"BIG IMAGINATION WITH A FEW THINGS" - JEAN SEPTEMBER, BRITISH COUNCIL
THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER One night a poor old shoemaker is trying to make some shoes - but his neighbours say he is making too much noise! So he goes to bed - but the shoes aren't finished. Imagine his surprise in the morning when he finds a perfectly finished pair of shoes! Who is helping the shoemaker? And how will he help them? The shoemaker's things (shoe trees, shoes, scissors and hammers) help to tell this story of magic and kindness, in a kind and magical way! To read a bit more about the story, click the image on the left. "It was an inventive and ingenious show which was enjoyed by all the ages represented in the auditorium, from 80 down to 2. Good to have Britain represented by a show of quality." - Penny Francis, PuppeteersUK
JABULANI AND THE HUNGRY CROCODILE A little boy (Jabulani - which means "Happiness") goes down to the river for a swim, only to meet a crocodile who can't stop eating. He's already eaten a funny lady, a jackal, a big fish and a duck. Will he eat Jabulani too? Emerging from an old suitcase, a feather duster, a shoe, a spade and a scarf come together to tell this funny and action-packed African tale. "A fabulous show, greatly enjoyed by all at our school. Concentrated creativity that is accessible to children of all ages." - Annabelle Narey, Teacher, Darell Primary
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD A naughty little girl with her red hoodie is coming through the wood to visit her granny. Will she talk to the wolf? She better not, or the wolf might eat her! Granny's shopping trolley is full of strange objects, and they come in handy when telling the story of Little Red Riding Hood and all of the characters she meets! To read a bit more about the story, click the image on the left. "This one man show using a variety of table-top puppets, shadow puppets and storytelling techniques told the classic story with a few modern twists which kept it lively and surprising. It was full of ideas to inspire children's imaginative play - including the use of found objects to become characters, props and scenery.(My 4 and a half year-old son wanted to race home and do his own version straight after.) A GREAT SHOW." - Arts Council Reviewer
SALT Ivan the Ninny's two older brothers are much cleverer than him - everybody just laughs at him because he is stupid. But one day he sails across the salty sea in a boat made of rubbish, and when he finds an island of salt, he makes a fortune and manages to marry a princess! The contents of a picnic hamper come to life to tell the story of Ivan the Ninny, his two brothers, and why salt is important. To read a bit more about the story, click the image on the left. "You are very funny and entertaining. I like all of your shows. My favourite character is Ivan the Nini." - Milan, Pupil at Darell Primary School, London
TOM TIT TOT AND THE GYPSY WOMAN The King wants a new jumper - and when he hears a woman say her daughter can spin five skeins of wool a day, he thinks it is too good to be true - which it is! The girl doesn't even know how to spin wool but now she has to spin five skeins a day (until the king has enough wool for his jumper) or off goes her head! Will that strange creature help her? The one in the corner. He looks like a snail or a beetle - and what's his name? All of the objects in a camper's backpack are used to spin this old English yarn all about spinning yarn! To read a bit more about this story, click the image on the left. "The performer established a quick and easy (but unique) rapport with the audience. As an adult I enjoyed the variety, invention and humour of the show." - Arts Council Reviewer
STORIES ON A SHOESTRING You can make a puppet out of anything! Pegs and rags and bottles and bags! Then your puppet can go on a journey to find a friend, just like the little puppet in "Stories on a Shoestring", who, as he searches for a friend his own size, encounters some well known characters on the way. He meets the giant from "Jack and the Beanstalk" and the wolf from "The Three Little Pigs" (not to mention the fish which grants wishes from "The Fisherman and his Wife"). Will the little puppet find a friend? Will they live happily ever after, the end? Brilliant object puppetry, shadows, music and storytelling combine to create this spellbinding and original show for all ages about finding friendship and a home. To read a bit more about this story, click the image on the left. What the children of Kilimani Primary School, Nairobi, said after a performance in October 2009: "It was funny", "But some bits were sad", "And they loved each other". "That was great - very energetic!" Selamawit Alemayehu, British Council, Kenya
