Sudeley Castle's first ever Storyteller in Residence

Chloë became the first ever Storyteller in Residence for the historic Sudeley Castle near Cheltenham in 2019. Each year she enchanted children and fantasy fans of all ages, in costume and character.

She might appear as the fabulously scruffy Corvidia Nightshade, Unwise Woman of the Woods and keen eater of cake. Festooned in rags, lace and broken jewels, Nightshade told spine-tingling tales of forest, wilderness, and fabulous creatures, wearing a huge cloak and big boots.

Sometimes she imparted sword lore (and safety tips!) as The Paladin when the castle held Knight School, telling Tales of Swords & Chivalry featuring legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table plus magical stories from the Arabian nights. For this role, Chloë had inside knowledge of King Arthur stories from her studies of Old French tales when at university. She could also ride a horse, wield a sword, and get out of chain mail (not easy, try it when you get a chance!) – and she once worked as ground crew for a jousting show team.

Other spellbinding stories for all ages included wildwood magic, Fantastic Furry Tales, little-known Lost Legends of Britain and Hallowe’en Scary Tales.

Chloë had been a firm favourite with Sudeley Castle visitors since 2013 when her colourful costumed character Agent Green the Dragon Whisperer – who works for DCHQ, Dragon Conservation Headquarters – first told Dragon Tales on the Mulberry Lawn.

Queen of Hearts

At Sudeley Castle's Alice in Wonderland-themed Spectacle of Light festival in 2018, Chloë appeared as the Queen of Hearts character, mingling with visitors through the displays and causing raucous hilarity for unsuspecting visitors. The incredible costume was made by AJ from Dragons & Unicorns costume design and involved a nine-hour costume fitting!

Chloe said in an article on Sudeley Castle’s blog in 2019:

I’m honoured and delighted to become official Storyteller in Residence for Sudeley Castle. Sudeley is my favourite place to go in the Cotswolds and it inspires my storytelling. I love giving performances among the beautiful trees and gardens. It’s magical and peaceful – brimming with amazing history at every turn. I look forward to welcoming old friends and new audiences in 2019. This appointment helps me continue my life’s work: to boldly take performance storytelling where it’s never gone before.