Based on the traditional Japanese story of ‘The Grateful Crane’ this new Fetch Theatre project will showcase the style of Bunraku puppetry within our work. A visual tale, told without words, the performance will celebrate puppetry and demonstrate the visual and emotional theatrical pull that this art form has for audiences of all ages. Funny, moving and beautiful the story will transport audiences as they interact with the puppets and journey with them to see amazing transformations take place.

The show will be performed by one animator who will skilfully put in motion spectacular puppets and props in order to create a simple but unforgettable story.

Technically simple, this 20 minute show will both mesmerize and awaken its audience. Two or three shows can be presented in one day or, the performer can deliver one performance and a puppetry workshop that will give participants an insight into the skills required to operate a Bunraku puppet effectively. The performance can be performed in almost any space so please contact us to talk about your requirements! This performance is suitable for all ages.

The Grateful Crane is available from July 2010 onwards. To book a performance or to find out more information please call Cindy Watson on 01544 231 579 or email

Our most recent production, Discovering the Ramayana was a hugely successful show touring to Arts Centres, schools and community halls in the West Midlands. A key feature of this production was the involvement of up to 30 young people at each performance. The young people spent a day working with the Fetch's director, Purvin, and performer, Nisha Anil, to rehearse key scenes within the play and learn mask and puppetry skills. The young people then watched the show with the audience and performed their scenes which interwove throughout the story. This format was worked really well and the positive responses from audiences, participants and promoters have led us to plan a retour!

If you are interested in finding out more about the project and proposed new tour (timed to coincide with Divali) please contact Cindy Watson on 01544 231 579 or

N.B. Discovering the Ramayana is the first in a cycle of work we hope to develop working with our colleagues in India to explore the Ramayana. See below.