Long Nose Puppets present: Penguin
Touring to Mansfield Central, Sutton-in-Ashfield and Worksop libraries in March 2027.
Penguin is based on the award-winning book by Polly Dunbar.
Ben is delighted when he rips open his present, inside is a penguin. "Hello Penguin!" says Ben. Penguin says nothing.
Ben tickles Penguin; he pulls his funniest face; he puts on a happy hat, sings a silly song and does a dizzy dance. Penguin says nothing ... so Ben fires Penguin into OUTER SPACE.
Penguin comes back to earth without a word! It isn't until a passing lion intervenes that Penguin finally speaks...and when he does, Ben discovers something that was really worth the wait.
Penguin is exciting, surreal and full of surprises, full to the brim with lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez that will have everyone joining in! It’s a spectacular theatre experience for all ages-especially 2-8 year olds.
Show Information
Age suitability: Ages 2 -8
Running time: 40 Minutes + approx 15 min ‘meet-the-puppets’ where puppeteers bring out some puppets after the show for the children to see and interact with more closely.
Capacity: 60 children per show
Key themes: Empathy and knowing how to manage our emotions. The theme invites further conversation around how we all feel different emotions like anger and frustration. The Penguin story book helps children to develop their visual literacy skills.
Performances
| Date | Library | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 3 March 2027 | Mansfield Central Library | 10.30am |
| Mansfield Central Library | 1.30pm | |
| Thursday 4 March 2027 | Sutton-in-Ashfield Library | 10.30am |
| Sutton-in-Ashfield Library | 1.30pm | |
| Friday 5 March 2027 | Worksop Library | 10.30am |
| Worksop Library | 1.30pm |
Booking Information
Contact: culture@inspireculture.org.uk and let us know the date, venue and time you require for your school.
This is a discounted rate made possible by Inspire Libraries' Arts Council England funding to support local children to have the opportunity to experience theatre at their local library
About the Long Nose Puppets
Co-founded in 2006 by Katherine Morton and Polly Dunbar in their home town of Brighton, Long Nose Puppets have produced seven much loved and critically acclaimed puppet shows for children.
Their first show, Shoe Baby won Best Children’s Show at Brighton Fringe Festival and went on to have sell out peformances across the UK, gaining many five star reviews at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2013 another show, Arthur's Dream Boat, was filmed by the BBC for Scottish Book Trust.
Polly Dunbar is a well known children’s author and illustrator best know for her books Penguin and the Tilly and Friends series. Long Nose is unique in that Polly has a completely hands on roll in devising the shows and making the puppets, therefore the final productions are as close to the books as is possible.
Inspire works with our partners to ensure we present quality performances from theatre companies around the UK, bringing arts and culture to your local library and providing a memorable experience for your pupils.
- Performances take place either in the children's library or a separate meeting space. Creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for children and school staff.
- Children will generally sit on the floor, with chairs available for adults.
- We ask that groups arrive ready to be seated around 10 minutes before the performance start time to ensure everyone is settled for a prompt start.
- We are flexible to the needs of individual pupils, there will always be space for a child to move away from the show, if for any reason they need a break from the action and we'll discuss any access needs for pupils and staff during the booking process.
- Library staff will always be on hand throughout the visit to welcome classes and answer questions.
Once we know you would like to book classes from your school to see a performance. We'll send a booking form to confirm the booking, numbers attending and the process for payment.
The booking form also outlines the responsibilities of each party. As follows;
The School’s Responsibilities
The School shall:
- Make appropriate arrangements to transport the children to the performance venue in good time for the start of the performance.
- Provide staff to supervise the children during performances.
- Obtain from the organiser any information required for a risk assessment.
- Both parties shall maintain public and employer’s liability cover in respect of its activities and staff.
- Arrange payment for the performance - to be received no later than 2 weeks before the event.
The Library Service Responsibilities
The Library Service shall:
- Undertake contractual arrangements with the Visiting Company to present the production in association with our partners.
- Pay all fees, accommodation and travel expenses for the Visiting Company.
- Liaise with the venue over licensing and Health & Safety procedures.
- Both parties shall maintain public and employer’s liability cover in respect of its activities and staff.
- Provide information requested by schools in a timely manner.
