As war threatens to erase everyday life in Ukraine, artists have turned to puppetry, one of the oldest forms of storytelling. Light enough to travel, intimate enough to gather a crowd and able to capture the attention of children, puppet shows have become resilient tools of resistance, support and relief for the people of a country at war.

Contemporary Ukrainian puppetry is part of a long tradition, from the 16th-century travelling folk theatre known as vertep, to the establishment of theatres in Kyiv and Odesa in the 1930s. Although later repressed and censored for satirising Soviet leaders, puppetry survived these periods of repression and is now enjoying a comeback in a time of conflict.

Meaning “secret place” or “cave”, vertep historically staged nativity scenes, secular tales and satirical folk performances. It emerged around the time that Ukraine’s early national liberation movement was gaining traction in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, as it sought to gain independence from Poland and Lithuania.

Much of the puppet theatre from this period reflected society at the time, with Zaporozhian Cossacks dominating the stage, portrayed as protectors of the people against foreign powers and enduring symbols of resistance. Later, during the early Soviet rule – which sought to crush expressions of national Ukrainian identity – puppetry faced severe restrictions for popularising folk traditions and political satire.

Today, this legacy continues underground in basements, metro stations and bomb shelters in cities and towns across Ukraine. Puppet theatres like the Karpenko-Karyi Kyiv National University (below) are staging contemporary interpretations of vertep, reflecting on the events and effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

As a frontline city, Kharkiv has seen the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the wide-scale destruction of infrastructure. This has forced many people to seek shelter from bombing in underground shelters.

My work as an anthropologist considers how cultural heritage and art are used as forms of resistance and resilience by communities both during and after conflict. In a new ongoing study, this work examines how Ukrainian artists and cultural institutions continue to use puppetry and its rich traditions to sustain cultural life under extreme conditions, and for those among the Ukrainian diaspora.

I have examined images, videos and archival collections and conducted interviews with puppeteers, theatre directors, museum curators, artists and audience members. This work shows how Ukrainian artists have turned to a traditional form of storytelling using humour, folktales and performance to recall their history and heritage. For them it is a constructive way of fostering hope and keeping spirits up in difficult times.

How art and culture brings hope

During Russia’s initial full-scale invasion in February and March of 2022, intense shelling followed displacing thousands. Conscious that large numbers of children were having to shelter for extended periods, Oksana Dmitrieva, director of the Kharkiv Academic Puppet Theatre, decided to stage puppet shows in the city’s underground metro stations.

She developed stories that addressed the experiences of communities living through the fear and uncertainty of war. This included Giraffe Mons, the story of a giraffe living in Kharkiv Zoo during the second world war, a tale that examines the dislocation caused by conflict that young children can relate to.

The parable nature of the story makes it possible to create a performance that deals with painful topics, but does not traumatise the viewer, framing war from a child’s perspective, foregrounding fear, compassion and mutual support.

Dmitrieva emphasised the importance of sustaining cultural work during conflict, saying: “Where there is a puppet there is always mystery and beauty.” For her the performances are mechanisms of resilience, an “important experience that allows us to see how important art is – an opportunity to distract, to feel, to be together”.

Mykhailo Urytskyi, puppet director and lecturer at the Karpenko-Karyi Kyiv University also stages performances with his students in shelters and metro stations. During power outages, performances are lit with battery-powered lamps and supported by power banks, attesting to the persistence of art even in precarious circumstances.

Urytskyi told me that in times like these, this kind of performance is “not only relevant but necessary”. His work
engages with the topic of war, exploring what it means to be human and questioning whether forgiveness is possible.

In a show called Vertep Hope, he reinterprets the nativity as a story about the birth of Ukraine, which a modern-day Herod seeks to destroy. This he said, “is our way of shouting about the tragedy in Ukraine through the language of art”.

When Kherson was occupied in March 2022, the Kherson Puppet Theatre set off on tour on a bus flying the national blue and yellow flag. The company drew on Ukrainian history for a show inspired by the life of Taras Shevchenko, the revered poet and painter whose writing and political activism helped shape modern Ukrainian identity. Born into serfdom in 1814, Shevchenko took part in the struggle against Russian imperial oppression, becoming a fierce critic of Tsarist Russia and a national hero.

Beyond Ukraine’s borders where the diaspora has spread out across Europe and further afield, puppetry offers cultural preservation and a sense of connection for displaced people. The Ukrainian-Slovak Hub, for example, established in Kežmarok, eastern Slovakia, provides a space where refugees can find support. The hub’s puppet workshops have helped traumatised children articulate emotions that can be difficult to express.

