PuppeteersUK is the networking organisation for puppetry in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1999 by the coming together of national membership organisations, national centres, regional groups, companies and individual performers with the objective of delivering a united voice and an effective lobby for the improved recognition of puppetry.
It did not seek to replace or over-ride any of the UK puppetry organisations, which are both varied and distinct, but rather to provide an overall co-operative and inclusive framework within which they can all take their place and flourish.
It has a democratic structure, representatives meet on a regular basis and all members of the core organisations are granted associate membership of PUK.
In this way PuppeteersUK has renewed the spirit of co-operation across puppetry and related sectors, leading to increased co-ordination and mutual exchange of information, and the sharing of best practice between stakeholders and the wider public.
Puppets Online, was the first key project created under the PUK umbrella and was initially supported by Arts Council England. Puppets Online is a comprehensive online directory of puppeteers and puppetry services in the UK, including current information on performances, festivals, education work, museum collections and other items of news.
Building on the success of Puppets Online, PUK plans to move forward with further development of resources and artform development projects to support the sector.
Malcolm KnightInterim Chair | Brian HibbittHon. Treasurer | Secretary Currently Vacant | Peter MacDonaldWebmaster and editor of weekly newsletter |
PUK Council
Representatives of Main Membership Organisations (MMO)For contact details see Puppetry Organisations
British Puppet & Model Theatre Guild (BPMTG) | Michael Dixon - Interim Chair, BPMTG |
British Centre of UNIMA (BrUNIMA) | Paul Piris |
Punch & Judy Fellowship | Peter Dann |
The Puppet Centre Trust (PCT) | Mervyn Millar |
Interim Constituency Representatives
Theatres and venues | John Parkinson |
Festivals | Liz and Daniel Lempen |
Academic, Educational and Training Organisations | Peter Beck |
Performing Companies | Nik Palmer |
Individual members | Nenagh Watson |
Puppet Centres and development agencies | Chris Pirie |