ARE you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.Tales of magic and enchantment, men and women and mystery and legend are about to be told.On Saturday the Essex Storytellers will settle in to the New Wolsey Studio, in St George's Street, Ipswich, for a day of storytelling to suit all ages.

ARE you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.

Tales of magic and enchantment, mystery and legend are about to be told.

On Saturday the Essex Storytellers will settle in to the New Wolsey Studio, in St George's Street, Ipswich, for a day of storytelling to suit all ages.

In the morning it will be time for children to celebrate spring with a session called Magic and Mischief for a May Morning.

The tales from around the world will include a Celtic yarn about elves from Ireland and a look at Welsh witch Ceridwen, who will be casting her evil spell.

In the afternoon tales will be geared toward adults and children over nine.

Brave Men and Wise Women will dip into traditional stories to show how long the battle of the sexes has raged. It will start with tales that laugh at the weaknesses of men and women and will search for the answer to the riddle King Arthur was once set – what is it that every woman wants?

The whole day promises to offer a fascinating mix of tales to make their listeners laugh and cry told with passion and emotion by the

storytellers.

The group of tellers include Peter Maskens, Carl Merry and Jan Williams, who share a commitment to the telling of the traditional oral story.

The children's session will be held at 11am on Saturday while the storytelling for adults and older children will take place at 1.30pm.

Tickets for the morning cost £3.95 and for the afternoon £5. They can be bought from the New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, or by calling 01473 295900.