I founded Sea Legs Puppet Theatre in January 2001 with the intention of producing high quality children’s puppet theatre. In order for me to meet that aim I am ever grateful for the dedicated input of a growing number of highly skilled artists who assist me in the many, practical and creative challenges inherent in this most diverse of art forms. Without their assistance Sea Legs would be little more than a dream.

To me puppetry and performance is a vocation and over the years it has become a labour of love. My guarantee to anyone who books a Sea Legs’ Performance is that every aspect of every show has been thought about and experimented with before being lovingly crafted into an experience that will stand out for it’s quality, innovation and fun. More than anything however, I pride myself on the fact that even the most low-key performance is given the correct energy and focus to make it a truly magical experience.

Of course none of it would be possible without the incredible enthusiasm of the children and adults who are Sea Legs’ audience. I am constantly thrilled at your willingness to suspend your disbelief and enter into the magic. For all who have enjoyed a Sea Legs’ performance and for those of you yet to experience, I thank you for your continued support and welcome you into the ancient and enchanting world of puppetry and storytelling.

Best wishes

Rob Ashman

Frequently asked Questions

● How long are the shows?

Shows last approximately 50 minutes.

● What ages are they suitable for?

Unless otherwise stated shows are aimed at children age 3 - 11, (though older children and adults certainly enjoy them too.)

● My child is only 3. Will she sit and watch for 50 minutes?

Most 3 year olds will not only enjoy sitting and watching a 1 hour Sea Legs show but will often ask for it to be performed again - straight away! Phew!

● How many can you perform to?

Shows are suitable to be performed to small/medium audiences - From 10 for a children’s party to 150 in a school through to approximately 250 in a theatre space.

● How much space do you need?

Shows are designed to be performed in a variety of venues. A village hall is generally an ideal size but there is some flexibility and it’s usually possible to perform in smaller spaces (depending on which show is booked).

● How much does a show cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of event and how many shows are booked. Please call with your requirements.

A Sea Legs performance always entertains but never just entertains

Whether you are a teacher/librarian looking for inspiration, a theatre programmer looking for high quality puppet theatre or a parent or party/festival organiser looking for some rather special children’s entertainment, Sea Legs can help.  Below are some reasons you may want to book Sea Legs for your event.

Ten reasons to book
Sea Legs for your School/Kids Club/ Library

A Sea Legs Puppet Theatre Performance:

1. Compliments literacy hour by exciting children about books and reading.

2. Develops concentration by holding the child’s attention through entertaining and arousing curiosity.

3. Develops listening skills.

4. Acts as an inspirational springboard for teachers and pupils to further explore and develop the vast potential of learning through storytelling.

5. Enriches the child’s experience of life and increases ability to learn by stimulating their imagination.

6. Helps to develop and clarify emotions by tapping into anxieties and aspirations in a safe environment, while at the same time suggesting solutions.

7. Helps to develop reasoning and positive morals.

8. Empowers the child by developing confidence through interaction.

9. Carries on the ancient tradition of oral storytelling, enhancing the importance and relevance of fairytales and their underlying messages.

10. Is great fun and as we all know, children learn best when they’re enjoying themselves!

Ten reasons to book
Sea Legs for your Child’s Party

1. Sea Legs offers top quality children’s entertainment.

2. You get what you pay for. You will probably be able to find something cheaper elsewhere. However, Sea Legs offers something a bit special and at very competitive rates for children’s parties. It won’t break the bank, I promise.

3. Sea Legs is highly professional. Once you have made a booking, you will be sent a booking form clarifying time, date, place etc. You won’t have to worry that I will not turn up, will turn up at the wrong venue or at the wrong time. I will do exactly what it says on the booking form.

4. Organising and running a children’s party can be very stressful. For the hour that I am performing you can relax (or at least go into the kitchen and calm yourself with a cup of tea), confident in the knowledge that your child and his or her friends are in safe hands.

5. I am totally passionate about Sea Legs performances and care deeply about providing the best entertainment possible. I guarantee I will do all in my power to make your child’s party a huge success.

6. With 15 years professional experience of performing to children, I always pitch the performance to the audience in front of me: e.g. Younger children (4 and under) often need help and encouragement to use their visual imaginations. For example, in Sea Legs version of Peter and the Wolf, the first part of the story describes The Story Man’s journey to Russia to meet Peter’s grandfather. On the way he meets an old woman who loans him a donkey. This is a very funny part of the show but sometimes, younger children don’t understand as the donkey is mimed. By simply asking them to pretend that there is a donkey there overcomes this. It seems obvious, but one has to be able to recognise and acknowledge where the child is and then act on that information to keep them involved and interested. Only an experienced performer can do this. 

7. Whilst shows are generally aimed at children age 3 – 11, adults and older children enjoy them too. Just like The Simpsons, Sea Legs shows work on different levels. They never patronise and are entertaining to all. Fairytales were never intended to be exclusively for children. They cover every facet of the human condition and thus are for everyone.

8. Beyond providing a suitable space with a power point, there are no special requirements *. I provide everything else needed to perform the show.

9. I am flexible and efficient. If you have any special requirements regarding the performance for your event I will do my utmost to oblige.  Set ups and get outs are kept to a minimum time, are carried out with as little fuss as possible and with full regard to health and safety.

10. Whilst there are many excellent magicians and clowns out there, Sea Legs offers something a little different and really rather special. When all of the birthday cake is finished and the presents are played with and put away, the magic of a Sea Legs show will continue, developing your child’s enjoyment of theatre and all of the wonderful benefits therein for years to come.

* For theatres, arts centres and other similar venues, if appropriate, Sea Legs will use the in house sound/lighting equipment and will require provision for a technician during the performance.

20 Reasons to book Sea Legs for your Theatre/Arts Centre/ Festival…..

All of the above plus………

I am confident that when you have booked Sea Legs once you will want to book Sea Legs again. However to help you make your mind up about that first booking, please read the many positive comments from previous clients and audience members on the feedback page.

In the meantime if you require any further information or would like to book, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you.