Tales to laugh at, tales to wonder at

The stories Richard Martin tells are the folk tales which have been told for hundreds, indeed thousands, of years. With over 300 stories in his repertoire, they reflect the full range of human experience: the comic, the bawdy, the profound, the divine.
Far from being for little children (although he does tell for children, too), these deep and powerful tales offer unforgettable listening for adults.

If you like theatre, you’ll definitely love storytelling. It combines the intensity of a play by a solo performer with the intimacy of a one-to-one conversation.

Richard tells stories throughout Europe and as far away as India, Singapore, Hong Kong and America – in theatres, universities, schools, for corporate events or private parties.

Richard tells in his native English. But when asked, he loves telling in German – with a delightful mixture of English creeping into the story.

Explore the website for tales, for information about performances and workshops — and for much, much more.

Video gallery

Weeping Lass at the Crossroads (added on 07.01.25)
A Scottish tale of grieving and ghosts

The video gallery
Over 150 folk tales from around the world
some comic, some bawdy, some profound!

Next video: 4th Feb.
Boy and the Devil

Details of the tale

Read more about the story

Newsletter

Subscribe to receive a mail when stories are added to the video gallery (usually once a month), and for details of future performances or workshops in your area.


Richard in the wider world

Click for details, and mail if you are interested in a performance or workshop which can take advantage of these travel plans

  • Bavaria, 10th –  12th February
  • Lübeck, 19. – 22. March
  • Bavaria, 19th – 23rd May
  • Mecklenburg-Pomerania, June
  • Return to Lithuania (Vilnius and Panevėžys), including Sweden, Latvia and Estonia, late Sept./early Oct.

Go here for tales to watch

Go here for a list of all tales included on this site

Go here to receive an e-mail notification when new tales are added

Permission to tell outlines my views on copyright

For those who are teachers: Telling stories in the classroom: basing language teaching on storytelling

If you wish to use website content, send me a mail explaining why and I may be able to help.