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NEWS FROM ARTISTS AND OTHER COMPANIES

Nathan Evans’ Puppetry of the Pops - a trio of tributes to Morrissey, Bowie & Bush

WOW! recreates the glamour and the lycra of Kate Bush's last live gig in 1979 at the Apollo Hammersmith - with puppets. ROCK'N'ROLL SUICIDE brings Ziggy Stardust back from the grave for the puppetry promo Bowie never made. HEAVEN KNOWS I'M MISERABLE NOW is a musical inspired by the songs of The Smiths - for Casio keyboard and puppets. Created & performed by Nathan Evans
www.nathanevans.co.uk
The Drill Hall 16 Chenies St London WC1E 7EX
8-12th June, Wed-Thur 8pm, Fri-Sat 8.30pm, Sun 5pm
£10 (£7 concessions) Wed-Sat, £7 Sun
020 7307 5060 www.drillhall.co.uk

DNA

New production Baba Yaga Boney Legs an exciting adventure story for 5 to 11 year olds & their families. Baba Yaga is a crazy Russian witch who flies through the air in a pestle and mortar! Her house rampages through the woods on a pair of chicken legs and her fence is made of bones and skeletons… The show is a step up in scale for DNA with three people on the stage - Adam Bennett, Emma Lewis and John Slater - and Ian Pringle supporting as stage manager. Emma (Lisa) performs acrobatics whilst trying to escape, John is adept in his roles as musical Bear and Adam is brilliant as Baba Yaga and a pair of magic hands! This production has an animated set by Jo Pocock and acrobatic sequences directed by Flick Ferdinando from company FZ.
During summer 2005, DNA are touring with their Puppets a Go Go! tent. They will be at festivals up and down the country including the Mouth of the Tyne, Glastonbury, Stockton Riverside Festival, Winchester Hat Fair, Preston Puppet Festival and The Green Man Festival. Contact tour developer Rosa Parkin at info@dynamicnewanimation.co.uk or see the company website for full details: www.dynamicnewanimation.co.uk

Kazzum

Kazzum presents, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, a cautionary tale of a young would-be wizard who, left to his own devices by his master, casts his own magic spells with disastrous, and comic, consequences.
Touring theatres and schools from Saturday 4 June - Thursday 30 June, Kazzum‚s version of the tale is inspired by Vietnamese Water Puppetry. Developed from their 2000 co-production, with The Bull Theatre, 'The Sorcerer‚s Apprentice' will incorporate a large water tank as well as beautiful puppets, object manipulation, and shadow play. The performance lasts for 45 minutes and is suitable for children aged 3+ and their families.
For further information please contact 020 7539 3500 or see the website at www.kazzum.org

Idolrich

MY TREE – a new show from IDOLRICH (Theatre Rotto productions) will be on the road as from July. This is a contemporary fairy story for children and family audiences. Written by Julia McLean, the show deals with themes of recognition and acceptance in our multi-faceted society, with refugee status and identity. Peter Quinnel creates a the mise en scene and Orlando Bishop's puppet will feature. Christopher Leith directs. Prior to this, the company is taking the ongoing production THE MODEL and window dressing show DOLLING UP to Dordrecht, Holland and by exchange Damiet Van Dalsum (Director of the Micro Festival Dordrecht), who is a magnificent international performer and writer will appear in Hastings with her new Medea and celebrated children’s performance Hollebollebeer at the
Long Puppet Weekend happening in Hastings 8th-11th September. MY TREE will also be a feature at this weekend.
Info: tel 01424-203944
www.idolrich.co.uk

theatre-rites

Hospitalworks
Croydon: Saturday 7 - 28 May two performances daily: Tuesday to Friday 10.15am and 1.45pm.
Saturdays at 11am and 2.45pm.
No performances Sunday or Monday.
To book tickets: www.polkatheatre.com and click on Adventure Room, then Hospitalworks. Alternatively use the site’s search facility to locate Hospitalworks. Box office: 020 8543 4888 (+44 20 8543 4888 from outside UK).
Hospitalworks: Stuttgart: Tuesday 21 June -Saturday 10 July two performances daily:
20 June 3pm.
21 June – 10 July - two performances:
Mon – Fri 10am and 3pm
Sat and Sun 11am and 4pm
No performances Wednesday
www.theaterderwelt.de and click on Programm, then scroll down to Hospitalworks. There is also an English version containing summary information on Hospitalworks.
Hans Christian Andersen, British Library
Exhibition: Friday 20 May - 2 October. Free.
Mon 9.30am – 6pm; Tue 9.30am – 8pm; Wed 9.30am – 6pm; Thu 9.30am – 6pm; Fri 9.30am – 6pm;
Sat 9.30am – 5pm; Sun 11.00am – 5pm.
Bank Holidays: 11.00am - 5pm.
Show: To accompany exhibition, performances from Monday 11 July to Friday 19 August. Free but booking necessary.
Monday 11 July to Friday 22 July: school groups, two performances daily at 10.15am and 1.30pm.
Booking line: 0207 412 7797 (+44 207 412 7797 from outside UK)
Sunday 24 July to Friday 19 August, family shows, two performances daily at 11am and 2.30pm.
Booking line: 020 7412 7222 (+44 20 7412 7222 from outside UK).
No performances on 17, 23, 25 July, 1, 8, 15 August.
www.bl.uk and for the exhibition, click on what’s on, then exhibitions, then forthcoming.
The Thought That Counts: The Barbican Pit (as part of the Young Genius festival)
26 October – 5 November
Wednesday 26 - Sunday 30 October: two performances daily at 11am and 3pm.
Tuesday 1 November - Saturday 5 November: two performances daily at 10.30am and 1.45pm.
(not Monday 31 October)
www.barbican.org.uk
Box office: 0845 120 7511
info@theatre-rites.co.uk
020 8946 2236

