A Figure of Speech

Tales of the human body, told by DANIEL MORDEN and OLIVIA ARMSTRONG

Presented by: Cardiff Story Circle

📍 CARDIFF: Llanover Hall Arts Centre  

📅 Thursday 22nd May, 2025 

⏰ Door time: 7:00pm

🔞 Suitable for ages: 14+

🎭 Category: Theatre

Event Information

In these funny, moving, and macabre stories, Daniel and Olivia explore this bag of bones we inhabit, in all its absurd, bizarre, and shocking splendour.

Olivia Armstrong:

Olivia tells the true tale of the rise and fall of the eighteenth-century Irish Giant Charles Byrne. Byrne was nearly eight feet tall and spent most of his life in poor health. He traveled from Ulster to London, eking out a living as a freak of nature. Byrne struggles with his height, his fame, and his declining health—all the while fearful of the pursuit of a surgeon who longs to possess his very bones…

Daniel Morden:

• What if an angel came to earth in disguise—what would he make of our lives?

• What if a man was mistakenly given the heart of a dog?

• What if a child could speak the language of every living thing?

Daniel tells the darkly comic tale of Brother Lustig, from Grimm—not for the squeamish!

More Information

✅ Suitable for ages 14+  

🕡 Venue opens at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start  

⏳ Anticipated end time: 9:00pm

🍵 Interval between performances—refreshments available (CASH only!)

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: These stories contain visceral descriptions of mutilation, dissection, and death.

About the Artists

Olivia Armstrong   Olivia is a professional storyteller from Northern Ireland, working in London. She has collaborated with institutions such as the British Museum, Hampton Court Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Opera House. She has also performed at Festival at the Edge and the Glens of Antrim Storytelling Festival.

Daniel Morden   Daniel has been a professional storyteller since 1989, traveling the world collecting and telling traditional stories. His vast repertoire spans timeless Greek myths, thrilling adventures, and even some awful jokes! He has delivered the Opening Address at Sydney Writers Festival, won awards for his books, and was recently awarded The Hay Festival Medal.

Our Pricing

This event is organized and hosted by Cardiff Storytelling Circle. Our goal is to make live storytelling events accessible to all while ensuring artists and venues receive fair pay. We offer four ticket pricing options:

• Standard

• Concessions – No proof required; we trust our audience!

• Supporter – Pay a little extra to support the event.

• Super Supporter – If you’re financially secure and wish to donate toward storytelling in Cardiff.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of storytelling! 🎭

BOOK TICKETS