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Puppetry
A Backstage Guide
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...
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See moreAn 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.
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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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Auditioning
Auditions can often be the most feared aspect of being an actor and yet, as the author points out, casting directors are on the side of everyone who auditions for them. They want you to do well, feel confident about the audition and in turn give the director the confidence they need to choose you. The insights and reassurances throughout...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Playwriting
This book is ideal for anyone keen to understand how contemporary plays and playwrights work, particularly those wanting to write for the stage themselves. Drawing heavily on contemporary practice, it considers moments from a range of plays, with a focus on those from the National Theatre's repertoire. The book embraces a range of different dramaturgical structures and styles popular today;...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Acting
From one of the most celebrated actors of the stage and screen comes this book on the craft of acting. Lucian Msamati draws on his rich experience, particularly in the context of productions at the National Theatre, including: Amadeus, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Master Harold and The Boys, Death and The King's Horseman, The Comedy of Errors, and The Overwhelming...Paperback$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-order
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...Paperback$2299Unit price /UnavailableOut 1 Oct 2026Pre-order -
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up
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...PaperbackSold Out
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
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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