PUPPET SHOWS THAT BRING TALES TO LIFE
Photos by James Richardson
THIS BEING A LISTE OF RATTLEBOX'S PUPPETRY THEATRE
COSTS
Rattlebox Theatre's puppets always cause a stir wherever they turn up - at fairs, castles, theme parks, historical events or even shopping centres!
Beautifully crafted and skilfully operated, they create a little magic and a lot of laughter wherever they appear.
Extra shows can be added in a day for an extra fee.
(a Rattlebox/Angelheart theatre co-production- for ages ideally 5 years to adult.)
Performed by David Oliver and James Richardson
The show is a mixture of fast paced acting and skilful puppetry using beautifully hand made puppets and props. We have used old ballads as well as more contemporary sources as inspiration to bring some of the legends of Robin Hood to life!
This fun show is designed to be performed indoors or out (weather permitting!) so it can be performed at fetes and fairs; historic venues etc as well as schools, village halls and museums. The show can be played as one continuous one hour show, or split into 2 shorter performances more suited to outdoor events.
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There are 2 main stories each 30 mins long (how Robin Hood met Tuck, Little John and Maid Marion as one story; and the famous Silver Arrow competition story as the second).
If desired, we can add an extra bonus 10 min piece onto the 1 hour version; of how Robin defeats Guy of Guisborne and tricks the Sheriff (of course!). We will normally play 3 x 30 mins sets in a day for fetes etc where shorter performances are preferable.
1 x 1 HOUR SHOW
£400
plus petrol cost
1 vehicle
3 x 30 MIN SHOWS
£440
plus petrol cost
1 vehicle
The performance area can squeeze into a space 4.5 metres wide by 5 metres deep if space is limited. Set up time - minimum of 1 hour. We have outdoor / indoor battery lighting on tripods if required.
The show can be packed down in approx. 30 mins.
SET UP
THE TALES OF ROBIN HOOD
Join England's Greatest Outlaw as he and his Merry Friends take on the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham! Be swept along in the adventure as dynamic puppetry and colourful acting bring these much - loved tales to life.
With comedy, derring - do and even interactive archery. The Tales of Robin Hood is a quiver - full of fun for both young and old alike.
Photo by James Richardson
Photo by James Richardson
BEOWULF
Steve co-founded medieval music band Misericordia with Anne Marie Summers in 1994, together winning the duet competition at St. Chartier festival 1999 in France, and joined Katy Marchant in Daughters of Elvin in 2001. He is well known for his inventive and rhythmic playing of the hurdy gurdy and has performed with such diverse artistes as English folk singer Jackie Oates, German industrial/electronic musician F.M.Einheit and South African puppeteer John Roberts; also performed or recorded with singer/harpist Hattie Webb, folk singer Jim Causley, Jon Swayne and Becky Price, The Wendigo, Angles and folk singer/guitarist Andy Clarke. He has played for theatrical productions at Shakespeare’s Globe, most recently for John Milton’s Comus in 2016 and The Secret Theatre in 2017, both in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. He is currently working on dark multitrack music mixing hurdy gurdies with dulcimer, reed organ and diverse instruments, inspired by patterns in nature, mathematics and the imagination. He also played music for the film about Robert the Bruce- Outlaw King in 2018. Although best known for his Hurdy Gurdy playing, Steve also plays a variety of other instruments for the Beowulf show- including gothic harp, Anglo saxon lyre and percussion creating an evocative and ancient sounding soundscape for the performance.
The show can fit into most classrooms with pupils / audience tending to be sitting on the floor / chairs up close to the performance space. As the puppets are 9 inches high (23cm) We normally suggest an audience limit of a max of 70 people per show. set up time approx. 40 mins. Pack down time approx. 25 mins. (not including Saxon tent if used)
We can offer two versions of the show, either a 45 min performance that portrays Beowulf’s struggle with Grendel and his mother; or a slightly longer show (1 Hour) which also includes Beowulfs later battle against a dragon.
The performance can be followed by a Question and Answer session (at no extra cost) which we have found are very popular.
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The show was primarily designed for schools, but has been also very successfully performed at a variety of venues; including History festivals, museums, historic properties and even someone’s living room! It can be performed indoors or out (weather permitting) with a saxon style tent backdrop option if the show is on fairly level grass.
Due to the nature of the story there are a few scenes of graphic puppet violence and peril-So NOT recommended for children under 7 years. (most over 7 years seem to relish the gory fights however!)
“A majestic feasting Hall-Heorot, sits proudly on a hill. Built on the orders of King Hrothgar of Denmark as a symbol of his power and wealth. By days its gilded roof dazzles; by night its rafters ring with laughter and song. All wonder at and praise its splendour.
