Craig Johnson’s solo puppet company Squashbox Theatre returns to Dorset, whom some of you may remember from his wonderful shows ‘The Sea Show’ and ‘Skillywidden’. His latest offering will be out of this world, with a new show for older children called ‘Universarama!’. Join Professor Johnson of the Squashbox Theatre Astounding And Amazing Astronomical Research Society (S.T.A.A.A.A.R.S) on a journey to the edges of space and time! Along the way explore the solar system, study the stars and constellations, visit distant galaxies, and hear the fascinating story of John Couch Adams, the Cornishman who discovered Neptune. Using only silly puppets, ridiculous and unnecessary props, simple household objects and assorted fruits and vegetables, Professor Johnson will reveal the secrets of the universe. “Universarama!” is a marvellous blend of spectacle, storytelling and cabaret, all contained within an accessible, funny and unique family show.
It is the creation of Craig Johnson – actor, musician, puppeteer, astronomy fan, and long-standing member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre. For adults and children 8 years+. After the show join Craig (and, at Durlston, expert astronomers in their on-site observatory) to look at the night sky.
See Universarama! at:
- West Lulworth Village Hall Fri 21 Oct, 7:30pm 01929 400321
- Evershot Village Hall Sat 22 Oct, 7:30pm 01935 83471
- Durlston Country Park visitor centre Sun 23 Oct, 7:30pm 01929 424443
Circle of Tales
Artsreach is thrilled to welcome back the ever-popular PuppetCraft, with their brand new touring show ‘Circle of Tales’. Artistic Director John Roberts returned to his native Africa for the spring to research and develop this beautiful new production. It is an African myth retold by Gcina Mhlophe about how the first story came to be told. It all started so long ago that it is impossible to remember when. There were no stories at that time. One day a woman set out to search for stories, asking friendly and fierce animals if they could help, but none knew any stories, or even what stories were. After hunting up and down mountains, through thick bush, meeting many scary and funny creatures she was told by wise Elephant where to find the secret of wonderful tales to tell… This fable is told with African and English language, wood and wire puppets, video projection and the sweet sounds of live music played on traditional instruments – sometimes with a 30-piece orchestra! Before each show there will be a workshop to help create music for the performance, and after the show the audience will be invited to play musical instruments and meet the puppets. PuppetCraft is the top Devon-based puppet troupe that has been delighting family audiences for 21 years with a wide variety of shows including ‘The Mousehole Cat’, ‘The Tin Forest’, ‘Perseus’, ‘The Selfish Giant’ and ‘Nobody Rides the Unicorn’.
Suitable for ages 4+.
See Circle of Tales at:
Durweston Village Hall Sun 23 Oct, 4pm 01258 488883
Thornford Village Hall Mon 24 Oct, 11:30am 01935 872503
Thorncombe Village Hall Tues 25 Oct, 4pm 01460 30994
Voyage of the Nutjellynana
Following the successes of their previous productions ‘The Nightingale’, ‘Oshima and the Big Sea’ and ‘Malina’s Dream’, Angel Heart Theatre also bring their brand new puppet production to rural Dorset, ‘Voyage of the Nutjellynana’, inspired by puppeteer James Richardson’s life-long sci-fi interest. Alice, Melby and Fidge: three cuddly toys long since loved, left behind and now forgotten in an old attic. Life looks like it’s lost its stuffing until Fidge has a banana-brained plan… Build a rocket ship, blast off, and boldly go where no toy has gone before! “Easy.” says Fidge. “Bonkers!” says Melby. “Ooooooh!” says Alice. But when the Nutjellynana reaches outer space Melby is sucked down a black hole, leaving Alice and Fidge to come to his rescue, making new friends along the way. Journey out-of-this-world with amazing puppets, fabulous storytelling, a cosmic soundtrack and some salutes to sci-fi classics! This is Angel Heart’s new show for all the family over 4 years. All aboard the Nutjellynana!
Catch the ‘Nutjellynana’ at:
- Cerne Abbas Village Hall Wed 26 Oct, 10:30am 01300 341332
- Winfrith Village Hall Wed 26 Oct, 4pm 01305 852117
Fossil Workshop
To link in with the Deep Time: Jurassic Journey exhibition, touring to The Exchange in Sturminster Newton from Sat 22-Mon 24 October, Artsreach has organised a hands-on fossils workshop for youngsters (ages 8+) led by geologist Alan Holiday from DIGS (Dorset’s Important Geological Sites group). Come and learn about fossils and where to find them on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, which exposes geology formed 250 million and 65 million years ago.
- The Exchange, Sturminster Newton Mon 24 Oct, 10.30am–12.30pm
- Only £2, from 01258 475137