Theatre Play Sessions
One-hour interactive storytelling sessions connecting puppet theatre, messy play, and creative discovery. Seasonal favourites include The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Clouds, Round & Round, The Enormous Turnip, and Tissue Play.
DNA Puppetry & Visual Theatre Presents
Creative Play & Visual Theatre for Early Years
An international programme of participatory theatre play workshops, professional creative development training, and bespoke play kits supporting early arts and child-led play across the UK, Australia, and beyond.
Immersion in imagination: child-led play with puppets and storytelling
Inspiring Young Imaginations Through Child-Led Arts
A therapeutic, creative methodology transforming the everyday into the extraordinary
Our Philosophy & Approach
Imaginary Leaps aids the practice and understanding of the therapeutic potential of early arts and child-led play. By creating welcoming spaces that invite young children to immerse themselves in imagination through participatory storytelling, the programme supports creative play both in formal settings and in daily family life.
We facilitate the positive benefits that puppetry, creative movement, and visual theatre bring to the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development of young children. Specialist provision directly complements the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), earning an international reputation across Europe, Australia, and Indonesia.
Utilising a Reggio Emilia inspired approach alongside concepts of nature and the elements, children's interests lead every journey. Children learn organically through creative interaction with professional artists, community members, and their surrounding environment.
Where We Work
Imaginary Leaps delivers practical, proven methodologies across diverse community and educational settings:
- Nurseries, Kindergartens & Pre-Schools: Engaging early learners through tactile, seasonal play sessions.
- Children’s & Family Centres: Supporting family bonding, communication, and confidence.
- Libraries, Museums & Art Galleries: Bespoke interactive installations and gallery play kits.
- Theatres & Arts Festivals: Immersive early years performance and participation.
Original Pilot Project Evaluation
Read the comprehensive independent research report on the programme's developmental impact.
Programme Pathways
Discover our specialist creative offerings tailored for young children, families, and educators
Babystages™
Gentle, sensory engagement designed specifically for pre-walking babies up to 12 months. Parents and carers learn non-verbal communication, rhythm, echoing, and sensory exploration using soft fabrics and tactile props.
Creative Disciplines
Specialist creative workshops across diverse artistic disciplines: early years music with Sian Phillips, environmental visual arts and shadow puppetry with Sarah Hicks, and creative movement and dance with Tids Pickard.
Bespoke Play Kits
Handmade, highly tactile play kits commissions designed by visual artists for heuristic play in galleries, libraries, and nurseries. Includes the Round & Round Cushion Kit, Shadow Puppets, and museum exhibition kits.
Creative Training (CPD)
Professional development workshops for early years educators, librarians, and arts facilitators. Learn storytelling puppetry, object animation, and strategies to build creative confidence linked to the EYFS curriculum.
Australia & International
Major touring projects and institutional partnerships across Western Australia, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia, State Library of WA Better Beginnings program, AWESOME Festival, and CANWA community programs.
Pilot Project Evaluation & Research
Researched and authored by Miriam Murtin (PALATINE / Exeter University), evaluating artist impact on early social, emotional, and cultural development.