Program Details – Puppet Plays


The Octopus

The Octopus: Little Joe and Captain Rocky C Rockbuster, crew of the ‘Jolly Barnacle’, encounter an octopus. The captain is very high-handed and makes fun of the octopus – until the ship needs saving from a sand bar – then he learns to be grateful. (5 mins approx) Themes: The importance of animals, Consideration, Being grateful (Live video with an age level of 3-6)

The Sea Monster

The Sea Monster: Once again, Captain Rocky C Rockbuster behaves badly. He refuses to ‘see’ a sea serpent and makes fun of Little Joe. When Captain Rocky falls overboard, he is rescued by the monster and changes his attitude very quickly. (6 mins approx) Themes: Caring and sharing Being grateful (Live video with an age level of 3-6)

The Pirates' Tresure

The Pirates’ Treasure: Little Joe and Captain Rocky C Rockbuster find themselves on an island. So do the Pirate Queen and her crew. There are a series of comic adventures, with comings and goings, before everyone learns to get along and settles down to have a nice time together. (7 mins approx) Themes: Mutual tolerance, Sharing (Live video with an age level of 3-6)

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes: A documentary on how the rod puppets work, showing the puppeteers in action. This feature also includes an interview with puppet master Helen Scrutton, who discusses how they are made and how they are operated. (7 mins approx) (Live video with an age level of 3-6)

Puppet Making Workshop

Puppet Making Workshop: Helen Scrutton shows four children how to make simple but beautiful sock puppets. She takes them through each step in the process, from cutting out the material, stitching on the mouth and eyes and finally making them come to life. (19 mins approx) (Live video with an age level of 3-6)

How to Put on your own Puppet Play: A teacher discusses how to use soft toys (teddy bears and dolls) and commercially available puppets to make simple stories. Advice is given on how to build character and how to develop a story. (7 mins approx) (Live video with an age level of 3-6)