New take on classic tale

A new production of a classic folk tale comes the Norwich Puppet Theatre next week.

Red Riding Hood is directed by a puppet-maker who started his career here before going on to work with companies such as Spitting Image.

Opening to schools on Monday, the production will run over Christmas before touring the UK. Red Riding Hood has been designed and directed by Peter O’Rourke, a freelance designer, director and puppet maker: “I got my first job in puppetry at Norwich Puppet Theatre; nearly 30 years ago on a production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, so I was very excited to be invited back to direct and design this year’s Christmas show. ”

Red Riding Hood is the first major show produced independently by Norwich Puppet Theatre since 2008. Joy Haynes, the recently appointed Director of Norwich Puppet Theatre, says it signals a new phase in the life of the Theatre: “Norwich Puppet Theatre has been working hard to ensure that it thrives in the future. We are very grateful to the grant bodies, funders, the City and County Councils, businesses and local people who continue to support us. [..]We intend to build on our reputation and experience to become recognised not only as an asset for Norwich and the region but also as a centre of excellence for puppetry nationally and internationally.”

Red Riding Hood opens with a special gala performance on the evening of Saturday 17th December and then runs until Saturday 31th December 2011.