suspense 2015 by Little Angel Theatre

suspense festival 29 Oct â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 Nov 2015 Embrace your curiosity

Image from Ubu and the Truth Commission by Handspring Puppet Company

suspense festival 29 Oct â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 Nov 2015

Welcome suspense started in 2009, with the purpose of raising the profile of puppetry as an art form for adult audiences. We are in the 4th incarnation and it’s very exciting! We have 13 partner venues in London and across England, as well as a special partnership with the Festival of Wonder in Denmark. This year the festival is bigger, brighter and bolder! It’s a cabinet of curiosities packed full of stories to suit all tastes and sensibilities. There are amazing opportunities to see world class puppetry on the London stage. Expect the weird and the wonderful, the bold and the brave and a heady concoction of great stories from a range of theatre companies, using puppetry in all its various and diverse forms. There are poignant tales of ageing, dementia and illness as well as fun cabarets, fabulous story-telling, fearsome theatre and friendly nights out. The whole programme is enhanced by a comprehensive agenda of talks, training and events, taking place across all the participating venues as well as The Actors Centre, Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and Little Angel Studios. We invite you to embrace your curiosity and come and check out the puppet vibe for yourselves. Slavka Jovanović Director suspense 2015

Key

Rod Puppetry

Shadow Puppetry

Bunraku

Marionette

Animation

Object Manipulation

Glove Puppetry

Wisdom & Wonder Inspiring, moving and touching stories. Revel in the beauty of life, the complexity of our very human relationships and the things in life which divide us from ourselves. Multibuy discount: Enjoy the festival properly - see multiple shows and save up to 25%. Go to page 27 for details.

Ubu and the Truth Commission Handspring Puppet Company Print Room at The Coronet

16 Oct 7.30pm 17 Oct 3pm & 7.30pm 20 Oct 7.30pm 21 Oct 7.30pm 22 Oct 7.30pm 23 Oct 7.30pm

24 Oct 3pm & 7.30pm 26 Oct 7.30pm 27 Oct 7.30pm

28 Oct 7.30pm 29 Oct 7.30pm 30 Oct 7.30pm

31 Oct 3pm & 7.30pm

2 Nov 7.30pm 3 Nov 7.30pm 4 Nov 7.30pm 5 Nov 7.30pm 6 Nov 7.30pm 7 Nov 3pm & 7.30pm 90mins

£25/£17 concs £10 Sat

Handspring Puppet Company, the extraordinary South African puppeteers behind the world-wide smash hit War Horse, present their highly acclaimed production of Ubu and the Truth Commission. Don’t miss this landmark collaboration between Handspring, artist and filmmaker William Kentridge, and South African novelist and playwright Jane Taylor. By turns chilling and hilarious, and featuring spectacular animation and puppetry, Ubu and the Truth Commission draws on both the historical archive of the hearings of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the notorious buffoon character of Ubu Roi created by Alfred Jarry. The production will have an extended run from 15 Oct – 7 Nov at the Print Room at the Coronet.

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

End Games Moving Stage Puppet Theatre Barge Thu 5th Nov 19:30

Sat 31st Oct 19:30

Fri 6th Nov 19:30

Sun 1st Nov 15:00

Sat 7th Nov 19:30

Mon 2nd Nov 19:30

Sun 8th Nov 15:00

Tue 3rd Nov 19:30

Wed 4th Nov 19:30

90mins including interval £12/£10 concs

End Games explores the disconnection between mind and body, using poetry, long-string marionettes and interviews with a range of adults who have experienced memory loss – interspersed are abstract visuals and a sound-track that fragments as the piece progresses. Wednesday 4 Nov, post-show: In conversation with Clare Bayley and three generations of the Middleton Family.

D-Generation Sandglass Theater Pleasance Theatre

Sat 31st Oct 19:30

Sun 1st Nov 19:30 & 16:30

60mins £15/£13 concs

A piece about play, joy, and communication. A piece about dementia. From playful story circles to dark private terror… From lyrical inner visions to demanding confrontations… From the reflections of caregivers to the fragmented memories of residents of care facilities… D-Generation evokes a complex world of people living with dementia. Sandglass Theater (based in Vermont, USA) is an internationally known theatre company, specializing in combining puppets with music, actors and visual imagery. Since 1982, the company’s productions have toured 24 countries, performing in theatres, festivals and cultural institutions and winning numerous international prizes. Sun 1st Nov: British UNIMA John Phillips Memorial Lecture Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Do You Mind? BearDog Pleasance Theatre

Tue 3rd Nov 21:00

Wed 4th Nov 21:00

55mins £10/£8 concs

Joni has just met someone special. But how can she tell him she has a long-term mentalillness? And is it really the best thing to talk about on a second date? Everyone has had a moment when they’ve struggled to tell something important to someone they care about. Using storytelling, puppetry and an old-school overhead projector Do You Mind? considers how we talk about the most vulnerable parts of ourselves and how open we can allow ourselves to be in a new relationship. Wed 4 Nov: Post show chat

OUTPOST Green Ginger Jacksons Lane

Tue 3rd Nov 20:00

Sat 7th Nov 15:00 & 20:00

65mins

Wed 4th Nov 20:00

Thu 5th Nov 20:00

Fri 6th Nov 20:00

£14.95/£12.95 concs

If you’re drunk on power can you ever sober up? Luis and BK are stationed at a remote border crossing between their two countries. Luis believes in order and discipline. BK believes in taking things easy. And he believes that somewhere out there, mysterious creatures roam the desert. The chance discovery of a strange other-world takes the two guards on a journey into the dark heart of politics, tyranny and murder. Absurd comedy and grotesque puppetry combine to explore nationalism, leadership and the terrible consequences of using another man’s toilet. Thursday 5th post-show chat after 8pm performance.

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

In Our Hands Smoking Apples Little Angel Theatre

Fri 6th Nov 19:30

Sat 7th Nov 15:30 & 19:30

Sun 8th Nov 15:30

60mins £12/£10 concs

Alf is a trawler fisherman at the top of his game. But times are changing and so is the industry, will Alf adapt in order to survive? Follow a fish’s journey from sea to plate, watch a seagull’s ridiculous attempt to find food and witness a father and son reunite. Award winning Smoking Apples use innovative puppetry, a striking set and an original score to transport you out to sea, under the ocean and onto the deck of the Catcher’s Fortune. “Beautifully visual and heartfelt” Theatre Fullstop Supported by Arts Council England. Sun 8 Nov: Post-show chat, after 3.30pm performance.

Buttons Sort Of Theatre Tom Thumb Theatre Pleasance Theatre

Sat 31st Oct 20:30 Sun 1st Nov 21:00

Mon 2nd Nov 21:00 55mins £10/£8 concs

Joni is a puppeteer. Dana is not. Dana is a Jew. Joni is not. Buttons is a show about their journey to Auschwitz and the stories they discovered on the way. Using a mixture of live performance, spoken word, shadow puppetry and object manipulation Joni and Dana attempt to recount the story of their ‘sort of’ holiday, whilst exploring the themes of memory, family and war. Mon 2 Nov: Post show chat

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

The Husband Susan Beattie Little Angel Theatre

Sun 1st Nov 19:30

Mon 2nd Nov 19:30

Tue 3rd Nov 19:30

75mins

£12/£10 concs

The Husband takes as a starting point imagery from the Prinzhorn collection of outsider art. Gathered from asylums in the early 20th century this work made a profound impression on the art world of the day who saw it as a means of exploring the unconscious. Inspired by surrealist ideas for the creation of art, this show is a visual feast; a compelling journey through the strange and uncanny. Susan Beattie is a puppeteer who works across stage, TV and film. Her first show Spirit was funded by the Arts Council, toured in the UK and the soundtrack was adapted for broadcast on Radio 4. The Husband had its beginnings in a Puppet Centre/BAC scratch performance. Mon 2 Nov: Post show chat

3 Stages for Lazarus Christopher Leith JW3

Mon 2nd Nov 14:00

Tue 3rd Nov 11:00 50mins £10/£8 concs

New puppet theatre incorporating Gregorian chant, on-stage scenography and carved wooden puppets by Christopher Leith; acclaimed and prolific maker, director and performer of puppet-based theatre for over 50 years and the former Director of Little Angel. This is Christopher's first piece of writing, directing and performance since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Though not a religious piece, the story of Lazarus is used to explore issues around life, illness, death and regeneration, and the art of puppetry itself. Supported using Public Funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Supported by Hastings Borough Council. Nov 1st 11:00am: Round Table 8

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Image from OUTPOST by Green Ginger. Photo by Joseph Wallace.

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Skulls & Skeletons Dive into an ethereal and atmospheric collection of stories. Shriek at the unearthly, the inhumane, the lewd and depraved. Take control over a puppet’s destiny and get wrapped up in suspense. Multibuy discount: Enjoy the festival properly - see multiple shows and save up to 25%. Go to page 27 for details.

Kwaidan Rouge28 Theatre New Diorama Theatre

Thu 5th Nov 19:00

Fri 6th Nov 19:00

Sat 7th Nov 15:00 & 19:00 60mins

£10/£8 concs

Inspired by Japanese ghost stories and horror movies Kwaidan tells the story of Haru, a young woman who comes back to her abandoned family house after many years of absence. Strange events happen as the house seems to be inhabited by spirits and ghosts from the past. As the action unfolds, the memory of a terrible event resurfaces. Kwaidan has received funding from Arts Council England, Japan Society and Great-Britain Sasakawa Foundation and is supported by Horse and Bamboo Theatre, Norwich Puppet Theatre, Little Angel Theatre (Incubate), The National Puppetry Archive, British Unima and Metal Culture. Friday 6 Nov, 5pm-6.15pm: Pre-show Round Table discussion

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Biting the Dust Grist to the Mill Camden People's Theatre

Sun 1st Nov 19:30

Mon 2nd Nov 19:30 50mins

£12/£10 concs

Biting the Dust is a tender and beautiful examination of death and rebirth, an animated installation/performance using objects and puppetry to encompass and evoke dreams and memories of a life once lived. A body is laid out on a candle-lit table. Time stands still. Very slowly a glowing china cup floats its tea-and-sympathy ritual. A last cup of tea. Finality. The End. "Beautiful, with an adorably creepy Victorian waif puppet" Mathilda Gregory, Fringe Guru "Fantastic control of atmosphere, I was wrapped up in every moment" Audience feedback

The Puppet Whisperer Theatre-Rites Little Angel Theatre

Wed 4th Nov 19:30

Thu 5th Nov 19:30 75mins

£12/£10 concs

One puppet whisperer, one puppeteer and a curious collection of puppets… Sue Buckmaster, one of the UK’s leading puppetry practitioners and Artistic Director of Theatre-Rites has created an evening of live un-rehearsed, improvised puppetry. A unique and fun opportunity to watch how Sue listens to a puppet, engages a puppeteer and whispers a new character into life. WARNING: Due to their nature, some puppets may become fragile or offensive and Sue might have to KILL them. All necessary precautions will be taken to avoid causing upset to the audience.

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Gated Community Handheld Arts Slung Low Leeds

Mon 2nd Nov 17:00 50mins

Lawrence Batley Theatre Rosemary Branch Theatre

Pay what you can

Mon 2nd Nov 19:45 50mins Thu 5th Nov 20:00

Pay what you can

Fri 6th Nov 20:00 50mins

£10/£8 concs

"Where once one house stood, there now stands eight. A whole new neighbourhood, secured behind a gate." Behind the gates of Orchard Mews the term 'housing crisis' takes on a much more sinister meaning for the residents and its visitors. Handheld Arts will buzz you in to this playfully twisted cautionary tale.

The Seed Carriers Stephen Mottram’s Animata Pleasance Theatre

Wed 4th Nov 19:30

Thu 5th Nov 19:30 55mins

£12/£10 concs

They look like people, but are really more like insects or plants. They are The Seed Carriers. Valuable and vulnerable, they are farmed for the seeds carried within them. 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. Wed 4 & Thursday 5 Nov: Post show chat

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

The Depraved Appetite of Tarrare the Freak Wattle & Daub New Diorama Theatre

Mon 2nd Nov 19:00

Tue 3rd Nov 19:00 1hr 45mins including interval

£10/£8 concs

“The history of this monster is as curious as his habits disgusting...” A monstrous chamber opera for puppets based on the true story of Tarrare the Freak, an 18th century French revolutionary spy with an insatiable appetite for live cats, amputated limbs and the occasional toddler. Tarrare’s grizzly story ends on the autopsy table - a defining moment in medical history. Featuring a thrilling original score by internationally renowned pianist Tom Poster, performed live by a bassbaritone/falsetto, male soprano, a pianist and a violinist. “Richly layered... [Wattle & Daub] have created magic through the careful concoction of puppetry and opera.” Exeunt Magazine

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Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

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Fairies & Goblins Enter strangely familiar worlds where nothing is quite what it seems. Where love is found in mysterious and unlikely objects, and modern day life becomes a commonplace fairy-tale. Multibuy discount: Enjoy the festival properly - see multiple shows and save up to 25%. Go to page 27 for details.

The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs The Clockwork Moth Rosemary Branch Theatre

Sat 7th Nov 20:00

Sun 8th Nov 16:00 & 20:00 60mins

£12/£10 concs

A hidden gem by the Brothers Grimm. A teenage boy, believed to have been born lucky, embarks on a journey to the underworld and back. Darkly sweet, funny and steeped in dangerous magics. - A brutal King, a deathly ferryman, a narcissistic Lucifer, and a host of wise-women, curses, enchantments and courtly delights - Grimm’s at its best. “An enchanting show, delivered with an obvious passion and dedication to the craft...a seamless choreography of puppetry and set changes; with a bewildering array of 60 individually crafted scenes passing before our eyes.” James Richardson, Angel Heart Theatre

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Sleeping Beauty Compagnie Akselere Pleasance Theatre

