… from Festivals, Community Events, Libraries, Schools, Nurseries, Parks, Parties and Residential Homes
“Old Hollywood Arrives In The Kidz Field… Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre swirled into the Kidz Field yesterday to give a rollicking good show based on the making of a Hollywood cowboy movie. And what a movie it was; all the glorious clichés of cowboy tradition were there in force – the dim Texan cowpoke, the raddled, shrewish leading lady, the demure girl who falls for the wrong man.
Even the music came from Sergio Leone – where else? – though there was a brief intermission for I Feel Pretty. Everything happened as you might expect and it ended with smooching. The kids in the audience groaned, catcalled, called the raddled old bag all sorts of names.
Expertly puppeteered by Amy Lloyd-Jones, Tallulah Swirls presents an endearing and delightful show with more than enough wit to keep adults and children alike happy. For this reviewer it was a welcome break from the overtly childish pleasures of the rest of the festival”
Adam Horovitz, Official Glastonbury Festival Website, 2004
“Tallulah Swirls is fantastic…I’m a real fan!”
Hugh Fearneley-Whittingstall (River Cottage Festival and Strawberry Fayre 2007/8/9/10)
“ We (myself and two kids) all loved the shows…laughed so much and have been visually inspired. I never thought that both adults and children could get equal enjoyment out of a puppet theatre. The characters were fantastic and the actual puppets were beautiful: full of personality and visually so entertaining. They made us all laugh (and at the same time). It was such a joy to watch and made you feel fulfilled and happy once it has finished. As a childrens’ book illustrator I felt so inspired at all her performances and would recommend anyone to see Amy ‘s shows. They are fantastic”
Rachel Griffin, Childrens Book Illustrator Dec 08, Has seen shows at Childrens’ World Festival, St Michael on the Mount Primary School, and Old Fairfield School Community Event.
“Tallulah Swirls brought a playful and handmade energy to the puppet theatre for our area at Camp Bestival…perfectly complimenting the Lord Whitney girls with their workshops and child lead performances. The shows delivered powerful messages through fun and laughter. Amy and her team were a delight to work with and would be invited back whenever possible.”
Deborah Curtis, Director ‘House of Fairy Tales’, child centered, artist led project set up by artists Deborah Curtis and Gavin Turk, 2010
“There was a lot of feedback from my colleagues and the members of the public using the tent. Particularly stressed was how positive your pieces were. One colleague who was very excited to see the kind of messages you were highlighting performed with puppets in “Mavis and the Green Giant from Outer Space”, felt it suitably subtle from child perspective. I myself thought the areas that weren’t so subtle, e.g. clever trevor and the various animal noises, were the best parts! The musical effects and gadgetry made it suitably modern and I particularly liked Trevor’s theme. Many of them were completely absorbed in the show… A colleague noted that many current early years tv shows ask for similar participation, and that some of these kids may never have learnt to actually join in. I can only think that greater access to your style of live show would help develop these children’s confidence and participation.”
Alistair Pound, Bath Play Forum, Bath Spring Flower Festival 09
“In August 2007 I was organising an event for the residents of a tower block in Barton Hill. It was an opportunity for neighbours to get together with their children for a barbeque and some entertainment was requested from the residents planning group. It was suggested that as there was a number of children of various ages coming along and some children had English as a second language, a puppet show with lots of action would be ideal.
We were very fortunate to have chosen Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre and Amy Lloyd-Jones. Amy agreed to do the performance outside and arrived in good time to set up. She instantly had a group of curious children; Amy interacted positively with the children and added to their excitement with her stories and explanations of the show to be performed. The story (Susie Sparkle) Amy chose to tell with her puppets somewhat reflected the issues the community development team had been working on with the residents around conflict resolution among the different ethnic groups in Ashmead House.
The audience of about 30 children and some parents enjoyed the performance immensely it was energetic, colourful and full of action. The show attracted others who watched from a distance.
I would be happy and confident to ask Amy along to another event in the knowledge that she is very professional, competent and obviously enjoys her self a very talented artist.”
Maggie Reardon, The Peoples Hive, Barton Hill Settlement 07
“We booked Amy Lloyd-Jones with the Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre for a community charity fundraiser, which was held in our café building on June 14th 2008. The event involved live music and poetry aimed at adults from 8pm, but began with an early evening puppet show provided by Amy for the children of local residents and other community members.The “Susie Sparkle” puppet show was a big success with the children and parents. Amy Lloyd-Jones attracted a large audience with whom she engaged and interacted fantastically. Children of all ages were deeply engrossed in the performance and seemed to particularly enjoy the audience participation. The children responded with delight to Amy’s wonderful collection of interesting and comical characters. All eyes appeared to be glued to the theatre and the children of all ages were able to enjoy the humour. She arrived in good time, and was able to set-up and dismantle the Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre with ease, which enabled our schedule for the night to run promptly. Overall her professionalism was a high standard and we were as pleased with the service as the children were enchanted by the performance!”
Leona Williamson, The St Werburghs City Farm Café , Winner Of Guardian Ethical Contribution Food Award 08
“What a bright and magical show! (Susie Sparkle at the City Farm) The kids loved the characters and the humour kept everyone engaged throughout. My children particulary enjoyed meeting the beautiful puppets at the end of the show, and were inspired to have a go at making their own”
Sally Gamble one half of fabulous festival organisers Pussyparlure.co.uk
“Amy has worked with Bristol Libraries many times in different ways, all of them successful. She engages well with children of all ages and holds their attention, is always very professional and delivers exactly what has been agreed. On one occasion she produced an excellent new puppet show at very short notice to work within a science fiction theme for the Bristol Great Reading Adventure, enjoyed by all who saw it. Another challenge was working with a young family learning group when I was unable to let her know numbers, ages or abilities. She arrived armed with a variety of activities including puppets and managed to entertain, inform and educate a difficult disparate group without the benefit of preparation time. All were engaged from the start and it was a very successful event.”
