A Lifetime of Strings and Laughter: The Puppet Master of Blackpool
Martin Scott Price, a 67-year-old B&B owner in Blackpool, Lancashire, has transformed his seaside guesthouse into an unexpected haven for puppet enthusiasts. What began as a childhood fascination with a pair of century-old Punch and Judy glove puppets, gifted by his cousin, has blossomed into a lifelong passion, culminating in a collection of over 1,000 puppets housed in the basement of his establishment. This extraordinary assemblage, featuring everything from an original Sooty bear to a replica of Pinocchio, as well as French marionettes, automatons, and other magical props, has become a captivating spectacle for guests and a testament to Martin’s dedication to the art of puppetry. Visitors descending into the puppet-filled basement are often awestruck by the sheer volume and diversity of the collection, a sight rarely encountered even in dedicated puppet museums. Martin’s collection stands as a unique and arguably unparalleled display of puppetry history in the UK.
Beyond the static display, Martin breathes life into his puppets, traveling throughout the country to perform outdoor shows that enchant audiences of all ages. His performances are a blend of traditional puppetry, comedic timing, and audience interaction, creating a memorable experience for children and adults alike. One of the highlights of his shows involves his beloved crocodile puppet, a central character in a recurring skit involving sausages and a frying pan. The crocodile’s seemingly accidental dropping of the sausages elicits genuine reactions from the audience, with children eager to help and adults amused by the playful mishap. The crocodile’s subsequent reappearance, complete with a startling roar, sends children scattering, creating a moment of laughter and theatrical surprise that resonates with families. This blend of simple props, skillful manipulation, and carefully crafted comedic timing exemplifies Martin’s ability to connect with his audience and create lasting memories.
Martin’s dedication to his craft extends beyond the performances themselves. He meticulously maintains his puppets, ensuring their longevity and preserving their historical value. He recognizes the significance of his collection as a unique piece of cultural heritage and hopes to ensure its preservation for future generations. His ambition is to keep the collection intact, envisioning it housed in a purpose-built facility, perhaps under council ownership, where it can be appreciated by the public long after his retirement. This desire stems from a deep understanding of the collection’s historical and artistic significance, a collection that far surpasses the sum of its individual puppets. He laments the potential for the collection to be dispersed and sold off piecemeal, recognizing the loss of its collective impact and historical narrative.
The absence of family to whom he can bequeath the collection further fuels his desire to find a suitable permanent home for his puppets. Martin understands that without a designated custodian, the collection risks being scattered after his passing. This prospect motivates him to secure its future, ensuring that it remains a cohesive entity that continues to inspire and entertain. His vision is a testament to his commitment not just to his own passion but to the preservation of a unique art form and a significant piece of cultural history.
Martin’s story highlights the enduring appeal of puppetry, a timeless art form that transcends generations. His collection, a product of decades of dedicated accumulation and meticulous care, stands as a testament to the captivating power of puppets. From the intricate details of antique marionettes to the simple charm of glove puppets, each piece tells a story and represents a moment in the history of this captivating art form. Martin’s performances bring these stories to life, creating shared experiences that resonate with audiences and ignite imaginations. His commitment to sharing his passion with others ensures that the magic of puppetry continues to thrive, captivating new generations and preserving a cherished tradition.
As Martin continues to entertain audiences with his outdoor shows and share the wonders of his collection with B&B guests, he simultaneously grapples with the challenge of securing its future. His dedication to finding a suitable home for his puppets underscores his commitment to preserving this unique and extensive collection, ensuring that it continues to delight and inspire for years to come. This endeavor represents not only a personal mission but also a vital contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that the artistry and history embodied in his puppets are not lost but continue to enrich the lives of future generations.
