show

With nothing more than his bare hands and wooden eyes, Lejo has created a unique, fresh style of puppet theatre. ‘Hands up!’ is a lively, wordless family show, filled with music, humor and tenderness. In a big, blue decor the puppets have their adventures and perform their tricks. A boisterous dog, two tap dancers, a cow with eating problems, an entire children’s choir - including the conductor - and many others, take to the stage. The audience (young and old alike!) soon forgets it is watching two hands.  

Under stage name 'Lejo', Leo Petersen has been performing live and filming his puppets since 1995. What began as a school project, became an act with which he now travels around the world. His short videos have been broadcasted in the Dutch version of Sesame Street and in several other countries.

'Hands up!' is a string of individual scenes. The performance lasts no longer than 45 minutes, but can be shortened to adjust to any situation. It is a real family show, there are versions for ages 3+ and 4+. The show is at its best in a dimmed theater space, but can also be performed in venues that can't be blackened out. There is also an outdoor version of the show, which lasts 20 or 30 minutes.

After the show, cardboard models can be handed out to the audience for them to build their own Lejo puppet.

'Hands up!' show is perfect for school performances. The school show is supported by 2 videos which can be watched in the classroom before and after the performance (at this moment only available in Dutch, German and French, soon also in English)

Leo Petersen travels alone. If the distance can be traveled by car, he bring his own lighting and sound equipment and, if necessary, a black backdrop and black theater floor. The lightweight airplane- and train version is made of carbon fibre and fits in a regular suitcase (23 kg).

More information about the show, technical riders, the price list and photos and texts for promotion can be found on the pro area page.