This April Dance City will proudly play host to three puppetry and visual theatre works, including one world premiere, as part of Newcastle Puppetry Festival taking place from the 8 – 13 at venues all over the city.

Now in its second year the biennial festival debuted in 2017, winning the Journal Culture’s ‘Best Newcomer’ and is back to further enrich Newcastle’s visual theatre scene and develop an audience for this unique art form in the North East.

NOONE’S LAND UK PREMIERE

Merlin Puppet Theatre

Wednesday 10th April 2019

8pm (60 mins)

Ages 4+ / adults | £12.50 / £10.50

The power of imagination combats reality through the eyes of a scarecrow. A lonely creature, eternally spiked in the ground at the same point. He opens his eyes and discovers the world around him … but is initially disappointed with its limits, until he decides to make it his playground. Told through dark but heart-warming puppetry and visual effects, “Noone’s Land” is a tale of freedom, creativity and the wonders that can be found around each one of us. Merlin Puppet Theatre of Germany/Greece have toured the world with their critically acclaimed show “Clowns’ Houses” and are thrilled to present the UK premiere of their newest production in Newcastle.

THE SEED CARRIERS

Stephen Mottram’s Animata

Friday 12th April 2019

7pm (55 mins)

Ages 16+ / adults | £12.50 / £10.50

Imagine a race of small creatures that look remarkably like humans, but are really more like insects or plants. They are THE SEED CARRIERS. They must develop their cunning to survive the ruthless social system in which they live. So with the aid of fabulous machines, they disguise themselves as birds, fish and insects. In conspiracy with Glyn Perrin’s music, these puppets draw their audience into a beautiful, colourful world which becomes horrific and then haunting as our understanding of it starts to dawn. The Seed Carriers has become a classic work of animation theatre, winning several international theatre awards during tours in 18 countries.

COULROPHOBIA

Pickled Image

Saturday 13th April 2019

7.30pm (75 mins)

Ages 16+ / adults | £12.50 / £10.50

Dik and Adam are Clowns! They couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag, let alone a surreal cardboard world. Why are they there and what are they supposed to be doing? They know something sinister is afoot (wearing really big shoes…) and they need to get out before it’s too late. Join them on a ridiculous, anarchic, often hysterical and sometimes terrifying quest for freedom. A 75-minute show featuring slapstick, mime, puppetry and a LOT of cardboard. Contains disappointing nudity and some strong language.

You can find out more about Newcastle Puppetry Festival and book your tickets at www.newcastlepuppetryfestival.co.uk.