The Puppets and Pastries events for over-65s are run by the Strangeface Theatre Company, and the first one was held at Age UK in Wood Street, Tunbridge Wells on January 25.
Russell Dean and Doug Rutter from Strangeface started the session by performing their hit show Beached, a ten-minute table-top puppetry tale about Arthur, who goes for a walk and finds that it quickly turns into a deep-sea adventure.
In keeping with the aquatic theme, guests tried their hand at making prawn puppets while enjoying cakes and scones.
Jo Marks, of Age UK Tunbridge Wells, commented: “It was a roaring success. Everyone agreed there was no finer way to spend a cold, wet Saturday afternoon, and the whole group had a real laugh while they worked.
“The feeling of pride when everyone produced a puppet identical to the one that was made earlier was immense. The workshop did everything it said on the tin – it got people together in a sociable group while learning something new.”
Linda Lewis, Creative Director of the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, added: “We were delighted with the first Puppets and Pastries get-together. This was really sophisticated puppet-making, where everyone got stuck in, had fun and created some excellent puppets, and everyone took home their own creation. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon, helped along by delicious home-made cakes and a cuppa.”
Funders and supporters of the project include the Pargiter Trust, Kent Community Foundation and Age UK Tunbridge Wells.
There will be four Puppets and Pastries sessions in March and April, with the last one featuring a performance of the guests’ puppets. They will run from 2-5pm on Saturdays on March 7 and 28, and April 4 and 18.
To reserve a space, call 07785 904118, or email: daisy@twpuppetryfestival.org
