Former York University student features in prehistoric puppetry show

A woman who studied in York is featuring in a prehistoric journey which has thrilled theatre audiences in America.

Alice Bravery is part of the team which runs the Children’s Theatre Company’s Dinosaur World Live.

It runs until April 5 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage in Minneapolis.

“Dinosaur World Live brings together everything we love at CTC—imagination, adventure, and theatrical artistry that ignites curiosity,” said Rick Dildine, CTC Artistic Director.

“The show’s blend of spectacular puppetry and hands-on storytelling invites young people to lean in, marvel, and discover. We can’t wait for families to experience the thrill of seeing these magnificent prehistoric creatures come to life right in front of them.”

Puppeteer Alice, 33, said: “I'm from Jersey originally but came to York to study at University!

"However I do have some Yorkshire family roots as my grandfather and his family tree are all from Huddersfield, so I have always loved the area and have family there to this day.

“What I enjoy most is that no two days ever look the same. It’s a job that constantly keeps you present, curious and physically engaged, and the opportunities I've had to travel the world through it are amazing. “There’s also something very special about disappearing behind the work. As a puppeteer, the goal is for the audience not to notice you at all, but instead to believe completely in what’s happening in front of them. Being part of that shared moment of imagination and wonder is incredibly satisfying. It’s hard work, and often exhausting, but it never feels dull — and I feel very lucky to do something so playful, creative and unexpected for a living.”

She added: “I’ve always loved puppetry, even as a youngster before I knew it was something you could realistically pursue as a career. I remember seeing War Horse as a teenager and being completely blown away – it was the best piece of theatre I’d ever seen.

“For a long time, though, I didn’t see puppetry as a career option for myself. That changed later when I worked as a producer supporting puppetry projects, including with artists who had been involved in War Horse. It was a real lightbulb moment – suddenly I realised it was exactly the kind of work I wanted to do and that it was a realistic career. Puppetry combines physical performance, storytelling and technical skill in a way I find endlessly exciting.”