Ascension by SITIO Compagnie
The 5th edition of Newcastle Puppetry Festival ran 30th March - 7th April 2024. Spanning 9 days at indoor and outdoor venues across the city, the 2024 programme presented shows, workshops, talks and films for adults, kids, teens and families. The festival included 2 weeks of community workshops resulting in the City of Kittiwakes parade on Northumberland Street, and for the first time, Puppetry on the Green at Great North Museum: Hancock. Shows at Northern Stage included 'Ascension' by SITIO Compagnie - a UK premiere.
“I’ve loved every second of being here. The team are so lovely, and the whole experience has made me feel incredibly inspired. Thank you so much. We’d come every week if we could.”
– Parade Participant, 2024
2024 Festival Gallery
Take a look at the 2024 brochure
Artists
A Bird in the Hand Theatre, Alice Rowbottom, Alison Duddle, Alison McGowan / PuppetShip CIC, Animus Puppetry, Bambi BangBang, Beanpig Puppets, Bell & Bullock Circus Theatre, Chloe Rodham, Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre, Creature Encounters, Dragon Song Productions, Drew Colby, Garlic Theatre, Georgia Hill, Glitzy Facepainting, Gemma Bond, Goofus Theatre, Half a String, Hijinx Theatre, Hugo Docking / Spare Flesh, Invisible Thread Theatre of Animation, Jayne Dent, Jesse Ward Bubbleologist, Jo Feijó, Jose Navarro, Judith Hope Puppet Maker, Lachlan Werner, Laura Bacon, Life & Limb Puppets, Lempen Puppet Theatre, Lori Hopkins, Noisy Oyster, Paul Dewhust Magician, Rattlebox Theatre, Raven Kaliana, Rob Kirtley, Rosie Bristow, Sarah Vigars, Scarlet Oak Theatre, Seb Mayer, SITIO Compagnie, Strangeface Theatre Company, 'T Magische Theaterje, Tehe Flying Buttresses, The Magic Lantern, The Moss Troopers, The Object Project, The Paper Cinema, Tim Davies Design, Zannie Fraser
Funders
Made possible through funding from Arts Council England, North of Tyne Combined Authority, Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, National Lottery Community Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The People's Postcode Lottery, The Barbour Trust, Malings Community Fund.
Partners and Venues
Northern Stage, Great North Museum: Hancock, Ouseburn Farm, The Cluny, Seven Stories National Centre for Children's Books, Breeze Creatives / The John Marley Centre, Newcastle University, Von Fox Promotions, StageText, The Traditional Marquee Company, Illumination Theatre Services, Life & Limb Puppets.
CITY OF KITTIWAKES Parade
Concept / Direction: Kerrin Tatwood
Engagement Lead: Vicky Tate
Producers: Kerrin Tatwood, Becky Pereira, JonJoe Clennell
Production Manager: Louise Gregory
Heritage Lead: David Silk
Folksong Lead & Composer: Jayne Dent
Lead Artists: Alison Duddle, Chloe Rodham, Jo Feijó, Judith Hope, Rosie Bristow, Will Steele
Assistant Artists: Bronwyn Riani, Ellie Phillips, Mark Rogerson
Visual Evaluator and Illustrator: Becky Musgrove
Videography / Photography: Von Fox Promotions
Community groups/partners included:
Arcadea Disability Arts, Children North East, Elders Council, Friends Action North East, Healthworks, Herb Hub UK, Learning for Life, Leamington Scouts, Newcastle Circus Arts, Newcastle College, Percey Hedley, The Bangshees, The Story Tellers Street Band, West End Refugee Service. And a HUGE thank you to all of the individual participants and community groups who made the project possible!
Click for more on City of Kittiwakes Parade
Click for more on 2024 artist film commissions and watch videos
Click for more on 2024 Meet the Puppeteer series talks and watch videos
A huge thank you to our funders and partners for making the 2024 festival possible!
