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Getting into the swing of things for Hallowe’en, Holly & Merl will be returning to Babushka books in Shanklin on Thursday, 29th October, 2026, doors at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

The exhibits are cursed. The displays are sinister. The curators seem to be hiding something… and what’s behind that locked door?

Join Holly Medland and Merl Fluin for a dark night of live storytelling. Spine-chilling tales for Halloween with more than a whiff of the macabre, in the atmospheric setting of Babushka Books.

Tickets £10 including snacks and drinks

Advance booking is essential: phone 07511220038 or 01983 652880

To keep up to date with storytelling events not just on the Island, but also across the UK, check out the UK storytelling clubs and events listings at https://newtroubadours.org

Another outing for Monty + The AnyWhens, following up a recent outing at Brading Roman Villa with a return trip to St Lawrence Village Hall.

Saturday, April 18th, 2026, St Lawrence Village Halls, doors at 7pm, tickets just £8 available here.

‘Tis Tales have been around a few years now, and since then, we’ve been building, building, slowly building our performances, as well as out audiences.

When we teamed up for the first time as Three Island Storytellers, the idea was to take tales out to wider audiences, and put the stories first. We quickly renamed as ‘Tis Tales to avoid confusion at Ventnor Fringe with The Island Storytellers gang show (the showcase activity for the more informal and “open to all, tellers and audience alike” monthly storytelling circle we’re all members of, along with others).

And now… well… keeping the stories first, ‘Tis Tales now has a new member, Merl Fluin, of the Island Storytellers parish. If you ever see ‘Tis Tales being advertised, then it’ll be three or more of us telling. In case there’s a teller a you particularly want to see, we’ll add the names of the tellers to the promo posters and flyers. But just as much, we hope that whenever you see a ‘Tis Tales show being advertised, you know you’ll be in for an evening of great tales from three or more great tellers, homegrown on the Isle of Wight…

A chance to catch two previously sold out shows from Ventnor Fringe in one sitting…

• Tales That Topple Tyrants – tales of bad kings and how to defy them!

• What Do Women Want? – tales of medieval mayhem and a hapless knight’s quest to find the answer to an age old question. . .

Bargeman’s Rest, Newport, Thurs. Feb 26th, 2026, 7-9pm.

Both of these shows have previously sold out – get your tickets, priced £10, here.

Bringing stories to a predominantly music based event, Monty will be telling tales on the Kasmir Fringe Acoustic stage, at Quay Arts, Newport, 5.15-6pm, Sat. Feb. 7th, 2026, free entry.

Getting the old gang back together for a show at Ryde Department, Friday January 23rd, 2026.

Step out of the winter chill and experience the magic of traditional storytelling! Join Island storytellers Sue Bailey, Holly Medland and Tony “Monty” Hirst , aka ‘Tis Tales, present:

Tall Tales and Tiny Truths – stories of wit, wisdom and wonder, with maybe just a tiny touch of truth woven in. Myths and mischief, legends and lies, these stories are made to be spoken and shared in good company.

Friday, January 23rd, 2026, Department, Ryde. Bar 7pm, Show 8pm.

Tickets £10 (£8 under 26) – https://department-ryde.org/ (Book tickets -> Events -> Spoken Word)

Monty takes nother trip to Carvel Lane Coffee House in Cowes on Wednesday, December 4th, 2025, 7pm, to reprise his 2023 set of Winter Tales, along with an extra tale — The Cursed Dancers of Colbeck.

Advance booking requiring (tickets just £5), from the coffee shop direct or via carvellanecoffee AT gmail DOT com

The Dead of Winter: Chilling Tales for the Festive Season

Step in from the cold and enjoy the fine tradition of ghost stories for the festive season. Storytellers Merl Fluin and Holly Medland will take you on a journey to the places where wraiths walk at night.

The cafe will be open from 6:30pm, serving hot food, drinks and delicious cakes to help keep the chill at bay. Storytelling starts at 7:15pm.

Suitable for ages 16+.

The Better Days Cafe – Inclusion Hub, Ventnor, PO38 1LT

 Tuesday 16th December 2025

Tickets price £10 available here.