Rough Magic Theatre

21/03/2026

Today (21st March) is World Puppetry Day

I’ve written a new blog post about why puppetry matters — and what it can do that other artforms can’t.

From transformation and visual storytelling to giving people confidence and a voice, puppetry is a surprisingly powerful medium (and one that’s far more accessible than people often think).

If you’ve ever wondered what puppetry is for, or why it’s still relevant today, you might enjoy this.

(Top image: The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe, Middle Image: World Puppetry Day Image courtesy of UNIMA, Bottom Image: Rough Magic Theatre shadow puppetry school workshop)

Read more here:
https://puppetlady.blog/2026/03/21/what-puppetry-can-do-that-nothing-else-can/

09/02/2026

Why do creativity and the arts matter in education?

I’ve written a new blog post reflecting on this — drawing on my own background in arts education and my work in schools with puppetry, shadow theatre and visual storytelling.

For me, the arts aren’t an “extra”. They’re a vital part of how children build confidence, curiosity, and a real connection to learning.

If you’re a teacher, school, or just someone who cares about creativity in education, I hope this resonates.

👉 You can read the full post here: https://wp.me/p1p80v-15k

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

25/01/2026

Revisiting early work is always revealing.

While tidying my workspace, I came across some shadow puppets from our very first Rough Magic Theatre show, The Tempest. Looking at them now, it’s fascinating to see how materials, jointing and technique shape what an audience ultimately experiences.

This short video shows the puppets behind the scenes, followed by the shadows in action — a reminder of how much transformation happens once light and movement are introduced.

I’ve written a short blog reflecting on this process and what I’ve learned along the way. You can read it here:
👉 https://wp.me/p1p80v-14Z

18/01/2026

🎭 Rough Magic Theatre have been performing and running workshops in schools, libraries, museums and other educational settings for over 25 years now and I have been recording my experiences as a puppet theatre professional in my "Puppet Lady" blog since 2011. The blog now has a back-catalogue of over 200 posts featuring a variety of topics.

✍️ I have collected together a select number of posts from over the years that I think will be of interest to those working in educational settings, which can now be accessed easily from a new "For Schools" page.

📖 Have fun exploring these posts and do get in touch if you'd like to have a chat about how we can provide entertainment and learning opportunities to fit your Science, Design and Technology, Literacy and other curriculum topics.

Enjoy!

This section brings together blog posts about school performances, workshops, curriculum-linked puppetry and reflections on working in education settings. Fairytales Shadow Puppets take shape More …

09/01/2026

Like many creatives, I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome.

I’ve written a short year-in-review blog as a way of pausing, taking stock, and reminding myself that progress doesn’t always look shiny or finished.

If you fancy a gentle read — or a reminder that you’re doing better than you think — the blog is here 👇

https://puppetlady.blog/2026/01/09/happy-new-year-2025-in-review/

31/12/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DShXj4-CDSH/

🎄While we're still in the 12 days of Christmas, why not enjoy some festive themed Faboo News episodes at www.faboonews.com

🌟Faboo News is full of fun, facts and educational content get in touch to find out about Faboo News Live and school visits

12/12/2025

🎭 NEW BLOG POST — WITH DEMO VIDEOS! 🎭

I’ve posted a follow-up to last week’s marionette practice blog, and this time I’m sharing three short demonstration videos showing how I’m developing my skills using an upright control with my practice marionette.

It’s all part of the process of improving my technique — very much like learning a musical instrument, a little every day makes a big difference!

The blog also includes a small update about the wooden vintage Pinocchio puppet I’ll be refurbishing in the New Year, once the Christmas rush has settled.

If you’re curious about puppetry, movement, craft, or the work that goes into developing a performance skill, you might enjoy this one.

👉 Read (and watch!) the full post here: (https://wp.me/p1p80v-14c)

05/12/2025

🎭 NEW BLOG POST! 🎭

I’ve just shared a behind-the-scenes look at my latest puppetry practice project — building my own marionette (using my children’s toys!) and even making a simple homemade control out of scrap wood and wire.

This all follows on from the marionette masterclass I attended recently, where we were told that improving your technique is a lot like learning a musical instrument: you get better by practising every day with your own puppet.

In the blog, I share:
✨ Why I built a practice marionette
🔧 How I improvised materials
🎎 The homemade control I built
📸 Plenty of process photos
💭 What I’ve learned so far
…plus a little teaser of the vintage Pinocchio puppet I’ll be restoring next!

If you’re curious about puppetry, teaching, creativity, or making things from whatever you have around you — you might enjoy this one.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://puppetlady.blog/2025/12/05/making-a-practice-marionette-from-knex-rough-magic-theatre/

04/12/2025

🎭 NEW SHOW ALERT! 🎭

Introducing Fairytales of Wit, Wisdom & Witchcraft — a 30-minute shadow-puppet adventure perfect for Reception to Year 3, as well as schools, libraries, studio theatres, small venues, rural touring and family events.

Featuring beloved classics brought to life through handcrafted puppets, atmospheric light, and lively storytelling:

* Little Red Riding Hood
* The Three Billy Goats Gruff
* The Enormous Turnip

We tour Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the North of England.
✨ Enquire now to bring this magical experience to your venue or event.

27/11/2025

Shadow puppetry may appear contemporary on today’s stages, but its roots reach back over 2,000 years, with many tracing its earliest origins to China.
What I love about this art form is how it holds both deep tradition and ongoing innovation: some practitioners continue to work with time-honoured materials and methods, while others explore new possibilities with LEDs, multiple light sources, scale play, and experimental technique.
Every performance becomes part of this wide, living heritage — an ancient craft that continues to surprise.

Interested in bringing a shadow puppetry performance or workshop to your school, venue, or community? I’d love to hear from you.

26/11/2025

✨ Welcome to Rough Magic Theatre! ✨
With over 25 years of puppetry experience, we bring magical shadow puppetry shows, workshops, and puppet commissions to schools, theatres, libraries, and festivals across Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the North of England.

Follow our Page for behind-the-scenes glimpses, puppet-making stories, and news about our shows — where puppets spark imagination and bring stories to life! 🎭🖤