VISITORS to Stourbridge's Ruskin Centre should be able to pull a few strings next weekend as part of a puppet workshop taking place on May 29 and 30.

They are being run by nationwide group called the Fetch Theatre Company, who use puppets which are half the size of a human being.

Banraku, which is a traditional form of puppetry originating from Japan in the 16th century is different to other forms of the art as the puppeteer appears in full view of the audience.

Dudley Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member elect responsible for culture and tourism, said: “The puppets look amazing and the inclusion of these workshops in the Festival will be a great addition to the family activities.”

Each workshop will look at the physical language of theatre and how to engage with play through improvisation and exercises. Once these skills are practised the group will move on to animating the puppets.

The workshops are taking place as part of this year's International Festival of Glass and operate twice a day from 12 noon until 1pm and 3pm until 4pm.

It costs £2 per person to take part in the workshops and more details are available by visiting www.ifg.org.uk