Storytelling nights

From traditional tales to story slam competitions, Melbourne’s fond of a yarn

First published on 31 May 2012. Updated on 12 Sep 2012.

In Melbourne, barely a week goes by without storytellers gathering to swap vignettes, tall tales, and anecdotes that begin with “this one time, I…” The worldwide phenomenon – spurred on by the popularity of podcasts from The Moth, a New York storytelling night, and perennial radio favourites This American Life and A Prairie Home Companion – means that anyone can join in the experience. From confession to titillation, attend a storytelling night and you’ll soon find out that voyeurs often turn into raconteurs.

Willow Tales
Willow Bar	The grande dame of Melbourne storytelling evenings, Willow Tales (formerly Northcote Storytellers), has been around half a decade. Hosted by comedian Jon Bennett and friends, each month a different theme (such as ‘Life or Death’) is announced and tellers gathered, with an open spot for a brave audience member to tell a story.
Rocket Clock Storytelling Slam
Bella Union	A bell is chimed to remind the storytellers to wrap up their five-minute tales, which are judged by an audience panel. Produced by Chloe Boulton and running since Oct 2010, the winner of each fast-paced event (with themes varying from ‘Secrets’ to ‘Wrong Time, Wrong Place’) gets a $50 voucher to Clifton Hill’s The Terminus Hotel.
Hearth Tales
Bishop's Parlour	Theatre artist Niki Pidd, inspired by Rocket Clock and Willow Tales, was determined to fill a niche in the storytelling scene: traditional stories. Curated events feature live music, seasonal set designs, and tales from indigenous cultures, ranging from Egyptian to Inuit to Middle European.
The Yarn Storytellers
The Book Grocer	The Yarn launched in May with a sold-out crowd eager to hear the four storytellers perform their 12-minute-or-less rambles. Unique to Melbourne storytelling nights, creators Angela Mottee and Brendan McCallum will curate podcasts of all performances, rotating them with interviews – and additional yarns.
Dogs’ Tales: St. Kilda Storytelling
Dog's Bar	The next series of this long-running storytelling night will launch during the Melbourne Writers’ Festival, with owner David Carruthers picking journalists for the theme: ‘Journos and the stories they didn’t, or couldn’t, write’. Sounds like it could skirt legality? Storytellers will abide by the Chatham House Rule of confidentiality.
Storytelling Guild of Australia (Victoria)
Victoria	These are professional storytellers, y’all. They’ve honed their craft from years of weaving tales for audiences, and are at the height of their powers. From festivals to one-off nights, the Guild members – many are also professional authors – go non-stop.