Amanda Kane-Smith
Storyteller
Merry-go-Round Storytelling
Welcome to my Website!
I'm Amanda Kane-Smith, a professional storyteller, writer and author.
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I tell stories to all ages, in all kinds of locations, and in many different ways!
​From large-scale performance storytelling outdoors in the woods, with owls swooping overhead (Hawk Conservancy Trust), to sharing tales with small family groups in a bustling shop (Hamleys Toy Shop – Regent Street). I’ve even told stories on the back of a farm truck (Leckford Farm Estate for Waitrose) - the truck wasn’t moving at the time!
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With a background in performing arts as both an actor and director, my storytelling is always energetic and engaging. I work confidently with audiences big and small and can create a bespoke storytelling programme tailored to your event, theme, or setting.
Storytelling in Schools
I’ve been visiting schools for over 18 years and have a wide range of storytelling options. My interactive, inclusive style also makes my sessions suitable for children and young adults with SEND.
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Events and Festivals
I have a range of storytelling options to choose from for events and festivals suitable for both indoor and outdoor venues, and for all ages.
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Collaboration & Commissions
I love working collaboratively and you can commission me to write and develop stories for events, projects, and publications.
I’m an experienced project lead on both heritage and arts-based initiatives and an Arts Council England Grant recipient.
Merry-go-Round Storytelling
I founded Merry-go-Round Storytelling in 2007 to offer high-quality, bespoke music, drama and storytelling sessions for very young children. Since then, it has grown to specialise in interactive storytelling workshops and creative story and craft sessions for children of all ages.
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Please Get in Touch!
Contact me for a storytelling request or if you just want to chat through an idea.
I’m very friendly and I’d love to hear from you.
Or, join my mailing list!
Testimonials
"Merry-go-Round should be part of every young child's learning journey. Definitely the Best story teller around."
Zenda Smale (ACMA)
"The workshops were very well received from our side – visitors loved them and it was a great addition to our Summer offer. We really enjoyed working with you and the quality of your offer was very high."
Abi Juliff - The National Trust, Mottisfont
"I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all your brilliance yesterday. You were fabulous and the children all had a really great time."
Larkrise School, Wiltshire
"Thank you so much for such a fabulous day! I had brilliant feedback from children and teachers. They all had so much fun!! We have gone junk model crazy in my classroom!!"
Farleigh School Pre-prep, Hampshire
"The workshop was fantastic. Rave reviews from the Head, the teachers and parents."
Camelsdale Primary School, Surrey
"You bring to life everyone's sense of wonder and fun (including the grown-ups!) I've enjoyed seeing him learn to relax and trust people and new situations which, I believe is largely because of his enjoyment of Merry-go-Round"
Parent
"Test Valley Borough Council have used Merry Go Round Storytelling for a number of years now. We have programmed Amanda to run storytelling sessions for our outdoor arts event in Andover, Four Fun Fridays. Amanda always provides ideas and contributions to fit into our themes and delivers exciting, interactive and highly engaging storytelling for families. Our audiences come back year after year to see Amanda's stories.
This year Amanda co-created a Parklet for Andover which was perfect for sharing more stories about our local heritage, please see attached image. Five stars!!"
Faye Perkins, Arts Officer, Test Valley Borough Council
"Amanda visited us in Wimborne Dorset to entertain a wide age group of children many with SEND. She was fantastic! All the children sat spellbound for an hour at a time, and they thoroughly enjoyed the craft activities. Amanda was super easy to work with and a delight to see in action."
Tracy Whittam – Cultural Services, Dorset Council
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"Amanda is the best storyteller in the World!"
Poppy - aged 5!
