Once Upon a Time Review

Welcome to the First of Firsts

And what a great start it was.  The opening show of the inaugural Midlands Fringe 2025 was hosted at KTeas Café in St George’s Parade, Wolverhampton, where the audience gathered pre-show to enjoy tasty refreshments and relaxed conversation in cosy surroundings—setting the perfect tone for what was to come.

Maria Credali’s ‘Once Upon a Time’ storytelling show was a first-class performance from start to finish. From the moment she greeted the room, it was clear we were in safe hands. She built an instant rapport, inviting audience participation in true pantomime fashion, which drew laughter and smiles throughout. This wasn’t just light-hearted fun—it was a clever device. By involving us, Maria ensured we remembered the details of each story and connected more deeply with their meaning. The audience became part of the performance.

Her 45-minute set flowed effortlessly. Each story stood on its own, yet together they formed a thoughtful, engaging arc. Maria’s expressive use of voice and movement added colour and rhythm, and her delivery was both confident and natural.

A quick glance around the room confirmed the impact—people were leaning in, fully immersed. The content was suitable for all ages and sparked reflection as well as laughter.

The generous applause at the end confirmed what we all felt: we were part of something special. A warm, engaging, and memorable start to this new creative chapter.

Amanda Barrett