Danielle Free
One day, while wrapped in gorse and cold air on top of an ancient hillfort in Shropshire, a key fell from the sky and landed in Danielle's ear. "Remember" it whispered, and it turned. Clunk. All the voices of those long passed started seeping through the damp grass, and the longer Danielle listened, the more the noise became a song. A beautiful song sung by all the people the world has ever held. In that moment, Danielle's world was never the same again.
Events
Wild Gods
Shrewsbury Coffee House, Castle Gates, Shrewsbury
Friday 6th June 2025, 7pm - 9pm
Come and join us for a wild night out with the Greek Gods, Pan and Dionysus, for the March instalment of the Grey Wolf Story Cafe.Watch as Storytellers Danielle Free and Marcus Pibworth weave together the chaotic tales of the panic inducing wild god, Pan, and the wine soaked, gender non-conforming deity of festivity, ecstasy and ritual madness, Dionysus.
Past events
Folklore in the Library
Saturday 8th January 2025, Shrewsbury Library, 1pm - 1:30pm
Free event, just turn up!
Winter Tales in the Library
Saturday 7th December, Shrewsbury Library, 1pm - 1:30pm
Free event, just turn up!
The Conditions For Courage
Wednesday 9th April, GEECS, University South Wales, Cardiff. 7pm - 9pm
About
. storyteller . writer . researcher .
Danielle is a traditional oral storyteller devoted to uncovering the voices of lesser-known historical women, breathing life into their stories, and weaving them into the present. Her research and performances celebrate the courage and complexity of these figures, ensuring their legacies are no longer whispers but resounding echoes.With an MA in Celtic Studies, Danielle’s fascination with oral tradition and Celtic history runs deep. Her dissertation on the representation of Celtic women laid the foundation for her first major show, 'The Conditions for Courage (2025)', which spotlights the bravery and resilience of women throughout history. While she adores whimsical myths and enchanting folktales, it is the voices of forgotten historical women that call to her most strongly, urging her to give them their place in the narrative once more.As well as her Masters, Danielle also has a BA Hons in English Literature and Media Studies. She's an Assistant Writer for Spark Young Writers (Writing West Midlands) and is a prize winning writer - her short story, A Jacket Full of Pockets, won the 'Birmingham City University Future Writers presents Benjamin Zephaniah' competition. Danielle's flash fiction piece, Blushing, will also be published in Broken Spine's LGBTQIA+ anthology in June 2025.
This passion for history blends with her deep connection to myth, a realm where shamanic perspectives and ancient wisdom intertwine. Having lived much of her life with an animist approach, Danielle devoted three intense years to ritual practise and connection with the flora, fauna, and fungi of her land which she embodies now on a regular basis. Through storytelling, she shares the wisdom of the oak, the song of the stream, and the stories of those who don't want to be forgotten.
Shows
Here you can find the shows that I have created, or am part of. All of these are available for booking. Please contact me for more information.
The Conditions For Courage
The Conditions For Courage
Three women. Three acts of defiance. One untold history.
Celtic women are often remembered as fearless warriors and heroic leaders...but does this tell the whole story?Storyteller, Danielle Free, reclaims the lives of three remarkable European Celtic women: Chiomara, who turned her captor's arrogance into a deadly trap; Camma, a Priestess of Artemis who outwitted her husband's killer; and Eponina, who defied the Roman Empire all in the name of love. Untangling their stories from Plutarch's virtues, ancient politics and Roman propaganda, 'The Conditions For Courage' reveals the very real women behind the stereotype, women who risked everything in the face of personal adversity.
There are no fairy tale endings here.
Expect powerful, gritty stories of women who defied expectations in the name of love, loyalty, respect and revenge.History is retold. Her story is reclaimed. Courage is redefined.TW: Instances of sexual abuse, suicide, murder and genocide.Show length: Approx. 90 minutes
Suitable for: 16+
Wild Gods
Are you ready for a wild night out with the Greek Gods?Journey deep into the chaotic worlds of Pan, the wild, panic-inducing God of nature, and Dionysus, the wine-soaked, gender non-conforming deity of festivity, ecstasy, and ritual madness.Through myth and mischief, revelry and raw power, Danielle and storyteller, Marcus Pibworth, will lead you on an unforgettable storytelling adventure into divine disorder.Expect storytelling that’s bold, immersive, and just a little bit unhinged — in the best way possible.Contains: Adult humour
Duration: 90 minutes
Suitable For: 16+
REVIEWS
"Loved the evening, relaxed, fun and engaging. So special to sit and be told stories as an adult! I loved the detail and expressiveness in the tales.""Wonderful night filled with two great story tellers. Both Marcus and Danielle never faltered and have a great ability to hold attention and have great skills with their humour too. Amazing night!""Lovely evening, intimate and immersive, at the end of a very stressful week it reminded me of the eternal story we are part of."
