May News from Holly Likes.. Puppets
Spring’s in the Air: Opportunities, Interviews, and Exciting News from the World of Puppetry
Hello, creatives!
Spring has finally arrived, and with it, a season brimming with creativity, opportunities, and celebrations. A huge congratulations to Moving Parts Arts for an incredible Festival, and to the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild on their momentous 100th birthday!
May has already kicked off with some exciting momentum. The Herds project has started its long journey and is on its way to Madrid, and Holly Likes Puppets is delighted to share the chance for you to get involved in a variety of creative endeavours, from workshops to global arts projects. April was packed with inspiring online and in-person events, and there’s no slowing down this month! I’ve worked hard to bring all of these events together in one place, so feel free to share, sign up, and, as always, send me your thoughts. Your feedback keeps this going and makes it even better.
In this month’s edition, we’ve got...
Exclusive Interview with Kathleen Yore: Founder of Odd Doll Theatre, sharing her unique puppetry story and creative process. Read the interview here.
Opportunities that you won't want to miss, from networking events to workshops with The Herds and puppet-making in Manchester.
Workshops & Training for artists at all levels, including Crankies Theatre, clowning, and directing for puppetry in film.
Exhibition News: A sneak peek into the upcoming V&A East Storehouse opening in May.
Submissions & Deadlines: Don't miss the chance to showcase your work on the global stage!
Opportunities You Can’t Miss!
May is bursting with events that promise to inspire and connect you with like-minded creatives.
STAMP Connects Networking Event (21 May 2025)
This is an unmissable event where you can connect with up to 20 theatre and arts organisations. With panel discussions and networking opportunities, this is a fantastic chance to build relationships and find support for your work. Tickets and details here
London Puppetry Training with The Herds (23–29 June 2025)
Step into the world of public art and puppetry with THE HERDS in an unforgettable seven-day experience.
Train with professional puppeteers to master movement and performance. Become part of a dynamic team as you prepare for a breath-taking public art event in the heart of your city. Be part of something spectacular - help transform the streets with life-size puppets and storytelling like never before. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced puppeteer, this workshop will challenge and inspire you. Submit your interest here.
Making the Herds in Manchester (Late May–Early June 2025)
This is a chance to help create life-size puppets for the global “Making the Herds” project. The initiative focuses on climate activism and powerful storytelling. If you’re a crafter, puppet-maker, or simply interested in a creative challenge, this opportunity is for you! More details here.
French Puppet Festival (Charleville-Mézières, France)
The renowned Puppet Theatre Festival in Charleville-Mézières is calling for performance and puppetry project submissions. If you’re interested in showcasing your work at this world-famous festival, now’s the time to apply! Submit your work here.
Monitor Night at Puppet Place (17 May 2025)
An excellent chance to practice puppetry with professional equipment in a relaxed, creative environment. Join other puppeteers at Puppet Place in Bristol for Monitor Night. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to explore your craft. More info
Workshops & Training for All Artists
Here’s a selection of upcoming workshops that promise to nurture and challenge you—whether you're a seasoned puppeteer or a beginner!
Crankies Workshop for All (6, 13 and 20th May 2025)
Ever wanted to create your own Crankie Theatre? Now’s your chance. In this three-session workshop with Scottie Rowell, you’ll learn how to craft a hand-cranked storytelling box featuring moving illustrations. Bonus: You’ll use recycled materials, making this a creative and eco-friendly project!
Reserve your spot here.
Parker Puppets & Animate Co. Workshop – London (11 May 2025)
Join Parker Puppets & Animate Co. for a hands-on puppetry workshop in London. Open to all levels, this is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and meet fellow puppetry enthusiasts.
Sign up here.
V&A LCW Maker Demonstrations: Puppetry (13 May 2025)
Step into the world of puppetry at the V&A South Kensington, where award-winning puppetry artist Oliver Hymans will demonstrate his craft. As part of London Craft Week, this is a unique chance to see expert puppet makers in action.
Learn more here.
Introduction to Clowning with John Lawlor (20 May 2025)
Join John Lawlor for an exploration of clowning, focusing on the importance of presence and play. Through improvisational games and exercises, this workshop will guide you to discover your own sense of humour and truthfulness.
Details and registration here.
Nick Barnes Puppets Workshop – Hove (30 June–2 July 2025)
Make your very own puppet with expert guidance from Nick Barnes and his team. Spaces are limited, so make sure you book early!
More info here.
Shadow Puppetry Workshop – Puppet Place, Bristol (31 May 2025)
Explore the ancient art of shadow puppetry with Izzy Bristow at Puppet Place in Bristol. This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels who want to explore this captivating form of puppetry.
Reserve your place here.
Giant Puppet Masterclass – Hebden Bridge (11–22 June 2025)
Learn to create giant puppets for outdoor parades in this immersive 11-day masterclass led by experts from Thingumajig Theatre. Whether you're new to puppetry or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will take your creations to new heights.
Sign up here.
Online Workshops & Digital Learning with the Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts has a fantastic selection of online workshops and digital learning experiences coming up, including Directing Puppetry for Film and Television (June 10), Aesop’s Fantabulous Fables, Anansi the Spider: A West African Folktale, Butterflies, Discovering Puppetry in Other Cultures: China, Discovering Puppetry in Other Cultures: Mali, Exploring Africa, Exploring Antarctica, and The Gingerbread Boy.
Check out all the available sessions here.
EXHIBITION NEWS!
V&A East Storehouse Opening (30 May 2025)
Be among the first to explore the V&A East Storehouse, opening in East London. With over 250,000 objects to explore (including puppets!), this innovative museum experience invites you to step inside a working museum store and experience curated displays, live events, and more.
Learn more here.
Call for Submissions – Deadline Approaching!
Do you have a ready-made puppet-themed exhibition, tour, show, or outdoor work? If so, I’d love to include it in a curated list of touring-ready productions. This one-stop shop will link directly to your website, providing programmers and producers with an easy way to discover and book shows for 2026 and its FREE.
Please submit your work by 31st May to ensure your production is included.
Click here for more info
Complete the form here
What’s Next?
This month is full of exciting opportunities and events, and I can’t wait to see where they take us. Please feel free to get in touch with any recommendations, events, or news you’d like to share. Tag me on Instagram @hollylikespuppets and share your latest work or creative ventures!
Until June,
Holly