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
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

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Where to go near Upfront Puppet Theatre

Cumbria
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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
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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
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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. 

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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.

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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
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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.

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Alhambra Cinema

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

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La Casita

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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.

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