As the venue’s Programme & Events Manager, Daniel Abercrombie has helped bring storytellers and performers from Scotland and far beyond to the Scottish Storytelling Centre. In the run-up to our 10th birthday celebrations later this week, he looks back on some of the shows that most stand out.

I have two special memories that stand out.  One was one of the earliest events I worked on 5 years ago, called Croak, the King and a Change in the Weather, which was performed by Palestinian children from the Shatlia refugee camp in Beirut.  Most of these children had never been outside the camp itself, let alone performing on a stage in a foreign country.  The welcome they received and the excitement and quality of their performance made me proud to be working in an organisation that could support this.  I’ve always remembered the humanity and fun in that performance.

My second memory is a very recent one, when I first saw the development of Puppet State Theatre’s new show Leaf by Niggle, based on a short story by JRR Tolkien. The content of the piece made me think about how important it is to cherish things in your life and to try and make the most of your talents and abilities.  I felt it summed up a lot of the good work that happens in the Centre, where all sorts of people can feel welcome and offered a platform to show their worth.

Puppet State Theatre perform Leaf by Niggle from 4-28 Aug (not 10, 15, 22, 23) as part of the Centre’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival programme. Book tickets.

Do you have a memory of the Scottish Storytelling Centre you’d like to share? Email sophie@scottishstorytellingcentre.com, or leave us a comment on our Facebook page.