Full Beam Visual Theatre

Eat, drink and chat but DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD, as our waitress and diner engage in a battle of wills over a three-course meal. Expect the unexpected as a genetically modified fish, a chocolate cake and a crocodile handbag with a bite, all join the fray.
Full Beam Visual Theatre will be performing this installation piece – a 20 minutes (ish) long gourmet experience of visual and physical theatre at Bristol Old Vic Mayfest and The Croc & Sausage Festival, Wyre
Stalls Bar, Bristol Old Vic, King St, BS8 4ED
7.30pm Friday 27th May
Croc & Sausage Festival, Thornton Little Theatre, Four Lane Ends, Thornton
3pm & 4pm Saturday 28th May
For further information please contact:
Rachel McNally 0117 330 5504
email fullbeamcentral@blueyonder.co.uk
After this we will be going into production for our next project The Man Who Discovered That Women Lay Eggs.
THE MAN WHO DISCOVERED THAT WOMEN LAY EGGS
Written by Adam Fuller
Directed by Lizzie Philps
This production is available for tour from September 2005 and will tour throughout 2006.
Starting in 1827 with the discovery of the human egg by Karl von Baer, this show tells the epic and comic story of the myths and science of our own creation. There are no storks or gooseberry bushes but a supporting cast of midwives, grave robbers, anatomists, priests, drapers, philosophers, scientists and the occasional angry mob in a tale of birth, sex and death that is guaranteed to intrigue.
Using a combination of puppets, mask and live action, Full Beam Visual Theatre relates the hidden story of how man unravelled the myth of his own origins. The Man Who Discovered That Women Lay Eggs combines science, personal histories and fantastical situations to make a bawdy, enthralling and eye-opening experience. As well as the show, we are able to offer an exhibition for foyer spaces. For further information please contact Rachel McNally, Tel/Fax 0117 330 5504
Email fullbeamcentral@blueyonder.co.uk
Website www.fullbeamcentral.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

Would like to announce their new business - www.maskandpuppetbooks.co.uk which they have acquired from RayDaSilva specialising in new books (Ray is still doing the second-hand and antiquarian and our sites are linked). The site can also be accessed from our main web site - www.scottishmaskandpuppetcentre.co.uk by clicking on the red star on the home page.

Horse and Bamboo - The pPod Experience

We have developed and created a piece of theatre which has the power, structure and emotional depth of a larger–scale piece plus the intimacy of seeing a show in a theatre, but which takes place in non-theatre spaces with performances lasting no more than 15 minutes: festivals, community centres, village greens, rural settings - a private experience in a public space. The pPod a purpose-built moveable structure, which functions both as a sculptural object in itself, and as a performance space.
The pPod will create new theatrical experiences for families at festival and community events. It is engaging, enticing and attractive. It will also create new opportunities for people to become involved with theatre in different spaces and places.
The tented space of the pPod evokes the world of travelling theatres and sideshows, although it is totally original and contemporary in design. It has seating for 35, and functions as the venue for short, intimate, performances of 15 minutes duration. The pPod is 8.5m long by 5.5m wide and 3.6m high.
The pPod houses two exotic and magical productions, each told using different facets of Horse + Bamboo's distinctive style of visual theatre, but in miniature. Both shows can be seen during one days programme, with a short turn-around time between
The pPod shows provide no neat messages, but conjure vignettes, short narratives, and overlapping images that exist in a continually transforming landscape. A world where everything is familiar and everything is, at the same time, disconnected and strange.
Contact Horse + Bamboo’s Company Manager, Aileen Grogan, for more details about pPod, which is available from May 2005. The pPod is available at £700 + VAT per day
Aileen can be contacted on 01706-220241 or by email to: aileen.grogan@zen.co.uk

Jacolly puppet Theatre

Three major British museums will be invaded by forty times lifesize insects this summer as Jacolly Puppet Theatre perform Real Bugs. Set in the world of mini-beasts, the production tells the story of what happens when aphids threaten to infest The Garden. For many of the occupants this spells starvation and disaster but for the ants it is good news and they mobilise a strange and violent force of occupation. But no-one has reckoned on the arrival of the terrifying Ground Beetle..! Real Bugs, commissioned by Plymouth University and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, will be at Eureka! in Halifax (18 &19th June), at the Natural History Museum in London (4th to 8th July) and at Thinktank in Birmingham (26th & 27th August).

