In 1990, I created ‘Clyde Coast Theatre’, a small unit theatrical company based in the South West of Scotland. Productions included, ‘Tales of Para Handy’ and an innovative Robert Burns, ‘Tam O’Shanter’ presentation that for seven years, during the months of January and February, toured primary schools in Scotland. Members of the company later formed a storytelling group calling themselves “The Tree of Bells Storytellers”. We performed mostly outdoors at country parks and folk festivals and annually, for six years presented a programme of ‘Viking Folk Tales’ at Kelburn Country Centre during the Largs Viking Festival.

Storytelling has always been at the heart of my professional life. From my early days in magic, my routines have invariably been presented within the framework of stories. For the last nine years, I have associated myself more and more with storytellers and storytelling clubs (many of whom are storytellers without the inclusion of magic), both in Scotland and the North of England and have now developed a style of traditional storytelling enhanced and illustrated with magical effects.

After my son Jeremy made the suggestion, I set up and now run The Storytelling - Resource - Centre website, which provides information and advice to all those who are interested in storytelling including: Tellers, Listeners, Researchers and Educationalists etc..

The web-site reflects my enthusiasm for storytelling in all of its many guises and that beginners and experienced traditionalists will all find something of interest there.

I also market 'MAGICTALES', which are very simple magic effects supplied with a wonderful story to tell. This series is ideal for the Storyteller who normally does not do or have any knowledge of magic."

In 2006, Leslie wrote and had published, "Magictales" - The Definitive Book of Storytelling Magic! (see the 'books' area).

In November 2006, Leslie traveled to the U.S.A. in order to attend the 15th Annual ICBM Gathering where he was invested as a 6th degree member.

Website address: www.thestorytelling-resource-centre.com

Dragonskull note. You really should pay this website a visit as it provides much for the Storyteller, including an online newsletter which gives info on Storyteller's Who? - What? - Where?, Storytelling and Folk Club diary, Festivals and Events etc. You can find a wonderful example of one of Leslie's 'MAGICTALES' in the Lectures section.