Saurus by Close Act Theatre (Image: Bert Holtmann)
When: 13th – 15th July 2018
Where: At various venues in Beverley (Beverley Friary & Gardens, Flemingate Centre, East Riding Theatre, Masonic Hall, Toll Gavel Church and in the town centre streets), East Riding of Yorkshire
£: Ticket prices vary, depending on the event (booking in advance is recommended). Some events are free
What is it?
The 8th Beverley Puppet Festival gets underway this weekend, with shows for families and adults, interactive shows, workshops, activities, and food and drink.
The award-winning event will take place over three nights and two days from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th July, attracting visitors from across the UK and overseas. Billed as the largest festival of British puppetry, this year’s event will also be celebrating its European friends, with three shows from the Netherlands and one from Hungary.
The 2018 event will see a new Scratch Tent popping up at the Festival Hub, showcasing fresh talent and new shows. This year’s festival has also expanded its programme of free outdoor street theatre, and will include more acts at the Flemingate Centre, the gardens opposite East Riding Theatre and in Beverley’s main shopping areas.
The Meadow Sprites by Curious Cargo
One of the outdoor highlights will be Saurus: Giant Beasts from Historic Times by Dutch performers Close-Act Theatre, which visitors will be able to watch as they roam around local streets.
Other outdoor highlights will include The Tiniest Cellist (and his giant twin), Professor Ambrose Merryweather wandering around in his Victorian bath chair, a medieval alchemist and some mischievous rats, cheeky Meadow Sprites, Dolly the Giraffe and silly stuntman Dangerous Dave.
Adults can watch shows featuring a sinister ice cream man in Seaside Terror, and a strongman and knife thrower in Freaky Sequin Puppet Cabaret. Family friendly shows will include The Enormous Turnip, The Adventures of Curious Ganz, Cardboard Carnival and A Necklace of Raindrops.
More info: www.beverleypuppetfestival.com