Movingstage collaboration with operators of the Puppet Theatre Barge

A group of puppeteers have got together with Movingstage to present a season of evening performances on the Puppet Theatre Barge of the successful marionette Shakespeare productions produced by the company. Macbeth, featuring Toby Stevens voicing the part of the rotten king, will open the season. The highly popular Bottom’s Dream with Roger Lloyd Pack voicing Bottom will welcome in the summer. Finally The Tempest will finish off the season with Kenneth Griffith rendering the part of Prospero. The puppeteers, Elizabeth Barron, Jonathan Broughton, Sue Dacre, Nele DeCraeker, , Athena Gilbert, Amy Hazeldine, Rachel Leonard, Sophie Rimington, Lynn Robertson-Bruce and Juliet Rogers, all are expert marionette manipulators so the season should prove highly enjoyable for all. Dine out in the warm balmy air of Little Venice and enjoy the subtle art of the marionette together with three of Shakespeare’s best.
Dates and performance times are as follows:
Macbeth May 18 to 22 & May 11 to 15 at 8pm
Bottom’s Dream May 18 to 22 & May 25 to29 at 8pm
The Tempest June 1 to 5 & June 8 to 12 at 8pm
Box office: 020 7249 6876
email: puppet@movingstage.co.uk
www.puppetbarge.com

Ailie Cohen/Hoodwink - Jazz Mouse

Jazz Mouse, presented by Ailie Cohen and Hoodwink, will be touring over the summer. The world’s most boring music teacher, her niece, a cool, stowaway jazzy mouse and a giant music stave with naughty notes all live in this wonderfully imaginative story written and performed by puppeteer, Ailie Cohen. Music arranged by Martin Green and Jenny Gardner. Also featuring Tom Bancroft, Tom Lyne and Sandy Wright. Directed by Guy Hollands courtesy of TAG Theatre.
Further information from: ailiepaley@btopenworld.com

Ed Hartwell

Ed Hartwell has just finished the short paper puppet film called: Time
Looters. Mad inventor, Rupert Tofton has built a time machine and intends to use it to find the hidden treasure of Big Beard the pirate. His plan involves stealing Big Beards treasure map from under his nose and hoping he doesn't notice. Maybe disguising the time machine as a Wendy house wasn't such a good idea after all…
Length: 12mins
Download size: 13mb
Dir. Ed Hartwell
Genre: Comedy live action puppets/animation
Download link: www.edhartwell.co.uk/timelooters

Peter Ketturkat in the Crazy Kitchen Crew

After his successful tour in the UK last autumn, Peter Ketturkat returns briefly in May with his popular show for ages 4+.
Welcome to a crazy world where corkscrews, strange mechanical brooms, a potato masher and soup spoons take on a life of their own. A weird and wonderful parade of everyday household items are transformed into fantastical yet very believable creatures who decide, with hilarious results, to take on people who are bigger and stronger than they are! This delightful and gentle show has no words, and is easily understood by everyone over four years old. It is underscored by live sound effects - whistles, a mouth organ and kazzoo.
Duration: c 45 minutes.
Date: 21 May 2005, 2pm
Chats Palace
42-44 Brooksbys Walk
Hackney
London E9 6DF
Box Office: 020 8533 0227
Date: 31 May 2005, 2pm
Farnham Maltings
Bridge Square
Farnham
Surrey GU9 7QR
Box Office: 01252 718001

VENUES AND FESTIVALS

Yorkshire's brand new National and International Festival

A new Puppet festival is being born in Skipton, North Yorkshire. The festival will take place between 15th and 18th of September 2005 and it is the work of a steering group of puppeteers based in Yorkshire.
Apart from showing some of the work of local companies the festival aims to bring in high quality national and international performers to raise the profile of puppetry in the region.
For further information contact Liz 01756797149 or e-mail info@skiptonpuppetfestival.co.uk
See www.skiptonpuppetfestival.co.uk
Farnham
Surrey GU9 7QR
Box Office: 01252 718001

Dynamics 2005

TUESDAY 24 MAY
mac HEXAGON 7.30PM
TICKETS £5.00 (£3.00)
Small Wonders: A Celebration of Toy Theatre
Theatre of Small convenience, Paperplays, Newmodel Theatre.
These shows take place on a table and the audience will be limited to no more than 40. Binoculars will be available for those that need them!
WEDNESDAY 25 MAY
THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE 8.00PM
TICKETS £7.50, (£4.50)
& SATURDAY 28 MAY
mac PARKSIDE ROOM 11AM, 1PM, 3PM
TICKETS £5.20
Anton Anderle-The Smallest Circus
& MONDAY 30 MAY
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 12 NOON, 2PM
FREE
Anton Anderle-Scenes from the Circus
A magical theatre will be filled with wooden Marionettes and for just one day will become the smallest circus in the world.
WEDNESDAY 25 MAY
mac THEATRE 7PM
& THURSDAY 26 MAY
mac THEATRE 2PM, 7PM
TICKETS £5.00 (3.00)
Different Light-King of the Castle
A small cast experiment with music, physical theatre, object manipulation and shadow play, to explore the violent images and powerful themes of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
MONDAY 30 MAY
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM-4.00PM
& WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM-4.00PM
& THURSDAY 2 JUNE
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM-4.00PM
&FRIDAY 3 JUNE
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM-4.00PM
FREE
Walking Tall and Pavement Puppetry Company-Giant Puppets/Rickshaw
Walking Tall Theatre Company delight with a range of Giant Dancing Figures, accompanied by toe-tapping live music. The Pavement Puppetry Company will be peddling their own unique brand of bespoke humour as they present The Rickshaw.
TUESDAY 31 MAY
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00, 1.00, 3.00
FREE
Pekko’s Puppets-Red Riding Hood
THURSDAY 2 JUNE
mac THEATRE 11.00AM, 2.30PM
TICKETS £5.20
Pekko’s Puppets-The Ugly Duckling’s New Clothes
FRIDAY 3 JUNE
NUMBER 8, PERSHORE 2.00PM
TICKETS £4.00
Pekko’s Puppets-The Ugly Duckling’s New Clothes
WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM, 1.00PM, 3.00PM
FREE
Major Mustard-Robin Hood
& SATURDAY 11 JUNE
WEM FARMERS MARKET 10.00AM, 11.00AM, 12.00PM
FREE
Major Mustard-Robin Hood/King Authur
Major Mustard will be delighting shoppers with tales, live music and plenty of amazing puppets.
THURSDAY 2 JUNE
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM, 1.00PM, 3.00PM
FRIDAY 3 JUNE
TELFORD SHOPPING CENTRE 11.00AM, 1.00PM, 3.00PM
FREE
Professor Robanti-Punch and Judy
Professor Robanti will be providing entertainment with his traditional Punch and Judy show.
FRIDAY 3 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 8.00PM
TICKETS £7.85 (£5.50)
SATURDAY 4 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 8.00PM
TICKETS £7.85 (£5.50)
Cat’s Pyjamas/Hand to Mouth-Attack of the Clowns
An extreme (and extremely funny) adult update of the old Punch and Judy Show
SUNDAY 5 JUNE
SANDERS PARK, BROMSGROVE 1.30PM
FREE
Hand to Mouth-Here Be Dragons
A whimsical re-interpretation of George and the Dragon, told by the dragon himself as the puppeteer, in a series of flashbacks using glove puppets.
SUNDAY 5 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 11.00AM, 2.30PM
TICKETS £5.30
Clydebuilt-Finders Keepers
These wonderfully quirky animal stories for children under 3 – 7 years are full of trickery, fun and exciting puppetry.
TUESDAY 7 JUNE
mac, HEXAGON 7.00PM
TICKETS £3.00
& FRIDAY 10 JUNE
mac, PARKSIDE ROOM 7PM
TICKETS £3.00
Mikropodium-Con Anima
Con Anima is a simplified, miniaturised version of Creation. All is accomplished on a space the size of a card table, lit by candles.
TUESDAY 7 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 7.30PM
TICKETS £7.85 (5.50)
S.A Marionetas-Tubic
The show will delight audiences of any age, and will most certainly leave you smiling.
WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 7,30PM
TICKETS £7.85 (5.50)
& THURSDAY 9 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 7,30PM
TICKETS £7.85 (5.50)
All Theatre Company-Yu Yu Mi Mi
YuYu MiMi combines storytelling, hand made puppets, Chinese paper-cut shadow puppetry and original music.
WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE
CASTLE VALE artSite 2.00pm, 7.00pm
TICKETS £3.00 (£1.50)
& THURSDAY 9 JUNE
SHELDON HEATH artSite 7.00PM
TICKETS £3.00 (£1.50)
& FRIDAY 10 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 11.00AM, 7.30PM
TICKETS £7.85 (£5.50)
& SATURDAY 11 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 7.30PM
TICKETS £7.85 (£5.50)
Peter Rindernecht-Portofino Ballade
A play with music and puppets for curious people from the age of 7. A charming and familiar tale about wanting to find your wings and flee the nest.
THURSDAY 9 JUNE
THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE 8.00PM
TICKETS £7.50 (£4.50)
& FRIDAY 10 JUNE
NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 7.30PM
TICKETS £5.00 (£3.00)
Karromato-The Emperor’s Feast
A musical comedy for marionettes inspired by Mozart’s “The Theatre Impresario”.
EXTRAVAGANZA 11AM-4PM
SATURDAY 11 JUNE
mac, HEXAGON 11AM
TICKETS £5.20
Indigo Moon-The Worm That Squirmed
Traditional Indonesian rod puppets tell the tale of a journey, the pursuit of a squirmy worm who causes chaos wherever he goes.
SATURDAY 11 JUNE AND SUNDAY 12 JUNE
mac, THEATRE 2.30PM
TICKETS £5.20
Karromato-Cirque De Madera (The Wooden Circus)
A show inspired by variety acts from the 19th century.
SATURDAY 11 JUNE
mac, OUTER COURTYARD
FREE
Hand to Mouth-Piggery Jokery
There are a few words in this perverse pageant of archetypal imagery, but many snorts, grunts, much music and mirth-making…
SATURDAY 11 JUNE AND SUNDAY 12 JUNE
mac,
FREE
Horse and Bamboo-pPod
The pPod carves a fascinating new world in which you can experience two wonderful visual puppet shows.
SATURDAY 11 JUNE AND SUNDAY 12 JUNE
mac, INNER COURTYARD
FREE
Mikropodium-Stop!
You will be riveted to the compelling movements of these enchanting little creatures who flirt with us and reveal to us their beauty and their souls.
SATURDAY 11 JUNE AND SUNDAY 12 JUNE
mac, OUTER COURTYARD
FREE
S.A Marionetas-Don Roberto
This is the Portuguese equivalent of our own Punch and Judy show. The action is fast and funny and sure to get the whole family giggling.
SATURDAY 11 JUNE AND SUNDAY 12 JUNE
mac, THE PARKSIDE ROOM
FREE
Professor John Styles
John Styles will be delighting viewers with performances of the traditional Punch and Judy.
SUNDAY 12 JUNE
mac, OUTER COURTYARD
FREE
Hand to Mouth-Here Be Dragons
A whimsical re-interpretation of George and the Dragon, told by the dragon himself as the puppeteer, in a series of flashbacks using glove puppets.

