Daisy Black

Storyteller in residence, CDSS Family Camp, Aggasiz Village, Maine USA
2023-08-13 08:00 - 2023-08-19 17:00 UTC | Agassiz Camp, Maine
Storytelling workshops, dance calling and story performances.

Ceilidh with Powerhouse, Towersey Festival
2023-08-26

Director at 14/48 Theatre Festival, Wolverhampton
2023-09-22 - 2023-09-23 | Arena Theatre, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE, United Kingdom
Catch me directing two plays within 48 hours!

Late night stories at SKINT folk festival
2023-11-04 23:30 UTC | Ashover Village Hall
Late night stories after the dancing ends…

Director at 14/48 Theatre Festival, Leicester
2023-11-10 - 2023-11-12

Dramaturg for 'Dark Tales in Winter', Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
2023-12-13 19:00 - 2023-12-15 23:00 UTC | Arena Theatre, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE, United Kingdom
I am acting as dramaturg and researcher of all things unsettling for ‘Drak Tales’ at the Arena Theatre.
Featuring Carnivorine by Lucy H. Hooper, adapted by Matt Beames & The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted by Hannah Torrance
One-Act Plays for Solo Performers
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
13th – 15th December 2023
Dark Tales in Winter returned for its fourth year with a new double-bill of one-act plays, each for a single performer. The 2023 production included my own adaptation of Carnivorine by Lucy H. Hooper, and The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson, which was adapted by Hannah Torrance. The world premiere of these two new adaptations was staged at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton in December 2023.

'Broken Shells' at May Hey Days
2024-05-03 08:00 - 2024-05-06 17:00 UTC
Daisy will be telling her storytelling show ‘Broken Shells’ and running a storytelling workshop at May Hey Days, Evesham.

Chippenham Folk Festival
2024-05-24 08:00 - 2024-05-27 17:00 UTC
Daisy will be calling 7 events at Chippenham, including workshops covering theatre and Playford’s dances; dance technique and theatre games for dancers, and calling the Zesty Playford and Ultimate Contra sets.
See https://www.chippfolk.co.uk/int/ShowPerf?id=1054 for her full list of workshops.

Unruly Woman at Birmingham Storytelling Cafe
2024-06-19 07:00 - 21:30 UTC
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents an indecorous assortment of medieval tales from around Europe about women who gain the upper hand – or, occasionally, the upper arse.
These are stories of sex, of disguise and deception, of arse-kissing, and of women finding creative, naughty and cunning ways to overcome the restrictions placed upon them by their gender and class.
Interlacing medieval fables and romance with bawdy folk songs, this one-woman performance pays homage to literature’s original ‘nasty women’.

Book online: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/621075
Or pay on the door
Tickets £10
Doors open and food served from 6:30pm. Performance 7:30pm.

Yde and Olive at the Gender and Medieval Studies Conference, Lincoln
2024-06-27 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
I will be premiering the first telling of my new story show, ‘Yde and Olive’, in front of the medieval specialists whose work has inspired it.
‘Yde and Olive’ is a haunting and courageous medieval story containing a trans-lesbian romance, high adventure, public baths and a straight-talking angel.
I hope to tour this new show for public audiences between 2025-6. Watch this space!

'Storytelling for Medievalists' workshop at Leeds International Medieval Congress
2024-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | University of Leeds

Sidmouth Folk Festival
2024-08-02 08:00 - 2024-08-09 17:00 UTC
At Sidmouth I will be calling a Playford workshop, a mixed dance and running Party Playford, as well as performing with GogMagog Molly.
See https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/ for tickets and details.

Whitby Folk Week
2024-08-17 08:00 - 2024-08-23 17:00 UTC
At Whitby, Daisy will be running a week of fun and accessible Playford dance workshops, as well as calling for various evening event across the festival.

Storytelling workshop for the ‘Seven Sages’ research project, University of St Andrew’s
2024-09-18 11:00 - 17:00 UTC | University of St Andrew’s
A tailored workshop on storytelling with challenging medieval texts. Commissioned by the University of St Andrew’s for artist practitioners working on their ‘Seven Sages’ project.

Death's Grin: A Night of Shared Stories with Daisy Black and Jason Buck
2024-11-13 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield St, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU
Storytellers Daisy Black and Jason Buck dig into their repertoire of shadows to bring you light and dark stories about redemption, grief and laughter in the face of Death’s grin. With one teller’s tales setting another teller thinking, this performance weaves a rich thread of tales that, like an individual’s life, will never be told in the same way again. The audience will gain a good understanding of how people in the past conceptualised death, wove stories around it and coped with grief and loss through humour, faith and storytelling.
This event is sponsored by the Being Human Festival and the University of Wolverhampton.
Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/being-human-festival-deaths-grin-a-night-of-shared-stories-tickets-993204670907

Yde and Olive at Wolverhampton Literature Festival
2025-02-01 14:30 - 16:00 UTC | Bantock House, Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ
Buy Tickets

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at IVFDF, Sheffield
2025-03-01 16:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London)
I am performing Yde and Olive as part of the Inter Varsity Folk Dance Festival (this year held at Sheffield University).
Festival details and tickets: https://sheffield-ivfdf.org.uk/

