The Island is home to a vibrant duo who are weaving magic with colour and laughter, captivating audiences of all ages with their whimsical puppetry performances. Meet Brett Hansen and Elissa Jenkins, the creative minds behind Larrikin Puppets, a beloved local puppetry company spreading joy one show at a time.
From humble beginnings to nationwide recognition, Larrikin Puppets has become synonymous with quality puppetry entertainment. Specialising in Muppet-style hand puppets, Brett and Elissa have honed their craft through formal training in the United States of America, learning from the very puppeteers who brought beloved characters to life on Sesame Street and The Muppets.
But Larrikin Puppets isn't just about entertaining; it's about connecting with communities far and wide. With a mission to bring puppetry back to children's television, Brett and Elissa are currently in the midst of creating their own TV series, inspired by the golden era of Australian puppetry in the 1980s and 1990s (think Agro, Ozzie Ostrich, Mr. Squiggle, Lift Off and The Ferals).
Their dedication to the art of puppetry has earned them accolades, including the prestigious Best Kids Live Show award at the National What's On For Kids Awards in 2021, along with the People's Choice Award for Best School Aged Kids Activity. Their commitment to quality and innovation shines through in every performance, whether they're gracing the stage at childcare centres, schools, libraries, festivals, or even pubs and RSL clubs.
But Larrikin Puppets' impact extends beyond the stage. Through their puppetry performance workshops, Brett and Elissa empower participants to unleash their creativity and discover the magic of puppetry firsthand. From teaching the basics of puppet manipulation to crafting unforgettable characters, they inspire the next generation of puppeteers to dream big and reach for the stars.
For Brett, puppetry isn't just a passion—it's a lifelong journey that began at the tender age of three. With his wife Elissa by his side, they have turned their shared love for puppetry into a thriving business, spreading joy and laughter wherever they go. And as they continue to innovate and inspire, Larrikin Puppets remains a shining beacon of creativity in the world of entertainment.
So, next time you find yourself in need of a dose of whimsy and wonder, look no further than Larrikin Puppets. You can help bring puppets back to Australian TV at https://chuffed.org/project/yompers
Check out Larrikin Puppets as part of the Caboolture Show (June 7-9).
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