The Little Angel

Goin’ on a Lion Hunt
7th May - 3rd July
Book Tickets on 020 7226 1787
We’re Goin‚ on a Lion Hunt! I’m not afraid!‚
Adapted from the traditional rhyme this magical production combines colourful animal puppets, movement and song to take the audience on a journey through the African Savannah to find a lion…
Following the sell-out success of Honda’s Surprise‚ last year, Marlene Vermilion returns to direct this unique interactive show especially made for young children and their families. The performance takes place in an intimate and vibrant setting upon the Little Angel Stage. Spaces are strictly limited so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Devised by the Company
Directed by Marleen Vermeulen
Designed by Geraldine Spiller
Ticket Prices
Adults £7.50
Children and Concessions £5
Family Workshop £25 (1 adult and 1 child, includes show)
Children and babies under the age of 2 will not be admitted into the auditorium.
Please note that all members of the audience will be required to remove their shoes and that seating is within the setting of the production and at floor level.
See www.littleangel.com

Puppet Theatre Barge

The spring & summer tour schedule of the Puppet Theatre Barge:
The Birdman & Monkey Business
An entertaining double bill for all the family, The Birdman, is a poetic story told with specially composed music, lighting and effects about an old man who befriends a small bird which has fallen from the nest.
Plus: Monkey Business, exciting and hilarious tricks performed by monkey marionettes to music.
Summer tour:
Henley on Thames
Matinee show: The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop
July 16/17 at 2.30
Daily July 23 to 31 at 2.30pm
Evening show: Out of the Heart of Darkness
July 23 & 30 at 8pm
Marlow
Matinee show: The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop
August 6 to 27 daily, except Sundays, at 2.30pm
Evening show: Out of the Heart of Darkness
August 6,13,20, 27 at 8pm
Cliveden
Matinee show: The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop
September 3 & 4 at 2.30pm & 4.30pm both days
Richmond upon Thames
Matinee show: The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop
September 10/11, 17/18, 23/24/25, 30 October 1/2, 7/8/9, 14/15/16
All the above will be matinees, times to be decided according to tides.
Evening show: Out of the Heart of Darkness
September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 at 8pm Phone to confirm time.

Norwich Puppet Theatre

With Snow White in Majorca in May, and Jack & the Beanstalk at Warwick Arts Festival in July the Summer would be busy enough without the six week run of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine directed by Luis Boy and fresh from an 18 month tour in Finland and Sweden. George makes a welcome return to Norwich and marks the beginning of the 25th anniversary celebrations of Norwich Puppet Theatre. Check www.puppettheatre.co.uk for details of more events as they are scheduled.

