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Puppetry

A Backstage Guide
By Toby Olié
Series: National Theatre Backstage Guides
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Brief Description
Puppetry by Toby Olié offers a fascinating National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft, created by the mind behind some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows. The book focuses on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved. It provides insights... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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An accessible guide that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the art and craft of puppetry, through the lens of productions at the National Theatre.

An accessible guide that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the art and craft of puppetry, through the lens of productions at the National Theatre.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Puppetry by Toby Olié offers a fascinating National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft, created by the mind behind some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows.

The book focuses on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved. It provides insights into:

The benefits of using puppetry in your performance.

How to research and design your puppets.

How to perform with a puppet, addressing both technical considerations and character acting.

How to maintain your puppet and repair it during a production.

How to pursue a career in puppetry.

Drawing on his experience working at the National Theatre on productions such as War Horse and Pinocchio, Toby Olié supplements his expertise with contributions from other notable figures in the field, including Fred Davis, Daisy Beattie, Audrey Brisson and Sarah Wright.

The book includes photos of puppets, from prototypes to final designs, offering visual insight into the craft.

Puppetry provides a unique opportunity to learn the principles of puppetry from a professional who has worked extensively across theatre, musicals, opera and dance.

Series: National Theatre Backstage Guides

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  • Puppetry
    Puppetry
    Puppetry by Toby Olié offers a fascinating National Theatre Backstage Guide to the craft, created by the mind behind some of the world's most iconic puppetry shows. The book focuses on the processes within each stage of creation and the key roles involved. It provides insights into: The benefits of using puppetry in your performance. How to research and design...
    By Toby Olié
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    Sold Out
  • Wigs, Hair and Make-Up
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    Wigs, Hair and Make-Up is written by the former Deputy Head of Make-Up and Wigs at the National Theatre. This book provides a rare glimpse into a process that very few people experience. It offers perspectives on the preparation before a production and the responsibilities during, as well as insights into training, career opportunities, and success. Drawing upon some of...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350437456

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 September 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Illustration: 10 b&w

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 120.0mm

Height: 166.0mm

Weight: 100g

Pages: 128

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Series: National Theatre Backstage Guides Toby Olié

About the Author

Toby Olié is an Olivier Award-nominated director, designer and puppeteer. He creates productions that are both original and unconventional, expanding audience’s expectations of what puppetry is capable of.

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