From small beginnings in 1984, the Puppet Animation Festival has grown to become the UK’s largest performing arts event for children.
Taking place from Saturday, March 24 until Saturday, April 14, but with some events outwith these dates, this year’s programme has 165 events being staged in more than 90 venues across Scotland and the north of England.
On offer is a diverse range of events for children up to the age of 12 such as puppet making and animation workshops, puppet theatre and animated films, with events in English and Gaelic as well as performances for neuro-diverse audiences.
Festivals and projects manager Melanie Purdie said: “For the first three or four years, the festival was based in Edinburgh, but over the years has completely branched out across the country to include every local authority in Scotland for the last 30 years.
“We try to visit as many places in Scotland as we can, with the main focus being on ensuring the puppetry tourist sector is thriving and that puppetry performances, animated workshops and animated films are being shown in varied geographical and socially deprived areas, but also in areas where shows may not be taken to very often.
“The festival is also always looking for new venues to travel to and new audiences to engage with.”
Among those taking part this year are long-established favourites Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre, Vision Mechanics, The Folding Theatre Puppet Company and, for the first time, NUDGE Puppets, Asylon Theatre and Tenterhooks.
Festival programmers are also delighted that leading English companies Indigo Moon Theatre, Half a String and Lyngo Theatre are taking part, creating interesting and innovative performances featuring films and live puppetry.
The first event in the Highlands took place yesterday at the Isle of Raasay Community Association. Little Light, presented by Vision Mechanics and The Haya Cultural Centre, one of Scotland’s leading puppetry companies, uses shadow puppetry, table-top puppets, object theatre, dance, music and animation.
The new multi-media production tells the story of a lonely boy who discovers companionship and trust through the curiosity of a mischievous star and the devotion of a faithful dog.
Inside a replica of a Bedouin tent, the audience sits on pillows and cushions. Around the top of the tent above a panoramic screen for projections, a starlit sky is visible. From one constellation, a small, energetic flicker of light falls from the sky to investigate the world below and, meeting a small boy and his father, the story begins…
This special show visits SEALL, Isle of Skye, 1.45pm, today, Thursday, March 22; Lyth Arts Centre, 1.30pm and 6.30pm, tomorrow, Friday, March 23; Nairn Arts Centre, 2pm, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, 1.30pm, March 31; Forres Town Hall, 2pm, April 1, and The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, 2pm, on Thursday, April 12.
Other shows include:
My Neighbour Totoro presented by Hayao Miyazaki
My Neighbour Totoro is hailed by many to be Miyazaki’s best film, and it’s inarguable that it’s his most recognisable worldwide. It’s a film that’s gorgeous to look at but also is intriguingly innovative in the way it tells its story.
Two young girls, Satsuki and her younger sister Mei, move into a house in the country with their father to be closer to their hospitalised mother. Satsuki and Mei discover that the nearby forest is inhabited by magical creatures called Totoros (pronounced toe-toe-ro). They soon befriend these Totoros and have several magical adventures.
A film which will make all children fall in love with Totoros, inspire adventure and excite even the older of audiences. It’s being screened at the Isle of Raasay, Community Association, on Sunday, March 24.
Natural Materials Film Workshop presented by D fie foe
A practical, engaging workshop during which participants will create short animated films around issues facing our planet, utilising natural materials. First the group will hunt down the best flora and fauna, from the immediate environment, to illustrate a story. Then they will focus on creating beautiful sequences of animation to tell stories of a planet under siege.
The group will learn traditional filmmaking skills and animation techniques, and start to understand how “anything” can be brought to life through animation. Perfect for those who love digital but don’t have enough contact with nature. Weather permitting, filming will take place outside, so be prepared.
Alford Academy, Tuesday, March 27, 9am-1pm.
The Owl and the Pussycat presented by The Folding Theatre Puppet Company
The Owl and the Pussy Cat set off on a cruise of the high seas on board O&PC Cruiselines’ state of the art flagship, the Atlantic Princess. But all does not go well with the voyage. Fear not, chief purser Iain is on hand to help our hapless star-crossed lovers to safety. Using table-top puppets and a simple but attractive set, the show is a hoot from start to finish.
It visits Westhill Library, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, on Thursday, March 29 at 1.45pm; MacDuff Arts Centre, 2pm, March 31; Aden Country Park, 11.30am and 2pm April 1; Banchory Museum, 11.15am, April 2; Stonehaven Library, 4pm, April 2; Portgordon Village Hall, 2.30pm, April 3.
One Man Shoe featuring Jango Starr
When the headline act fails to show up, Jango, a bumbling theatre caretaker, is suddenly thrust into the limelight and embarks on a hilarious journey of highly crafted and heartfelt silent comedy, as he magically finds his way to realise his dream of transforming into a star.
Jango Starr’s style of silent physical theatre includes contemporary circus clowning, slapstick comedy, puppetry, juggling and absurd magic. An impressive performer with more than 25 years of international experience, his gift lies in his ability to bring laughter and joy to all ages, touching the child in everyone’s heart.
Monymusk Arts Trust, Monday, April 2, 7pm.
There and Back Again, An Odyssey presented by Lyngo Theatre
Follow CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch as he uses a pioneering mix of live cinema and theatre to take audiences on a thrilling ride across the magical world of Ancient Greece. With miniature sets he directs the lights, camera and action in front of your eyes to show the Cyclops, the Siege of Troy, the Floating Island, the Land of the Dead and the whirlpools and mythical creatures that make up this earliest of fantasy books, The Odyssey.
Multiple cameras magnify in wide screen the table-top puppetry, down to the smallest detail, turning a storm-in-a-teacup into an Aegean tempest. Dramatising the fundamental fable hidden in this classic of world literature, There and Back Again proves no matter how far you roam, there’s no place like Homer.
The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, 2pm, Tuesday, April 3.
Make ‘n’ Take Puppet Works, presented by Puppet-Stew
Kids of all ages and abilities are invited to let their imaginations run wild in Puppet-Stew’s legendary puppet-making workshops.
During the workshop you will make your very own rod puppet, which you can then take home with you. Hours of imaginative play lie ahead as you make up stories, songs and scenarios with your fabulous new puppet.
Aden Country Park, 1.30pm, Saturday, April 14.
Red Riding Hood’s Magic Purse, presented by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
A classic story told with a difference. Favourite characters abound, an adventurous Red Riding Hood, an independent Grannie (home at last from her trip round the world), and of course the wonderful Wicked Wolf who plans to have “Grannie for lunch and Little Rosie for afternoon tea”.
Find out how Red Riding Hood’s Magic Purse saves the day in this delightful show for young audiences. Rod puppets and shadow theatre, combined with original music and sounds, bring this ever-popular story to life.
Universal Hall, Findhorn, 2pm, Saturday, April 14.
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