Fri 6th Nov 19:30

Sat 7th Nov 15:00 & 19:30 Duration: TBC

£15/£13 concs

This is not a fairy tale but a princess’s tale. A princess from Liverpool. Born in a kingdom devastated by unemployment and famine, where the spindle has been replaced by a syringe. We are in a restaurant. The table is set. The waitress welcomes us. On the menu, a story. Artist and puppeteer Colette Garrigan tells her story using shadow theatre and object theatre. Stunningly poetic and original. 'Closer to Ken Loach than to the sugary fairy tale' (Télérama). Saturday 7 Nov after 3pm performance: Post show chat

Beatrice Tidsrum Theatre Rosemary Branch Theatre

Mon 2nd Nov 20:00

Tue 3rd Nov 17:00 & 20:00 55mins

£12/£10 concs

Doctor Frantz Hiller falls madly in love with Beatrice, an airship shown at the Berlin World Exhibition. Frantz learns that Beatrice is a prototype and as such, not for sale. He must make do with buying a copy. Frantz names his new airship “Beatrice II” and installs her in a warehouse hastily rented for the purpose. Anna Goldberg, a printer’s daughter, falls in love with the magnificent steam engine Hercules. She buys him and rents a warehouse where she can install her acquisition. When she arrives at the warehouse, Frantz and his airship are already there. Karin Tidbeck has won international success with her short stories. She appeared on the Locus Recommended Reading List in 2012, and won the Crawford Memorial Award in 2013.

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

The Jabberwocky Little Angel Youth Theatre Little Angel Theatre

Fri 30th Oct 19:30

Sat 31st Oct 15:30 & 18:00 40mins

£12/£10 concs

Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Little Angel Youth Theatre present their own unique interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s legendary nonsense poem. Join them as they explore the inverted world that the Jabberwocky inhabits and try to search for the true identity of this mysterious creature. Following their acclaimed run earlier this year, Little Angel Youth Theatre returns with their version of the classic poem as inspired by Little Angel Theatre’s recent production. Working once again with professional theatre director and puppet maker Oliver Hymans, over two terms the young company worked together to devise, design and make the puppets in this original production. Suitable for age 8-adult Friday 30th Oct: Post show chat

The Icebook By Davy & Kristin McGuire Pleasance Theatre

Sat 7th Nov: 1.00, 1.30, 2.00, 2.30, 4.00, 4.30, 5.00, 5.30, 6.00, 6.30

20mins

£7/£5 concs

The Icebook is the world’s first projection mapped pop-up book, a theatrical installation depicting a silent fable through a combination of paper pop-ups, projection mapping and music. By day, each of the 11 pages is no more than a few feet tall featuring intricately hand-cut blank pop-ups, but when the lights go out and a projection is beamed onto the book’s pages, the paper comes to life as if by magic and a dark, atmospheric story unfolds about a man on a journey through the wilderness. The result is an intimate, 15 min visual experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts, designed for an audience of no more than 12 people.

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

The Fantastical Tale of the Boy on the Run FLYING DUTCHMAN Pleasance Theatre

Thu 5th Nov 21:00

Fri 6th Nov 21:00

Sat 7th Nov 21:00 30mins

£12/£10 concs (double bill)

A grand show on a miniature scale. The entire show folds out of a massive book and brings to life cardboard puppets in forests, caves, on a flying ship and many more! The Fantastical Tale of the Boy on the Run is a Willy Wonkalike visual spectacle about a boy trying to find his destiny. It is a cardboard miniature performance in a big pop up book. “heartful performer, lots of funny and clever moments in both the delivery and the story, and those breathtaking mini-sets, all rising from a book!” Fringe Review “there’s a touch of genuine magic in the world he conjures from within his book, each pop-up causing the audience to crane their necks forward to see what wonder will be revealed” London City Nights Performing in a double bill with Death Puppet Klezma Jam.

Death Puppet Klezma Jam Mirth & Misery Pleasance Theatre

Thu 5th Nov 21:00

Fri 6th Nov 21:00

Sat 7th Nov 21:00 35mins

£12/£10 concs (double bill)

Mirth and Misery are a London based puppet company founded in 2012 by puppeteer and theatre-maker Sian Kidd. We make work that explores the contemporary string puppet, focusing on collaboration with musicians to emphasise the visual language of the marionette. Our aim is to create inspiring, darkly humorous theatre, which stimulates and engages as wide an audience as possible. Mirth and Misery invite you to enter their world of putrefied puppetry and witness their manipulation of the damned. Performed with a live four piece band, each character has a song and each song tells a story....Who lives? Who dies? Who cares? Performing in a double bill with The Fantastical Tale of the Boy on the Run.

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Trick or Treat It’s nearly Halloween. Are you ready to let your hair down and treat yourself to a bloody good night out? These shows are filled with debauchery, cabaret, clowns, music, shadows and of course, a whole host of nightmarish puppets plus a dose of audience bravery. Multibuy discount: Enjoy the festival properly - see multiple shows and save up to 25%. Go to page 27 for details.

