Upstream

(Illustration by Hattie Field)

Lyra lives on the marsh; running, rushing and clambering through the silt, a water explorer extraordinaire. Recently, she has noticed things don’t seem quite right, the water’s getting cloudier and even the otters don’t seem to play here anymore.

Not one to be frightened of the unknown, brave little Lyra camps out under the stars next to the river and her favourite willow tree, hoping to understand. As daylight turns to moonlight, Old Mother River comes to life, a spectacular 3 metre tall puppet, with willow hair and a beautiful creased and crinkled face. 

Together they dive into Old Mother River’s memory pool, discovering what has happened beneath the surface, and how everyone can do something, to help protect our waters.

Buzz

A Bee-rilliant Adventure!

Join Billy Bumble as he shrinks down to bee-size and learns about the troubles that they face. Featuring spell-binding puppetry and a giant honeycomb set, join us for a whirlwind ride, avoiding grumpy Mr Fred and the gaping jaws of Shredder the dog! Buzz finishes with the audience being given wildflower seeds, to plant and help our black and yellow friends to flourish.

Created by award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples.

Co-commissioned by Applause Touring and Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival. Supported by Kent County Council.

Photo by Leyla Guler

Audience/Venue Comments

“What a fantastic series of shows! The children really loved it, was great to hear so much laughter. Thank you for making our final day so magical” – From performances at Bees and Seas Festival

“It was great to have Buzz as part of this year’s festival. Once again you have a fabulous show that the audiences love. At one point there were 500 people watching you perform which is fantastic. You’ll need a bigger venue next time!” – Alison Bundy, TWPF

British Sign Language and Access

In Summer 2024 we worked with two fabulous BSL interpreters at our National Trust performances, Emma and Monike, and we are pleased to now be able to offer BSL interpreted shows to venues and programmers when booking the show. In addition, we have our Buzz Visual Story, and a tour-able chill out space: complete with ear defenders and fidget toys.

Photos of Buzz performers with BSL interpreters (left) Emma Isted and (right) Monike Campbell

We Are More Alike

Meet The Anthologists. Some call them travellers, some collectors, some call them story and people acceptors. These two have travelled far and wide, through time and space plenty besides.

Tracking the movement of people coming to the Kentish coast since the dawn of time, join these two as they map the past, present and future of communities seeking change.

With spellbinding puppetry and striking visual theatre, join Smoking Apples and discover we’re more alike than you think we are.

Smoking Apples are an award winning puppetry and visual theatre company, partnering with KRAN, Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone Museum & Ann Morgan