Alison Duddle

Early in the process of making #returntotheforest with @theatrerites , @gregmaqoma and myself asked visual artist and researcher @bunmiagusto to help us design a new Puppet for the production. She introduced us to a new way of imagining the Gelede Mask, part of the Yorubic traditions of Nigeria. We then asked mask maker @alison_duddle to create it in 3 dimensions as a masquerade. We then asked Cuban Yorubic Choreographer and dancer @miguelaltunaga_jr to help animate it. It then became one of the 5 significant museum objects which became the heart of the show’s content, appearing in 4 versions throughout the show. These are a few photo captures of this 2 year process. #yorubá #femalevisualartists #masquerade #dance&puppetry

The beauty of #returntotheforest @theatrerites @gregmaqoma @factory_international @sadlerswells_east @grandtheatrebpl was created by the excellence of Designer @chanj85 and Lighting Designer @guyhoare with incredible amounts of help from amazing puppet/mask/roots/cocoon/prop makers @naomioppenheim & @alison_duddle

What a fun and productive week at @mcrschart with students from the rather inspiring Illustration with Animation course. I thought it would be interesting to bring them into the process of making the Forest spirit masquerades for @theatrerites new show #returntotheforest directed by @suebuckmaster and @gregmaqoma . We built a mask with clay and paper maché, scrimmed, painted, sewed and learned how to use submersion printing (cool stuff!) I am excited for them to get to see their work when the show opens at @factory_international next month. It was, as always, a joy to work with talented, curious and hard working young artists (who showed up, every day, during their holidays) Many of them had also worked with me on making puppets for #theherds last year, and also continued on to performing in Manchester For me, It was also a treat just walking through the art school each day and being astonished at the incredible work being made by students on every course - glass, metal,ceramics, illustration,textiles, fashion. All unique. All brilliant. Thank you so much to @eleanor_mulhearn and @sambonserart from @iwa_mcrschart for facilitating, and to the brilliant artists @yeebolen @ashleylulendo @freyajazz @theizzybanks @katie_digweed and visiting artist @catito_dorito @factory_international @sadlers_wells @grandtheatrebpl #mask #maskmaking #artschoollife

Many people had questions for Alison in the comments of one of the previous videos, so hopefully, this explains her making process a bit more for you. After sculpting the shape in clay and covering it with a layer of clingfilm, puppet maker and puppeteer Alison Duddle of A Bird in the Hand Theatre applies layers of kraft paper to the structure. In this instance, papier-mâché is used to create the otter head. The binding agent for the pieces of kraft paper is wallpaper paste. To create depth, alternating sides of the paper are applied for the layers, light and dark, forming five layers. Two beads are used as placeholders for the eyes. At this point in the making process, it is undecided if the otter will have hollow eyes for the performer to look through or if it will be held above the performer's head and keep some form of eye structure. Some puppets will be lit from within, and this can influence how they are 'finished'. You can learn about Alison and other Yorkshire-based Puppet Makers in 'Hidden Figures of Yorkshire & The Humber' which will be available to pre-order soon. Project: Hidden Figures of Yorkshire and the Humber Featuring: Alison Duddle @alison_duddle Photographer: Caitlin Pharoah @hummingbirds_photography #puppetmaking #hiddenfiguresofyorkshire #puppeteer

Did you know that the goldfinch is one of the few UK bird species whose numbers continue to steadily rise? Thanks to the increase in garden bird feeders, their ability to adapt to suburbia, and an end to trapping for the bird cage industry in the early 20th century, the goldfinch is here to stay. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for our red squirrels, with some people's encounters limited to digital images or ingenious creations such as Alison Duddle's puppet. For anyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing puppets, it is miraculous how quickly a talented puppeteer draws you under a spell of imagination. The puppet before you is alive, and the stories performed are tangible, evoking reactions as you quickly become emotionally connected to the characters in front of you. In this instance, reminding us of the quirky characters belonging to two wonderful UK wildlife natives. To learn more about the puppeteers, showman and other storytellers in Yorkshire, pre-order Hidden Figures of Yorkshire now: https://square.link/u/CZd6FZkU Featuring: Alison Duddle @alison_duddle Photographer: Caitlin Pharoah @hummingbirds_photography #hiddenfiguresofyorkshire #puppeteer #birdpuppet #puppetmaker #britishwildlifeart

