Much more than Punch & Judy, Dreamland is preparing to stage its first ever puppetry season.

The programme, which starts on Sunday, September 17, features a series of four plays, performances and activities at the park on Sundays throughout the autumn.

Kicking off the season will be In Our Hands on Sunday, September 17, by award winning Smoking Apples, with innovative puppetry and a striking set, which will transport audiences out to sea, under the ocean and onto the deck of the Catcher’s Fortune, along with trawler fisherman, Alf.

Fireside Tales with Grandad, on Sunday, September 24, gives audiences the chance to cuddle up around the campfire as Grandad provides some captivating storytelling, suitable for ages four to 104. There’s a daring escape from a hungry shark, or tuck into a marshmallow or two as he attempts to make a new set of underpants for a giant and watch as the shadows between the trees unravel a tale of greedy goblins, grumpy trolls and a very unusual princess.

The Girl and the Giraffe, on Sunday, October 8, tells the charming story of Girl, who is playing in her garden when she spots something peculiar on the other side of the fence. Climbing up as high as she can to get a better view, she is surprised to come face to face with... Giraffe!

The sensitive show is about wellbeing and friendship, and told from a child’s perspective.

There will also be a day of puppetry and crafts on Sunday, October 15, when Teddy and Betty lead an afternoon of arts and crafts with puppet making at a drop-in session.

All performances will be held at Dreamland’s Hall By The Sea and cost £8, except for the crafts which costs £5.

In Our Hands is recommended for ages 11 and over, while Fireside Tales with Granddad is for ages four and above, and The Girl with the Giraffe for ages three to six.

For tickets visit dreamland.co.uk/events.