Willow Tales is the latest incarnation of a storytelling night at the Northcote bar Willow. Run by Simon Godfrey and the mysterious Dan, it invites various artistic types (be they writers, actors, comedians, etc) to share stories with an attentive audience, while attempting to adhere to a specific theme.
Willow is the very definition of cosy, a perfect venue for a night of intimate storytelling. It features burgundy walls, intricately decorated lighting fixtures and a black pressed metal ceiling. Most of the seated is located in the front section of the venue in booths or at tables. Some of the tables provide wooden benches as seating which can get a little hard on the posterior for extended periods, but cushions are there to give some much needed padding.
A raised section half way down the room leads to the large bar. It features some interesting cocktails and an espresso machine for those seeking a caffeine fix. A large assortment of pizzas and a grazing plate are available as are nuts and Twisties for those feeling a bit peckish.
At the rear of the venue are the loos and a tiny courtyard to where the smokers retreat during the breaks. Due to a lack of a closed door, the smoke does tend to waft through the entire venue a little. Either that or the smokersbrought back the overpowering smell to us due to the high concentration of puffers in the allocated smoking zone.
A tiny stage is set up near the front of the venue with a chair, microphone and a lone lamp to create the atmosphere of a fireside chat. While it is effective in setting this mood, it barely lights the performer so if they make use of facial expressions or visual aids to relay their story, it may be lost on most of the crowd.
Although Willow Tales is not a night of comedy it is hosted by a comedian (Simon) and regularly attracts comedians as featured performers. Many comics are partial to a bit of storytelling to get laughs and are encouraged to steer clear of their rope when performing here, although some are prone to lapse into stand up mode even when sitting down! Even though the night has a theme many of the storytellers choose to give it a token mention, instead presenting a tale that may or may not have a tenuous link to that theme.
I’m not sure if the storytellers are given instructions to stick to a strict time limit for their tales, but the first two performers of the night kept it quite short while the last allowed their story develop over an extended period. In this sense it had the familiar feel of a comedy room with the earlier acts doing “Tight Fives” while the headliner performed a longer set. Extended intervals occurred after each act which gave the punters plenty of time to chat, smoke and do other tasks so they had no excuse than to give their undivided attention to each act. Even with the many breaks the evening was over before ten.
Willow Tales was an interesting and entertaining night of stories. It’s well worth a look if you want to experience something other than stand up.
Willow Tales happens on the first Wednesday of very month at Willow. Keep an eye on our Gig Guide or join their FaceBook Group for line ups