The 2025 Moth & Butterfly International Festival of Storytelling & Improvisation will take place in venues across Galway from Thursday, January 30, to Sunday, February 2. Details of the programme, which has the theme of Horizon, were launched at a gathering in the city’s Blue Teapot Theatre this week.

Events will include evening shows, bilingual stories for families, story trails, online panels and masterclasses in improvisation and storytelling.

Among the highlights is Mangoes on The Beach, a storytelling theatre show in which with Peter Chand will weave traditional Indian myths with the true story of his own parents’ journey as immigrants.

Crocodile Paws are an acclaimed Improvisational theatre duo from Helsinki, who, starting with a single word, will weave a spontaneous tale of characters, comedy, truth and charm, which will be unique to Galway.

Two Tales of Thomas The Rhymer, in association with Arts In Action in the University of Galway, will feature master storyteller, Daniel Serridge from Glasgow, giving his unique spin on a very old tale.

Artistic Director Órla Mc Govern feels this year’s programmes contains “sparks to ignite excitement for lots of different audiences”, adding that the theme of Horizon “has summoned some great energy from the artists”.

She’s looking forward to welcoming audiences from near and far.

“From the audio Story Trail in Galway’s Westend pubs to The Feast of Fools in Athenry, the thirst for stories should be nicely quenched.”

Other city venues will include Blue Teapot Theatre, Rouge Restaurant, The O’Donoghue Centre at UG and Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop.

Tickets are now on sale for some events via the Moth and Butterfly website, www.mothandbutterflystories.com, where more information on all events is also available.

Pictured: Improvisational theatre duo Crocodile Paws, from Helsinki.