THE final chance to enjoy some puppet magic in Skipton this year will take place next month as the Skipton Puppet Festival comes to an end for 2021.

Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14, will be the sixth and last in the series of six, monthly weekend events, including a show created in association with the Imperial War Museum.

Taking place at Skipton Town Hall on Saturday evening, Thingumajig Theatre will be performing ‘A November Day’. It was originally created in association with The Imperial War Museum North to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice of the First World War and is aimed at adults and children over 10 years old.

In the show, a woman discovers the story of her grandfather, a survivor of the First World War, and his unexpected encounter with a stray dog.

With evocative puppet characters, live music and an ever-changing set, Thingumajig Theatre presents a timeless fable on war and the miracle of friendship when all else seems lost.

On Sunday, award company Pickled Image will present ‘Woodland Tales with Grandad’

In the show, ‘something is happening in the woods’. Voices can be heard, and a strange metallic smell fills the air. Machines are gathering at its edge and a mysterious call is heard across the valley.

Laura the ladybird, Jeffrey the spider, Brett the Woodlouse and Willoughby the Woodpecker are worried.

Velda the Vixen knows there’s a one person who can help them – Granddad. But is there enough time? Can they save the wood? And will the mystery stranger help?

It is described as a ‘charming show for everyone over three years old with an important environmental message to share.’

Festival director, Liz Lempen, said: “These two lovely shows will complete puppet festival activities for this year. It’s been a different sort of festival. Not the big shebang of one intense and crazy weekend full of puppetry but a slow and steady stream of shows and activities over six months.

“ It’s worked really well to manage the risks and conditions presented by the pandemic and also to enrich the programming at the newly renovated town hall.

“The town hall has become a fantastic venue for Skipton and we look forward to presenting more shows in partnership with them.

“We hope our audiences have enjoyed both the indoor and the outdoor programme of shows this year which of course would not have happened without grant aid and support from Arts Council England and Skipton BID.”

For more information and ticket link for the shows, visit: www.skiptonpuppetfestival.co.uk