MARCH 25 APRIL 2 2005, BATH: The Bath International Puppet Festival returns this Easter with its now familiarly eclectic programme, showcasing the talents of some of the best adult puppeteers in Europe.

This year's theme sees the Festival dedicate an entire day to the history of the world's most famous puppet Pulcinella, Ponchinello, or Mr. Punch. A whole day of events and shows will explore this famous doll, the stories behind him and his influence on puppeteers and storytellers today.

On Easter Sunday (27 March), the Bath International Puppet Festival takes over the streets of Bath, as a Punch Parade leaves the Ustinov Studio at 2pm, leading to Kingston Square (next to Bath Abbey), where four very different Punch shows will be performed, from the traditional English seaside style, to female Spanish performer Paz Tatay's interpretation.

Back at the Ustinov at 5.30pm, Tatay presents the UK Premiere of The Murder of Don Cristobal, a Portuguese Punch story. The day closes at 8pm with Punch expert, and legendary pantomime aficionado Chris Harris's highly acclaimed play about 3 generations of Punch That's The Way To Do It!

Tickets for all performances are on sale now, and can be booked from the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on (01225) 448844. Bath Puppet Festivals in the past have been responsible for some unforgettable sights in the centre of Bath, and this year promise to be no exception with puppets of all shapes and sizes invading the city centre over the Easter Weekend!

Bath International Puppet Festival 6 brochures containing full show details, performance times, maps to get to venues and booking information are available now, for the Theatre Royal Box Office.

For full listings please see the website at www.theatreroyal.org.uk