The Suitcase Ensemble get ready to Top and Tale

Those lovely people of The Suitcase Ensemble - who describe themselves as "Liverpool’s very own band of modern troubadours" - are bringing an intriguing new theatrical storytelling event to city venues.Top and Tale will bring together live performance, conversation and creative activity in a series of warm and welcoming daytime events that will be free and open to all.Those attending will be treated to wild and wonderful interpretations of local folk tales, have the chance to share their own stories and memories, and pick up some new creative skills while the tea and coffee flows – which all sounds rather nice indeed.Each event will feature a live performance and a different creative activity: at Edge Hill Station you can try a range of arts and crafts activities; at St George's Everton it's all about reminiscence and storytelling; and at the Albert Dock, where the event will form part of the Threshold Festival Fringe, the focus will be on music.Tessa Buddle of The Suitcase Ensemble said: “Top and Tale is a bit of an experiment for us, and in many ways marks the culmination of the past three years of our work in Liverpool. It's an opportunity for us to return to the three areas where we've been most inspired, share some of the highlights, and start to gather new inspiration. It's an exciting endeavour and I hope we see both familiar faces and newcomers at the events."The Suitcase Ensemble hope to discover new stories, songs and memories that might inspire future performances, following in the footsteps of their previous projects such as the theatrical scrapbook Look at us Now (reviewed on this site here); the poignant 'maritime cabaret' Ship Show, and the workshop series investigating the infamous Everton legend Spring Heeled Jack. Some of the company’s initial ideas will be shared in the final Top and Tale event on Sunday March 10 at Threshold Festival.There is absolutely no experience necessary, and all materials will be provided. But, they say, feel free to bring a story, a song, a photo, a memory, a musical instrument or a dream.The Suitcase Ensemble will be at Metal @ Edge Hill Station from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, February 9; St George’s Church Everton from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, February 16; and at Threshold @ Albert Dock on Saturday and Sunday March 9 and 10, from 12pm to 2pm each day.No need to book - just turn up. For more information visit www.suitcase-ensemble.com or call 07916 920.