Save one…
In the wild mist - wreathed marshes, lurks a monster - GRENDEL. Full of envy and hate; he would tear down Hall Heorot’s doors and devour all those within! It is only the famed warrior BEOWULF who might stand any chance against this creature’s great strength; and reclaim the Hall for Denmark’s king.”
Beowulf was amazing. I caught myself, when it finished, realizing how small the stage was, because I had completely forgotten that it was a puppet show. The medium totally vanished into the story. Brilliant. :)
-Brett Thorn (Bucks County Museum)
Favourite Bits: Epic storytelling & great atmosphere created by the live music – engrossing
Feedback from
Beverley puppet festival
Favourite Bits: Storytelling atmosphere. Puppets, music, all fabulous, I loved it
Feedback from
Beverley puppet festival
Favourite Bits: all of it! Wonderful range of traditional crafts and skills brought together to retell a great story
Feedback from
Beverley puppet festival
Rattlebox Theatre presents part of the famous Anglo-Saxon epic ‘BEOWULF’ in this small but perfectly formed adaption! This show employs engaging storytelling combined with clever puppetry; using many beautifully made puppets, sets and props.
The performance retains the spirit of the original story, whilst making it accessible to both adults and children alike (ages 6 years and up). The show is designed to be performed several times at an event/venue or to complement my dark age “weapons and warfare” workshop or storytelling performances.
The show is best performed with the audience up close; and can fit in a relatively small space. The puppet set / performing table being approx. 1 metre wide by 1.5 metres high by 1 metre deep. (With room needed for a trestle behind the table) This makes it suitable for some smaller venues as well as larger ones! (Ideal for classrooms too)
This show can be performed outdoors (weather permitting!) and requires no electrical supply; so lends itself perfectly to historical events, historic properties, country fairs etc. I can provide the option of a Saxon tent that has a front opening awning (and is furnished with a variety of fur rugs). This can act as a visually appealing backdrop to the show.
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The performance is accompanied with the magical sounds of live music; played by Steve Tyler (see biography below) on an array of medieval and traditional instruments.
BEOWULF PERFORMANCES (x2)
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£400
plus petrol cost
1 car
SAXON TENT
HIRE
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£25
These are my standard rates-but I will sometimes give discounts for multiple bookings. Performances done in very distant parts may require an increased fee (due to several days travel and/or accommodation costs etc) – But I will always try to be fair and find the best rate to help your costs.
COSTS
Dave Oliver, professional storyteller and puppet master, casts a spell over his audience, drawing in early medieval enthusiasts and those unfamiliar alike. He skillfully uses voice, puppet and prop in a seamless telling of the ancient tale. My daughter, who is as unimpressed with swords and sorcery as it is humanly possible to be, was as awestruck as I by this presentation.
Adding to the atmosphere, musician Paul Whittal provides accompaniment on two different types of bagpipes (Borders and French), at least two horns, harp, drum, singing bowl, cymbals and other instruments.
In all, a gripping retelling of Beowulf in painstakingly created miniature. Recommended for everyone - kids, adults, Beowulf experts and Beowulf ignorant.
Andy Ternay -
Ancient European sword forum
If you would like to download flyers and posters for your events please click here
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The beautifully detailed puppets and props are mostly based on early Anglo - Saxon costume, art and artifacts.
Photo Credits: Roy Smallpage & Jack Oliver
STEVE TYLER
BEOWULF TRAILER
Three 30min performances throughout the day. Each one telling a different Tale of the Sea, and top-and-tailed by some shanty singing. The show is a mix of puppetry, storytelling and us acting out various colourful characters. It is very family orientated with something for everyone and even an opportunity for a dad to go head-to-head with Blackbeard !
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SAM O'SHANTY
SAM O’SHANTY has lived his whole life at sea ever since he first stowed away on board ship when he were just a wee scrap o’ a boy. Since then he has sailed all the Seven Seas, from Devonport to Durban Bay, from Nantucket to New Guinea, from Cape Wrath to the Cape of Good Hope. But now Sam has come ashore with his two shipmates, Davy Lad & Sonny Jim and together they’ve got all manner of Marvellous Stories to share with you. There be tales of batty Sea Witches & Beguiling Mermaids, the dramatic account of BLACKBEARD’s demise, as well as tangled yarns of Lucky Escapes, hidden treasure & STRANGE FISH of the deep. SAM O’SHANTY is a nautically comic show for all the family crammed with Fact, Farce & Fantasy, in which storytelling, PUPPETRY & the Singing of Shanties will entertain, enthral & delight… HUZZAR!
Hilarious comic business, beautifully crafted puppets, costumes and sets. This was fabulous fun, wholly engaging from start to finish. The whole audience, young and old alike, audibly enjoyed every moment.
Older audience member
Brilliant! We loved it when dad had to fight Blackbeard!
Young audience member
