Billy Teare

Billy Teare is a well known Irish storyteller. Originally from Ballycarry, he now resides in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Teare has appeared on stage, TV, the big screen and radio in guises ranging from chicken hypnotist to jester. In his teens he honed his audience skills, during a career on the Belfast comedy circuit. In the past thirty years, he has told stories in hundreds of early years settings, schools, libraries, community groups, council and cultural venues, as well as being a featured artist at many of the major folk and storytelling festivals around the world, including the far reaches of the Yukon. He incorporates songs, music, magic, juggling and other theatrical skills, to enliven a multi cultural feast of original, modern and traditional tales, monologues, rhymes, chants and audience participation.

Unique in using the critical thinking and recall inherent in stories, his treatment of narrative has proved highly effective for students and teachers alike. He is currently working on a book, containing his 'Tell a Tale Toolkit' techniques.

In the past Teare has worked collaboratively with various other artists and groups, including BBC Northern Ireland and the Verbal Arts Centre, Derry.

Among his appearances have been: Storyteller in Residence, International Storytelling Centre, Tennessee, 2008, BBC Folk Proms event 2008, return performance at the Yukon International Storytelling Festival (2000, 2001, 2006), Beyond the Border: The Wales International Storytelling Festival (2005), The Toronto International Storytelling Festival, Sidmouth International Folk Festival (1999, 2001, 2003)

In 2013 Billy Teare co wrote a volume of 'Antrim Folk Tales' with Kathleen O'Sullivan, his storytelling partner for over seventeen years. The book was published by The History Press, Ireland. In 2020 Stories from the book were included in 'The Anthology of Irish Folk Tales' also published by The History Press.