The Black Hoods Cabaret Knuckle and Joint Pleasance Theatre Tom Thumb Theatre

Fri 30th Oct 21:00

Sat 31st Oct 21:00 60mins £10/£8 concs

Sat 7th Nov 20:30

Bear witness to the debauchery and murder of some of the most decrepit puppets to crawl out of a back alley. A puppet cabaret for adults that will charm you into darkness and mayhem as a pair of calamitous puppeteers manipulate a variety of disturbed and troubled puppets. Revel in a cabaret with a lot of sarcasm, self deprecation and slapstick amongst many bizarre happenings! Nurtured and created by Knuckle and Joint, The Black Hoods Cabaret sold out at Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer and this will be it’s London debut. “Fun, artfully constructed and whimsy” Edinburgh Evening News “Wonderfully expressive” Circus Diaries

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Punched Touched Theatre Pleasance Theatre

Thu 29th Oct 20:00 up to 2hrs £15/£13 concs

Punched is an unmissable night of smoking-hot puppet cabaret for adults, featuring artists from Brighton's vibrant puppetry scene plus special guests from the festival programme. Showcasing puppetry in all its forms through a dazzling array of acts introduced by your host - the inimitable drag ex-marionette, Miranda. "Our host Miranda, the rough-voiced drag puppet “with no strings attached”, pointed out most of these works were brand new – so there would be no refunds. Not that anyone would want one with the rich pickings on offer." The Argus, Brighton

Paper Cut Yael Rasooly JW3

Sat 31st Oct 20:30

Sun 1st Nov 19:00 50mins £15/£13 concs

A lonely secretary escapes her dull reality by bringing to life black and white photos from old film magazines. But as the story unravels, her romantic tale becomes a Hitchcock nightmare! The language of black and white is transformed to the “low-tech” universe of paper cut-outs and object theatre, creating a tension that is absurd, painful and humorous. Paper Cut has performed in over 21 countries, and over 60 Festivals around the world. The show has won numerous International awards, including the Excellence Award for a Solo Show at the NY International Fringe Festival. “One of those artfully quirky solo performances that make the New York International Fringe Festival worth checking out… Ms. Rasooly deftly combines premise and execution…” Anita Gates, New York Times Post show chat: Sun 1 Nov Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Coulrophobia Pickled Image Pleasance Theatre

Mon 2nd Nov 19:30

Tue 3rd Nov 19:30 70mins £12/£10 concs

Two clowns trapped in a cardboard world… Dik and Adam are traditional clowns in a very untraditional situation. Through a series of outrageous sketches, involving slapstick, mime and much audience participation, the two clowns discover that they are indeed trapped in a cardboard world and being controlled by an evil presence: the diminutive yet terrifying Poco the Clown. The only way to escape their dilemma is to dupe two members of the audience into taking their places. Will this be possible? That depends on how persuasive they can actually be.

TWO CLOWNS TRAPPED IN A CARDBOARD WORLD ~ www.pickledimage.co.uk

“Coulrophobia – fear of clowns” is one of the sickest things I have seen on a stage. It is an unrestrained display of theatrical madness I can promise you have never experienced before.” Five on the dice Mon 2nd Nov: Post show chat

The Matthew Robins Show Rosemary Branch Theatre

Fri 30th Oct 19:30

Sat 31st Oct 19:30

Sun 1st Nov 16:00 & 19:30

90mins including interval £12/£10 concs

Matthew Robins is an artist and musician from the West Country. Combining shadow puppetry, short films, live animation and music, Matthew and his band will perform a new selection of songs and stories about monsters, animals, death, love and the sea. There will be new Flyboy adventures, new made-up games, and other amazing new stuff! Fri 30th Oct: includes post show rockin' blues 'n' boogie from Honey B Mama and her band, live in the bar downstairs. FREE! Sat 31 Oct: Fancy Dress Competition. Dress up as your favourite puppet character. The best costume wins!

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Don Quijote Emma Frankland & Keir Cooper Camden People's Theatre

Fri 30th Oct 21:00

Sat 31st Oct 21:00

Sun 1st Nov 21:00 70mins £12/£10 concs

A playful exploration of Cervantes’ novel, combining incredible visual imagery, live music and dance. A performance about standing up for what you believe in, in spite of what society may say. Staged amongst the audience and with the title role played by a secret guest performer unique to each date and picked from the suspense festival line-up. This production was featured in the British Council Showcase at the 2013 Edinburgh Festival prior to a sell out run in London last year as a Time Out Critic’s Choice recommendation. It won the Wildfire award at the 2014 Ignite festival and has toured the UK & internationally, appearing in Rio de Janeiro at Festival del Tempo. ‘A cheerfully anarchic show that takes apart Cervantes’ novel – with a power saw – and sends a reminder that change begins with us.’ The Guardian