But these shows do not only help support people in difficult times such as war. Stemming from a rich national heritage that bolsters feelings of unity and belonging, this deceptively simple storytelling medium helps to sustain cultural life as Ukraine’s 21st-century war rumbles on.

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The developer said it was no longer possible to deliver the promised nine affordable homes and £50,000 towards local services

Councillors have accused a developer of “making a mockery” of the planning committee after rolling back a pledge to put money towards services. Plans to build 36 homes in March were approved in 2023 on the condition that nine be affordable and a £50,000 contribution to local services.

The money was to be put towards libraries, education, and healthcare. But Fenland District Council’s planning committee was presented with an application from developer Cannon Kirk to remove these conditions on Wednesday (May 13).

The planning officer’s report said an independent viability review had shown that it was no longer possible for the scheme to deliver these conditions. They said that if “market conditions change” they could reassess this in the future.

Officers said these changes would cause a “clear shortfall in affordable housing” but found the benefits still outweighed any harm and recommended they be approved.

Another application from Fenland Future Ltd, the council’s social housing arm, had been approved earlier in the meeting for land east of The Elms in Chatteris.

John Mason, the agent, told councillors the 54 homes would provide “much-needed local housing” and “additional revenue” for the council – but proposed affordable homes had been removed from the earlier application.

Cllr Jan French called the change “disappointing”, adding that it “seems to be common practice with agents and developers at this time”. An off-site contribution of £67,000 was agreed for improvements to Wenny Recreation Ground and the plan was approved unanimously.

Cannon Kirk, the developer behind the March proposal, was slammed by councillors for going back on their contributions. Cllr David Connor, chair of the committee, said: “36 houses, no infrastructure at all, no affordable houses – they’re taking not only the kitchen sink, they’re taking the rug away from us as well. My goodness me.

“We can’t get any doctors, I know a friend of mine can’t and she’s been trying to get in the doctors now for two or three weeks – they’re all full. It’s only going to increase the pressure on local services and they can’t even give us £50,000 for doctors, schools or the library either. They’ve taken the whole lot away – this cannot be right.”

Cllr Charlie Marks agreed, expressing frustration that the council was unable to do anything other than accept the plans. He said: “Things arrive here and it all glitters – it’s all gold, all sparkly and wonderful, and then they start coming back like this.

“It’s not right, but unfortunately having spoken to legal there’s very little we can do about it. I think what speaks more volumes is the agent can’t even be bothered to turn up – to come to this planning committee to explain their reasoning why.”

He hit back at their suggestion that if the market changes they may be able to contribute, and said, “we know we’re not going to see any more money from this site”.

Cllr Marks said: “They’re just making a mockery of us as a planning committee, and the planners themselves. I think it’s very, very, unjust and I really think they ought to have a look at their conscience.”

Cllr French said: “To say we’re disappointed is an understatement – I really do feel that our legs have been lifted this time.” She said removing the condition will “set a very dangerous precedent” and the developer could return to remove conditions from their other approved schemes.

Cllr Connor said: “This is what we’re up against as a planning committee – people say, ‘we can’t get doctors, we can’t get this’. This is a typical application that we have had in the past many times and we’re going to see, certainly, a lot more times – just to sum it all up, we’re getting nothing.

“If we, as a committee, turn this down – it would certainly go to appeal, and we would lose the appeal almost certainly. Then maybe there would be some costs awarded, which is obviously taxpayers’ money.”

Councillors “very reluctantly” moved to approve the application and it passed unanimously.

Sandsend, just north of Whitby, has gained praise in recent years for its “scenic views”, “unspoilt surroundings” and “relaxed atmosphere”.

With its wide sandy beach, cliffs and sea views, the village is often described by visitors on TripAdvisor and other online platforms as a “peaceful place that feels far removed from modern life”.

Sandsend Beach (Image: RITA STURDY/CAMERA CLUB)

At low tide, Sandsend opens up into a large stretch of golden sand, giving plenty of space for walking, paddling, or simply enjoying the fresh coastal air.

The beach is also popular for families, thanks to its clean shoreline and gentle slope into the sea.

And on leading travel sites and national publications, Sandsend has been called ‘one of the UK’s best’ and a leading staycation spot.

Many visitors say it is the atmosphere that makes the village stand out.

One described it as “peaceful, clean and never overcrowded, even on a sunny day”, while another said it is “the perfect place to switch off, with beautiful views in every direction”.

The beach is backed by cliffs and dunes, with small streams winding their way into the North Sea, adding to its natural charm and making it feel untouched in places.

Away from the beach, Sandsend retains its character as a traditional fishing village.

