Phil Mcdermott, who is based in London, has been a storyteller for more than 30 years. He tells stories at primary schools across the city to help children improve their literacy skills. Phil trained as an actor and starred in the TV soap, Eastenders. His Irish father taught him many of the great folk tales and legends from Ireland. He believes there has been a revival in storytelling in the UK since the 1980s.

Phil is well known in primary schools across the country for his 42 Story Spinner stories. These DVDs contain Phil’s original stories and many traditional stories from around the world adapted and told by him. They were awarded the UKLA Special Commendation Award in 2008. In addition his Year 4 story, ‘Grandad and The Laundry Basket’ is featured on the government’s National Strategies website.

“Fraidy Mouse” is based on a 1930s story by Ann Wellington, although Phil thinks it is actually a much older, traditional English tale.