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Strangeface Mask Theatre Company present:
The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio
The original puppet in a pickle?..
Based on the story by Carlo Collodi, award winning Strangeface bring an extraordinary mix of masks, puppets live music and song to this tale of wild mischief and temptation. In a style closer to Roald Dahl than Disney, The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio takes us on a fantastical journey from his first moments as a talking log through a madcap series of scrapes and escapades with the scheming rascals Fox and Cat, magical fairies and a host of other mysterious characters on a voyage through strange faraway places.

In turns thrilling and heart-warming, moving and comical, Strangeface brings an inimitable magic to a masterpiece of surreal fantasy. Set in 1930s Sicily, this highly original production also includes Strangeface's ever popular back stage tour where the audience get a chance to try on a mask, play with a puppet or take a closer look at the company's renowned 'trailing edge' technology.

Strangeface have been touring nationally since 2001 and are equally at home in grand old theatres as rural halls. Their distinctive style blends quick changes, mask and puppet play with original live music and soundscapes. The mastery of character creation Strangeface employ appeals to both children and adults and is what now makes them a leading mask theatre company in the UK.

Come and enjoy this festive fun-packed adventure with us! We will be performing The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio at The Stables, Milton Keynes from 20 Dec - 7 Jan. For all the details, dates and booking information visit: http://www.stables.org

We are also running a short tour of the production which takes us to venues in Kent, East Sussex, North Lincolnshire and Tyneside and in the New Year. The production will also be available to tour to venues in the Autumn/Winter/Spring Season 2012/3 - you can find out if we are coming to a theatre, school or village hall near you by clicking on Shows on this website.

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Click here to see a short promo of Strangefaces "The Last Resort"

Get into the spirit of the season...
This Christmas, Strangeface Theatre Company unveil their new production of Charles Dickens' classic festive tale.

This novel adaptation is suitable for anyone aged 7 up ? adults and young people alike. Artistic Director Russell Dean says "Dickens' ghosts, grotesques and eccentrics leap from the pages of "A Christmas Carol" straight into Strangeface's colourful world of extraordinary masks and puppets, original song and soundscapes. Charles Dickens' enduring tale and Strangeface's inimitable style is a combination not to be missed!"

True to the soul of the story, the company offer you a chance to share their stage. Part of Strangeface's unique style is to invite the audience behind the scenes at the end of the show to have a go with masks and puppets, or just ask a question.

Strangeface have previously played their Faustian folk-tale The Last Resort and The Outlaw Fulke Fitz Waryn, a bit of medieval masked mayhem. Press and audience alike praised their "wit and originality" comparing the production to the West End puppet hit Avenue Q - "a lovingly created story with live music and an artistic appearance that remains etched on your memory"

Strangeface are now one of two dedicated mask theatre companies in the UK and their diverse influences include Tim Burton (Nightmare Before Christmas) Terry Gilliam and Eastern European animation. Russell has previously made masks for Channel 4, The Brits Music Awards, the giant Maggie Thatcher Puppet looming over the musical Billy Elliot in London, Sydney and Broadway whilst The Guardian described his masks as "shooting straight for the heart".

Press Reviews
...an outstanding and highly memorable performance. The Arnside Educational Institute has, again, pulled off a real coup with this wonderful company...
Michael Nunn, 19/11/09

Touring theatre doesn't come any more magical than this eccentric Christmas Carol from Strangeface. The masks are spellbinding, often grotesque and always extraordinary in the way they can leave characters permanently agape, watchful or wary.
The Stage, 20/11/09

Previous Press Reviews
“Russell Dean’s masks, modelled in various triumphant productions by Trestle Theatre Company, are incredible carvings. This piece features dynamic performances from the cast, all of whom take on multiple roles, saucy knavery and witty visual gags”
The List

“A wonderful combination of original comedy, puppetry and magnificent masks for a highly appreciative audience, including many teenagers who had enjoyed a Strangeface workshop earlier in the day”
Shropshire Star

“The masks are fantastic, the tale fascinating”
The Scotsman

Founded by Trestle Theatre Company mask maker Russell Dean, Strangeface tour to venues across the UK from our base in Kent. Since 2005 we have given more than 180 performances of Hell and High Water and The Outlaw Fulke Fitz Waryn in small and mid-scale arts centres, and for 20 rural touring schemes in village halls and community centres across the country. We have also created site-specific work and engaged more than 2000 young people in creating their own masks and mask performances.

Website Address:
www.strangeface.co.uk

Click to download high resolution images :

Christmas Carol
The Last Report