Janet Randall, Childrens’ and Young Persons’ Services Manager, Bristol Libraries, Nov 08
“I thought it was just amazing how they were transfixed for all that time” Lyn, administrator
“What we liked best about the show: It was colourful, interesting, entertaining and educational with lots of interaction with the children (Kay Crawford, Childminder); All of the senses were involved; the non verbal elements such as the dancing aliens were especially appealing for chldren with English as an Additional Language and/or Special Educational Needs (Lucy Feeman, teacher); Loved the props, particularly liked the kids being able to handle things at the end of the show” (Kathryn, Nursery Nurse)
St Werburghs Park Nursery and Childrens’ Centre, Bristol, March 09
“Thank you so much for visiting our school with your production of ‘Mavis and the Green Giant from Outer Space’. There is no way our ‘Nursery and Reception story evening’ would have been half as fun or exciting without you. The children had a blast and over the following days I had lots of conversations with children about what they enjoyed most. Everyone thought it was really funny, and the children particularly liked the glowing green UFO!
Parents were all very enthusiastic about your show and those that stayed were obviously having a good time joining in.
Staff all agreed that your show was of the highest quality. It was a particularly nice touch that you emerged from behind your puppeteer’s screen to talk to the children, which I think reassured them at the beginning and allowed them to look at and learn about the puppets at the end. We intend to continue the ‘Nursery and Reception story evening’ as an annual event and we definitely want you to return!
Thanks for the show and thanks, also, for being so prompt and efficient.”
Karl Hemmings, Key Stage Leader for Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, Beacon Rise Primary School, Kingswood, Bristol April 08
“I booked the marvelous and unique Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre for Scallywags Pre-School Nursery, London, in November 2006 for the Christmas Party. We had approximately 30 children there aged between 0 – 5 together with 20 or so adults. Amy began by sitting down with all the children on the floor and introducing herself and ended the show by showing the children the puppets. A lovely personal touch which was settling and nicely informal. Mavis and the Green Giant from Outer Space is a sparkling performance in every way – superb visually, great sound effects and the range of characters and voices was breathtaking, especially for a one-woman-show! All the children laughed and joined in – they’re were especially excited about the dancing aliens. And the adults present described the show as ‘magical’.”
Kathleen Smith (Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath) Events Organiser Of The Year 2009
“Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre has been booked to provide free outdoor community entertainment during the summer holidays for Bristol Parks over the last 2 years. This is provided to ensure public have a positive experience in their local parks…
The audience is made up of the general public who visit the park. Children from the ages of 1 – 15 have enjoyed the tales provided by Tallulah Swirls puppet theatre.
All feedback received over the past 2 years from members of the public has been positive. The shows are incredibly visual, lively, funny, and energetic, meanwhile giving a very positive message to children about kindness and consideration for others.
The puppets, theatre and choice of music is amazing, when children (and parents / carers) witness the dancing flying aliens their faces light up. The shows are a perfect length for the specified age range, the entertainer is aware of the needs and learning capabilities of children.
The entertainer is a pleasure to work with, hence why the bookings over each year have increased. She has always been punctual and professional. The resources required for the shows are quite simple – cover for rainy days! and electric. In some of the parks this year electric was not available, as a response Amy was happy to bring a generator with her, this showed flexibility and understanding.
Even when it was raining at Blaise in 07 Amy adjusted to her smaller audience with grace and ease. She shared her puppets with them explaining how they were made etc and she took the time to talk to each child. The children on that day had a fantastic experience and learnt a lot. The rain was not important.
I will continue to book Tallulah Swirls puppet theatre for Bristol Parks as it provides such a positive, happy message for children.”
Nicola Brownlie, Blaise Castle Estate Ranger, Bristol City Council Parks Event Organiser.
“We all really enjoyed the puppet shows. Even my 4 year old remembered the plot and was able to re-tell it to her Dad afterwards which led to discussion about the environment, over the dinner table. We would definitely go and see Tallulah Swirls again and can’t wait for the next show!!”
Poppy Brett, Parent at Blaise Castle, Bristol City Council Free Summer Events, August 2009
“Thankyou so much for performing “Susie Sparkle” for the residents at our nursing home, as part of our Christmas activities. All the residents thoroughly enjoyed it and benefited from something different, which you certainly provided. They spoke about the show for weeks after the event.”
Tonya Thomas, Manager/matron The Elms Nursing Home, Congresbury, Somerset, December 08
“The residents said they enjoyed watching the performance and it is nice when we have people come to visit to entertain. It means they get to meet new people in their own home. The residents said that it was a magical performance…”Like a different sort of fairy tale’…”
Tracey Herridge, Activities Team Leader, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Greenhill House, Bath
“Thankyou so much for a wonderful show. It really was so much more than we expected! The children all had a great time and our girls are still talking about it”
Childrens Party, Liz Brown, Fishponds, Bristol
“I would like to recommend Amy from Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre. She came to our party at Winscombe and was fantastic. She had an audience of twelve children ranging from 1 year old to 12 years old. Not one of them moved during the 40 minute show and everyone of them joined in with shouting and songs etc. The theme we chose was Mavis and the Aliens but it had an environmental theme to it as well. This was due to her Mavis’s dad’s cement factory pouring out smoke and she could not see the stars. It was very well done and most of all enjoyed the dancing aliens. She makes all the puppets herself and has children of own which makes a difference”.
Parent on Netmums, 2004
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