Pantomime has always thrived on larger-than-life characters, brought to life through bold costumes, expressive make-up and dramatic performances. However, in recent years, puppetry has gained traction and entered the spotlight.
From the quick-witted charm of Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jamie Leahey and his cheeky sidekick Chuck, to the wildly imaginative creations brought to life by A Load of Stuff and Nonsense productions, puppets are adding fresh magic, mischief and heart to the panto stage.
This article highlights our favourite panto puppets and explores why audiences of all ages can’t get enough of these unforgettable stars.
Cinderella (2022-2023)
Jamie Leahey’s skilled ventriloquism allowed his beloved puppet, Chuck, to showcase his cheeky asides and expressive personality, adding a refreshing twist to the classic tale of Cinderella. Their dynamic created natural, spontaneous humour that added value without overshadowing the story.
Audiences adored how Chuck interacted with the cast, often acting as Cinderella’s unlikely confidant and comedic commentator, giving a lively, modern energy to a much-loved panto favourite.
Robin Hood (2024)
Chuck’s humorous wit, in contrast to the heroic action, added a fresh comedic beat to the beloved Robin Hood adventure scenes. Whether offering dubious archery advice or cheekily undercutting Robin Hood’s bravery, Jamie’s natural chemistry with his unique puppet created a believable, almost companion-like presence on stage.
Their contribution added warmth, energy and plenty of laughs, proving that even in a tale of daring escapades, there’s always room for a feathery sidekick.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears (2025)
Returning for the 2025 season, Jamie’s puppet Chuck’s mischievous personality fit in perfectly with the world of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, where chaos and comedy go hand in hand. As the story unfolds, Chuck provides clever commentary, unexpected punchlines and those trademark facial expressions audiences adore.
Jamie’s growing skill made Chuck’s puppet performance feel even more alive, helping their performance blend effortlessly into the action and embody the magic and silliness of modern panto.
The Gingerbread Man
With bold expressions, lively colours and clever construction, this brave little gingerbread man puppet effortlessly engages children while offering performers plenty of opportunities for humour and storytelling.
Its exaggerated features and expressive movements, alongside those of the actors, help convey personality without resorting to complex mechanisms. Whether outwitting chasers or bantering with the cast, this puppet adds a delightful sense of fun and whimsy to every performance.
The Three Little Pigs
The Three Little Pigs at Stuff and Nonsense showcases the theatre company’s talent for blending charm, character and inventive craftsmanship in this playful twist on the classic tale. Each pig puppet has its own distinct look, ensuring audiences can instantly recognise their personalities as they go on the run from the wolf to save their bacon.
Their expressive features and durable design keep them looking great through every high-energy moment as they outsmart the wolf in a lively, puppet-filled family adventure.
Pinocchio
Led by Artistic Director Niki McCretton, Pinocchio is crafted with wonderful attention to detail, capturing the essence of the wooden boy while allowing for expressive movement. Its design reflects both the innocence and curiosity central to Pinocchio’s character, enabling performers to portray emotional moments and comedic mishaps with equal charm.
With expressive, articulated movement, the panto puppet captures a perfect balance of skilful design, heartfelt character and classic fairy-tale magic.
The Key to Truly Magical Panto Puppets
Overall, panto puppets remain one of the most enchanting ways to captivate an audience. Their larger-than-life personalities and handcrafted detail add warmth, humour and spectacle to every performance. With the creative vision of skilled puppet designers, shows can bring their narratives to new heights and leave lasting impressions well beyond the curtain call.
Liz Johnson is the owner and lead designer of Promotional Props and Costumes, a Nottingham-based company specialising in creating bespoke props and costumes for marketing, advertising, and promotions. With a particular flair for puppetry and walkabout costumes, Liz has been bringing her designs to life since 2000.
Liz studied Theatre Design, Puppetry and Prop Costuming at Nottingham Trent University. After honing her craft at a puppetry company post-graduation, she embarked on her entrepreneurial venture, bringing her unique vision to life.
Today, Promotional Props and Costumes are at the forefront of creating mascot costumes, puppets, and one-off props for stage, television, and the advertising industry. Liz’s expertise extends beyond her business; she shares her knowledge as a sessional lecturer in Costume Design and Making at Nottingham Trent University, inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.
