Meg Amsden
Broads
Local hero for:
Puppeteer whose shows highlight environmental issues, including climate change, in an accessible, fun way
More info:
www.nutmegpuppet.co.uk
Meg is involved in all aspects of her company's shows, from artistic direction to designing sets and making puppets. She also performs and leads workshops
How it all began
After studying social anthropology at Cambridge University, Meg went on to settle near the southern Broads and began working in educational theatre, dance and puppetry.
In 1979 she set up the Nutmeg Puppet Company, touring original puppet shows and performing to people of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to elderly care home residents.
The company works with groups including Suffolk Artlink, Eastfeast and Creative Partnerships.
Characters true to nature
The characters in Meg’s shows are carefully crafted to subtly reflect nature. For example a common nettle called Stinger has a sharp, spiky character and voice – and an invasive attitude towards other, more delicate plants. But Stinger can be useful, at one point stinging a greedy human trying to capture an endangered butterfly.
Did you know?
The Nutmeg Puppet Company has worked in the International Biosphere Reserve in the Danube Delta in Romania running the Ecopuppets project
Broads appeal
Since 1985 Meg has worked closely with the Broads Authority to produce puppet shows on environmental and historical Broads themes. These are commissioned and performed as part of the Authority’s Fun in the Broads events programme.
Fun in the broads - information
Meg’s shows are also performed throughout the year in schools, museums, residential homes and other venues. Her current show, Pip’s Wildlife Garden, is touring schools, nurseries and playgroups. The show has been developed with funding from the Authority via its Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).
