Natural Born Storytellers create fun, supportive and welcoming spaces for anyone to tell true stories live. Our true storytelling nights are some of the warmest and friendliest spoken word events in London. Anyone from the audience is encouraged to come and tell stories alongside our pre-booked and regular storytellers. Our weekly true story podcast is a great chance to catch up with our stories. If you would like to share a tale please send us an outline of the story you'd like to tell and the theme you think it fits best.
Breaking out in a rash, in pimples, of jail, from a relationship… maybe you broke something, a heart, a treasured object or perhaps you broke into a scene, out of societal norms, from conventions, boundaries, your old self, from a closet or maybe you were just 'on a break'. We’d love to hear the stories of what this theme means to you… so get up off your sofa, break out of your usual routine and head on down to the friendliest storytelling night in London.
Great stories happen when people get together. Perhaps this theme reminds you of a family gathering, a festival, a ritual, a workshop, wedding, night on the town, a school trip or an inadvertent adventure. Whatever this theme means to you, come and gather around our small and friendly stage for a delightful array of true stories, told from the heart.
Embark on a journey where you’ll re-discover stories from your past, reminisce with family and friends and share your treasured words of wisdom. We’ll help elicit your best and most vivid stories while working closely with you to produce a film that will be a lasting legacy for your family and future generations.
Click here to find out more
Lifetime Story Films
Embark on a journey where you’ll re-discover stories from your past, reminisce with family and friends and share your treasured words of wisdom. We’ll help elicit your best and most vivid stories while working closely with you to produce a film that will be a lasting legacy for your family and future generations
A feast of the senses as we travel with Kash to his favourite places brought upon by the most unexpected lockdown encounter.
Follow Emily as she goes to extreme lengths to make one of her dreams in moving to London. a reality.
Chris ups sticks, moves and tries to turn his life around, when he has a profound encounter with a man at his new place to work that makes him question everything.
Podcast
Check out our latest episodes from our true story podcast. Head to the podcast section to check out all of our true stories from over two seasons as well as our featured story which is a highly recommended tale from our archives.
Reliving his worst nightmare in the midst of a music festival, Michael makes his way through a sea of people, hoping to find safety and solace away from the heaving masses.
Being the good girl at school, getting the best grades and making her parents proud was what Marie was great at, until she meets a boy who turns her school life upside down. A story that builds to a glorious crescendo as you're transported right into a visceral transformational experience.
Jenny receives the most wonderful present as a child and we follow her life's journey with her accordion and the joy it brings to everyone around her.
All your life you've been searching for something and that something is a pair of musical themed stories. Nic is dragged along to an Irish folk gig and Katie shares the tale of her favourite band in the world.
Muthoni traverses a series of challenges in order to see Millie Jackson - the biggest concert Kenya has ever experienced, as we follow every twist as she realises her teenage dream
Acquiring a tape recorder sparks a quest to travel around the world and capture unique sounds. This is the story of Peter's adventure with his tape recorder and his encounter with a locally renowned musician in a tiny hilltop village. Told for the theme of 'Barking up the Wrong Tree', Peter's story is an absolute delight.
A new hobby consumes our heroine as she is won over by the intoxicating world of breakdancing. Experience her highs and lows as we follow her career from humble beginnings to and ending that will stick with her forever.
Jonny tells an absolutely brilliant festival story, laced with cheeky humour and told with wonderful charm. Taken from our theme of 'Unlikely Friendships', you'll wish you could have met the man they call Tedward and been part of his most recent adventure.
Live Events
During this time, our regular events have moved online and we’ve called them Once Upon a Tuesday. We have the same energy as our live shows, with a beautiful space for sharing stories via Zoom.
Our live true storytelling events are friendly, open, intimate and honest and the stories moving, life-affirming, shocking, captivating or just plain hilarious. True-life storytelling is different to a comedy night where the expectation is laughter... here laughter comes, but it's a part of a whole breadth of other emotions and reactions to the stories and it makes for rich and fulfilling entertainment whether at a festival, pub or even someone's house. Our true-life storytellers and spoken word artists come from all walks of life and experiences and we believe our storytelling show is one of the warmest and friendliest you'll find anywhere. We create a really supportive environment for our storytellers, our audience are great listeners and people usually stay long after the event ends to socialise and talk to each other and to the storytellers about the stories they've just heard.
We also offer experiential workshops that develop true-life storytelling and spoken word skills through playing games, sharing, performance and feedback. Our storytelling workshops help you find your own storytelling voice, helps you discover that what you have to say is interesting in more ways than you could possibly imagine. We give you the confidence of turning your life experiences into captivating stories and show you techniques that will allow you to connect deeply with your listeners
If you would like to tell a story at any of our events, please send us an email with the outline of your story and the theme you think it fits best. We'll get back to you as quickly as possible :)
Testimonials, Feedback and Reviews
Because we love hearing from people that have taken part or experienced a Natural Born Storytellers show or workshop…
Starting my day off right. “I’m really enjoying this stories - they are wonderfully different and gripping! Nat and Michael, you are a joy to listen to 😘”
_lo89, 5 Stars
Outstanding. “I love this podcast. The stories are all different, some silly some serious, but all quite mesmerising (and actually rather therapeutic) to listen to. Perfect bitesize start to the week!”
