Meet the Team

Craig Leo is a highly regarded South African theatre designer, puppeteer, and performing artist known for his innovative work in various theatrical productions. His collaborations span a range of esteemed companies, including Magnet Theatre, Jazzart Dance Theatre, Mothertongue, Janni Younge Productions, and The Handspring Puppet Company, which is particularly renowned for its puppetry. In addition, Craig’s training in circus arts added to the experience of the dinner theatre experience of South Africa’s Madame Zingara.

Throughout his career, Craig has contributed to numerous productions, showcasing his versatility and creativity. Some notable works include adaptations of classical texts such as Medea, Antigone, Oedipus at Colonus, Manje Manje as well as Rain in a Dead Man’s Footprints, Cargo and Womb of Fire.

His collaboration with The Handspring Puppet Company has resulted in acclaimed productions such as War Horse, which has gained international recognition for its stunning puppetry and storytelling.

In addition to his design work, Craig has directed and designed puppetry for various productions, including Sally Cookson’s adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, performed at The Leeds Playhouse and Bridge Theatre in London. He has also performed in innovative pieces such as Gyre and Gimble's Vivaldi's Four Seasons Re-Imagined at Shakespeare's Globe.

Currently, Craig is a puppeteer for Little Amal a collaboration between The Walk Productions and Handspring, which has now journeyed to 18 countries across Europe, North America, South America and Australia.

Craig continues his collaboration with The Walk Productions on their new work The Herds, for which Craig is a puppetry designer and puppeteer. His work reflects a deep commitment to the art of puppetry and theatre, blending traditional techniques with contemporary storytelling.