Do it almost every gig. Do mostly Libraries and Museums. Gave up Pub gigs in the '70's.

Where I am in Sweden it's a matter of course to explain that I am one of the folk roots that have spread over to Scandinavia from England.
(They mostly only know of the, Dubliner's or Fairport Convention here)

Explaining the essence of a Ballad like The Cruel Sister.

I start by explaining about arranged marriages. Even about babes in arms being taken to church in the past (and I mean the distant past)
Then what was once common that a betrothed was actually betrothed to the family and as in, The Cruel Sister. If one died he was obliged to marry into the family anyway. Then say that there is the legend of a large stone In Scotland that is known as, The Cruel Sister.

Work on those lines. Do your homework first.

Of course in England you would be talking down to the already initiated. So probably wouldn't work.

Chas