Beverly Puppet Festival, E.Yorkshire

Saturday 21st and Sunday May 22nd 2005
Tickets now available from Beverley Tourist Office 01482 391672
Book early to avoid disappointment - many shows have limited capacity!
Anna Ingleby of Indigo Moon Theatre Co., with the assistance of John Turner (Christian Aid / Beverley Fairtrade Group) has set up the first Beverley Puppet Festival in aid of Christian Aid to support the invisible man-made tsunami in Africa where as many victims die each month for man-made reasons as died in the real Asian tsunami.
Companies appearing are:
Corlett’s Characters (Wolverhampton) presenting an Ultra-Violet (Black Theatre) show packed with groovy stuff for the whole family - The Groovy UV Show, with songs, sketches, illusions and magic performed by a collection of crazy characters including a giant wolf, dinosaurs, a stilt-walking monkey, a guitar playing donkey, a wicked witch and much more!
Indigo Moon Theatre (Beverley) with The Worm That Squirmed‚ for ages 5+/families.
Indonesian rod puppets tell of a squirmy worm that causes chaos wherever he goes, in a tale of our times for children or adults alike!
In Toto Theatre (London), with Jankyn and the Witch’s Daughter‚ for ages 5+.
A gypsy tale from Romania about a young man and his heroic quest to keep the girl he wants to marry. The daughter of a witch - disappears almost as soon as she is miraculously found. Performed using puppets and objects, accompanied by a range of instruments including the dilroba (an Indian stringed instrument), kemence (the Turkish Violin) and Middle Eastern Percussion.
In Toto Theatre also present Mouse-Tail‚ (or Mouse Tale) For ages 2-5
When a wily fox makes an unwelcome visit to Mrs Rabbit, Mouse‚ a tiny dog saves the day with a clever trick to rid the family of the rascally visitor. Slapstick humour with furry friends.
Kabutar (London), Storytelling with Manju Gregory‚ for ages 5+.
Manju opens her suitcase and tips out toys and tales from all around the world and brings a whole range of characters life.
Objects Dart (London) with Rufus and the Spotty Egg‚ for ages 2-5.
Rufus is a curious little boy and while playing in the garden all by himself, he discovers a spotty egg-and helps a baby bird hatched from the egg find its mother in a lively story filled with familiar nursery rhymes and funny puppets.
Wakey Wakey / Credo / Querk Works (Hull) present Psalms Uncensored‚ for ages 7+, A selection of thirteen Psalms celebrating the vivid language, the graphic images and the extreme emotions of the Hebraic text - through puppets, shadows, film, music, dance and the gargoyles of St. Marys and Beverley Minster.
In the street to summon everyone to support Beverley’s first Puppet Festival and to collect extra funds for Christian Aid:
Harvey’s Puppet Show from Hornsea with an 8 foot tall goddess Isis, (weather permitting), and Indigo Moon‚s Saraswati the (not so tall) Dancing Marionette from Rajasthan
For details of venues and ticket booking, contact Beverley Tourist Information 01482 391672

TRAINING, WORKSHOPS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PCT Summer Workshops 2005:

Core Skills for Artists Using Puppetry As part of the ongoing professional development project Animating the Animators, PCT is pleased to announce its workshop programme for 2005 focussing on core skills for practitioners using puppetry.

VOCAL SKILLS: led by Annmette Verspeak. Consolidate and expand your core skills in projection, breath, and clarity and expand your repertoire for characterization, textual realisation and extension of the voice in movement. Annmette has worked as a voice coach for cssd, for the guildhall school of music and drama and for productions for the royal opera house.
MASK AND MOVEMENT: Led by Howard Gayton Exploring how focussing on the body system, through use of the mask can heighten your physical awareness control and expressivity on stage. Core skills for every performer working with puppets / objects. Howard is a co-founder of acclaimed commedia company Ophaboom and has worked as a director for the Little Angel.
WORKSHOPPING FOR WORKSHOPPERS: Led by Liz Fost. How can puppetry integrate to the National Curriculum? Inspire community groups? What makes an effective and dynamic workshop using puppetry. Liz runs the company Teach-it-Through-Drama and is a member of theatre education departments at Polka theatre, The Little Angel, Shakespeare’s Globe and Cambridge Arts Theatre.

The sessions are running at 3 venues across the UK as follows:
Vocal Skills
May 23rd Mac, Birmingham
May 31st BAC, London
June 6th Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Mask and Movement
May 23rd BAC, London
May 30th Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
June 6th (May 30th) Mac, Birmingham
Workshopping for Workshoppers
May 23rd Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
May 31st Mac, Birmingham
June 6th BAC, LondonPlaces are allocated based on CV and covering note and are £20.00. Please send details to Beccy Smith at the Puppet Centre to apply. Deadline Wednesday May 18th 5pm. Some travel assistance is available – please indicate your requirement in your cover note.

