Storystock sees a half-term circus of stories roll up at Lyric theatre

Children’s authors Judith Kerr and John Burningham will appear together on stage for the first time.

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Judith Kerr's The Tiger Who Came to Tea

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Children’s authors Judith Kerr and John Burningham will appear together on stage for the first time during a half-term of storytelling at the Lyric.

The world-famous writers will appear in conversation as part of the latest Storystock festival at Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre – which is financially supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

The half-term festival features two days of storytelling events and workshops for young bookworms aged 2-13 and their families on 27 and 28 October. 

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Judith Kerr is the much-loved author and illustrator of children’s classics including the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Judith Kerr is the much-loved author and illustrator of children’s classics including the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, while John Burningham is best known for childhood favourites including Mr Gumpy’s Outing and Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers.

Their onstage conversation will take place on 27 October at 2pm, alongside a wealth of other activities including live illustration sessions, drama shows, storytelling and creative workshops.

Storystock, which describes itself as a ‘travelling circus of stories’, was founded by Shepherds Bush residents Claire Gill and Nathalie Bristow in 2013. Since then they’ve held a number of successful storytelling festivals for families at the Bush Theatre in Uxbridge Road.

However, with the Bush currently undergoing renovations, the popular festival has found a temporary home at the Lyric in Hammersmith for its latest event.

Mother-of-three Claire, who lives in Bassein Park Road, said: “We are so excited to be bringing our circus of stories to the Lyric this year.

“Storystock really does have that festival feeling, with lots of different things going on under one roof for all ages. It’s a celebration of stories, encouraging us all to remember how important they are, and it’s also an opportunity for families who would not otherwise go to literary events to get involved.”

The festival is aiming to be as accessible as possible by offering a number of free events and also a 20 per cent discount to local school groups.

Speaking about Storystock’s headline event, Claire added: “Judith Kerr and John Burningham are the undisputed royalty of children’s literature, bringing unending delight with their stories, and we cannot wait for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them together and ask them questions about their life and inspirations.”

She said other highlights of the festival would include an Imagination Seekers workshop bringing Roald Dahl stories to life, School of Comedy workshops, creative writing sessions and story shows including The Wimpy Kid and Atticus’ Greek Myth Marathon. 

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