Shadowstring Puppet Theatre
Shadowstring Puppet Theatre was formed on July 8th 1974 by Paul Doran, an Art and Drama trained teacher with experience in Junior School work, followed by two years as a member of the “Theatre in Education” team at the Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts.
Paul received his marionette training at the Internationally famous Harlequin Puppet Theatre, Rhos on Sea, North Wales. The influence of “Puppet Masters” Eric Bramall and Chris Somerville, is obvious in Paul’s work, although his own new approach has been given to many of the traditional acts.
The excitement of the traditional trick puppet will entertain both young and old. Several different puppet shows are presented in the Shadowstring Theatre.
The marionettes are manipulated in full view of the audience with only the concentrated illumination of spotlights to create an illusion.
Many of the puppets were designed and built by Paul himself. The theatre also features a small exhibition of old and rare puppets from around the world.
Paul and his Shadowstring puppets have appeared on both TV and stage around the country, appearing on “Opportunity Knocks” and several children’s TV programmes. Paul gained his first television experience working on Yorkshire TV’s children’s programme “Hubble Bubble” as a freelance puppeteer. He has worked with such performers as Ronnie Corbett, Ed “Stewpot” Stewart, and the Chuckle Brothers.
Except for School Holidays, the Shadowstring Puppet Theatre will be closed on Fridays.
GALLERY (Coming soon)
