A TYABB-based puppetry duo is bringing creativity and humour into classrooms, helping children tackle life’s toughest challenges.
Chris Elkington and Rob Irvin, founders of The Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle, have performed for thousands of students across the state, using puppet shows to address bullying, resilience, cyber safety, and emotional well-being.
Founded in November 2021, the pair first met when Elkington ran a primary school puppet workshop in Langwarrin South. A subsequent visit to a puppet festival in Williamstown inspired them to make family-friendly puppetry more accessible by taking it into schools and kindergartens.
“Our first and most popular show, The Prank Factory – Resilience Show, focuses on building confidence, problem-solving, and learning to bounce back when things get tough,” Elkington said.
“Covid-19 made things tough for kids, but it also helped them learn to adapt and bounce back from challenges – and that’s where the idea for Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle really began.”
The Melbourne Puppet Kerfuffle creates both educational and event-focused performances. Their school and kindergarten programs teach well-being, managing emotions, problem-solving, and cyber safety, while their event shows bring laughter, colour, and fun. Their slogan: “Puppets, Learning, Fun!”
The response from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with many booking repeat performances. Encouraged by their success, the duo now plans to expand into New South Wales, aiming to bring their puppet shows to classrooms across Australia.
One teacher said, “The show was an absolute hit. The puppets were so lively and engaging, capturing the students’ attention from start to finish”.
First published in the Mornington News – 11 November 2025
