World premiere of David Almond’s Puppet coming to Leeds Carriageworks Theatre

A heart-warming story of magic, friendship, and late-in-life creativity is heading to Leeds this autumn as David Almond’s 2024 novel, Puppet, makes its world premiere stage debut.

Co-adapted by the acclaimed Skellig author and his daughter, Freya Almond-Palmer, the new production is set to land on the Leeds stage for a strictly limited run this November.

The story follows Silvester, an elderly puppet maker living high in his attic surrounded by a lifetime of memories. Lonely and believing his crafting days are behind him, Silvester constructs one final creation from a jumble of mismatched odds and ends.

But when his new creation begins to move, speak, and come alive, it sparks an enchanting journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.

Described by fellow children's author Michael Morpurgo as "poignant and heartwarming", the production explores how it is never too late to make new connections or dare to create something fresh.

A Special Connection with Leeds

The choice to bring the world premiere of Puppet to West Yorkshire comes down to a deep personal and creative bond between the Almond family and the local theatre scene.

With Freya having studied and settled in Leeds, the duo turned to Leeds Children’s Theatre (LCT) - a historic community group boasting a 90-year legacy of creating performance opportunities for young people across the city.

LCT previously staged Almond’s masterpiece Skellig in 2022, forging a lasting partnership built on a shared passion for storytelling.

Speaking about returning to work with the group, author David Almond OBE said: "I love the city of Leeds. A couple of years ago Leeds Children’s Theatre did a fantastic production of my stage play Skellig, and I loved the way they worked.

“It’s great to see a theatre company that works with local people, with young people, with older people - it seemed obvious to me to go to Leeds Children’s Theatre."

Combining young performers and adult actors on stage together, the production promises a magical family experience for local theatregoers of all ages.

When and where is Puppet performing in Leeds?

Puppet will perform at the Carriageworks Theatre (The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD) across four dates this November:

• November 5: 7pm
• November 6: 7pm
• November 7: 1pm and 5pm
• November 8: 1pm

When and where can I get tickets to see Puppet when it performs in Leeds?

Tickets are on sale now directly through the Carriageworks Theatre Box Office.

For more information about the company and upcoming productions, visit Leeds Children Theatre’s website.