About the podcast
Welcome to the enchanting world of Mona’s Isle, a podcast and story which weaves a new seam through the rich tapestry of folklore of the Isle of Man. Thanks to the support of the Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin, you can enjoy listening to this new tale unfold episode by episode, told by familiar Manx voices, and set to a mystical, original score composed by David Kilgallon.
“There is at least one spot in the world where fairies are still believed in, and where, if you look in the right places, they may still be found, and that is Ellan Vannin, the Isle of Man.” - Sophia Morrison
When the world came to a standstill in 2020 due to the pandemic, for me it was the Isle of Man that, despite being just across the sea, felt like the farthest point on Earth. I found myself returning to stories about the island, particularly Sophia Morrison’s Manx Fairy Tales — I've had my well-worn copy for as long as I can remember, with my mum's handwriting on the inside cover at the top left, ensuring it couldn’t wander too far from the shelf.
Flipping through the book, I was soon imagining my own tales, inspired by Archibald Knox's unique illustrations that set the tone for each chapter. Some are playful and amusing, while others carry a darker, more mysterious air. All capture the essence of the tale to follow, and reflect the different moods of the original tellers, visually reminding us that folklore, at its core, is an oral tradition.
While the written word can preserve our stories for future generations, they come alive again through those who tell and retell them. Just as the proud Manx voices of the past shine through in Sophia Morrison's tales, this podcast aims to cast a fresh light on Manx folklore, brought to life by some of the finest Manx voices of the present day.
If you've ever lived on the island, chances are you’ll be quite familiar with many of the tales featured on the show — classics to which each new storyteller adds their own, personal touch. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned Manxie, I hope this podcast creates a space where you can find joy in exploring the island’s stories, be it for the first time or the hundredth.
Below: Alice Smith recording dialogue for Rory Sparrow
