On Friday 6 February A Bit Crack hosted the wonderful Shonaleigh and the attendance was splendid.
I have had the privilege and pleasure to see Shonaleigh tell, probably for 30 years, at a variety of venues and festivals both in the UK and abroad.
She is unique and enchanting. There is nothing contrived about what she does. She simply inhabits her stories while simultaneously remaining in touch with us, her audience, always ready to react spontaneously while remaining in complete contact with her narrative. The essence of story for me is that the narrative carries us on a journey and we are not concerned with whether it is “true” or not since it is true in its context and we are probably aware only later that what we have heard has much to teach us. This is heart work of the highest order and one of the most gratifying things about Friday evening was the sense of complete attention she commanded. I felt that the whole room was focused entirely on the narrative. I had heard this story before but it was still completely new and just as magic as the first time.
There were a number of people who were there on my recommendation and they were all enchanted, of course. It was a delight to observe other new faces too, all utterly engrossed. I am very grateful to A Bit Crack for bringing back Shonaleigh to Newcastle.
To institute monthly oral storytelling in Newcastle thirty two (or is it three) years ago has been a gift that gives and gives. This is life changing art. I am sure I am not the only person for whom this gift has changed both my personal and my professional life. My joy would be to see younger people becoming involved so that A Bit Crack might endure and continue to offer its unique and highly valuable contribution to our lives. Thank you again.
Martin Manasse February 2026