Independent cafés, pubs and small restaurants line the seafront and nearby streets, helping to create a welcoming and laid-back feel.

Fresh seafood is a major draw, with locally caught lobster, cod and scallops frequently featured on menus and praised by visitors.

Sandsend (Image: PAUL WAUGH/CAMERA CLUB)

Travel experts have also highlighted Sandsend’s “charmingly rugged” coastline and its balance of accessibility and seclusion.

In recent years, the village has seen a rise in boutique accommodation, including stylish hotels and restaurant-with-rooms.

This has made it an increasingly popular option for overnight stays, as well as day trips from nearby towns.

Visitors continue to rate Sandsend highly on platforms such as Google and Tripadvisor, often pointing to its calm pace and sense of space as key reasons it stands out.

However, some regular visitors note that it can become busy during peak summer weekends, and parking is limited.

Many recommend arriving early in the day or visiting midweek to enjoy the village at its quietest.

Roker Beach has also earned the coveted Blue Flag for summer 2026, a symbol of the highest standards in water, cleanliness, and visitor facilities.

Despite recent debate on water quality, Sunderland’s Roker and Seaburn beaches have once again received Seaside Awards from Keep Britain Tidy, for their quality, cleanliness, and management.

Marc Morley, director of city services at Sunderland City Council, said: “I’m delighted that both Roker and Seaburn beaches will be proudly flying the national Seaside Awards flags again this year, this shows visitors that our seafront is safe, clean and well-managed.

“It is also great to see that Roker Beach has once again been awarded a prestigious blue flag – a symbol of the highest standards in water quality, cleanliness, and visitor facilities.

“In Sunderland we are proud of our beautiful coastline, and these awards are testament to the hard work of everyone who helps maintain our beaches – including our teams who work tirelessly to keep the beaches clean, and the residents and visitors who play a part in keeping the coastline tidy and protecting the environment.”

RNLI lifeguards will return to Seaburn, Roker, and Cat and Dog Beaches from Saturday, May 23, providing daily safety cover from 10am to 6pm until early September.

Residents are reminded that a lifeguarded beach is the safest place to swim outdoors, and to always to swim between the red and yellow flags.

This summer also promises extra entertainment along the seafront.

The One Big Summer by the Sea festival will bring Embrace, Ocean Colour Scene and The Waterboys to Seaburn’s Cliffe Park over the weekend of Friday and Saturday, August 14 and 15.

Improvements in the area continue to draw more visitors.

Roker Pier this year reopened following repairs to storm damage, and new hospitality venues including Namaste, Vallely’s, Boca Chica, and Elephant Rock are now welcoming customers nearby.

“This is a very special relationship between a father and his son. Mr Collett was the principal carer for his father before he went into custody.”

A Derry man caught with an assault rifle was refused compassionate bail today to visit his dying father in hospital.

Patrick James Collett, 58, of Rossnagalliagh, is in custody after he pleaded guilty to possession of a Romanian AKM assault rifle and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

He also pleaded guilty on re-arraignment to possessing the 7.62 assault rifle which had been adapted so that “two or more missiles could be successively discharged without repeated pressure on the trigger”.

Belfast Crown Court heard the carpet fitter mounted the compassionate bail application as his 89-year-old father is in Altnagelvin Hospital suffering from bowel cancer and has been given “months” to live.

Opposing his bid for freedom, a prosecution lawyer said the weapon, ammunition, garden gloves and latex gloves were found in Collett’s car after it was stopped by a specialist police unit on Derry’s Letterkenny Road on May 21, 2024.

She told Belfast Recorder Judge Philip Gilpin that police observed Collett going to the home of his co-accused where the weapon was collected and put in the boot of his car.

“The prosecution does have sympathy for Mr Collett in relation to his father but he no longer enjoys the presumption of innocence after his pleas of guilty to two charges,” said the prosecution barrister.

“He is now facing a minimum of five years in prison for his offending.”

A letter from a consultant in acute medicine at Altnagelvin Hospital was furnished to the court which stated that Collett’s father was seriously ill and had only “months” but it was possible his health could rapidly deteriorate.

The prosecution lawyer said there was no suggestion that death was “imminent” and Mr Collett snr is currently stable in hospital.

“What concerns us is that these compassionate bail applications may be brought back on a regular basis. We say there is no imminency and no urgency. Should his condition deteriorate, then this can be looked at again.”

She said Collett had published a number of photographs on his Facebook page which showed an association with violent dissident republicans in Derry.

“He published a photograph with Jason Ceulemans who has terrorist convictions. We say this is a man who has profound and unshakeable links, ties and support for dissident republicanism.”

The prosecution barrister said there were also concerns around the safety of Collett and his father.

