I sat on my Papa’s knee while he recounted his adventures, both real and imagined, and have loved listening to, and telling, stories ever since. So it is not surprising that I am now a professional storyteller (who was once a teacher).
I enjoy sharing the stories I have collected from many cultures and countries over the years.
My repertoire contains adaptations of traditional Scottish tales, fairy tales, myths, legends, creation tales, environmental stories and local stories from Ayrshire, Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland, as well as some true, family and historical stories. They are suitable for a wide range of audiences – from senior citizens to pre-school children, sometimes all at the same time.
As a parent, I discovered the power of stories to allay fears, teach life skills and build confidence, and so my tales frequently contain underlying messages to promote compassion, friendship and reconciliation, and to help develop social skills and problem-solving.
Storytelling and workshops
I tell stories in my own words, without reading from a book. I create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone is valued. The focus is on the story rather than on me. Folk get involved in the magic. They get lost in the story. They are there.
“Betty had her audience laughing with one story and tears with the next. She is very connected to her audience.”
I tailor each workshop to suit the ages and abilities of the people taking part. My workshops are very participative. There are lots of stories, lots of games, lots of laughter, lots of taking part and lots of weird adventures. There’s very little reading involved, unless someone asks for homework. At the end, people will be able to tell their own version of a story in their own words.
I am particularly skilled at building confidence and developing language skills in reluctant learners, both children and adults.
I have many years’ experience of working in schools, enhancing curriculum subjects for students and training teachers in storytelling skills. My dream is for storytelling to be woven into school life, where imagination and creativity are celebrated and everyone can share the joy of storytelling.
I have experience of sensory storytelling for people with multiple and profound learning difficulties.
“Mrs Skelton is not only a fabulous storyteller but a very talented facilitator of storytelling.”
Where stories take me
I have told stories and run a wide range of workshops in schools, museums, libraries, church groups and care homes, as well as in castles, fields, woodlands, on trains, and in cafes.
“I listened to Betty tell stories of the sea — outdoors, next to a busy main road as well as some very noisy jackdaws! Before long the noises faded away and we were in the midst of Betty’s stories with her. She held us as an audience in the palm of her hand, mesmerising us with tale after tale.”
I am very keen to take storytelling to new audiences and willing to travel (almost) anywhere.
What will it cost?
For straightforward telling of stories
For museums, schools, heritage, libraries, festivals, events, etc.
For storytelling training workshops
For children or adults, including CPD.
Additionally, travel expenses based on the cost of public transport (negotiable depending upon distance) and cups of tea at the venue would be appreciated.
Eligible schools, clubs and community groups in Scotland can apply for Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature funding to help with the cost of booking me.
If your project is inspiring, extraordinary, strange or unusual yet you have little or no budget, it is worth getting in touch with me to see if we can work something out, or if I can signpost you to a more relevant teller or organisation for your needs.
Contact Betty
To talk about my work or discuss a possible booking, please email me: info@bettyskelton.co.uk
It helps if you can tell me the date and venue you have in mind, roughly how many people will be attending and their ages, and any additional support needs or theme you’d like me to consider. If you’re still working out the details, please get in touch anyway.