Local artists, writers and actors stage Christmas puppet show at Carrick-on-Suir castle

A Christmas puppet show created and staged by local artists, writers and actors premiered to three sold-out audiences at  Carrick-on-Suir's Ormond Castle.

A Christmas Puppet Vignette Showcase on December 7 featured original festive tales penned by local writers Jenny Cox, Paul O’Keeffe and Ethel Power in association with Writing Changes Lives.

Their stories were brought to life by actors from Brewery Lane Theatre and Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society Enda O’Driscoll, Neill Bourke, Sheenagh Raggett, Mala Raggett, David Shee and Finn McLoughlin.

They stepped behind the puppet kiosk to become first-time puppeteers using magnificent puppets handcrafted from upcycled materials by artist Sheila Wood of the Tudor Artisan Hub Arts Collective.

In a generous festive gesture supported by Tipperary County Council's Shop Local campaign, every family received the full value of their ticket back as a gift voucher to spend in participating local shops.

The initiative perfectly bridged the gap between supporting the arts and boosting small businesses in Carrick-on-Suir.

The Christmas puppet show was a vibrant collaboration within the Carrick-on-Suir Cultural Quarter, spearheaded by the Tudor Artisan Hub in association with local creative groups.

“Our mission was to create a truly magical performing arts experience tailored for children, with a core focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness", said Linda Fahy of the Tudor Artisan Hub.

She said the show’s organisers thank the OPW and staff at Ormond Castle for facilitating the project, photographer Noreen Duggan for photographing special moments of the show and Cahir Castle for use of the magnificent puppet stage, which was crafted by the OPW’s Mallow Depot.

Artist Sheila Woods at work making the puppet Black Tom.

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