Call of the Castle

Cardiff Castle is an amazing place. It’s architecture and interior decoration is world class and its history is an incredible mishmash of the bloody and the bold coupled with the decedent and delightful. It’s the perfect place for telling the old tales of Wales. This week I got to go there and do just that.

The International Association of Language Centres had this week chosen Cardiff to hold one of its workshops and this had drawn hundreds of delegates from all around the World to the Welsh capital to immerse themselves in Welsh Culture I was lucky enough to get the call to entertain them with some of the greatest stories that make up the incredible tapestry of myths that populate our history.

I was very excited.

The organisers had put together a fantastic night of entertainment at the Castle for the visitors, harpists and singers, clog dancers and comedians all set themselves out in different rooms to showcase their talents. I was lucky enough to be positioned in the library which is an absolutely stunning and serene space and just perfect for storytelling, It was there I sat nervously awaiting the arrival of the audience.

I have performed as a storyteller for most of my adult life, I have been lucky enough to have traveled a lot, and am confident that the material I deliver is both educational and exciting. I still however get nervous and spend a lot of my time wondering how the tales will go down in front of such a diverse audience.

These were indeed boundless thoughts that night.

The audience absolutely loved it.

I had not had the best of weeks this week. Stricken with Bronchitis and struggling for the energy I did at one point think that I would not be able to perform but all that went out of the window tonight in what was one of the most joyous experiences of my performing career.

I can safely say now that people the world over love Welsh tales and they love traditional storytelling. They laughed and cheered their way through the set and left full of joy and wonder at the magic that lives on our doorstep.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and hope very much to be invited back in the future.

The storytelling apart it was the first time that I had been into the state rooms at the castle and they are well worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. Please check them out.

If there is one thing I have learned from this experience is to be bold in what you do. If something sounds intimidating or new give it a go. You might have a night I like have had this night.

Take care

Owen x