Throughout 2004/5 PCT, as a national development agency for the artform of puppetry, is running a programme of professional development activities, Animating the Animators, including workshops, masterclasses and discussions. Details will be released on www.puppetcentre.com or you can join PCT’s e-mailing list to receive regular updates by emailing SUBSCRIBE to pct@puppetcentre.demon.co.uk

Norwich School of Arts and Design and Norwich Puppet Theatre FDA Art, Puppetry and Performance

In response to the growing demand for puppetry skills in contemporary theatre, film, TV, animated film and artworks, Norwich School of Art and Design and Norwich Puppet Theatre are working in partnership to develop a foundation degree in Art, Puppetry and Performance.The course will equip an artform and industry with the tools necessary for their development, by training puppet theatre practitioners to a high professional standard whilst providing a unique arena for a multidisciplinary approach that will involve both traditional craft and new forms of stagecraft and visual media. The project is at the research stage prior to a formal proposal, any expressions of interest should be addressed to: info@puppettheatre.co.uk

DNA:

We are continuing with our Professional Development Workshop with the next one planned for 18th May 2005 7-9pm which will be ‘Making and understanding the role of puppets and performance within the
classroom.’ These are to be held in at The Watermark in Preston and are free. If you are interested please email info@dynamicnewanimation.co.uk
See www.dynamicnewanimation.co.uk

The Wimbledon School of Art MA Theatre: Visual Language of Performance.

The course is now able to offer puppet designers and builders who want either to develop their professional skills as theatre artists or to begin a research project leading to a PhD by practice in theatre or performance. Wimbledon offers the chance to extend current practice with facilities for model making, woodworking, puppet casting and two newly equipped performance studios for production. We welcome recent graduates and theatre professionals to spend a year of concentrated study working on a personal project researching any aspect of puppetry, culminating in the presentation of an exhibition that contains an element of performance.
Applicants to the MA Theatre at Wimbledon come from a wide range of backgrounds including professional theatre practice, visual artists who have an interest in performance, installation or multi-media work, costume designers and, of course, graduates in theatre studies.
This is a unique opportunity to study in a personalized environment with working professionals allowing theatre students from a full range of disciplines to discuss, collaborate, design and practice.
For further information contact:
Douglas O’Connell MA Theatre Course Leader by email at
doconnell@wimbledon.ac.uk
Or visit the course website at
www.vizlang.co.uk

Making Moving toys and Automata
Short courses at West Dean College

West Dean College runs an imaginative programme of inspiring short courses in art, craft, music, creative writing and gardening. Courses take place in well-equipped workshops and studios and in the magnificent West Dean House, where students may stay if they book a residential option.
Making moving toys and automata on May 29-June 3 2005
Students will be introduced to a collection of toys and automata and then encouraged to design and make their own, using wood, natural and re-cycled materials and basic woodworking skills. Simple mechanisms such as cranks, cams and levers can be explored to create moving parts but the emphasis is on exploiting and combining materials.
Internationally known automata maker, ROBERT RACE, is an established maker of automata and simple wooden toys, is currently chairman of the British Toymakers' Guild. He was a maker-in-residence at the 'Exempia 2002' exhibition, part of the international trade fair in Munich. The fees for this course are:£495 (residential) or £320 (non-residential).
For the full programme and booking details please contact:
West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester,
West Sussex, PO18 0QZ
T +44 (0)1243 811301 F +44 (0)1243 811343
E short.courses@westdean.org.uk
W www.westdean.org.uk

Theatre with String Attached Workshop
The Marionettes of Franco Lupi VIII

Marionette: Design, Construction and Use.
Arezzo, Italy
July 5- August 3, 2005
A one-month workshop will be held at the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy with Marionette Master Franco Lupi.
Franco is the current generation of one of the oldest and most respected Marionette Theatres in Italy. Dating from 1780 with Luigi Lupi, the Lupi family has engaged uninterruptedly in Marionette Theatre chronicling virtually the whole history of modern Italy with their exquisite marionettes; marionettes that have been designated a ‘patrimony of humanity.’
The Accademia dell’Arte is proud to host Franco Lupi’s summer workshop where students will learn:
• Marionette sculpting and construction in wood
• Marionette assembly
• History of marionettes and other puppet forms
• Basic principals and practice of puppet scenography and lighting
• Painting and costuming
• Principals of vocal characterization
• Use of recorded materials for production
• Principals and practice of movement
The workshop is designed to give either the relative beginner or the more seasoned marionettista the opportunity to work with a master craftsman and performer in the highest traditions of European arts. Because of the intensive nature and apprentice approach to instruction, the workshop is strictly limited to EIGHT students.
Cost:
• Non-resident workshop only $2,600 non-credit
• Workshop with room and board. $4,800 non-credit
• Workshop, R & B with undergraduate credit $5,600 6 hours credit (University of Memphis)
The Accademia will be happy to assist non-resident students find lodging in Arezzo upon request. Lunch and dinner can be taken at the Accademia daily for 8 euro/meal.
For more information see www.dell-arte.org or send an email to Director Scott McGehee PhD at mcgehee@dellarte.it

Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre

SUMMER COURSES
SUMMER MARIONETTE MASTERCLASS Marionette Carving (Hands and Feet) and Jointing Techniques with Ken Barnard, Vice President of the British Puppet & Model Theatre Guild. Mon 13th-Fri 17th June. Course Fee: £125 (including materials).
SUMMER TEXTILE WORKSHOP
A fun week of experimenting with Textile Dyeing Techniques, with Procion (fibre reactive) dyes and Indigo on cotton and silk. Tie-dye, stitch-resist and over-dying will be explored among some of the techniques used to create an array of unique fabrics and patterns. Course Tutor: Sarah Lee (BA Hons Woven and Embroidered Textile Design). Mon 20th- Fri 24th June. Course Fee: £125.00
info@scottishmaskandpuppetcentre.co.uk www.scottishmaskandpuppetcentre.co.uk

Forkbeard Fantasy - Summer Schools 2005

Summer School: 16th – 21st July
Forkbeard Fantasy are offering 2 six day residential courses in 2005. The Spring & Summer Schools give you the chance to discover new ways of working in an inclusive, stimulating and challenging environment. The Schools are located at Forkbeard's Waterslade Studios in the heart of rural Devon. The course will give participants a hands-on introduction to the diversity of practice which exists within Forkbeard’s work. For further details and application forms:
Email summerschool@forkbeardfantasy.co.uk, see www.forkbeardfantasy.co.uk

Horse+Bamboo Theatre

Training and workshops for 2005
Masks Inside and Out’- Monday 20th to Friday 24th June 2005
This intensive week long course will cover two of the elements which make Horse + Bamboo’s work so distinctive – the making and the performance of helmet masks. With Alison Duddle, participants will design and create a full helmet mask, using some of the same stimulus and limitations we use in creating masks for our touring shows. With Victoria Lee, participants will firstly explore some of the techniques and skills used in mask performance using Horse + Bamboo masks, and then by the end of the week, create a performed sequence using their own mask.
Course Cost Per Person: £220.00
Group Size: 12
Singing the Seasons - Monday 1st to Friday 5th August 2005
A choir singing workshop with Loz Kaye. Five days - and twelve songs, one for each month of the year. A fascinating journey through the world's traditional vocal music for seasonal festivals.
So if you need a song to lighten the dark of winter, for your bonfire at midsummer or are curious as to what an Estonian calendar song is - or ever wondered what to sing at Shrovetide, this is for you. The course will introduce the participants to a wide repertoire, as well as focusing on appropriate technique. You do not need to been an experienced singer, just have a sense of adventure.
Course Cost Per Person: £200
Group Size 12

OPPERTUNITIES

Puppeteer Wanted:

Magic Book Theatre is a puppet theatre group based in Deptford and New Cross. We have been awarded a grant to devise and perform a new show involving puppets and live music, to nurseries and children’s centres in the borough of Lewisham. We are looking for a puppeteer with a musical ear and experience of working with the under 5 age group to help devise the piece.
Please get in contact with Michele Petit-Jean
Tel: 020 8691 5552 Mobile 077395 70403
Email: mich@petitjean.free-online.co.uk

Animator Wanted:

A professional animator/cartoonist is required for a one-day workshop during August 2005 to work with young people (13 - 19 years old). We are looking for an animator/cartoonist who has run projects of a similar nature before and has experience of working with young people. Our summer workshop programme currently operates every Wednesday during the summer holidays, and offers young people a wide variety of arts activity. The workshops will be held at The Gate Theatre, Goole.
Interested parties should submit their c.v, details of other similar workshops, fee and availability to Nicola Raettig, Youth and Community Arts Co-ordinator: nicola.gtc@btconnect.com
Please note: An enhanced CRB check will be required

Puppeteers Required - The Little Angel Theatre

Puppeteers Required for inventive new production of Fantastic Mr. Fox, Directed by Steve Tiplady, The Little Angel’s new Autumn production for children aged 4+.The audition will take the form of an all-day practical workshop exploring aspects of the story using play, improvisation and puppetry, and will take place on Monday 6th June from 11am - 4pm.
Applicants should send a photo, CV and SAE to:
Fox Audition, The Little Angel Theatre,
14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN

Volunteering @ the Little Angel:

The Little Angel Theatre relies on a team of reliable and committed volunteers to help with the day to day running of the theatre and the shows. We are currently looking for volunteers to help with:
Mailouts and Marketing
Archives
Database management and inputting of data
Front of House and Ushering on Saturdays and Sundays
We do not require any formal qualifications but volunteers should be both numerate and literate and have good communication skills and a common sense attitude. Volunteers must like dealing with the public, be enthusiastic with a good sense of humour and should enjoy working as part of a team.
It is important that our volunteers are excellent timekeepers and are prepared to make a commitment to working the hours agreed with The Front of House Manager. We would especially welcome enquiries from older and retired volunteers.
Call Glen on 0207 226 1787

EDUCATION, COMMUNITY AND OUTREACH

The Little Angel- Participation

Saturday Puppet Club
SPC members see 'The Grass is Greener' before undertaking a 10-week challenge to create and develop their own puppets and performances. The term culminates in a grand finale for friends and family on the Little Angel stage.
Children Only. Saturday Mornings, 23rd April to 2nd July £65 (£55 concs.) Suitable for children aged 5 and over.

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