Music by Long Green Jaws Produced by Róisín O'Brien ★★★★ If you’ve grown up on the coast, you’ll understand Into The Long Green Jaws within moments. And it isn’t even the tinkling metal fish, or the re-purposed razor clams, nor even the nautical paraphernalia and more obvious elements: it’s the tangibility of the sound.Long Green Jaws, a performance … Continue reading Into the Long Green Jaws – Fruitmarket
The Manipulate Festival, Edinburgh's international festival of animation film, puppetry, and visual theatre returns for its ambitious 16th season. This year's festival will run from February 2nd - 12th across multiple physical and online venues in and around Edinburgh. In two weeks’ time, Edinburgh will host the return of one of the most extensive international … Continue reading Have a Gander – Manipulate 2023
https://youtu.be/UxxnL26CGpY Written by Ross Mackay Directed by Jordan Blackwood ★★★★★ Rifling through the pages of a well-loved story: there’s nothing better, is there? Seeking fortunes, solving mysteries, standing toe-to-toe with Dark Lords, and saving distant lands – the storybook is a gateway of limitless potential, and for some, it’s a lifeline, a friend. And where … Continue reading Treasure Island – The Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld
Written by Derek Bond Directed by Derek Bond and Laura Cubitt ★★★★ Hear ye, hear ye, all brave knights and heroes assemble for the finest adventure of their lives! Come face to face with some of folklore's most magnificently majestic monsters and spectacular beasts to grace the earth with their presence. Join Dave (Ben Galpin) … Continue reading Dragons and Mythical Beasts – Underbelly
Directed by Peter Balkwill, Pityu Kenderes, Judd Palmer ★★★★ Yes. The title tells you everything you need to know. A series of vignettes, complete with traditional ramped Punch and Judy structure, Famous Puppet Death Scenes grasps a tight hold of the jugular and refuses to relinquish its grasp until the closing moments. Nothing is sacred … Continue reading Famous Puppet Deaths – Assembly Roxy
Written by Jean Giono Created and Adapted by Richard Medrington and Rick Conte ★★★★★ Trees provide more than fresh air and gorgeous views. Their shade cools the land, their leaves fertilise the soil, and their mighty trunks the homes of various creatures; their value is indisputable, yet their presence is overlooked. There is no question, … Continue reading The Man Who Planted Trees – Scottish Storytelling Centre
https://youtu.be/EZFrGKkWsdI Music & Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi Direction, Costume Design & Mask/Puppetry Co-Design by Julie Taymor ★★★★★ Despite the juggernaut of success with which we are familiar, the cinematic and stage variations of Disney’s The Lion King were nothing if not tremendous gambles. And now, with records … Continue reading The Lion King – Edinburgh Playhouse
Written & Directed by Katharine Armitage ★★★ Everyone has a dream. Some might not yet see it, others may refuse to share it, but deep down, there exists the capacity for something tremendously special within us all. So, grab your fluffiest pillow and stuff it inside your adventure pack. Best bring something bright to ward … Continue reading Sleeping Beauty? – TeaBreak Theatre
Shadowbird (★★★★) Shadowbird starts as a quaint production but grows into something so much more. A fisherman, sculpted wonderfully by Mary and David Grieve, begins his story in the way all good stories are told... as he finishes off a pint. Soon, we're thrown into a world of epic adventure and charming design. The frame through which performers convey … Continue reading Manipulate Festival Part 2 – Summerhall
Transfigured (★★★★★) Transfigured by Oceanallover begins with a cautionary note: involvement from the audience is key to the event. This involvement simultaneously fails to extend beyond mere pleasantries and idle chatter, and is crucial to the outcome of the show. An audience member is asked to pick a card, and when they do so, one of thirteen performers … Continue reading Manipulate Festival 2020 Part 1 – Summerhall