“This was a very significant loss for the New IRA of this weapon and ammunition and we are concerned there could be a reprisal attack,” she added.

Defence solicitor Rory Muldoon said Collett only wanted to be released from Maghaberry Prison for up to six hours to visit his dying father in Altnagelvin Hospital.

“His father is now 89 years old and has bowel cancer. There is nothing that can be done for him. This is an application by my client to say goodbye to his father. Mr Collett senior will either go home for care or go to the hospice.”

He said that prior to his arrest in May 2024, police had no intelligence on Collett who has a completely clean record.

Mr Muldoon said the photographs referenced by the prosecution were taken in a local bar in the Brandywell where he grew up.

The solicitor said Collett’s brother-in-law has put up a £5,000 cash surety and the defendant’s wife has “scraped together” a further £5,000 cash surety to secure her husband’s release on compassionate bail, one of whom would pick up him up from the jail and take him to the hospital and back to custody.

“This is a very special relationship between a father and his son. Mr Collett was the principal carer for his father before he went into custody.

“The idea that he would get involved with dissident republican activity. That just doesn’t hold water,” added Mr Muldoon.

Following submissions, the Belfast Recorder said he agreed with the prosecution that the compassionate bail application was “premature” and refused to grant Collett temporary release to visit his father.

However, Judge Gilpin said the application could be revisited if there was a deterioration in Mr Collett snr’s condition.

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Marco Wanjura, part of the Palestine Solidarity Austria team organising the event, said: “The European Song Contest claims to stand for solidarity, love, diversity, and everything, but in reality… this year’s contest is hosting Israel as a country which is right now committing a genocide in Gaza.

In their decision, delivered on March 13, the LGO concluded that Croydon’s actions caused the family severe physical, emotional and psychological distress. Alongside the financial payout of £7,700 to Miss X, the council was made to issue a formal apology and backdate the mother’s priority status on the housing register.

Trains between York and Leeds are currently blocked following a safety inspection of the track in the Church Fenton area, where a broken rail was discovered.

The disruption was first reported at 4.35pm today (May 15) and delays are expected until the end of the day.

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“A safety inspection of the track in the Church Fenton area means the lines towards Leeds are blocked. Trains running between York and Leeds via Cross Gates may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes, revised or diverted,” said a spokesperson for National Rail.

Northern trains are not able to run between York and Leeds in both directions, but services between York and Leeds via Harrogate are not affected.

At peak times services that divert may miss Garforth- people travelling there should speak to station staff to ensure that they do not miss their stop.

Tickets can be used at no extra cost on the following services:

• The two CrossCountry services operating before and after your cancelled service
• Transpennine Express services between York and Leeds / Doncaster and Sheffield
• Northern services between York and Leeds / Leeds and Sheffield

National Rail added that if you decide to travel from a different station due to this disruption and need to return to that station later, you will also be able to use your existing ticket to do this at no extra cost.

Road transport has been requested to operate between York and Leeds. 

Darlington Borough Council has developed the plan based on four key priorities, following conversations with residents.  

Other priorities include improving community cohesion as well as tackling drugs and substance misuse, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

It comes as the local authority is working with Durham Constabulary to cut crime across the town and make the area safer. 

A recent residents’ survey found concerns over personal safety had increased in the past year due to a rise in local incidents. Around 78 per cent of respondents to a recent survey felt incidents of anti-social behaviour had increased over the past 12 months. 

Almost 60 per cent of respondents also felt that incidents of overall crime had increased. 

Off-road bikes are at the centre of the majority of residents’ complaints, councillors said. 

Councillor Heather Scott, of Park West ward, said several roads in the area had become “rat-runs” and were frequently used by vehicles. 

She added: “Residents are afraid to go out because of the number of off-road bikes in the area. People have been threatened and abused by these people on off-road bikes. 

“It is a major issue and the police are under great stress to deal with it.”

Darlington’s MP Lola McEvoy previously called for new powers to stop balaclava-wearing gangs plaguing residents and suggested £100 fines be issued to anyone caught wearing face coverings to intimidate people. 

And Jonathan Dulston, Conservative leader and Eastbourne ward member, said the police should step up their work to prevent the complaints. 

He said: “Bikers are driving at high speeds in built-up areas in parks and on pavements.

“The police need to acknowledge that, unless they change their approach and start responding to the threats the public is seeing, they are never going to solve this problem.”

The authority’s latest Community Safety Plan was agreed by members at Thursday’s full council meeting, and covers the period between 2026 and 2029.

What do you think needs to be done to tackle the scourge of off-road bikes? Have your say in the comments.