Inspiration Exchange at Greenbelt: Story of the Day

As ever I choose too many stories in advance - more than I can possibly swap in (in this instance) five hours. That way I'm not deciding exactly what stories are told. And as ever I feel bad in advance for the stories that won't get told.

And just like last time, a newer thought occurs - to wonder about the stories that people who will come in to the Exchange will tell me, stories they don't know yet that they will think of and tell today.

We open on time, and it's non-stop for four hours.

I swap AN ESCAPED LUNATIC ON CANNOCK CHASE
For CAMEL ON THE BEACH

I swap DEAD JELLYFISH
For I'M GOING ANYWAY
A story told to me by a couple about their son, and contrary to my earlier thought, this is a story they knew they were going to tell me before they came in, the story they came in to share, in fact. Their late son. Their inspiration. Those of us listening know we're privileged to hear them tell it.

I swap A 6B PENCIL
For INSPIRED BY M

I swap DESIRE PATHS
For A RUCKSACK, A PENGUIN & GREAT DETERMINATION 

I swap I'M GOING ANYWAY
For THE SIDESWIPE

I swap 01369 870212
For A STRANGE NIGHT

I swap "YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!" "I KNOW!"
For WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

I swap 4 FOUNTAIN PENS
For A PANTS DISASTER

I swap TAKE THE CAMERA HOME
For LEARNING TO BE PATIENT

I swap LETTING GIRLS BE
For KATE LOVE

I swap A PANTS DISASTER
For REAL LIFE SUPERHEROES

I swap A VERY M1 CHRISTMAS 
For MAD CRAZY DOGS

I swap CAMEL ON THE BEACH
For "YOU DON'T HAVE TWO TONGUES & ONE EAR"

I swap TAKE AWAY THE SCAFFOLDING
For CATHERINE WHEEL: SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE

I swap THE BIG FIREWORKS
For MAX & DOM'S BIKE RIDE

And then there's a pause. Even Dominic, who's been with me for over three hours, has to go.

A little re-set in the tent. Stretch the legs. Stand up straight. Sunlight.

It occurs to me that today is a day of stories about determination in the face of adversity - particularly, sadly, adversity in the shape of cancer. Stories of finding what makes you happy, and what makes you who you are. About what we believe, and about what we choose to believe.

Stories about the importance of other people: friends, family, community, this place we're in, this festival. Stories about love.

I swap 36 DAYS LOOKING FOR STUFF IN THE FRIDGE 
(during the telling of which I double-check the maths of this statistic and am reassured)
For AGE OLD MEDICINE.

**
Then, after the telling of this Story of the Day, a woman with a five year old daughter falling asleep on her lap, asks if she can hear LETTING GIRLS BE. And so the conversation carries on, and rather than stopping, the Exchange seems to wind down into the evening around it.

Thanks to everyone who came in for listening, and for your stories.

Third Angel at Greenbelt Festival

We’re really looking forward to (finally!) making it to the Greenbelt Festival this weekend, particularly as two Third Angel pieces will be there alongside two piece we’ve mentored. If you’re going to Greenbelt, and you want to seek us out, here’s where and when to find us…

photo: Elliot Roberts

Third Angel presents

CAPE WRATH

An epic journey in a stationary minibus

SATURDAY 23rd 11.00am,  3.30pm & 7.00pm

THE WILDERNESS (next to The Kindred 24 Hour Café)

To an audience of just 14, Alexander Kelly recounts what he learned as he followed in the footsteps of his Grandad – on a bus trip from the Midlands to the most northwesterly point of Scotland: Cape Wrath. Heartfelt, moving and funny, and one of the hits of last year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Three shows on Saturday – in a minibus!

Sign up on Friday between 6–8pm at the minibus.

Age recommendation: 14 and over

Third Angel presents an

INSPIRATION EXCHANGE

SUNDAY 24th 12.00 – 5.15 pm

STAR POND

Third Angel’s Alexander Kelly would like to have a conversation with you, and do you a swap: idea for idea, inspiration for inspiration. Drop in for as long or short a time as you would like, swap a story or just listen, as we follow a trail to see what unexpected places we end up in by sharing our inspiration. You can find him in a bell tent by Star Pond.

Final storytelling at 5.00pm at the bell tent (Star Pond). Suitable for all ages.

plus…

Hannah Nicklin (with Alexander Kelly):
A CONVERSATION WITH MY FATHER
SATURDAY 23^rd 7.30pm & 9.30pm
This is a story about my dad (a retired policeman) and me (a protestor). It’s a story about fear, bravery, what it feels like to be kettled, SuperTed, the Lone Ranger, policing the people in front of you, and being sent out of class. It’s about working out what matters, and standing up to protect it. It’s about Them and Us.

It’s about me, and my dad.

There are also some jokes in it. Because serious things are worth laughing at a little bit.

Unfolding Theatre:

BEST IN THE WORLD
(Mentored by Third Angel)
SUNDAY 24^th 5.30pm & 7.00pm

There is a world that can transport us from the ordinary to the extraordinary, where we are one perfect throw away from greatness, a place where we can all be champions. That world is darts. Through this noble sport, Alex Elliott asks the unfathomable question: “What does it mean to be best in the world?”

Join him on a hilarious, occasionally heroic and heart-warming journey, featuring true stories of success, live darts and celebrations of our own personal triumphs. Motivational bananas included. This uplifting show will renew your faith in life and darts. Who knows? You might be the best audience in the world.

**

And if you’re going, we would also recommend that you see Bobby Baker on Saturday, too.