4th August 2026 @ 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
The museum houses puppets from around the world and illustrates the various types
of puppets and the cultures that they relate to. John Parkinson, who is joint
founder of Upfront Arts, launched the project of a puppet theatre over twenty years
ago. The original 80 seat theatre became a 128 seat Arts Venue, with space built
to house a puppet museum in the future.
The museum includes rod, string, shadow and glove puppets and
interactives that allow visitors to try out the various types of puppets.
There are some complimentary tickets remaining for the opening which can be booked via
the link below. John will talk a little about the inspiration and journey to make the
museum, followed by Linda Frazer,who will open a room
dedicated to a collection of marionettes made by her father, Stan Parker, of Carlisle.
Joan Pricket will speak about her exhibition of paintings “Puppets & Puppeteers”, created from her time as artist- in -residence with Upfront Puppet Theatre.
Finally, Upfront Puppet Theatre’s newest visitor, Hacker the Dog, from BBC Blue Peter and CBeebies will make the opening speech and cut the ribbon.
You can then can walk round the exhibitions, learn about
puppetry from around the world and test the interactive displays. Hacker will be
available for selfies and chatting.
Light refreshments will be provided.
At 1:30 there will be a performance of Punch & Judy by professor Clive Chandler. Donations to the charity would be welcome.
Click the link to book up to 4 complimentary tickets:
https://www.ticketsource.com/upfrontartslimited/t-zoprakj