ABOUT THE STORYLADY 

Catherine Kentridge grew up in South Africa having stories read to her and hearing them on radio, records and tapes. So using the spoken language or that of books to fire up her imagination came naturally. Many of the stories she tells today are the ones she knew and loved as a child – stories that have retained their magic just as strongly as when she first heard them. And of course, Catherine is constantly adding new stories to her repertoire of legends, folktales, personal histories, tales based on The Bible and original stories.

Catherine has an Honours Degree in English Literature from Oxford University, and qualified as a lawyer in England. Since emigrating to Canada she has had 25 years' experience as a journalist, writing and broadcasting, producing, editing and freelancing on a wide range of subjects including law, technology, parenting issues and her great passion - the arts.

Catherine has performed in choirs, operas, plays and festivals in England, South Africa and Canada.  About 10 years ago Catherine decided it was time for a new career, one that would combine all the things she loved best -  being with children, telling stories, teaching, singing, dancing, acting, the sound and power of words and putting her very vivid imagination to work. And voila! The Storylady was created.

Ever since then, The Storylady has entertained thousands of children, their parents, teachers, caregivers, friends and families at parties, schools, daycare centres, summer camps, storytelling festivals, churches and synagogues. Catherine also tells stories to adult audiences at special storytelling events, church and synagogue services and groups, hospices, seniors’ residences and family reunions.

Also a teacher and tutor, Catherine weaves stories into whatever subject she is teaching to bring it alive and make it relevant and memorable for her students.

Catherine has recorded three CDs of stories for children and written several books for children. She is currently at work on a trilogy, “Black Jack the Pirate Cat”. She is also working on a collection of stories based on women from the Old and New Testaments.

Catherine is a member of Newmarket Storytree.