In the run-up to the Manx Litfest, which takes place next weekend, there is a chance to warm up your immersion in story-telling, when a UK travelling production comes to the island.

’Forgotten tales’ is the name of a night of folklore and fairytale and performed as a one man show by actor Jon Buckeridge, from the parable Arts group.

The show, which takes place at the Erin Arts Centre on Saturday, September 23 from 7.30pm, will feature dramatic and enchanting re-tellings of fairystories gathered from around the Gaelic nations, including ones from the Isle of Man.

’I have always had a couple of Manx tales in the show,’ said Jon.

’They always came up in the research for the show. Also, a lot of the iconic figures, like Finn McCooil, kept on popping up in stories from different areas.

’Mannanan is one of them, and he tended to pop up a lot in a lot of the stories, especially Irish stories.

’That led me to finding out more about Manx tales, and they have formed a key part of the Forgotten tales show.

’There is a very real crossover with these tales, from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and elsewhere, with many storylines staying the same but often with different names to the characters.

’You can tell that people have been sharing these stories for a very long time.’

Jon is relishing his trip to the island, and is hoping to learn more stories and tales, so he can add to his set and tell them all over the British Isles.

’I like coming to the Isle of Man. It is a beautiful place, and I especially like the fact that how the Manx people covet and cherish their folklore.

’That pride in folklore and old customs is the same in Wales, where I grew up. We, as with the Isle of Man, are connected and passionate about our folk history.

There is something very special about collecting and re-telling stories every night. Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication there is.

’I do try to stay faithful to the original story, and I do honour the places that they are from, but at the same time I want to put my own take on the tale.’

Tickets for ’Forgotten Tales’ cost £10, with over-60s £8, and under-18s £2, and are available from the Erin Arts Centre.