
The Emperor and the Nightingale
Summer Puppet Show A traditional marionette performance, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.
Upfront Gallery, Puppet Theatre, Music Venue and Vegetarian Restaurant are located near Penrith, Cumbria. Based in a rural setting the venue is located in beautifully converted 17th century farm buildings and a purpose built 128 seat theatre.
The venue was the winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award from Cumbria Tourist board in 2018. In 2019 it was awarded “The Readers Choice” Cultural Award from Cumbria Life Magazine.
The buildings house Upfront Puppet Theatre and the workshops of artist, John Parkinson.
John and Elaine are the owners and co founders of Upfront Gallery.
Upfront Arts Charity was founded by the couple to support the work of the onsite Puppet Theatre
The gallery presents a changing program of exhibitions throughout the year. In January February and March the “Upfront Open Exhibition”. This is a selected exhibition by a panel of judges and entries are welcome from artists from Cumbria and beyond
A self catering holiday cottage and two unique “eco” lodges are available on site to hire for holidays.
An interactive Google map, of terrain and roads can be found in our contact page on this site
Parking is possible directly outside the main entrance door of the gallery and level smooth access is available to all the main downstairs areas of the building.
There is an easy access entrance for wheelchair users to the building, plus easy access toilet and baby changing facilities.
The downstairs area, including the, coffee shop and gift shop is all on one level. The theatre has a level entrance, with raked seating and spaces at the front for wheelchairs. A lift is installed which gives access to the first floor and large gallery spaces of the new theatre building as well as to the upstairs gallery spaces located in the barn.
As all food is cooked on the premises we can help any visitor with specific dietary requirements,for example, gluten free food please ask and we will be very happy to help.
Summer Puppet Show A traditional marionette performance, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.
Paintings & Sculpture Hannah’s paintings are full of colour, life & magic. She wants people
The South African roots of Cape Town born pianist/composer Philip Clouts have inspired a voyage
A Group Exhibition of Paintings, Prints & Mixed Media by Susan Dobson, Christina Mingard, Kate
N’famady Kouyaté is a young energetic master musician from Guinea (Conakry), who relocated to Cardiff
Hand Shadow Artist – Drew Colby Suitable for Adult & 12 years+ What is this
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4.30pm
Winter Closing:
December 25th, 26th, 27th, January 1st – 31st
© 2023Upfront Gallery and Arts Venue