The spectacular puppets have been created by award winning designers Nick Barnes Puppets, who have collaborated with Red Rose Chain for the past two years at Theatre in the Forest – including creating the giant witch puppets in ‘Macbeth’, and the hilarious dancing sheep in ‘The Winter’s Tale’.

The globally renowned designers, who have won an Olivier award and a Tony award nomination for their puppets in ‘The Life of Pi’, are joined by Puppetry Director Laura Cubitt, fresh from her own Olivier Award for Dinosaur World Live!

Nick Barnes said: “Working with Jo and her great team as part of Theatre in the Forest is always a great pleasure: it’s a chance for us to unleash our imaginations to
create fun and often out of the ordinary puppets. Our only challenge is to ensure they can compete with the creative madness and mayhem of the Red Rose Chain performers!”

The puppets are part of Red Rose Chain’s big birthday celebrations, marking 25 years of their annual outdoor theatre event, Theatre in the Forest.

What started out as two nights at Rendlesham Forest in 1999 has turned into one of Suffolk’s biggest and best loved outdoor theatre events. Now in its third year at National Trust’s Sutton Hoo, the company are celebrating with one of William Shakespeare’s magical comedies, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Josh Ward, Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Sutton Hoo, said: “We’re so happy to have Red Rose Chain back with us this summer – and what a treat it is to be a part of their 25th anniversary!

"This year, the stage will be bigger and better than ever and we also have some fantastic food and drink concessions joining us. Come down early to enjoy a walk in Sutton Hoo’s wonderful landscape, treat yourself to a pre-show dinner and then get some refreshments from King’s River Café… We’ve got everything you need for the perfect night out.”

As well as Theatre in the Forest, Red Rose Chain are known for their extensive work in the community, with free at source community companies for disadvantaged and disabled young people and adults at their HQ, The Avenue Theatre.

With funding from Arts Council England Project Grants, the fairy puppets will feature in a programme of drama workshops and events with young people, refugees, and adults with profound disabilities across Suffolk.

Tickets can be purchased from the online box office or by calling Red Rose Chain on 01473 603388.