Reconnect – Revision – Re-set: UK Puppetry Symposium

A two-day gathering of puppetry professionals from the UK and beyond, featuring workshops, performances, panels, and networking. Organised by North Yorkshire Council and funded by Arts Council England, the event focuses on sector growth, early-career support, and international collaboration. Activities will continue post symposium on Sunday 19th with PuppeteersUK AGM (members only) to take place at Craven Arts House and free puppetry performances, exhibition and demonstrations for the public.

Where is UK puppetry now — thriving, struggling, or surviving?
Where do we want to be, and how do we get there?

This is your chance to connect, share, and shape the future of the artform.

Isolation is a common challenge. Can we build a stronger, more united community? What do we need from our organisations to better support and advocate for us — at home and on tour?

Let’s come together to find our voice and reimagine what’s possible.

Reflection on Curious’ Participation at Skipton International Puppetry Symposium 2025

“You and the Curious Students were such a great asset to the discussion. Your input was so valued.” - Katherine O’ Reardon, Creative and Cultural Development Officer at North Yorkshire Council

Curious was delighted to take part in the Skipton International Puppetry Symposium this year, sharing our work, ethos, and community with the wider national puppetry community. Our presentation (which you can watch here), led by Artistic Director Sarah Wright and Producer Jemima Yong, told the story of: how Curious came into the world: its inspirations, the industry landscape at the time of its inception; what the school does; and what we’re moving towards in the future. The presentation celebrated the voices and experiences of our alumni - who continue to carry the spirit of Curious into the work they do.

We were joined by alumni Dix McDevitt (CSP 2023), Hector TJ Huang (CSP 2023), Bryony McCombie Smith (CSP 2025), Nico Venables (CSP 2025), Aqiong Zhang (CSP 2025) and Lee Maeda (CSP 2025) whose presence brought wonderful energy and insight into the conversation. The reflections of our extended alumni community were included through the voice notes they generously sent in advance - from Jennie Rawling (CSP 2019), Carolene Yawa Ada (CSP 2019), Markus Schabbing (CSP 2019), Anna Ingleby (CSP 2019), Zhaolin Zhou (CSP 2023), Edie Edmundson (CSP 2016), Paul Barnhill (CSP 2020), William Steele (CSP 2018), and Alicia Britt (CSP 2017). These contributions were activated through filmed puppetry, bringing their words to life in a playful way!

It was a joy to witness Curious alumni performing throughout the festival. We were thrilled to catch Life and Limbs Puppets’ new production At Sea, a wonderful example of cross-cohort collaboration and ongoing creative dialogue within the Curious community, featuring William Steele (CSP 2018) as Artistic Director, Calum Bruce (CSP 2023) as Assistant Puppet Director and Co-designer, and Chloe Flockart (CSP 2018) as Dramaturg.

The festival offered a rich space for exchange and connection, and it was really affirming to share our work with the broader puppetry community, including representatives from British UNIMA, Punch and Judy Guild, British Puppet Guild, Puppeteers UK, and Puppet Centre. We came away with a renewed sense of how vital and interconnected this community is - and how the ripples of Curious continue to travel through the work, relationships, and spirit of our alumni.

We are deeply grateful to Skipton International Puppetry Festival for the invitation, and to everyone who joined us in conversation, performance, and curiosity.