WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“On Roald Dahl Day this year we had the wonderful Andy Copps visit Avenue Primary Academy. Across the day, he engaged around 1000 pupils in the art of storytelling. The children were inspired to go home and read a Roald Dahl story, and our staff were also inspired to be even more creative when reading class novels. One child, aged 9, said ‘That was really fun and I’m going to try those voices when I read my next book.’ What a fantastic experience for all ages!” Eloise Morgan, Year 5 Lead and English Leader, Avenue Primary Academy
“Thank you so much for coming to tell us stories today. The children were totally enthralled and the staff haven’t stopped talking about your stories and presentation all day.” Tessa Roberts, Head Teacher, Downsend School, Ashtead, Surrey
"The way Andy told the story was really creative and I liked the music he played. Also he told a story about a strong woman, which you don't hear so often. I liked all the props that he used because it made it more interesting. It was really fun." Year 6 pupil, Hollymount Primary, Raynes Park
“Thank you so very much for the most amazing day. Everyone was buzzing afterwards and the children and staff were blow away by your awesome storytelling. Thank you and we look forward to you returning” Sam Salisbury, Head of Early Years, RGS Springfield
"Andy was so wonderful to work with; his fantastic emotional intelligence made him know instinctively what our school needed. He worked indefatigably through the day to keep children from Nursery to Year 6 engaged with his stories from around the world. I would recommend him to any Primary School." Catherine Richards, Librarian, Hollymount Primary, Raynes Park
“Andy Copps came to our school during our Book Week (29th April to 3rd May) and what a treat it was. He made the stories come to life with his captivating personality and his ability to engage the children. Andy tailored the stories to the age group audiences so well that from Nursery all the way to Year 6 every single child was spellbound. His use of African props and the instruments made the stories all the more engaging. Andy made the children feel involved through visualisation as well as participation and the children found learning some Zulu words great fun. I would highly recommend Andy to everyone.” - Vici Williams, Head of English, All Saints Carshalton CoE Primary School
What a peaceful afternoon our members had listening to a great Mother's day theme of stories, surrounded by nature in the Oaks Park in Carshalton. The ‘special’ effects with the singing bowl ,Djembe drum and the animal puppets kept the children engaged throughout. Thank you Andy for a wonderful day, both parents and children enjoyed every minute of it” - Claudia Rivera- National Autistic Society Events coordinator (Sutton Branch)
‘Everyone was simply captivated by your stories, encouraged and inspired with the wisdom and helpful ‘snippets’ you shared with us. So many times over the weekend your name was mentioned and people made reference to what you had said, which shows what a profound and meaningful experience it was for everybody. Your message had such a deeper meaning which we all took away and pondered over long after you had finished. Telling stories and anecdotes well is a real art and you are simply a master!’ - Paula Thorvaldsen, Pastoral Team Lead Southwark Diocese
‘Andy is a great professional storyteller to work with. One of the reasons that I like working with him is that he’s organised and thorough; so if I ask him for a session plan, he’ll send through a full description of activities with timings and materials. Andy is open and flexible so we can then discuss his plan and make adaptations to ensure that it works within our context.
In terms of delivery, Andy shares a similar vision to ours here at the Museum. He works to encourage family participation and to unlock the magic of stories. Andy receives great feedback from our visitors who value the special experience that he offers.
I’m happy to recommend Andy as a storyteller, working with children, families and in cultural organisations.’ - Natalie Wallace, Learning Manager, ROALD DAHL MUSEUM, Great Missenden, UK
'Andy brought to life stories that fascinated and absolutely captured the children's imagination. His storytelling, with a combination of music and Zulu language, had the children captivated and wanting to know what would happen next in the magical world of Africa. Even children who normally find it difficult to engage for a long time followed the story and were brimming with questions after the session. It was wonderful to witness and as someone who truly loves and appreciates stories, I was happy to find myself immersed in the story too. Thank you for coming to Olga and sharing such wonderful stories with the children.' Jerin Khanom, Head of English, Olga Primary, London
“I was extremely impressed with the session that Andy delivered - his passion and enthusiasm was infectious and the children came back to class buzzing about what they had witnessed and been involved in! Thank you so much Andy!” Steve French, Business Manager, Hook Primary, Hook
“The workshops and assembly were fantastic. All the teachers were so pleased with the children's responses and the way Andy interacted with them. The children are now completing work based on the story telling Andy did today as they were so enthusiastic about what they had learnt.” Rebecca, Deputy Head - Clare’s Primary, Clacton-on-Sea
“Thank-you so much Andy,the children loved their special end of year story-telling treat with you. Will highly recommend you and your bears to my other school friends.” Lindsay Murray, Early Years Teacher - Hackbridge Primary
“It was great working with Andy. He ran a variety of storyteller events with lots of different groups of children and told some great tales which the children really enjoyed. He remained enthusiastic and engaging and was always willing to go the extra mile to deliver storytelling sessions that suited the needs of the National Literacy Trust. Andy was also always happy to adapt his sessions for different schools and different styles of events depending on the needs of a particular school. We look forward to working with Andy again in the future.” Lizzie Jones, National Literacy Trust
"Andy's storytelling was engaging and fun. He is extremely passionate about his work and had clearly carried out extensive research around the stories that we had requested which meant that he was able to add plenty of extra dimensions, making the experience fully interactive with a variety of props and instruments. His calm and encouraging manner with the children meant that they were on board with the story at all times, knowing that they could all join in at their own level. I would fully recommend Andy and we are looking forward to inviting him back for more storytelling very soon".
Antonia Herriett, Year 6 Teacher / SenCo - Collingwood School, Wallington, Surrey
"I have had the pleasure of being an audience member in Andy's storytelling events and his enthusiasm, passion and penchant for storytelling knows no bounds. Touching, entertaining and memorable".
Matt, Music Composer and Filmmaker
"Working as a Parenting and Life Coach for well over a decade, my introduction to the work that Andy does has really shown me a really unique, engaging and empowering way of working with children and families. Andy has such an authentic and inspiring way of working and is highly skilled in bringing a wondrous beauty to his storytelling”.
Allen O’Donoghue, Parenting & Life Coaching Specialist
"Andy is an engaging storyteller with the ability to have you transfixed as he brings the characters and details to life with his precision and wit".
Wendy Shearer - Professional Storyteller www.storyboat.co.uk