Business Details
14 Years
experience
Award-Winning Children's Puppet Shows in Queensland
Larrikin Puppets, established in 2012, is an award-winning Australian puppetry arts company founded by Brett Hansen. Based on Bribie Island in regional Queensland, we specialise in creating vibrant, educational, and interactive puppet shows and workshops for children and families. Our team, including co-puppeteer Elissa Jenkins, has trained under Jim Henson puppeteers from The Muppets and Sesame Street, ensuring world-class performances that blend creativity with child development principles. Recognised with the 2021 Best Kids Live Show award at the What's On 4 Kids Awards, we deliver themed puppet shows, storytelling sessions, and hands-on workshops aligned with curricula for schools, libraries, festivals, and private events.Our commitment to innovation is evident in productions like 'Hijabi Girl: A Musical Puppet Show' and the world's first e-waste puppet, Lovelace. With a focus on diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity, we aim to spark joy, creativity, and lifelong memories through the art of puppetry.
Services
Puppet Shows
Puppetry Workshops
Themed Puppet Shows
Story Time Puppet Shows
Roving Puppets
Touring Services
Film and TV Puppetry
Sock Puppet Workshops
Event MC Services
Digital Detox Play Jams
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of experience in professional puppetry, trained by Jim Henson's team.
- Our shows are curriculum-aligned, supporting child development and educational outcomes.
- We create inclusive, diverse, and sustainable content, including the world's first e-waste puppet.
- Award-winning performances, including Best Kids Live Show at the 2021 What's On 4 Kids Awards.
- Flexible services for schools, festivals, corporate events, and private parties nationwide and internationally.
Associations and certifications
- Blue Card Scheme
What people say
Best incursion ever
Hilarious and captivating
Highly recommend for schools
Educational and fun
Unforgettable family entertainment
Services
Puppet Shows
Our vibrant puppet shows feature zany characters, original songs, and interactive storytelling for children aged 1-12. Designed to educate and entertain, these performances align with curricula and themes like diversity, sustainability, and anti-bullying. Each show encourages audience participation through singing, dancing, and laughter, creating unforgettable experiences for schools, festivals, and private events.
Puppetry Workshops
Interactive puppetry workshops teach participants of all ages the art of puppetry, from basic techniques to advanced performance skills. Ideal for schools, community groups, and corporate team-building, these sessions foster creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Led by professionally trained puppeteers, workshops include making and performing with puppets, voice modulation, and stagecraft.
Themed Puppet Shows
Tailored puppet shows for specific events like Christmas, Halloween, and cultural celebrations. These themed performances combine music, storytelling, and audience interaction to create festive and educational experiences. Perfect for shopping centres, festivals, and community events, they bring joy and engagement to audiences of all ages with customised content and characters.
Film and TV Puppetry
Professional puppetry services for film, television, and online content. Our expertise includes character creation, puppeteering, and training for productions requiring Muppet-style or innovative puppetry. With experience in TV shows, music videos, and educational content, we deliver high-quality performances that captivate viewers and enhance storytelling across digital platforms.
Event MC Services
Dynamic event hosting with a mix of puppetry and human interaction to engage audiences at corporate functions, festivals, and private parties. Our MCs combine comedy, music, and improvisation to create lively atmospheres, ensuring events run smoothly while providing unique entertainment that appeals to both children and adults.
People
Brett Hansen
Founder & Principal Puppeteer
Brett Hansen founded Larrikin Puppets in 2012 and has trained under Jim Henson puppeteers in the USA. He specialises in live performances, workshops, and film puppetry, bringing creativity and expertise to every project. Brett's passion for puppetry and education drives the company's mission to inspire children through interactive storytelling.
Elissa Jenkins
Artistic Director
Elissa Jenkins co-puppeteers and serves as Artistic Director, focusing on theatrical development and creative partnerships. With a background in media and social justice, she brings strategic vision and innovation to Larrikin Puppets, enhancing its educational and artistic impact through productions like 'Hijabi Girl' and sustainability initiatives.
Questions
What types of events do Larrikin Puppets perform at?
We perform at schools, childcare centres, festivals, birthday parties, libraries, corporate events, and community celebrations across Australia and internationally.
Are the puppet shows educational?
Yes! Our shows align with curricula, promoting child development, literacy, social skills, and themes like sustainability and diversity through interactive storytelling.
Can Larrikin Puppets travel outside Queensland?
We tour nationally and internationally, with experience performing in the USA, New Zealand, and regional Australia. Travel arrangements are discussed during booking.
What age groups are the shows suitable for?
Our performances cater to children aged 1-12, with specific shows tailored for early childhood, primary schools, and family audiences.
Do you offer workshops for adults?
Yes, we provide puppetry workshops for educators, theatre professionals, and corporate teams focusing on creative skills and collaborative learning.
Videos