Join the Secret storytelling Club for an exclusive evening of sinister stories, haunting songs, and evocative conversation.

Resident storyteller Oliver Bishop reimagines the timeless tale The Handless Maiden as a folk horror epic – dark, tender, and haunting. Alongside him, guest musician Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne underscores and guides the story with a carefully curated selection of English folk tunes.

A two-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominee, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player of both the Anglo concertina and melodeon. His music is deeply rooted in the English folk tradition, celebrating the rich heritage of this broad and diverse land.

Together, Oliver and Cohen weave together an evening of dark folklore and hauntingly beautiful music. With time and space for conversation, you’re invited to reflect, share, and connect with fellow audience members and performers in a safe and welcoming way.

Cohen will be performing a selection of old English songs on a selection of rare and antique concertinas, including the seldom-heard bass concertina. Featured songs, in order of appearance:

  • Lyke Wake – Traditional Yorkshire folk song
  • Miller’s Last Will – Traditional Devonshire folk song
  • Poor Stranger – Traditional/ Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
  • Flow My Tears – John Dowland (c. 1563-1626)
  • Fine Flowers in the Valley – Traditional/ Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
  • Pear Tree – Traditional Yorkshire folk song
  • Foggy Dew – Traditional Dorsetshire folk song
  • Lord Ellenwater – Traditional/ Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
  • Footboy – Traditional/ Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
  • The Elves Dance – John Bennet (c. 1575-1614)
  • We Shepherds are the Best of Men – Traditional English folk song
  • Your Hay it is Mown – Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
  • Come Write Me Down – Traditional Sussex folk song

Tickets are limited for this unique and unmissable event.

Book tickets

Last session: Sat 1 Nov 2025 at 7:00 PM - This event has now passed

The Box @ The Met
£25 + £0.63 ticket service fee

Duration: 2 hours (inc a 20 min interval).

Tickets include the provision of savoury snacks AND a copy of a piece of custom artwork by illustrator Jessica Wild.

This event is promoted by The League of Curiosity, and tickets are available from their website.

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