Animo Improbable New Diorama Theatre

Wed 4th Nov 21:30

Thu 5th Nov 21:30

Fri 6th Nov 21:30

Sat 7th Nov 21:30

60mins £12/£10 concs

Newspapers become swans, bristle bare brushes become creatures from the swamp and characters are (literally) constructed before your very eyes. Lead by Improbable’s Artistic Directors Phelim McDermott and Lee Simpson, with special guest Mark Down, Artistic Director of Blind Summit, Animo is a puppetry performance like no other: no script, no set, just a range of everyday materials, five improvisers and a completely different show every night. “Animo embraces the imagination of its audience like no other. You will never see anything quite like this “ Time Out

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Devoted & Disgruntled: Puppetry: shackled by the past? Little Angel Theatre

Tue 27th Oct 7.00pm

2hrs 30mins

FREE

Puppetry in the UK has a rich history and a raft of ‘Masters’ that we can all learn from; but what if this holds us back? Is Puppetry too conventional and safe in its outlook? Are we creating sufficient space for new and diverse talent to shine through? Join us for a Devoted & Disgruntled Open Space event facilitated by Improbable, to work away at these issues, and any other big ideas or burning questions you want to share. It’s an open forum – bring your gripes and your glories. The puppets need you. For the full invitation and more information on Open Space, please see devotedanddisgruntled.com Tickets only available online. Register for free at devotedanddisgruntled.com

The Boiler Room Tickets for performances at The Boiler Room are £5

Come down to The Boiler Room at The Pleasance and discover a world of bubbling raw talent, brand new theatre crafted by tomorrow’s puppeteers and storytellers. We are proud to celebrate the work of our future makers and performers in The Boiler Room at the Pleasance Theatre. We will be showcasing short performances and scratches developed and made by university students and recent graduates. Join us after each performance for a Q&A with the students to talk about their work. There will also be a very special animated installation by students - BA (Hons) Animation, Cass Faculty, London Metropolitan University - at The Rosemary Branch Theatre as part of The Boiler Room. 22

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Image credit: Biting the Dust by Grist to the Mill

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Post-show Discussions All post-show chats are free and open to all ticket holders specific to the performance.

The Jabberwocky Little Angel Theatre Fri 30 Oct 7.30pm

In conversation with Little Angel Youth Theatre, hosted by YT Director Oliver Hymans.

Paper Cut JW3

Sun 1st Nov 7pm

In conversation with Yael Rasooly.

The Husband Little Angel Theatre

Mon 2 Nov 7.30pm

In conversation with Sue Beattie and her company.

Coulrophobia Little Angel Theatre

Mon 2 Nov 7.30pm

In conversation with Pickled Image.

Buttons Pleasance Mon 2 Nov 2015 9.00pm

End Games Puppet Barge

Wed 4 Nov 7.30pm

In conversation with Clare Bayley, playwright and former theatre critic. This event falls under the overarching theme of Suspense Festival 2015: Old Masters, New Makers – a celebration of puppet masters past, present and future.

The Seed Carriers Pleasance

Wed 4 Nov 7.30pm

Thu 5 Nov 7.30pm

In conversation with Stephen Mottram.

Outpost Jacksons Lane Thu 5 Nov 8.00pm

In conversation with Green Ginger.

Sleeping Beauty Pleasance Sat 7 Nov 3.00pm

In conversation with Colette Garrigan from Compagnie Akselere.

In conversation with Joni-Rae and Dana from Sort Of Theatre Company.

In Our hands

Do You Mind?

In conversation with Smoking Apples, hosted by dramaturg Rachel Warr.

Pleasance

Wed 4 Nov 9.00pm

Little Angel Theatre Sun 8 Nov 3.30pm

In conversation with the Beardog Company.

Lectures & Round Table Discussions Tickets are free but must be booked in advance

The 2015 British UNIMA John Phillips Memorial Lecture Pleasance Sun 1 Nov 1.30-3pm

American puppet master Eric Bass talks about his work, life and theories of puppetry. Lecture before performance of D-Generation.

Back to Bunraku: Japanese Puppetry on the Global Stage. NDT Fri 6 Nov 5-6.15pm

What are ‘bunraku-style’ puppets? Does our admiration for the Bunraku Theatre veer towards fetishization and exoticism? Why do we only talk about ‘bunraku’? Round table discussion before the 7pm performance of Kwaidan.

Old Masters, New Makers JW3 Theatre Wed 4 Nov 10.30-12.30am

A focus on new directions in puppetry training and directing, exploring the techniques and approaches of ‘old masters’ in relation to contemporary puppetry, new makers and directors.

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

Training Living in the Puppet’s World: a workshop on breath in manipulation Little Angel Studios Sun 25th Oct 10.30am - 5.30pm

£55

With Eric Bass & Ines Zeller Bass, Sandglass Theater (USA). What happens when the puppet meets an object from another world, something belonging to the puppeteer? By the end of the course you will feel more at ease in your body while animating the puppet; you will let the puppet’s environment lead you.

