Crafting Magic: Charlie Tymms’ Puppetry Adventure from Accident to Artistry
In the captivating world of puppetry, where imagination takes shape through strings and fabric, Charlie Tymms stumbled into her role as a puppet designer quite unexpectedly. “I became a puppet designer by accident. I always think it’s not my fault; the puppets did it,” shares Charlie.
Charlie Tymms is a freelance puppet designer. When I reached out to her, her swift response brimmed with eagerness, setting the stage for what promised to be an engaging encounter. Walking towards her studio in the heart of East London, anticipation tingled in the air. With a warm smile, Tymms greeted me at the door, ushering me into her creative sanctuary. Inside, fabrics and materials adorned every corner, transforming the space into a vibrant haven of artistic expression.
When Charlie was tasked with sculpting a life-sized elephant for the play “Running Wild” by Michael Morpurgo, little did she know it would mark the beginning of her puppetry odyssey. Given some sketchbooks on joints by the original puppet maker, Charlie found herself making the puppets due to time constraints. Despite the challenges, crafting the elephant and a troop of orangutans proved to be an enriching experience. This unexpected turn of events also led her to connect with other puppet designers and secure future job opportunities.
“I never even thought about it to be honest. I’ve worked in theatre a lot and have done lots of scenic painting and prop making. I always loved making animals, so carving elephants was just great; I love that,” reflects Charlie Tymms on her journey into puppetry.
Puppetry is spellbinding, creating a special bond between the audience and the puppets. When a puppeteer brings them to life, people forget they’re just objects, using tiny movements like breathing or a glance. The puppeteer makes the audience feel emotions through the puppet. Tymms is amazed by how cloth, tape, and wood can evoke so much feeling.
“The brilliant thing about puppets is that they have a license to misbehave,” begins Charlie. “Historically, they can be real subversives politically and socially. They can literally do their toilet on stage and people would laugh. You wouldn’t be able to do that with an actor.”
She has worked on some incredible projects in the past, like “Life of Pi,” “The Dream Thief,” and even creating the giant spider Shelob for “Lord of the Rings.” Her dedication to bringing these puppets to life is remarkable. As she stood up to show her first puppet — a charming Toto from “The Wizard of Oz” at Leeds Playhouse Theatre — she couldn’t help but chuckle at the familiar request she gets four times a year: “Can you make me a Toto?” Through her work, Charlie brings a touch of magic to the stage.
In Charlie Tymms’ puppetry journey, one standout project was the dinosaur show — a challenge she’s proud to have tackled. The goal was to bring a T-Rex to life on stage with just one puppeteer and a tight budget. Charlie got creative, fashioning a solution using backpacks and frames to balance the puppet’s weight. Despite its size, the puppeteer could manoeuvre the creature smoothly.
Puppetry is an ancient art that has entertained and informed people of all ages, not just children. For centuries it has been used for fun, to create beautiful art, and even to comment on politics. Today, however, we see fewer puppet shows because many people are more focused on their phones and social media. But there’s still a chance to learn this unique craft. The Curious School of Puppetry, run by Sarah Wright, offers a 12-week course that teaches the art of puppetry, keeping this traditional skill alive for anyone interested.
How is technology changing puppetry? In Charlie’s view, technology is reshaping the world of puppetry for the better. “I’m excited about the new technology,” she enthuses. “In the puppet world, we use materials that are all designed for other uses. Going more into laser copy and 3D printing has helped every puppet designer I know because it can speed up processes; you can design on the computer and get things printed out. If you are making a four-legged creature, there are multiple moving parts, so actually, technology is really useful.” For Charlie, technology isn’t just a modern convenience — it’s a valuable tool that enhances efficiency and creativity for puppet designers everywhere.
Since January, Charlie Tymms has been working hard on the puppet designs for “Spirited Away” at the London Coliseum. Under the direction of Toby Olié, she has crafted Big Yubaba and smaller versions of Yubaba in various flying states. This show is a must-see this year, offering a chance to witness her incredible work first hand. Make sure to catch this magical production and see the art of puppetry come to life.
