Beverley Arts Trust has applied for funding from the Arts Council for the 4th Beverley Puppet Festival, July 16th-18th 2010. The festival has become well known nationally for challenging its audiences, and providing diverse, high quality puppet shows for all ages.
Subject to successful funding applications, from national and local sources, up to 16 theatre shows will take place in 3 venues within easy reach of each other: Beverley Friary, The Leisure Centre and Armstrong’s Social Club.
There will also be free outdoor entertainment in the town centre and Friary Gardens. 7 of the companies involved are from Yorkshire or the North of England, the rest from across the UK and even one from France.
Beverley Arts Trust will provide a balanced weekend programme for all age ranges. For adult or teenage audiences, one of Britain’s best known puppeteers, Stephen Mottram, will perform his exquisite show “The Seed Carriers” which has toured abroad for years, yet is rarely performed in this country. This thought-provoking piece of outstanding quality was Britain’s only representative at the recent triennial International Puppet Festival in Charleville–Mezieres, France.
The show “A November Day” by Thingumajig theatre will be performed on the opening night of the festival – the result of a collaboration with Imperial War Museum North. This show appeals to both the older generation, and younger generation who have may have been studying the subject at school.
We are planning a diverse range of shows for the whole family including: “Pinnochio”, “The Snow Queen”, “Chicken Licken”, “The Ugly Duckling” , “The Story of the Willow Pattern Plate”, “The Cat that Walked by Himself”, “The Lost Forest”, “Who’s Been Sitting in My Chair”, “Old Mother Hubbard & Her Cupboard”, “Storm in a Teacup”, “The Rainbow Forest” and “Stories on a Shoestring” and “Salt”.
The street-theatre planned includes Lady Lucinda, Professor Robanti’s Punch and Judy (back due to his success at the last festival), “Sir Gawain & the Loathly Lady” and “Dangerous Dave” – again back due to his immense popularity last time.
The one company from abroad (Brittany – Compagnie Via Cane) will perform in mediaeval costume with musical instruments and energetic rod marionettes, a perfect fit for the Friary Garden. The festival will be launched by a Schools showcase followed by a procession, the result of residencies by local puppeteers in local primary schools.
Beverley Arts Trust are keen to hear from volunteers who would like to join our experienced team of stewards in making this festival happen – also anyone who would like to join us in its planning. For further information please visit the Beverley Arts Trust web site.
UPDATE
Beverley Arts Trust are delighted to announce that Arts Council England will be providing funding of £16,242 for the 4th Beverley Puppet Festival, July 16th-18th 2010. The festival has become well known nationally for challenging its audiences, and providing diverse, high quality puppet shows for all ages. Full details of confirmed shows can be found on http://www.beverleyarts.co.uk/cms.