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Over 3,000 fish were knitted by volunteers for the festive production of Pinocchio. However, once the final curtain came down they were no longer needed so the Theatre set about finding them new homes.

Some went to Kiplin Hall for a forthcoming display and the remainder went to four local nurseries – Rooftops and Midget Gems in Richmond, Little Learners Nursery Centre in Scorton and Banana Moon Nursery at Catterick.

 “People put such a lot of time and effort into knitting for us that we make it our mission to find appreciative and loving homes for each and every one of the knitted objects,” said Clare Allen, Theatre Manager.

"During the show, the audience threw the fish onto the stage into the mouth of the whale to make it cough up Pinocchio and friends. It was a real highlight of each performance and the cause of much hilarity. It is therefore very fitting that the fish will continue to give pleasure and enjoyment to many more people.”

The nurseries will be using the fish in lots of different ways to support various learning and recreational activities.

“We are delighted to have been given all these wonderful fish,” said Sabrina Geraghty, Deputy Manager at Little Learners Nursery in Scorton. “The children love them and they will be useful not only for soft play but also for matching, counting and pattern recognition."

The Theatre has yet to announce what people will be knitting for the 2023 production of Rapunzel, but there is no doubt that knitting will – in some shape or form – be an important part of the action.

"Thank you to everyone who knits for us. We really appreciate all the love, time and effort that goes into producing these magnificent props,” said Clare Allen.

Tickets are now on sale for Rapunzel, which runs from Wednesday 6 December 2023 until Sunday 7 January 2024. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01748 825252 or online.

Children from Little Learners Nursery Centre in Scorton are pictured playing with the knitted fish.