Theatre & Events
SEE WHAT'S ON!
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SEE WHAT'S ON! •
You can experience our shows in two ways: see us at a venue near you (more details below) or we can come to you! We arrange events at schools, libraries, museums, story centres and more. Whatever the venue, we have a show or event to suit it.
Just get in touch to find out more!
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure
About the show
Step into the world of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, where nothing is quite what it seems and a really big adventure is about to begin.
Sir Charlie is bold, brave and brilliantly clever. He loves daring quests filled with wily witches, terrible beasties and fire-breathing dragons. And yes, he has a cat called Envelope!
But who is this pint-sized hero and where did his story come from?
Find out in this fully interactive, inventive, and fast-paced family show that brings Sir Charlie’s tale to life while revealing the story behind it. Celebrating the power of children’s imagination and the importance of play, young audiences are invited to become storytellers themselves, helping a troupe of travelling players build a wild adventure. Together, they turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, transform the stage, and journey into mystical realms.
Based on the best-selling picture book by Kristina Stephenson, and created to mark the 20th anniversary of this much-loved, modern-day classic, the show features LIVE music, glorious puppets, interactive storytelling, magical props and more laughs than you can waft away with a stinky sock.
Watch a trailer for the show.
Approximate length:
1 hour
Age: Most suited to 3- 10 years but all ages welcome
“Sir Charlie is gorgeous. I could eat him with a spoon”
Workshops
We can provide additional activities and workshops to theatres, schools and youth groups. These fun-filled sessions aim to inspire creativity and encourage story making through drama, puppetry, craft and music.
Where do Stories come from, where do Stories go?
An interactive talk and drama session in which children will hear about how a story comes to be, from the spark of inspiration that starts an idea to how it can develop into a book. Using costumes, props and music, best-selling author/illustrator Kristina Stephenson will take the children on an empowering journey of self-discovery in which they will learn how the very best ideas for stories come from children themselves and how all children can be authors, story makers and storytellers. Because they probably already are.
Most suited to Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Duration: 60 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A session
Telling a Tale with a Puppet
A fully hands on creative session in which children will learn how to make and perform their own puppets, using reclaimed and recycled materials. Starting with a brief introduction to the different types of puppets and seeing how an ordinary household object can become a character, the children will then learn how to design and build their own fully operational puppets. A brilliant way to develop a character and begin to create a story through play and creativity.
Most suited to Key Stage 2
Duration 80 minutes – 120 minutes with a break.
A Paper Bag Puppet Adventure
A storytelling and puppet making session with music for younger children, during which they will take part in an interactive story reading before going on to make their own puppet character using a paper bag, some coloured paper, a few craft materials and lots of imagination. This is a brilliant way for younger children to learn about character development, storytelling and craft.
Most suited to Key Stage 1
Duration: 60 minutes
“The jolly knight with the trademark dashing socks”
The Museum of Marvellous Things
About the show
Welcome to the Museum of Marvellous Things, where the impossible can happen!
Make stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages, and marvel at the many wonders on display inside this amazing place. Because this is a museum like no other. It’s made from the magic of your imagination – and you get to bring it alive!
Meet characters Norbert Norris and Tilly T Pott as they give you a sneak peek inside their extraordinary museum. Find out how to fill the special magic measuring machine with the power of your imagination! And make your own puppet during the show.
With puppets, songs, movement, live music and craft, this is an interactive fun-filled family event based on the latest picture book by Kristina Stephenson. It’s all about empowering children with the belief that when it comes to imagination, anything is possible. Expect colourful, highly theatrical, hands-on fun!
This show has original music and songs which can be performed with our live band or with a pre-recorded soundtrack.
Approximate length:
45 minutes to 1 hour
Age: 3+
We want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible during the show, so we have put together this guide to let you know what to expect.
Click on the guide above to read now or download it for later
“I loved the show - so original, beautifully designed, constructed, amazing storytelling and music. What a delight.”
Workshops
Our Museum of Marvellous Things workshops provide the perfect combination of storytelling and art and craft combined with fantasy and imagination. Children can enjoy designing their own magical Muffle-Wumper backpack, creating a puppet, or making their own museum exhibits with our popular jam jar monsters.
We can even provide you with a flat packed, portable pop-up ‘Museum of Marvellous Things’ stand, on which children can display their creations.
Alongside our own craft activities, we can bring along one of our creative collaborators to ignite imaginations with 3D model making, puppetry or dance workshops.
Create your own jam jar monster!
Why not watch this video to see how we make our scary jam jar monsters!
Listen to some music from the show
Why Are There So Many Books About Bears?
About the show
The greatest minds in the animal kingdom have gathered for a very important debate. Between them, they are attempting to answer The Impossible Question: why are there so many books about bears?!
But someone keeps knockety-knocking on the door, offering tea and cakes and interrupting their train of thought! Could the answer they’re looking for be right outside the door?
Based on the hilarious picture book by Kristina Stephenson, join us for a theatrical event full of puppetry, dressing up, props and audience participation, to find out why there are so many books about bears. The show subtly introduces young children to the concept of debating, as a hilarious gallery of animals (based on some legendary great minds such as William Snakespeare and Albert Swinestein) hotly debate the question of why bears feature in so many books!
The show features many familiar classic bear books - from Winnie the Pooh to Paddington. But it also introduces lots of new bear stories by some brilliant contemporary picture book makers, who may also make a guest appearance in the show with a draw-along, reading or interactive activity.
The show has original music and songs, which can be performed with our live band or with a pre-recorded soundtrack.
Approximate length:
45 minutes to 1 hour
Age: 4-7
“A truly wonderful piece of theatre for young and old and for anyone who has ever loved a teddy bear! Kristina Stephenson is great company and shares her latest book with great enthusiasm, warmth and laughter. With songs and dressing up we all had a super time.
We were left asking what her next book will be about.”
Watch a clip from the show
Sing along with Kristina!
A Christmas Carol
About the show
A retelling of the classic and beloved tale about Ebenezer Scrooge, in the form of a pop-up projection project for empty shops, public buildings or retail spaces. With a narrator, two actors, a beautiful original music score, and using a combination of shadow puppets and back projection.
Schools, youth groups, community centres and arts hubs can get involved by requesting a visit from us prior to the event. We can offer craft sessions during which children of all ages will be shown how to make puppets and props that they can then bring along to be part of the performance. We can also offer music and drama sessions to accompany this project, should local youth theatre and music groups wish to become part of it.
Approximate Length:
Repeated running performances of 15 minutes every hour
Age: Families
“Kristina speaks directly to her young readers and audiences because she understands that exciting point where books, theatre and music can intersect, and that creative approach to her events connects in a precise and perfect way with children of all ages and their families.”
Watch a clip of the show
Listen to some music from the show
Coming soon
Perfect Harmony
Our next interactive musical show, currently in development, stars three singing fish.
It’s a story all about diversity, inclusivity and understanding that we are stronger, together. There will be dressing up and puppets. But the show will focus primarily on music, rhythm-making and telling stories through song.
There will be plenty of audience participation with the children in the audience devising much of the score themselves, as the tale of three fabulous fish, Maureen Titchy Fish and Ada unfolds.
Listen to a song from the show