Pupp-acting A Fusion of Puppetry and Acting The Actors Centre Fri 30 Oct 10.30am - 4.30pm Actor’s centre members only Sat 7th Nov 10.00am to 1.00pm £55

Performers will simultaneously animate a life-sized puppet and interact with it as a different character. Perfect for actors wishing to develop their puppetry skills for stage performance. www.actorscentre.co.uk

From Page to Stage: Creating Puppetry Plays with Young People, Little Angel Studios Sun 1 Nov 10.30am - 5.30pm

£55

Perfect for teachers, tutors, directors and workshop leaders working with 11-18 year olds, who want to develop their devising and directing skills for school or youth productions.

An Introduction to Puppetry Performance The Actors Centre

Demystifying Puppetry - Research & Development with Objects and Puppets The Actors Centre

Wed 4th Nov 10.30am-5.30pm £55/£5

Wed 4 Nov 10.30am-5.30pm £55/£45 concs Fri 6 Nov 10.30am-5.30pm Actors Centre Members only

A perfect course for actors, writers and directors curious about exploring puppetry in the devising process and rehearsal room. www.actorscentre.co.uk

Clowning & Puppetry with Pickled Image The Actors Centre Wed 4 Nov 2.00pm-5.00pm £25

For actors, writers and directors with either puppetry or clowning experience or an interest in these subjects, who are curious about exploring the use of comedy/puppetry in the devising process and rehearsal room. www.actorscentre.co.uk

Cinema of Objects with Yael Rasooly JW3 Sun 1 Nov 12.30pm-4.30pm £25

A perfect course for actors, writers, directors and story makers who are curious about exploring story making and puppetry through objects.

An Improbable Approach to Improvisation and Puppetry. Little Angel Studios Fri 6 Nov 10.30-5.30 £55/£45 concs

Co-Artistic Director of Improbable, Lee Simpson, will explore how improvisation lies at the core of the company’s approach to puppetry. Puppetry experience not needed.

Sun 1 Nov 10.30am - 5.30pm Actor’s centre members only Sun 8 Nov 10.30am - 5.30pm £85/£65 concs

Performers will get a good foundation in puppetry performance which will enable them to use this skill in both stage and screen work. www.actorscentre.co.uk

An Initiation in object and shadow theatre with Colette Garrigan Little Angel Studios Sun 8 Nov 11.00am-3.00pm (arrive 10.30am) £30

This mini course for beginners and experienced performers will give an insight into what can be done combining object and shadow theatre to enhance narrative.

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Events Devoted and Disgruntled: Puppetry – shackled by the past? Little Angel Studios Tue 27 Oct 7.00pm - 9.30pm Free - booking required

Puppetry in the UK has a rich history and a raft of ‘Masters’ that we can all learn from; but what if this holds us back? Is Puppetry too conventional and safe in its outlook? Are we creating sufficient space for new and diverse talent to shine through? Join us for a Devoted and Disgruntled Open Space event facilitated by Improbable, to work on these or any other issues, questions, ideas, projects or problems you want to raise. It’s an open forum where nothing is off the agenda – bring your gripes and your glories. The puppets need you.

Trick or Treat with Matthew Robins: Fancy Dress Competition! Rosemary Branch Theatre Sat 31 Oct 7.30pm Free with show ticket

The 31st October is Halloween so for one night only we’re going to have a fancy dress competition! Come to The Matthew Robins Show as your favourite puppet character! Prizes to the best and most original outfits.

We Need to Talk About Punch Little Angel Studios Sat 31 Oct 2.00pm - 4.30pm (doors open 1.30)

Punch and Judy are probably the most instantly recognisable and long-lasting puppets in the UK. But does this tale still have relevance in the modern world? Following a traditional Punch and Judy performance by Rod Burnett a panel of Punch and Judy performers, researchers and other related artists will lead an open roundtable discussion seeking to explore these questions and more. Co-hosted by Little Angel Theatre and the British Centre of UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette) an international puppet organisation affiliated to UNESCO. If you would like to find out more about being a member of British UNIMA please visit www.unima.org.uk

Puppetry Trainers Network Meeting JW3 Mon 2 Nov 10.30am -1pm Free - booking required

A chance for those delivering and hosting training to meet to discuss shared concerns and successes around puppetry education, in Europe and worldwide and to discuss linking and developing shared ideas. Please note you do not need an invitation to attend this meeting as it is open to all. For any queries about this meeting, please email cariad.astles@cssd.ac.uk

Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate An Introduction to Puppetry and Storytelling Tom Thumb Theatre Sat 31 Oct 2.00pm – 5.00pm Show: £10/£8 Workshop: £15/£10 Both: £20/£15

With Dana Segal and Joni-Rae Carrack from Sort of Theatre Company. A workshop for anyone interested in learning more about telling stories through puppets and objects. Everyone welcome! This workshop precedes the performance of Sort Of Theatre Company’s “Buttons” at 8.30 pm – an exploration of memory, family, war and the Holocaust.

