Three R&D
Our latest show is called Three and we’ve had a brilliant time undertaking a research and development phase for it, in Spring 2023.
Three is inspired by the real-life stories and intrinsic relationships between grandparents and grandchildren including isolation, loneliness, wisdom and familial ties, pertinent in the wake of the pandemic where separation has become everyday and many older people have become a lost generation. Three explores diverse British culture and heritage to bring three different stories of grandparents and grandchildren to life.
This is our first show combining mask and puppetry and we have loved working with Rachael Savage, artistic director of leading mask company, Vamos Theatre, to support on this new visual aspect.
The Marlowe, Canterbury and the Garage, Norwich, hosted some of our rehearsals and we delivered both online and in-person sharing, to get feedback to keep developing the show.
We also worked with a number of brilliant community partners to ensure that the voices of older people in the community are represented in how we then show them on stage. Across the R&D, we delivered 6 community workshops with older people, with Age UK Tunbridge Wells, Medway African and Caribbean Society (MACA) and Bright Shadow. We then did a very special visit to CARM in Rolvenden, Kent, where we shared a segment of the content from the show, with the group.
We’re really looking forward to continue developing Three and we plan to premiere it in Spring 2024, so keep an eye out for further information.
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.
Arbor the Tree
Part Man. Part Tree. 17 feet tall. Meet Arbor.
Follow Arbor as he strides around the streets, vanishing between trees and emerging with his cart full of tree seeds. Arbor tells the story of a tree pushed from his home and his fight to preserve his future. Encouraging the audience to plant and nurture their own trees, Arbor will give each person some seeds to take home, leaving a legacy that will last for generations. Arbor is a visually stunning show with lots of lovable puppets.
“It was a really nice touch that they hand out saplings to children at the end, it gives them something sustainable and environmental to think about.” – Derby Telegraph
