Monsters need
supplies if they’re to properly scare their victims. Whether that be a bottle
of ‘Escalating Panic’ to instill an increasing sensation of pure fear among a
crowd. Or maybe if you’re a monster, you’re shopping for ‘Fang Floss’, to remove all common forms of fang-matter,
including: brains, gore, bones, viscera, entrails, seaweed, toffee, and much
more. Or possibly a bottle of ‘Salt made from Tears of Laughter’ is what
you’re after. Made from a century-old craft with the freshest human tears,
which are gently boiled, crystallised, then harvested by hand and finally
rinsed in brine.
These are some of
the supplies you can purchase in the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies store – an
ordinary looking shop, which upon expectation, is actually far from ordinary,
unless you are in fact a monster. Different bottles and capsules hold normal
household items including salt, olive oil, lollies and jam, but it is the
stories on the labels that introduce you to a whole new world of imagination
and creativity.
This is where
storytelling comes to life.
“Behind a secret
door accessed through the shop you will find us – the Ministry of Stories. We are a creative writing and mentoring
centre for young people in east London. We use storytelling to inspire young
people aged 8-18 years because it is our belief that writing unleashes their
imaginations and builds confidence, self-respect and communication,” shared Lucy Macnab, the co-director.
Through workshops, publishing projects and one-to-one coaching - services which are provided by local writers, artists and teachers who volunteer their time and talent - young people are supported to express themselves through story.
But what really sets the MoS apart is the
way the treat the young people in their care.
“We see each as a young creative
professional,” said Lucy.