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at University College Chapel, Oxford University
2025-03-05 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Tickets: Daisy Black, Medieval Storytelling Performance of ‘Yde & Olive’ Tickets, Wed, Mar 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive ONLINE with Live to Your Living Room
2025-03-26 19:45 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Tickets: https://livetoyourlivingroom.com/events/daisy-black-yde-and-olive/
The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at Leicester Storytelling Circle
2025-03-27 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ
27th March, 7.30pm The Guildhall, Leicester
Tickets: https://www.leicestermuseums.org/event-details/?id=6fdc7329-cec9-4f39-9d67-c6e606009475

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive in Middlesbrough
2025-04-02 13:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London)
13.00. More details to come soon.
Tickets: Email daisy-removethis@daisyblack.uk (delete the obvious) to book.

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at May Heydays Folk Festival, Evesham
2025-05-02 19:30 - 2025-05-05 15:30 (Europe/London) | The De Montfort School, Evesham, Evesham
Festival site: https://mayheydays.org.uk/
‘Yde and Olive’ will be told as part of the festival programme: https://mayheydays.org.uk/programme.html

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at Lichfield Storytellers
2025-05-13 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
Door time: 7:15pm
Start time: 7:30pm

Kings Head, Lichfield

Tickets: wegottickets.com/event/653599

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.
Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over monarchs and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.

Yde and Olive at the MAMO conference, King's College, London
2025-06-25 18:30 - 2025-06-26 20:30 (Europe/London) | King’s College London Chapel, Kings College, Strand Ln, London, WC2R 2LS
Conference registration opens soon: https://themamo.org/conference-registration/

Yde and Olive at Leeds International Medieval Congress
2025-07-07 20:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | University of Leeds
Yde and Olive will be performed as a public event on Wednesday of the week-long conference.
Tickets: https://www.imc.leeds.ac.uk/imc-2025/events-2/yde-and-olive-a-medieval-lesbian-romance/
20.30-22.00, Stage@Leeds

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at Ropetackle Storytellers, Shoreham
2025-07-14 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Ropetackle Arts Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5EG
Tickets soon to be available at https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/
Join the mailing list to hear when tickets are released: https://mailchi.mp/38c4aef60e37/ropetacklestorytellers

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at Sheffield Storyforge
2025-07-15 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | The Fat Cat, 23 Alma Street, Sheffield, S3 8SA
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yde-and-olive-a-medieval-lesbian-romance-told-by-daisy-black-tickets-1376138811229?aff=oddtdtcreator

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: Soon available on Eventbrite and via https://www.facebook.com/storyforgesheffield

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at the Société Internationale pour l'étude du théâtre médiéval Colloquium, University of Fribourg
2025-07-18 - 2025-07-23
Yde and Olive will be told as a public event as part of the conference.
Details for bookings coming soon.

Yde and Olive at Shaggy Dog Storytellers, Hebden Bridge
2025-07-25 20:00 - 22:30 (Europe/London)
20.00-22.00
Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge

The baby’s first clothes were wide bands of wool. Their small limbs were bound, tenderly and close, to help them grow strong. To help them grow straight.
From their cradle, they could hear the uttered prayers of a priest, the rush of poured water.
The baby blinked as drops of holy water flicked across their brow.
They were given a name. Yde.
And with it came flocking other words. ‘She’. And ‘Her’.
Baby Yde scrunched up her nose, and yawned.

Yde grew up reading of knights, sieges and her own mother’s daring deeds. So when faced with an unwanted marriage, she knew she’d rather fly across the frozen sea than sit around and wait for it to happen. Disguising herself as a man, Yde cuts her own paths to freedom, fighting battles, outwitting thieves, winning over kings and finding comfort in her new clothing. Until one day, she meets her match in Olive: a woman whose spirit is every bit as courageous as her own…
Storyteller and academic Daisy Black presents a remarkable thirteenth-century tale of disguise, high adventure, public baths, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.
Weaving together medieval narrative with modern folk song, this performance will take you from birthing chambers to military barracks, through moonlit country lanes and woods stained with slaughter, and from quiet chapels to court chambers crackling with gossip.
This show is 90 minutes long, and suitable for ages 13 and up. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: Soon available on Eventbrite and via https://www.facebook.com/events/715311324564525/

Feedback from the world premiere at the Gender and Medieval Studies conference, Lincoln:
‘Incredibly inspiring and moving’.
‘The story itself was so complex and layered, and Daisy’s delivery made it incredibly captivating’
‘A beautiful mix of pathos and humour. I found it mesmerising and moving’.
‘Incredible storytelling…medieval queer and trans joy’.
‘I loved hearing about medieval queer history and experiencing such a beautifully told story! Immersive and full of suspense and empathy.’
‘I was not expecting the tale to be so creative and hilarious! Delightful blending of historical facts, audience interactivity and joy. Helps the audience understand queer experiences and historic struggles and awakens the past.’
‘Such a powerful and accessible way to share a story and create something so beautiful about tolerance.’

Yde and Olive at Sidmouth Folk Festival
2025-08-01 08:00 - 2025-08-08 17:00 (Europe/London)
For festival tickets and schedules, see https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/
