A woolly tale is being spun at Norwich Puppet Theatre this Christmas.
Rumpelstiltskin is the theatre's seasonal show, and the production takes the traditional Brothers Grimm version of the story and adds a few extra festive twists.
The show, created by Norwich Puppet Theatre and Ripstop Theatre, begins with auntie who is spinning as hard as she can to make the wool for the king's special Christmas jumper. Meanwhile the royals are out of money, the girl is useless at spinning gold and the prince just wants to be a shepherd.
Everyone starts to get their threads in a twist and then Rumpelstiltskin steps in.
Puppeteer Samantha Arends said: 'It is a very fun show and there's a whole host of fun characters.
'What I love about the show is the woolly world which we have created and that runs through all of the characters and the set.'
More than 100 squares created by the Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers are among the knitted creations that can be seen on stage, and the ingenious use of wool also includes adorable looking sheep with knitting needles for legs.
About the show's title character, Rumpelstiltskin, puppeteer Gemma Khawaja said: 'Rumpelstiltskin has been made to look like all the different elements you associate with spinning. His tummy is made out of bobbins, his legs are carved to look like spindles and his feet are carved to look like weaving shuttles.'
The show is directed by Bob Percy and Zannie Fraser with music by Adrienne Quartly. The puppets have been made by Jan Zalud, Iain Halket and Zannie Fraser.
Rumpelstiltskin - which is aimed at children aged three to eight and their families - is at Norwich Puppet Theatre from December 19 until January 3. Tickets £8 or £28 for a family ticket for four.
To book, visit www.puppettheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 629921.
Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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