In this video, puppeteer and puppet maker Alison Duddle is carving the hand for one of her beautiful puppets out of a piece of limewood. Lime is often used to make puppets due to its straight grain. Other woods used include Jelutong, or in the United States, they tend to use basswood. Puppet makers prefer to carve in woods that have a straight and close grain because it means things don't break off as easily. This means that small details can be carved into the wood without risking pieces falling off during the process. You can learn about Alison and other Yorkshire-based puppet makers in 'Hidden Figures of Yorkshire & The Humber,' which will be available to pre-order soon. Project: Hidden Figures of Yorkshire and the Humber Featuring: Alison Duddle @alison_duddle Photographer: Caitlin Pharoah @hummingbirds_photography #puppetmaking #hiddenfiguresofyorkshire #puppetmaker #woodcarvings #todmorden den

After sculpting the shape in clay and covering it with a layer of clingfilm, puppet maker and puppeteer Alison Duddle of A Bird in the Hand Theatre applies layers of kraft paper to the structure. In this instance, papier-mâché is used to create the otter head. The binding agent for the pieces of kraft paper is wallpaper paste. To create depth, alternating sides of the paper are applied for the layers, light and dark, forming five layers. While strong, kraft paper is relatively lightweight, making it an excellent material for creating large, life-size, or giant puppets that need to be light enough for performers to operate. You can learn about Alison and other Yorkshire-based Puppet Makers in 'Hidden Figures of Yorkshire & The Humber' which will be available to pre-order soon. Project: Hidden Figures of Yorkshire and the Humber Featuring: Alison Duddle @alison_duddle Photographer: Caitlin Pharoah @hummingbirds_photography #puppetmaking #hiddenfiguresofyorkshire #todmorden #puppetmaker

To begin @theatrerites residency with @grandtheatrebpl - @alison_duddle and myself ran a two day workshop in mask and puppetry. It was a delight to meet and play with the fabulous local artists. Thank you for the invitation @celinewyatt63

Our guest speaker at the third SOUP Night of 2026 is……. 🥁🥁🥁 Alison Duddle! Alison is a freelance visual artist, puppet and mask designer, maker and director based in West Yorkshire, UK. With over 25 years’ experience across theatre, film, outdoor events and community performance, her work often uses sustainable natural materials. She has led participatory mask-making and performance projects with East African puppeteers in Kenya. Alison directs A Bird in the Hand Theatre and Quiddlesticks, creating imaginative work rooted in wonder and the natural world. — 🏠 St Barnabas Dalston, Shacklewell Row, London E8 2EA
⏰6.30pm - 9pm (soup at 7pm, speaker at 7.30pm) 📆 5 February 2026 🎟️ £7 - £10 — Thursday SOUP nights are a time of enrichment for body and soul, a chance to eat together, relax, network and share. Initially conceived in collaboration with Puppetry Supervisor, Maker and Puppeteer Daisy Beattie, the evenings provide a nourishing opportunity to hear more about the life and work of leading practitioners in and around the puppetry community. Each week a talk, slideshow, film or demonstration is presented, followed by an informal gathering. The Curious community collectively host the evening. Together we make soup, working on a wholesome and mindful task, blending an array of ingredients, mixing and balancing a variety of flavours, with which to warmly welcome our visitors. These open evenings, attended by puppeteers, directors, makers, designers, students, historians and enthusiasts, are a chance for the wider puppetry community to share and contribute to the progress of the School. They are an opportunity for introductions and contacts to be made and for deeper discussion about the direction and aspirations of the industry. Cover photo by @ianhodgson123 #londontheatre #puppetry #performance

Stop Motion animations using earth, also known as moving around very tiny specs of soil on a light box! Last year I created some little animated clips for Chris Squire @impossiblearts which were then woven into the amazing projected imagery for #Ghost Train. Sadly I was away and never did see the incredible spectacle, created by @avanti_display and produced by @walktheplankarts , and built by an unbelievable creative team of sculptors, engineers, and artists. But it was a treat to be part of such an amazing team and production. #amimation #sidehustle

Curlew. First new #giantpuppet of the year, made by Alison Duddle with costume by @nadiatahari thanks to @quickjonny for lighting and for performing. Commissioned by @outside_arts_ from a brilliant idea by the queen of brilliant ideas @thewhirligigbird . It's off to live in the Staffordshire moorlands where it will feel quite at home. Lovely first outing this evening at a wassail in Leek with Staffordshire Climate Action, celebrating their two small orchards, accompanied by fire torches and drumming. And great community curlew performers, including a spot of avian morris dancing by @alebravoab ! #lantern #curlew #puppetry #wassail #lanternpuppets #puppetmaking

The beautiful Gelede mask, as seen in Return to The Forest artwork, was created in 2023 for our first week of r&d with @gregmaqoma The video captures this beautiful example of collaboration between visual artist @bunmiagusto , designer and maker @alison_duddle and director @suebuckmaster and choreographer @gregmaqoma #puppetry #visualarts #dance #gelede #forest 🎥 @sophie_huggins