Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre Scotland

CURRENT TOURING PRODUCTIONS: Technical requirements are at the bottom of this page

International touring - Some shows are now flexible enough to fly to venues abroad, please contact us for more details.

THE THREE BEARS for ages 3 -7 years

Porridge, porridge, porridge, do you like porridge? The THREE BEARS love it and have it every day for breakfast! Goldilicks lives above a syrup factory and has never tasted this delicious dish - until she visits the THREE BEARS' home. . . . . .What fun she is going to have...

Porridge is the staple diet of European storytelling and plays a big part in Scottish culture too!

Theatre of Objects for little ones!

Story development and direction by Iain Halket of Folding Theatre

RUNNING TIME 50 MINUTES

" I was VERY impressed with your show, thought you were very clever and skilled with your props. The children were riveted and I enjoyed the clever way you told an old story" KETTLE NURSERY

"We REALLY loved it, you are absolutely fabulous as always" - BUSHES NURSERY, PAISLEY

"Thank you very much for Steven's brilliant performance, can we book again for next year?"

- Cockpen Nursery, Bonnyrigg

THE CALL of the LOON BIRD

Native American Mythsfor ages 5 -12 years

A truly magical story, ‘THE CALL OF THE LOON BIRD ’ follows the life of one man. In his youth he rescues a ‘Loon’, a bird of great wisdom, who later helps him on his own journey through life. Through early adversity, illness and later success as a shaman (storyteller and wiseman), he comes to realise and rely on the ‘Call of the Loon’ to help him and his people.

A story of wisdom over intolerance, this show explores the stories and culture of the Native Americans.

With expert rod puppetry and live music this is a show to be enjoyed on many different levels of understanding.

RUNNING TIME 55 MINUTES

"outstanding, by far the most magical, intriguing and mesmerising show at Kidsfest this year" -

KIDSFEST, E DUNBARTONSHIRE 2007

Director: Jo Turbitt
Music by Margaret Smith and J Simon van der Walt
Performed and designed by Stephen Smart

This project has received project funding from the Scottish Arts Council.

PETER AND THE WOLF – for ages 4 – 10 years

Available from August 2010
This is the famous story of Peter, an adventurous boy who goes to stay with his Grandfather on the edge of ‘the Great Forest’.

All the favourite characters are present – the Bird, the Cat, the Duck and of course the Wolf all help Peter to explore his new environment and have a great adventure in the forest.

Wonderful animal puppets and a fantastic life-sized wolf make this one of our most successful and enjoyable productions.

This production has specially composed music by Douglas Kerr

“A marvellous show” – Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
“The movement of the animal puppets was brilliant”
-Bo’ness Primary

“What a great production” – Salisbury Playhouse

Running time 55 minutes

RED RIDING HOOD’S MAGIC PURSE for ages 3-8 years

A classic story told with a difference. Favourite characters abound, an adventurous Red Riding Hood, an independent Granny (home at last from her trip round the world), and of course the wonderful, Wicked Wolf who plans to eat “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 ages 3 – 8 years. Rod-glove puppets and shadow theatre combined with original music and sounds bring this fabulous story to life.

RUNNING TIME 45 MINUTES

Red Riding Hood's Magic Purse at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre
" this piece of children's theatre is truly magical. The puppets are fantastically well crafted. The elasticity of the puppets is so well choreographed that it closely resembled reality, so much so that the story couldn't help but grow wings and fly. The theatre exploded with giggles as I sat there and gobbled up the visual treats. But do not underestimate this gem of storytelling; it is riddled with adult humour. But oh no, the woodcutter is on his day off, so he can't possibly make a smiley ending. So I entreat you: go forth and find out how the tale ends."

tw rating 4/5 - '3 WEEKS' FRINGE FESTIVAL GUIDE

Director Heather Fulton, Music by Margaret Smith and J Simon van der Walt.

MYTHS OF THE VIKINGS - FOR AGES 6 UPWARDS

Gather around once more and hear stories of ODIN the King of the Gods, THOR and his mighty hammer and LOKI – the shape changer, adventurer and mischief maker.

Battle ‘Frost Giants’, dodge magical beasts and feel the thrill of storytelling, just as the children of the Norse once did.

The puppet-maker carves beautiful wooden puppets, all the time living the stories of the past through his skilful carving and imaginative storytelling.

RUNNING TIME 1 HOUR

“A powerful and beautifully crafted piece of theatre from one of Scotland’s leading puppet companies”
Puppet Animation Festival Scotland.

Music specially composed by J Simon van der Walt

MAGIC OF THE MUMMY –

TALES OF ANCIENT EGYPT FOR AGES 5 - 12 YEARS

Possibly the most famous of all the Egyptian Myths, A story of Life, death, love and jealousy.
Explore the myths behind the artefact of Ancient Egypt.

Find out about OSIRIS, the first Pharaoh of Egypt and his evil brother Set, who plots to take over the kingdom of Egypt for himself.

RUNNING TIME 60 MINUTES

“It was lovely to see such a professional and challenging performance in our school,” - Dowanhill, Primary, Glasgow

“A super show” - Rawcliffe Primary

Music specially composed by J Simon ven der Walt and Margaret Smith

FINDERS KEEPERS - FOR AGES 3 - 7 YEARS

Quirky animal stories for younger children, ALSO VERY SUITABLE FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

Experience the creatures and sounds of the jungle. Meet the mischievous Monkey who loves bananas and finally applaud the wits and brains of Hare in his clash with Lion – King of the Jungle. . . .
Trickery, fun and table-top puppetry bring these wonderful stories to life.

RUNNING TIME 40 MINUTES

“The children absolutely loved it, they were mesmerised by the beautiful animal puppets” – Kirkland Nursery, Garstang

“A beautiful show” – Dubai International Children’s Festival

Director – Gill Robertson of ‘Catherine Wheels’ Theatre Company
Funding gratefully received from the Puppet Animation Festival Creative Rehearsal Fund
Music specially composed by Margaret Smith and J Simon van der Walt

GENERAL SHOW INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
We generally bring our own lighting and sound equipment and work it from the stage area. Some theatre spaces are unsuitable for this so we would require lighting to be provided that day.

MAGIC OF THE MUMMY/MYTHS OF THE VIKINGS/CALL OF THE LOON BIRD/PETER AND THE WOLF

shows require:

A playing/stage area 7m wide X 5m deep X 3m high
A blackout and a stage if possible.
Access to 3 13amp plug sockets in the playing area
Get – in 2 hours. Get- out 1 hour

FINDERS KEEPERS/RED RIDING HOOD’S MAGIC PURSE/3 BEARS shows require:

A playing area 5m wide X 4m deep X 3m high
Access to 3 13 amp plug sockets
A blackout if possible for the shadow theatre
Get-in 2 hours. Get out 1 hour.

All shows are designed and made by Stephen Smart and Leigh McCalister
Music composed by Margaret Smith and J Simon van der Walt
Photos by Bruce Pert

The puppeteers have individual £10million Public Liability insurance through EQUITY