Brolly85, 5 Stars
Release Your Inner Storyteller workshop with Natural Born Storytellers were four beautiful Sunday afternoons that I will remember for quite some time. I have learnt a great deal about the way stories work and what components they are built from by way of very engaging and fun exercises and games. The second half of the workshop dragged me out of my comfort zone as I was led to perform few of my stories. our group was fairly small as that allowed for us to get to know each other quite well through sharing our experiences. Most of all, the way the whole workshop was constructed and Michael's guidance during the sessions were spot on. We all have incredible stories to share and I can't recommend this workshop enough to bring out the storyteller in you!
Vladimir
I LOVE your podcasts. Thank you for making me laugh out loud on the bus on my way home, and smile or hold my breath while I do the dishes.
Klyti, 5 stars
Perfect little coffee break tales!
Brilliant short stories, loving this series so far. A real mix of emotions are brought to bear and the narrators bring real charm too. More please!
ChilliPapa, 5 Stars
“A fantastic mix of storytelling magic! A real variety of stories told in a truly captivating way. Can’t wait to hear more!”
hjgt2512, 5 Stars
“Great stories! Found this after looking for something like the moth. Good stories so far!”
24Pro, 5 Stars
“Gem of a Podcast. Like a cuddle for the ears. Can’t wait for more episodes!”
becka.dubs, 5 Stars
"Exceeded my expectations! Learnt a lot and had so much fun. And got to meet a great bunch of people. Awesome. Thanks, Michael"
Valerie
"This class was amazing, completely changed my perspective on how to connect with people through shared stories. I especially liked learning actionable steps to take to tell a story and learning exercises to get better over time."
Ashwini
"An extraordinary, inspiring and illuminating journey of self discovery through the medium of sharing stories drawn from your life and that of others. Be warned, this will move you."
Chris
“Absolutely cracker of a show tonight. Looks like I’ll have to go every month from now on”
John Fleming
“These guys are awesome. I've never been to one of their events in London but I caught a few stories at Shambala recently and it was one of the highlights of the festival for me!”
Oscar
"epic story! Stumbling into here was one of my favourite parts of shambala! Wish I'd been able to hear more stories "
Anon
"Electric evening Michael - i love the intimacy that the space creates - which you create - it allows such a platform to share from each storyteller is able to deal with tragic moments that flip to comedic effortlessly without losing the power of the message - that's a skill and a half x wishing it continued success"
Chris Bowser
“it was phenomenal!!! well done on all the storytellers- awesome night! i hope you're all feeling super proud of yourselves xx”
Bronya
“Thank you for organising such a fantastic evening. Beautiful stories shared, and lovely humans to share them with”
David Vannen, Storyteller
“Michael facilitated a True Life Storytelling workshop for our conference of 60 participants and it was one of the highlights of the weekend! With such ease and grace, he made everyone feel so comfortable and created a warm atmosphere that was very inviting - I couldn't believe how many participants were jumping up to tell stories. Michael was brilliant and we'd highly recommend him for a bit of light-hearted fun with meaningful connections to boot.”
Adam Rossano, Senior Regional Director, Moishe House
“Brilliant night such a good concept and great value”
Anonymous, 5 Stars
“A great night out. Personable and friendly with a warm and welcoming crowd. The venue is intimate making you feel close to the storytellers, literally and in their stories. Participatory as audience members get to share stories anonymously on pieces of paper when they enter which get read out during the show. If you're a first time storyteller, it's a great place to get started as the folks behind it are supportive and encouraging. Will definitely go back.”
First Time Storyteller, 5 Stars
“Great stories, would definitely recommend!”
Anon, 5 Stars
"I started the day without a story and ended it delivering a story to the whole group which they all enjoyed!!! It has helped me to realise that I do have stories worth telling. Great advice given in structuring stories. I will be back."
Matt
“Great stories, would definitely recommend!”
Anonymous, 4 Stars
“Because of its nature, you never have any idea what the next story will reveal; some humorous, some tragic, most quite intimate and revealing. All helped by an outstanding compere - considerate and gently encouraging some interaction.”
William, 4 Stars
“Brilliant night full of unexpected and unconstrained tales, stories and journeys that took the audience with them through a spectrum of emotions. Great drama and theatre in a relaxed environment. Would definitely recommend!”
Georgina. 5 Stars
“Hahahaha, what an entertaining evening. A bit like a modern-day confessional but funny. Went alone and had a great time listening to stories, presented by a engaging compere. Will return”
Farrah, 5 Stars
“A truly interactive event. NBST persuaded me to take the stage and tell a story! I did, and as a first-time storyteller, I was delighted how well it was received. I'll definitely be coming back. Added to this is a good, reassuring presenter, a wide range of real ales and a cheap entry price.”
Bill, 5 Stars
“Epic night out.. such a range of emotions experienced while listening to people's stories. Highly recommend this experience for dates, friends or an interesting night out. There is gentle audience interaction too which made it fun!”
Chelsea, 5 Stars
“Thank you for a brilliant workshop! It gave me the tools and confidence I’ve been looking for to create more vivid, captivating and meaningful stories.”
Jaycee La Bouche
“Expertly and lovingly held and really adapted to the needs of the participants. And lots of fun!”
Adam Woodhall
In this this fun and intimate workshop we will share stories, play games and help craft moments from your life into captivating true stories. Maximum 3 people.
Duration: 3hrs (with break)
Location: Zoom
Click here for more info