Allie Simpson has provided our historic village with the enriching opportunity to present both traditional and original stories to our patrons. Through her unique approach to exploring Celtic and traditional tales, Allie has developed a repertoire of stories which both delight and educate audiences young and old. Not only this, but Allie has brought her own creative, original tales to our village, stories which transport the listener from the depths of the ocean to the deep New Zealand bush. Often accompanied by her own art pieces, Allie’s stories have the power to enthrall the audiences whom she entertains, while creating an atmosphere that merges the present with times gone by. Allie’s thoughtful understanding of New Zealand history and her love of the environment comes through in her stories. It is in this way that the audiences are able to hear the tales of their ancestors and learn about the trials and tribulations of the early settlers who made New Zealand their home. Of course, along with this, there are hints of magic and wonder as Allie weaves stories of the fairies and dragons that too found a home amongst New Zealand’s rich and rugged landscape. Native plants, animals and places are often woven into the stories creating a genre that belongs to New Zealand and can be gratefully shared with visitors and locals alike. Her charismatic and approachable persona draws audiences too her. She has the unique ability to relate to both children and adults through her craft of telling, and inspires the creative spark that is in us all. Children are encouraged to share their own tales with the crowd, and are supported and applauded for their creativity. Building confidence in children and allowing them to develop their creative voice is just one aspect of what Allie’s telling’s offer. Children start to gain an understanding of the daily duties that were tasked to boys and girls their age many years ago, as well as opening their imagination to a mystical world of brownies, witches and fairies that will be talked about for days after.
