Institute; as they attempt to cope with growing YouTube notoriety in their quest to “Save The World”.
The show also includes stories of unsung local heroes from around the U.K, gathered and recorded from public workshops and interviews.

age 14+

Venue addresses and show dates and times:
17th-19th September 2015 7.30pm
The Albany, Deptford
ticket prices £12 (concessions £10)
post show discussion on 18th September
The Albany Deptford, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG
for tickets go here
29th September- 3 October 2015 8pm
The Door at Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Tickets £13 (concessions available)
Post show discussion on 2nd October.
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Ltd.
Centenary Square
Broad Street,
Birmingham
B1 2EP
For tickets go here
8th October 2015 7pm
ARC Stockton
Tickets pay what you decide
ARC Stockton
Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL
For tickets go here
14th October 2015 7.30pm
Arena Wolverhampton
Tickets: £10 ( £8 concessions)
Arena Wolverhampton
Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 1SE
For tickets go here

Hope to see you out there!

05guild-prepare-copy

Kindness and Bedtime

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1363959865307

 

White Rabbit have two events in August:

18th August 

366 Days Of Kindness comes home to Deptford! The story of when, post the 2011 riots, Bernadette Russell decided to try to be kind to a stranger every day for a (leap) year in an attempt to change the world.Suitable for 14+

18th August 2015, 7.30pm, Albany Theatre, Deptford, LONDON. £12/£10

for tickets go here

“366 Days of Kindness is a manifesto we all should live by; it’s the antidote to our busy lives and an absolute delight of a performance.” ***** Ellen Carr, A Younger Theatre

22nd August 

BED at the London Bridge Live Art Festival. Bernadette Russell’s magical storytelling show takes place in a specially designed bed for one night only. With original short stories, ancient English Magic and a cake baked by a witch, this is one bedtime you won’t forget. Adults only.

22nd August 2015, at 40 min intervals for one person at a time (no couples or groups) 7pm to 1am  Live Arts Pavilion, Potters Fields Park for a FREE ticket please  go here

“BED is a delightful and enchanting experience – a return to the pleasures of childhood but with an adult awareness.”

Total Theatre

Off With Her Head!

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White Rabbit presents the last in a series of three Alice-inspired podcasts- “Off With Her Head!” is free to listen and download here

and featuring the following stories and poems: “The Wonderland Mystery” by Geoffrey Heptonstall, “WHOAMIIAMWHO” by Su Au, “Emily Webb” by David Morgan, “The Adventure” by Katherine Hayes and “Danny Bone” by David Morgan. Read by Gareth Brierley and Bernadette Russell.

Alice - celebrating 150 years

Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy

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This Saturday 11th July 3pm-4.30pm White Rabbit‘s Bernadette Russell will be telling stories of kindness and encouraging mischievous acts of kindness in Deptford Lounge as part of NOW Live Events Mindfulness Festival. Come along and find out how the Stinkeroos learnt the error of their ways, and start your own kindness story in the library…

For kids ( 7+ best but any age is cool) and their families

To book tickets please go here 

The even will take place at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street, London SE8

Kindness can change the world! (definitely)

Kindness can change the world! (definitely)