Daisy Black

Yde and Olive at Leamington Literary Society
2025-10-14 19:30 - 21:00 UTC
Oddfellows Hall, 22 New Street, Leamington Spa CV31 1HP
Booking details: https://searchout.warwickshire.gov.uk/group/251/leamington-literary-society

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 Edinburgh University
2025-10-17 17:15 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | Hunter Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh College of Art, 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DF
Hunter Lecture Theatre, Edinburgh College of Art
74 Lauriston Place Edinburgh EH3 9DF
Book 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 the Pankhurst Centre, Manchester
2025-11-20 18:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street Manchester M13 9WP, 60-62 Nelson Street, Manchester, M13 9WP
18.30-21.00
Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street Manchester M13 9WP
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yde-et-olive-a-medieval-love-story-tickets-1796578126539
…
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 Keele University
2025-11-24 18:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Keele University Chapel, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 5NN
Keele University Chapel | Monday 24 November 2025
6:30 – 8:30pm
FREE ENTRY
Book tickets: https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/events/2025/november/ydeandoliveamedievallovestory/yde-and-olive-a-medieval-love-story-1.php
…
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: a Medieval Love Story in Lancaster
2025-12-04 19:30 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | The Stables, Central Lancaster, Lancaster
Thursday 4th December
The Stables, private venue in central Lancaster.
Email clairehannah1@googlemail.com to book and for address.
Suggested donation £10 – £15,
Arrive at 7pm for 7.30.
…
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.’

The Bayeux Tapestry: The Full Yarn at Wolverhampton Literature Festival
2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Bantock House, Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ
The beasts of battle gather in the tapestry borders.Ravens, wolves, eagles.
All creatures – common, fantastic, wild, domestic –
hold their stitched breath
as the battle gathers
Waiting.
Until at last, William and Harold face each other over some few feet of linen.
The embroidered King wants to finish his church at Westminster. The English Earl and Norman Duke want the English throne. The hawk wants to be out in the fields, hunting for mice.
Storyteller Daisy Black provides a hawk’s eye view of the Bayeux Tapestry, where kings battle, oaths are broken and wheels of cheese are stolen by crafty foxes. Interweaving the fables of the Tapestry’s margins with Old English poetry and folk song, this show stitches together a vivid and moving account of the events leading up to 1066.
Seventy metres of history in a single hour!
Tickets: https://wolvesliteraturefestival.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173670752

Yde and Olive: A medieval love story at the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
2026-04-15 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Arena Theatre, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SE, United Kingdom
Tickets: https://wlv.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873677948
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.

'Mirroring' retreat at Holy Rood House, Thirsk
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-14 | Holy Rood House, Y07 1HX, 10 Sowerby Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, Y07 1HX
I will be telling Yde and Olive and running storytelling workshops as part of a retreat at Holy Rood House, Thirsk.

‘Mirroring’ is a retreat by and for trans and non-binary people and their SOFFAS (significant others, friends, family and allies) with Alex and Jo Clare-Young, Daisy Black and guests. For further information and bookings, please email sibylle@holyroodhouse.org.u

See also https://www.holyroodhouse.org.uk/Groups/426712/Events.aspx

Storytelling Keynote workshops at the Medieval & Early Modern Studies Festival, University of Kent
2026-06-19 - 2026-06-20
I am excited to be running storytelling workshops for medievalists at this wonderful conference on ‘Storycrafts in the Premodern World’.
See: https://memsfestival.wordpress.com/

Yde and Olive at 'Three Heads in a Well' storytelling club (Surrey Storytellers)
2026-06-26 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | St John’s Church Hall, 411 Maldon Road, Worcester Park, KT4 7NY
Daisy will be telling the remarkable thirteenth-century tale of Yde, who dresses herself as a knight and cuts her own paths to freedom. A tale of disguise adventure, gender fluidity, straight-talking angels, and the power of queer love.

Weaving 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 month we are in-person only. Get you tickets (£10 or £7 concessions) on the door or in advance at https://surreystorytellers.co.uk/booking/

'The Bayeux Tapestry: The Full Yarn' and Contra at Sidmouth Folk Festival
2026-07-31 - 2026-08-07
At Sidmouth this year I will be:

Storytelling The Bayeux Tapestry: The Full Yarn (Saturday, 7-8, All Saints)
calling for the Wednesday night contra with Stomping Ground
helping run morning workshops for the children’s festival with Boggarts Breakfast

The Bayeux Tapestry: The Full Yarn

The beasts of battle gather in the tapestry borders.

Ravens, wolves, eagles. All creatures – common, fantastic, wild, domestic –
hold their stitched breath
as the battle gathers
Waiting.

Until at last, William and Harold face each other over some few feet of linen.

The embroidered King wants to finish his church at Westminster. The English Earl and Norman Duke want the English throne. The hawk wants to be out in the fields, hunting for mice.

Daisy Black provides a hawk’s eye view of the Bayeux Tapestry, where kings battle, oaths are broken and wheels of cheese are stolen by crafty foxes.

Seventy metres of history in a single hour!
