Who We Are and What We Do

Funny Wonders is an inclusive organisation based in Buxton. We develop innovative puppetry and multi-media activities and performances to promote creative expression in a supportive environment.

From the initial idea to the final performance, we create everything. Scriptwriting, composing, performing live music, working with movement, sound, lighting and new media, planning and organising all aspects of a project, performing with people and puppets, marketing, raising funds and having a whole lot of fun whilst doing so.

We have regular team building and group activities and encourage participation at all levels. There are also exciting International Exchange projects with Japan and India.

Funny Wonders encourages everyone to develop life skills through its work:

• teamwork, friendship and handling responsibility
• developing imagination and creativity.
• learning the importance of contribution and respect for others
• developing skills in puppetry and multi-media performance.

All achieved within an accessible, safe, fun environment where everyone’s contribution is valued. We believe in the talents, capabilities and skills of young people, which is why our Youth Group is Youth-led with skilled adults offering support and guidance.

History of Funny Wonders

Funny Wonders began in the late 1990s as a Saturday morning puppet-making club around a kitchen table – the name coming from a resourceful mother of six who had an old Derbyshire saying “You can do funny wonders with a pound of mince!”

Funny Wonders Voluntary Organisation was formed in 2000 to support local events, create and perform puppet shows, run workshops and since 2005 organise International Exchange projects.

Co-founder, Chris Agnew, who is now our Artistic Director, launched the first Buxton Puppet Festival in 2003 with The British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild. Since 2007 Funny Wonders has partnered Buxton Opera House to present this annual summer event.

Funny Wonders Inc. Community Interest Company was incorporated at the beginning of 2009 to support an inclusive and innovative Artistic Programme that will continue to develop participation through puppetry and multi-media performance. We welcome new supporters and participants in all our activities.