I make all my own puppets.
MY PUPPETS
I did start very young.
I don't make puppets for any other performers.
The advantage to making all my own characters, is being able to make more than just the 'regular cast' of puppets at fairly short notice.
A hang over from my Spitting Image days I guess: the desire to be topical and unique.
For the Queens Jubilee year there were lots of specialised puppets.
Queen Elizabeth the First appeared in both The Jubilee Shows for Elizabeth the Second in 2012 and again in 2022
Well over a hundred hours of work went into this one.
So it was nice to give her a second appearance on stage!
I carve in Lime wood for the faces, with oak for the noses.
This is a very traditional approach. But I tend to do this mainly for the 'Regular' Cast in the show : Punch, Judy, Clown, Policeman etc.
For the topical or novelty characters, I am just as likely to sculpt using paper mache pulp as I am to carve in wood.
The new Queen Victoria (on the left) was made for the 2022 Jubilee Show.
They're made 15 years apart, but I was never happy with the first one.
To achieve my signature 'Crocodile Routine' I need duplicate versions of Mr Punch (and the Crocodile)...shhh! Don't tell anyone !
That means every five years or so, when I replace my Mr. Punch, I need to carve several duplicate heads. And sew identical costumes too.
I'm always remaking and updating the puppets in the show . The Policeman on the left was made during my last year at Drama School in Bristol. The one on the right was added into the show in 2023.
That means there is 40 years between the two !
My least favourite part of the whole process - making hands.
Even so, I have developed my own method for making them.
And at least I know they have a unique look, that lets you identify a Coombsie Puppet at fifty paces.
The Queen of Hearts is another odd character to find in a Punch and Judy Show
But I like to shake things up a bit.
She also visited Mr Punch during Queen Elizabeths Jubilee Show in 2022
My cat, Bugsy, inspects the quality of the work.
These Punch costumes will be for the next set of duplicates.
Probably ready for the 2025 season at Heights?
The Summer season up at The Heights of Abraham tends to be where most of my new puppets and routines are showcased.
Designs for new Judy and Joey for Heights 2025 Summer season
My Pearly Queen first appeared in Queen Elizabeths Jubilee Show at The Heights Of Abraham
She's now a firm favourite in my Care Home Shows.
This stunning puppet appears in my my Christmas shows for Primary Schools :
A Fairy Godmother fit to grace any professional Pantomime.
I wanted to give her the special 'Princess-Dress' that every six year old girl would just love to wear !