An introduction to Puppetry Construction and Manipulation Tom Thumb Theatre Sat 7 Nov 2.00pm – 5.00pm Show: £10/£8 Workshop: £15/£10 Both: £20/£15

With Peter Morton and Rebecca O’Brien from Knuckle and Joint Theatre Company. A workshop for anyone interested in learning more about puppetry or that is brand new to it! You will learn how to build your own simple table top puppet and discover the basic techniques to puppetry manipulation such as finding the weight, breath and focus of the puppet. All materials will be provided. Please wear clothes to move around in and comfortable shoes. This workshop precedes the performance of Knuckle & Joints “Black Hoods Cabaret” at 8.30 pm – a riotous evening of irreverent puppet fun!

suspense festival 29 Oct – 8 Nov 2015

How to book Age guidance This festival is mainly for adult audiences. Please call for advice before booking for under 15’s. The suspense box office is managed by Little Angel Theatre. To book tickets: 1) Book for all London events via the centralised festival box office: Online:

www.suspensefestival.com

By phone:

020 7226 1787

In Person:

Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN

Please note: A £1.80 booking fee will be added to each card transaction. Tickets and workshop places cannot be exchanged or refunded. 2) Book tickets via individual venues: Camden People’s Theatre

020 7419 4841

www.cptheatre.co.uk

Jacksons Lane

020 8341 4421

www.jacksonslane.org.uk

JW3

020 7433 8988

www.jw3.org.uk

New Diorama Theatre

020 7916 5467

www.newdiorama.com

Pleasance Theatre

020 7609 1800

www.pleasance.co.uk

Print Room at the Coronet

020 3642 6606

www.the-print-room.org

Puppet Theatre Barge

020 7249 6876

www.puppetbarge.com

Rosemary Branch Theatre

020 7704 2730

www.rosemarybranch.co.uk

Tickets for Rosemary Branch Theatre are only available via Little Angel Theatre box office or www.suspensefestival.com, any remaining tickets available on the night directly from the venue.

The Actors Centre

020 7632 8005

www.actorscentre.co.uk

suspense satellites We’re delighted to broadening the festival outside of London for the first time. To book for events with our regional partners, please contact them directly. Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate

01843 221 791

www.tomthumbtheatre.co.uk

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield 01484 430528

www.thelbt.org

Slung Low, Leeds

www.slunglow.org

Multibuy See more of suspense and take advantage of our multibuy ticket offer: Book for 3-4 shows in one transaction and get 15% off (excluding booking fee) Book for 5 or more shows in one transaction and get 25% off (excluding booking fee) The offer will be applied automatically when you complete your purchase. Multibuy offer excludes workshops and performances at suspense satellite venues.

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

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Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF

Tube: Caledonian Road (5 mins) Train: Caledonian Road & Barnsbury (15 mins) Bus: 259, 17, 91, 274, 393, N91 pleasance.co.uk

Wales Road

Tube: Finchley Road, West Hampstead Train: Finchley Road & Frognal, West Hampstead Thameslink Bus: 13, 82, 113, 187, 268 jw3.org.uk

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Rosemary Branch

2 Shepperton Road London N1 3DT Tube: Old Street, Highbury and Islington, Angel (15 mins) Train: Essex Road (10 mins) Bus: 76, 141 & 21, 271, 38, 56, 73, 171A rosemarybranch.co.uk

The Actors Centre

1A Tower St, London WC2H 9NP (off map) Tube: Leicester Square actorscentre.co.uk

Book now: www.suspensefestival.com | 020 7226 1787

Shows at a glance Please note: all durations are approximate. Thu 29th Oct 19:30

90mins

Handspring Puppet Company : Ubu and the Truth Commission

Print Room at The Coronet

20:00

120mins

Touched Theatre: Punched

Pleasance Theatre

Fri 30th Oct 19:30

90mins

Handspring Puppet Company : Ubu and the Truth Commission

Print Room at The Coronet

19:30

40mins

Little Angel Youth Theatre: The Jabberwocky

Little Angel Theatre

19:30

90mins

The Matthew Robins Show

Rosemary Branch Theatre

21:00

70mins

Emma Frankland & Keir Cooper: Don Quijote

Camden People’s Theatre

21:00

60mins

Knuckle and Joint: The Black Hoods Cabaret

Pleasance Theatre

Sat 31st Oct 15:00

90mins

Handspring Puppet Company : Ubu and the Truth Commission

Print Room at The Coronet