OUTDOOR SHOWS
Things to consider when Booking Shows for Your Event
My Big wooden theatre is only ever used at The Heights of Abraham during the main Summer holidays.
For your one day event, be it a Fete, Village Fair, County Show or Festival, I would use one of my more traditional 'tent' type Punch Booths.
A Punch & Judy Show is a huge asset to any outdoor event.
It's something for all ages, not just the children.
And certainly not for just the very youngest children.
You are missing a trick if you think this jolly puppet show is
'Just for the kiddies'.
It's great for all generations, and is best when families watch together.
Here are a few tips for getting the most from your day when you book my show.
The organisers of this Church Fun Day in Birmingham really went the extra mile.
Lovely costumes.
That's the way to do it !
Sadly there is wonderful event near me that I keep declining to do again, because they will insist on having a Festival sized Tannoy system in a modest sized meadow. Loud noise all around is no good for Mr Punch.
So it's alright (and preferable) to site the show away from other things.
With the Show time(s) posted in advance, people will make their way over to the Theatre long before showtime to get a good view.
So place me away from the tannoy certainly, but also away from any "Kiddies Area" or fairground if you have one.
Fairground rides with noisy generators and music are not good to be neighbours with. Nor are people shouting and barking for other stalls: like "Hook a Duck" and Coconut Shies etc.
Set Punch aside in its own space away from other things, and the audiences will thank you for it. And so will I
Next to a Beer Tent, or a good old fashioned 'Cakes and Tea' Refreshment Tent is ideal. They benefit symbiotically from being near the show.
And no matter where you decide to pitch the puppet show - the ice cream van will always come and park nearby : it's always great for them too.
Some venues really get into the spirit of thing, these deckchairs were a pretty addition.
But it's not necessary as I am self contained, with a large audience tarpaulin so nobody need sit on damp grass.
Q: How much space do I need ?
A: 12m x 10m - 36ft x 30ft
I no longer take bookings that insist all vehicles are moved off the field to an adjacent car park.. I have too much to set up and dismantle to play that silly game.
Sorry but it's a deal-breaker.
To be clear, my van is part of the set-up and stays in position with me.
But as you can see, the striped van is an attractive part of the whole ensemble. It helps draw in the crowds.
If you are lucky enough to have freedom to site the puppet show in a choice of positions on your field plan.
Then please give consideration to where the sun will be during the course of the event.
The window of the theatre facing either due North or South is the ideal positioning for the show.
Facing East or West can be problematical should we get a really bright cloudless day.
You can see from the previous photos, what the ideal outdoor set up looks like for me.
But here are some honourable exceptions, when the venue really dictates a different approach.
I have several different theatres, including a dedicated Christmas one.
