This episode features a conversation with actor Leela Bunce, who combines her background in clowning and physical theatre with her love of history. We discuss her unique approach to performance, including her past show about women in WWII and her current project, Kith and Kin. This immersive show, set in 9th-century Wessex, tells the story of an everyday woman preparing for a feast. The hosts and Leela also chat about her involvement in a historical Anglo-Saxon escape room at Avalon Marshes, a site she volunteers at and which inspired her work.

• Kith and Kin: A historical comedy set in Wessex, performed in both modern English and Old English. The show aims to highlight the vibrant and humorous side of the Anglo-Saxon period, using research and historical texts to create an immersive, sensory experience for the audience.
• Multi-Rolling: Leela discusses her love of playing multiple characters in a single show, as she did in recent productions of Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice.
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• Website: leelabunce.com

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store. www.redbubble.com/people/saxonforageruk/shop

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a deep and meaningful conversation with the incredibly talented musician, Faber Horbach. In this episode, we dive into the creative process behind his new album, 'Niht'. Faber shares the profound personal experiences—including the loss of his father and stepfather—that shaped the album's central themes of death, darkness, and the cyclical nature of existence. We explore the powerful stories behind key tracks, from the unique composition of 'Mōnaþblōd' to the metaphorical rebirth of his nickelharpa on 'Sōl ond Māni'. Faber also offers fascinating insights into his collaborations and the deeper philosophical meanings within his music. This is a powerful chat about finding light in the darkest of times and the alchemy of turning personal struggle into beautiful art.

Show Segments:

The Alchemy of 'Niht': Faber discusses how the album's concept was shaped by personal loss and how music serves as a spiritual and therapeutic path.

A Broken Nyckelharpa's Story: The incredible tale of a damaged instrument that led to one of the album's most powerful tracks, 'Sōl ond Māni', exploring themes of death and resurrection.

Behind the Music: We explore the meanings behind other standout songs, including the symbolism of 'Mōnaþblōd' and the introspective journey of 'Nihtēagan'.

Collaborations & Creations: Faber shares insights into working with fellow musician Mickey and the unique creative process with a new tagelharpa player.

The Philosophy of Darkness: A candid conversation about society's aversion to death and how the album encourages embracing the full spectrum of life.

Where to Find Faber's Music & Merch:

Album: 'Niht' is out on 29th August 2025. Pre-order and pre-save on Spotify, Bandcamp, and through Season of Mist.

Merch: Limited edition merchandise, a collaboration with artist Kai, is available on the Old Norse website.

www.saxonforager.co.uk

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Today I'm chatting with Lene, a modern-day mermaid and incredibly multifaceted artist living her dream in Norway! Lene shares her fascinating journey from the Netherlands to a serene life by Norway's largest lake, where she grows her own food and, yes, lives her best mermaid life.

You'll hear all about how Lene masterfully balances her main gig as a hairstylist and masseuse with her profound passion for music. Discover the unique inspirations behind her musical project, Helisir, where she weaves tales with her harp and voice, drawing from everything from ancient Viking sagas to Norwegian romantic nationalism and even Japanese Shinto traditions. Plus, she gives us a peek into Myth Maker, her upbeat musical collaboration with her husband!

Get the inside scoop on what it's truly like to be a certified mermaid, how she glides through the water with a monofin, and why this magical, underwater hobby brings her so much peace. Lene also shares her confident take on surviving a Viking Age diet, what foods she'd definitely miss (hello, Japanese cuisine!), and her most unforgettable meal.

Learn more about Lene's amazing work:

Heliser:

Myth Maker:

Instagram

Website

For Viking age & Halfling recipes and ideas check out my 'Eat Like A Viking!' & 'Eat Like A Halfling!' cookbooks or visit my website www.saxonforager.co.uk

Get your own Merch from my Redbubble store.

Get in touch about the show: Email saxonforager@pm.me

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.