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Kneehigh Theatre

1980 - 2021 | Storytelling & Anarchy

Cornish Pirates

Kneehigh's style is joyous, anarchic, and full of live music. They are famous for taking old folk tales and reinventing them with a modern, cheeky twist, often using puppets made from "rubbish" found on stage.

Interactive: Object Puppetry

Kneehigh actors often animate everyday objects to create characters. Click an object below to see how a Kneehigh ensemble would bring it to life.

The Old Coat: Two actors hold the sleeves while a third operates the collar. The coat breathes heavily, suddenly leaping into the air to become a terrifying, headless monster chasing the protagonist.

Essential Terminology

MethodEnsemble

Everyone does everything. The actors play instruments, move the set, and operate puppets.

TechniqueMulti-Roling

Actors swap characters instantly, often just by putting on a hat in front of the audience.

TechniqueDirect Address

Talking to the audience like friends in a pub. Breaking the fourth wall to share a joke.

ElementLive Music

Folk songs and instruments are woven into the action, not just played in the background.

šŸ¤– Ask the Director: Kneehigh

Give the AI a boring setting or prop. It will give you 3 anarchic, musical, and playful ideas to Kneehigh-ify your scene.

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