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Upfront Puppet Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Upfront Puppet Theatre

Near Hutton-in-the-Forest, Unthank, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TG
017684 84538
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Visit now
Upfront Puppet Theatre
Upfront Puppet Theatre
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Founded in 1997 by John Parkinson, theatre designer and artist, and educator Elaine Parkinson, Upfront Puppet Theatre is one of only four puppet theatres in England.

Sitting beautifully within the sympathetically converted 17th-century farm buildings, the puppet theatre is located within the Upfront Gallery near Penrith.  Complete with authentic puppeteer bridges and a pit for working rod puppets, the theatre regularly offers puppet-making workshops to their visitors.

The site also houses a vegetarian restaurant and the gallery offers a varied program of free exhibitions throughout the year.

Upfront Puppet Theatre was named the Cumbrian Small Arts Venue of the Year and the Tourism Experience of the Year from Cumbria Tourist Board in 2015.

 

 

What's on near Upfront Puppet Theatre

Bumps and Brushes
TourCumbria
Bumps and Brushes at Abbot Hall

These sessions offer a chance to explore art, connect with your baby, and meet other expecting parents in a welcoming environment. The session will begin with a calming guided tour

Free entry
See all events

Where to go near Upfront Puppet Theatre

Cumbria
Tourist Attraction
Hutton-in-the-Forest

A few miles north of Penrith, Hutton-in-the-Forest is an exquisite country house, described by Simon Jenkins as “one of Britain’s top 100”.

Cumbria
Event venue
Quirky Workshops

A unique creative venue offering an inspiring range of art, craft and heritage ‘Quirky Workshops’ and courses.

Cumbria
Gallery
Beckstones Art Gallery

Beckstones Art Gallery in the village of Greystoke is a small family-owned gallery, selling a range of artists’ work, leaning towards the traditional.

Bank House
Cumbria
Hotel
Bank House

Close to the centre of Penrith, Bank House is a stylish family-run bed and breakfast, in a Victorian house with a traditional garden. 

Cumbria
Gallery
EVAN Gallery & Studios

A gallery and studio space displaying works by local artists – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, as well as gift items.

Cumbria
Café or Coffee Shop
The Yard Kitchen

Boasting an array of hot and cold food including homemade cakes, The Yard Kitchen is a café with a distinctly quirky feel.

Penrith Town Centre
Cumbria
Tourist Attraction
Penrith Town Centre

A blend of historic and contemporary gives Penrith its edge, ancient tradition sitting side-by-side with trendy wine bars, hipster cafes and fine dining.

Cumbria
Cinema
Alhambra Cinema

An independent cinema in the heart of town, the Lonsdale Alhambra is, for many locals, a treasure of Penrith.

Cumbria
Restaurant
La Casita

La Casita serves the most authentic tapas in Penrith – the only thing not-so-Spanish about La Casita is their high quality fresh Cumbrian ingredients.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Grants of CastleGate

This modern bistro and bar, open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, serves up classic British pub fare reimagined to its most indulgent.

Cumbria
Restaurant
Simple Goodness

Rich soups, salads, hearty meals and homemade cakes are freshly made using seasonal and organic incgredients whereever possible from this vegetarian takeaway bistro.

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Kendal is a key destination in the Lake District, packed with fantastic places to visit as well as a wide range of high-quality restaurants, bars and pubs.
Things to do in Eden Valley, Cumbria

Our guide to the best things to do in the beautiful Eden Valley in Cumbria, which stretches from Sedbergh to Penrith.
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Culture Guides

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Cinema in the North

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Exhibitions in the North

From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.