Teeny Tiny Toon
A celebration of Newcastle and its people, told through puppetry, film and storytelling.
toon
Geordie: 'town', specifically Newcastle
Teeny Tiny Toon is a celebration of Newcastle and its people, told through puppetry, film and storytelling. Since 2021, 700 local residents aged 1-85+ have taken part. The ongoing project brings together the rich tapestry of stories, puppets and postcards shared and created in workshops, culminating in community films, exhibitions, and celebration events across the city.
To date we have run two editions of Teeny Tiny Toon.
-
The pilot in 2021-2022 was focused in Benwell & Scotswood, with 188 residents taking part.
-
The second edition in 2025-2026 spanned the whole of the Inner West of Newcastle. 516 residents took part and 19 community groups, care homes and schools got involved.
We are currently seeking funding support and community partnerships to bring Teeny Tiny Toon to the East and North of Newcastle in 2027-2029.
Questions about the project or want to find out more? Get in touch with our Engagement Lead Molly on movingpartsengage@gmail.com
"an afternoon of joy which was really lovely to see and experience."
– Teeny Tiny Toon workshop participant 2021
What does taking part in Teeny Tiny Toon look like?
Each person who takes part in the project attends two workshops, which offer the following activities:
-
Exploring resident's own stories of living in Newcastle, using specially illustrated postcards that feature scenes of local landmarks. The postcards act as prompts for people to share their memories of living in their neighbourhood, what they like about living there, and ideas for change in the area.
-
Designing and making a puppet - sometimes these puppets are autobiographical, sometimes they are fantastical creatures - there is freedom of choice in what puppet is created.
-
Devising a short puppet performance to share the stories explored in the workshops.
-
Filming those performances so they can be included in a community film, which is then shared at exhibitions and celebration events. Everyone who has taken part in an edition of Teeny Tiny Toon is invited to the celebration events at the end of the project.
"BEST FUN EVER! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT."
– Teeny Tiny Toon workshop participant 2026
CELEBRATION EVENTS & Community Exhibition
Following the workshops, we invite everyone who has taken part in Teeny Tiny Toon to attend Celebration Events in community venues.
The Celebration Events include the opportunity to watch the finished Teeny Tiny Toon films, view the Community Exhibition, take part in more puppet making, leave feedback, and (most importantly) eat pizza and popcorn together!
Finally, the Community Exhibition then goes on a tour around areas of the city, including to central locations such as the Civic Centre, to share resident's stories and creations with wider audiences.
"This is wonderful! I laughed and cried reading the postcards. It is clear how important the parks are to young and old. It looks like the project has been a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing this."
– Exhibition visitor feedback 2022
Commission
In 2022 we commissioned Judith Hope Puppet Maker to create a working box theatre featuring a city scape of Newcastle and some puppet residents who live in this Teeny Tiny Toon world. We then turned this into a short film, featuring resident stories and voice recordings. You can watch the results below.
Puppet theatre commission created by Judith Hope Puppet Maker
Animations and edit by Chloe Rodham
Sound design by Chloe Rodham
Filmed by Kraken Cinematic
Puppeteers: Calum Bruce and Chloe Rodham
Directed by Kerrin Tatwood
Teeny Tiny Toon artist commission by Judith Hope Puppet Maker
A huge thank you to our funders for making Teeny Tiny Toon possible!
2025 - 2026 funders:
2021 - 2022 funders:
