Business Details
14 Years
experience
Award-Winning Children's Puppet Shows & Workshops in Queensland
Larrikin Puppets, established in 2012, is an award-winning Australian puppetry arts company founded by Brett Hansen and co-led by Elissa Jenkins. Based on Bribie Island, Queensland, we specialize in vibrant, interactive puppet shows and workshops that celebrate creativity, diversity, and education. Our team has trained under Jim Henson puppeteers from Sesame Street and The Muppets, ensuring world-class performances that captivate audiences aged 2-72. We deliver live shows, film/TV puppetry, and curriculum-aligned workshops, emphasizing child development, inclusivity, and joy.Recognized with multiple awards, including Best Kids Live Show at the 2021 Whats On 4 Kids Awards, we combine decades of experience with innovative storytelling to inspire children and families globally. Our commitment to quality, safety (Blue Card holders), and public liability insurance underscores our trustworthiness and dedication to excellence.
Services
Puppet Shows
Themed Puppet Shows
Story Time Puppet Shows
Puppetry Workshops
Film/TV Puppetry
Puppet MC
Socks Puppet Workshops
Monitor Puppetry
Event Entertainment
Curriculum Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer Muppet-style puppetry trained under Jim Henson experts.
- Award-winning live shows and film/TV performances since 2012.
- Curriculum-aligned workshops for schools and childcare centers.
- Public Liability Insurance and Working With Children Blue Cards.
- Interactive, inclusive shows for ages 2-72 across Australia and globally.
What people say
Best incursion ever
Captivated toddlers and adults
Educational and fun
Professional and reliable
Inspired creativity
Services
Puppet Shows
Our vibrant puppet shows feature zany characters, catchy songs, and interactive storytelling. Designed for children aged 2-7, these performances encourage singing, dancing, and audience participation. Ideal for schools, festivals, and private events, they combine entertainment with educational themes like diversity and kindness.
Puppetry Workshops
Interactive workshops teach puppetry techniques using real Muppet-style puppets. Participants learn voice modulation, movement, and character creation. Suitable for schools, corporate teams, and aged-care facilities, these sessions foster creativity, communication, and teamwork through guided instruction and mini-performances.
Film/TV Puppetry
We provide professional puppetry for film, TV, and music videos, including character performance and on-set training. Our expertise includes monitor puppetry techniques pioneered by Jim Henson. Clients benefit from seamless integration of puppets into live-action scenes, ensuring high-quality, engaging content for audiences of all ages.
Themed Puppet Shows
Tailored puppet shows aligned with specific themes or educational curricula. Ideal for schools, libraries, and themed events, these performances incorporate storytelling, music, and audience interaction to reinforce learning objectives while delivering laughter and memorable experiences for children and families.
Socks Puppet Workshops
Creative workshops where participants craft their own sock puppets and learn basic puppetry skills. Designed for children aged 5+, these sessions promote fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Perfect for birthday parties, school holidays, and community events seeking hands-on, take-home activities.
People
Brett Hansen
Founder & Principal Puppeteer
Brett founded Larrikin Puppets in 2012 after training under Jim Henson puppeteers in the USA. He has performed in Broadway productions, film, and TV, including Avenue Q and Totally Wild. Brett combines puppetry expertise with a passion for child development and education.
Elissa Jenkins
Artistic Director
Elissa co-leads Larrikin Puppets, focusing on creative development and partnerships. With a background in media and social justice, she drives educational initiatives like Hijabi Girl. Elissa also performs characters and trains puppeteers for stage and screen.
Questions
What ages are your puppet shows suitable for?
Our shows cater to children aged 2-7, with tailored content for younger and older audiences. Workshops are adaptable for all ages, including adults and seniors.
Do you perform outside Queensland?
Yes, we tour nationally and internationally for festivals, schools, and film projects. Travel restrictions may apply for private events like birthday parties.
Are your puppeteers qualified?
Our puppeteers trained under Jim Henson experts and hold Working With Children Blue Cards. We have public liability insurance and decades of combined experience in performance and education.
Can we meet the puppets after the show?
Yes, a 10-15 minute meet-and-greet with photo opportunities is included post-show, allowing children to interact with the characters and puppeteers.
What technical requirements do you have for events?
We require a 1.8m x 2.4m space, power access, and optional stage lighting. For large venues, a DI Box and mixing desk integration may be needed for sound.
How do I book a show?
Contact us via the website to discuss your event. A 50% deposit secures the booking, with payment options including PayPal, direct deposit, or cash.
Videos