For booking and/or more information, please get in touch with me via my 'Contact' page.
SPOKEN STORIES
It's not drama. It's not reading. It's the art of speaking stories. It builds brave, brilliant voices.
FREE TRIAL SESSION FRIDAY 29TH AUGUST!
'Little Voices' (5-8 y/o) 5:30pm - 6:30pm &
'Mighty Mouths' (9-12 y/o) 7pm - 8pm!This is a drop off session - parents will leave their child(ren) promptly at the start time and collect them again at the end of the class!
A fun, engaging oral storytelling club designed to build confidence, courage, and oracy skills in children through the magical art of spoken stories!Each session lasts one hour, beginning with an immersive & interactive story told by Danielle; a rich and vivid tale drawn from the world of myths & wondertales or the lands of fairy & folktales. After listening, children will take part in playful, physical activities & games inspired by improvisation, oracy and storytelling techniques.Through repetition, group retelling, and creative exploration, children are gently encouraged to find their voice, grow in confidence, and begin to shape and share stories of their own.
Sessions will be weekly and term-time only (ad-hoc holiday workshops might be offered). Each week we'll work with a new theme & storytelling technique and by the end of the term the children will have learnt some new traditional tales to tell & perform. Throughout Danielle will always prioritise imagination, participation, and fun!
This group is perfect for children who are struggling with reading & writing, as storytelling blurs these worlds. These groups are also brilliant for budding storytellers, confident performers, and even quiet thinkers who don't feel they have much to say. Our hope is that by the end of the term, the children will feel confident in finding their voice & will have a desire to find and tell stories!Spoken Stories supports children in developing essential communication skills while having a whole lot of fun in the world of the imaginary!
After the trial session, classes are booked on a termly basis.
The first terms runs from Friday 12th September until Friday 24th October.
NOTE: Date change - Friday 10th October club will be held on the same times BUT on SATURDAY 11th October.Prices are £8 per class. The first term will cost £56 total.I want this club to be as inclusive as possible, so if you're from a low/no income household, I have a couple of spaces available at a reduced rate. Please contact me to discuss.All sessions are drop-off only. Parents will not be allowed to stay for the duration of the class.
storytelling
Over the last few years, Danielle has trained with many well known and professional storytellers, such as Michael Harvey, Angharad Wynne, Katy Cawkwell and Ben Haggarty. She was also awarded a place on a Mentorship Scheme hosted by storytelling production company, Adverse Camber.Though, Danielle believes her greatest teachers are her audience: whether that's a library full of children, a curious crowd of festival fellows, a houseful of friends, or of course the crows, hawthorn, stream sprites and grassy goblins of the land.Danielle has a collection of stories of the women who once spun wool, wielded weapons, sang poetry to their enemies, loved deeply, shapeshifted, defied societal norms, found bravery when there was little left, rode goats instead of horses, lied for their sisters, were collectively cunning, united communities, screeched at the seas and danced under the mistletoe.
These stories are all true.
EDUCATION
Danielle uses her experience within academia to research and rediscover the true stories of people of our past - our ancient ancestors. These stories are perfect within an educational setting and can be adapted to suit audiences from age 8 to 18+.Half and full day workshops and storytelling performances are available and can suit your needs. Danielle promises to get your class excited about history, geography and sociology using storytelling and fun, interactive & engaging exercises and activities. Danielle has plenty of experience working with children in educational environments.
Contact
I'm attempting to move away from using social media quite so much, but I'd still love to curate a brilliant space where we can talk and keep in touch. Please consider joining my mailing list where you'll periodically be sent updates, musings and offers.
Please email me at: [email protected]
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