Amy Blake
as Tan

Xolani Crabtree
as Young Barwick

Edalia Day
as The Storyseeker

The Stolen Stories of Winterlight

Room 700, Leeds Central Library, Leeds LS1 3AB

Mon 9 December 2024 – Sat 4 January 2025

A MAGICAL QUEST FOR ALL THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Can you imagine a world without stories?

Words are fading from books all over town and people are forgetting the stories they used to know off by heart.

Winterlight Festival is fast approaching when tales are told with family and friends. If all stories disappear and children can’t tell their own stories, their voices may be lost forever.

Newly qualified storymaker, Tan, sets off on an adventure of a lifetime to discover the mystery of these stolen stories. With her hapless new apprentice tagging along, will they ever find a way to work together and return the words to the pages in time for Winterlight? 

Become submerged in strange and wondrous lands in this empowering tale reminding us that weaving all our stories, histories and cultures together creates the most beautiful pattern of all.

Brought to you by the same creative team who made the hugely successful The Storymaker’s Apprentice at Leeds Central Library in 2022.

For ages 5+. EVERYONE is invited to enjoy Libellule performances - we look forward to welcoming you!

Meet Tan, Young Barwick & The Storyseeker in these short films introducing each character:

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More Info

  • Click anywhere on this sentence to download fun activities to enjoy at home and keep the magic of Winterlight alive before and/ or after you have seen the show.

  • The show has been created for children from age 5+ and their grownups.

  • Adult £8, Child £6, babes in arms under 12 months don’t need a ticket.

    Book tickets here

    School bookings here

  • The performance will run for approximately 60 minutes.

  • BREAK OUT SPACE

    There is a small break out space in Room 800 adjoining where the performance will take place.

    WHEELCHAIRS

    The library is fully accessible by wheelchair.

    AUDIO DESCRIPTION

    This year’s show has been created with accessibility at its heart. Audio description has been woven into the story, and sound used to creatively convey a sense of the people and places featured. These elements not only support children who are partially sighted, blind and neuro-diverse, but enhance the experience for everyone.

    BSL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES

    On Saturday 28 December at 10.30am & 3pm, trained BSL interpreters will stand in view of the audience to interpret the show while it is being performed

  • All Libellule’s performances are, by nature, relaxed. There will be a quiet space available away from the show and you are welcome to come and go as you wish. For those who prefer, we have a dedicated relaxed performance on Sunday 29 December at 11am.

  • We recorded an audio book of The Storymaker’s Apprentice from 2022, so you can catch up or remind yourself about the world of Tan. You don’t need to have listened to this to enjoy The Stolen Stories of Winterlight, but if you want to know more about the world then you can listen to it before or after you see it.

    CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

    • Performers: Amy Blake, Xolani Crabtree & Edalia Day

    • Director: Deborah Pakkar-Hull

    • Writer & Creator: Louise Clark

    • Composer & Sound Designer: Lee Affen

    • Designer: Cathy Cross

    • Shadow Puppetry & Projection Design: Michelle Wren 

    • Producer: Rheanna Atkinson

    • Technical & Stage Manager: Leann Young

    • Production Manager & Lighting Designer: Tom Blackband

    • Audio Description Consultant: Ben Wilson

    • Access Champion: Vicky Ackroyd

    • Marketing: Suzanne Wynne

  • Supported by Leeds Libraries and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England