July News and Updates from Rust & Stardust

The Marsh Demons of Iken

We have recently returned from beautiful Suffolk for our most recent education project, The Marsh Demons of Iken. Over an intensive week of rehearsals, learning puppetry, acting, fight choreography, movement and song, our ensemble cast of 20 Key Stage 2 children from Orford Primary School prepared to appear as the show's ensemble alongside Rust & Stardust. 


We had a fantastic week working with the imaginative, enthusiastic participants and the project was a huge success. Audiences called the show "spine-tingling," "amazing" and "heartening", and Katie Butler, the school's headteacher, commented:


"Joining in the production with Rust and Stardust encouraged our children to learn so many things, like puppet making to professional production techniques. For pupils who have not had experiences of performing to an audience for a couple of years and who were in many cases starting to lose confidence due to lockdowns and isolation from the wider community, this wonderful experience helped them enormously. They felt they could overcome their fears to perform to a community audience for a real reason. The pupils all felt they were part of something very special. 


Some of the pupils who participated had additional needs and the expectation of joining in with a professional performance enabled them to overcome their difficulties and with the Rust and Stardust teams' training it enabled them to be involved in all steps of the process and to perform to a very high standard. They were so proud of themselves, as indeed so were we at school. You could see all the children's confidence increase and their interest in performing, it was a perfect way to end a period of isolation for the pupils. We would like to thank the Rust and Stardust team for working with us and the Arts Council for enabling this project to take place and for giving our pupils this important opportunity."

Tweethearts back on tour for Summer 2021

Wren and Sparrow are back sprinkling sugar (sometimes not very tidily) all over Kent, Surrey and Sussex this summer! For a list of Tweethearts performances, see our calendar. 


The baker birds' next appearance is at Eastbourne's Summer Sundae on Saturday 24 July. 

Now booking for Autumn Puppet Parties

After a delightful Summer season of outdoor Puppet Parties, we are now looking ahead to our Autumn season (August, September and October) as booking opens for our four new adventures. 

Meet forest friends, sail to a mysterious ghost ship, frolic with the fairies or have a spooky giggle with the woodland witches - the choice is yours!

With unique characters and adventures, your party will be sure to stand out from the crowd with something which is perfect for you. Find out more.

We are now fully open for indoor and outdoor events, following the most recent government guidelines from 19th July. To read more about how we are able to re-open bookings and how we're staying COVID-19 secure, please read our guidance. If you're thinking of booking and would like to discuss safe running of the event with us in more detail, please do contact us.

Get in touch and book your Puppet Party today!

The Tempest for summer school

Our puppet adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest returns this summer for an intensive three days of performances at St George's Catholic School, Tunbridge Wells, as part of their Summer School programme. 


Hundreds of children will be able to enjoy Caliban's capers and Prospero's spells as the magic of puppetry brings the language to life. 

Say hello! 

If you're interested in a Rust & Stardust performance, workshop, project or Puppet Party, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch now.