Author: Cat

A celebratory feast of facts, folklore, strange superstitions, old stories, mythology, poems and songs, all on the theme of British trees.

Presented against a slideshow of gorgeous woodland images by forester and photographer Phil Hinton

Audience Comments:

‘Deep and rich and enlivening the spirit.’

‘Hauntingly beautiful stories. Very enjoyable. And the trees, the trees…’

‘Wonderful, incredible mix of music and vibrant memories of tales gone by’

‘Enchanting, immersive and wonderful’

‘A wonderful tonic’

‘A fantastic evening of entertainment’

Ariadne & the Minotaur is a re-imagining of the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, told from the point of view of Ariadne.

She is generally seen as a lovelorn victim, abandoned by Theseus after helping him kill the Minotaur. Cat’s version tells a different story. Her Ariadne is a determined young woman, passionate and strong. But she is tormented by the howls coming from the Labyrinth. The Minotaur is her half-brother, and she has promised to save him from the darkness. Years have gone by, and she hasn’t been able to do it. But then a black-sailed tribute vessel from Athens arrives, and the spindle of her destiny starts to unwind…

The tale is told with shruti box and song.

Ariadne had its premiere at the Hay Festival 2013. Beautifully balancing strength and vulnerability, it proved to be a mesmerising performance from one of the UK’s most passionate performers:

‘Not even the waterfall outside the tent, the remedial construction work in an adjoining tent nor the unintentional background music from two distinct cultures put her off her stride. I was truly lost beneath the labyrinths of ancient Crete. An awesome piece of storytelling mastery. Fabulous stuff.’

‘It was a dazzling evening. Not only was the performance superb, as you would expect of someone with her experience and skill, but her adaptation of the story was, in my view, outstanding. She chose to tell it not just as an ancient myth, but as a close look at relationships, particularly that between Ariadne and her half-brother, the Minotaur, bringing out all the pity and pathos of it, preparing us in subtle ways for the mounting, enfolding tragedies. This was well within the tradition of the Classical story and tradition, but gave it a slant which engaged our modern sensibilities as well. Unforgettable. It will be a classic in itself and also – I hope – grow and grow.’

‘Every moment full of LIFE!!! Mesmerising.’

‘A glorious and passionate retelling’

‘Amazing retelling of a myth already loved.’

‘Truly gifted. Wonderful storytelling. Wonderful story.’

‘A truly fantastic tale of mystery and imagination – on so many levels. Fantastically told. And the death of the Minotaur was awesome.’

Good company, a bottle of wine, something to nibble, and the curvaceous Cat turning up the heat with tantalising tales and glorious singing… sensazionale!! Italian folk tales are as full bodied as their wine. So fill your glass, relax, and fly away with Cat to the land of passion…

Audience feedback:

‘ Amazing. Lost in Paradise.’

‘If troubadour is the right word – that’s you! A thoroughly enjoyable evening.’

‘A fabulous evening. Cat holds you captive till the end of the wonderful stories she weaves.’

‘Yet again an enchanting and magical set of stories! You are such a brilliant storyteller and gave us all a wonderful evening of laughter and enjoyment. I look forward to your fourth appearance in Whatcote!’