Puppetry: A Backstage Guide

By Toby Olié

From the creator of some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows comes this National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft.

With a focus on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved, the book offers insights into:

the benefits of using puppetry in your performance;

how to research and design your puppets;

how to perform with a puppet, from the technical considerations to character acting;

how to maintain your puppet and even repair it during a production;

how to pursue a career in puppetry

Drawing on both his experience working at the National Theatre on productions such as War Horse and Pinocchio, the author supplements his own know-how with contributions from other notable figures in puppetry, such as Fred Davis, Daisy Beattie, Audrey Brisson and Sarah Wright.

Photos of puppets, from prototypes to final designs, are included.

This is a unique opportunity to learn the principles of puppetry from someone who has worked extensively in the field across theatre, musicals, opera and dance.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 135043745X
• ISBN13: 9781350437456
• Release Date: September 2026
• Publisher: Methuen Drama
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.8" x 6.5"