Puppets take over Stone on Saturday 29th June! Join the festive parade at 10am, then enjoy a day of free shows and hands-on fun. Meet Muffin the Mule, cheer for Pinocchio, and even star in your own puppet adventure. Don’t miss this magical Jamboree!
On Saturday 29th June the Puppet Tree Jamboree will begin at 10am with the Stone Scout & Guide Band leading a small walking Parade. The parade starts in the Market Square, travelling along the full length of the High Street and back again when the Stone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jason Metters, will formally open the event. – That’s if he doesn’t get eaten by a crocodile from the Punch & Judy Show!
The programme of shows continue throughout the day until around 3pm with a performance of “Puppets Got Talent” by the BuzzKing Marionettes and will conclude with a Finale by the Sanctuary Studio Dancers at approximately 3.30pm.
All shows and activities are completely free of charge. Free copies of the 8-page programme are available from Autocare (behind the library) and will also be available on the day.
Please note: In the event of poor weather, heavy rain or strong winds, the shows will take place in St Michael’s Community Hall, Lichfield Street, Stone. ST15 8BB – Let’s all pray to the weather gods!
We have a feast of “fun with puppets”, and there’ll be opportunities to have a go at working some puppets yourself too and even take part in one of the shows. The best thing about it, of course, is that it’s ALL FREE!
Now, we couldn’t arrange a day full of puppet fun without Pinocchio, could we? – Clive Chandler from Birmingham will present his show, based on the classic story about little Pinocchio who struggles to do the right thing – and oh dear, the mayhem that ensues!
Who is old enough to remember Muffin the Mule? He was one of the first puppets to ever appear on television many years ago. Well, he’s still alive and kicking, and you’ll be able to meet him and have your photo taken with him, too, if you want. Muffin and his friends put on a wonderful show so you can be sure of lots of fun and laughter.
Since March, the St Dominic’s Primary School Puppet Club in Stone have been having a great time rehearsing and creating a show that’s nothing short of magical.
One pupil said: “I enjoy going to Puppet Club. This is my second year going and it is so much fun!” – Isla-Joy (pupil)
Stephanie Yahya, teacher who is co-directing the show with Puppeteer David Leech, said:
“Through our after-school Puppet Club here at St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School, the children are diving into a world of imagination and creativity.
The children have loved the chance to explore something different and showcase their talents. Working with David, we are igniting a spark of community engagement where the children come together to perform to a large audience, boosting their confidence and artistic skills.”
Using a cast of Pelham Puppets, they tell a riveting tale about a band of dastardly Pirates, who sail into “Stoneville” along the canal to kidnap the Princess and her Poodle. Will the handsome Prince, who has been turned into a Frog by a wicked witch, succeed in his mission to rescue her from the Pirates?
You’ll have to come along to find out.
So, make you way along to Stone Market Square on Saturday and just for one day, enter the magical world of “having fun with puppets!” You can even bring the children!
The Puppet Tree Jamboree is funded by Stone Town Council and Stafford District Arts Council.
Regular updates and further details can be found by following or ‘liking’ The Staffordshire Puppet Tree Facebook page or visiting the website: www.thepuppettree.org
