On Tour NOW!
“The Selfish Giant’s Garden”
“The Selfish Giant’s Garden” is an abridgement of Oscar Wilde’s original fairy tale.
Once there was a giant who lived in a castle beside a beautiful garden filled with peach trees. One day he set off to visit an ogre who lived far away, and he stayed with him for many years. Believing the giant would never return, the townspeople allowed their children to play in the peach orchard as if it were their own little park.
After seven long years, the giant suddenly came home. He was shocked to find children running through his garden—and even more shocked to discover that not a single peach remained. The children had eaten every one. Furious, he chased them out. He hammered up a sign that read “No Trespassing!” and built a tall wall to keep everyone away. He thought having the garden all to himself would make him happy, but he soon learned he was mistaken.
The giant grew lonely. Winter settled over the garden and refused to leave. Frost, snow, wind, and hail ruled the place. There was no laughter, no joy, and no sign of Spring. Outside the wall the world was warm and bright, but inside, everything was cold and still. The giant felt sad, caught a cold, and utterly alone.
Then one morning, a small bird fluttered into the garden, followed by a little boy who climbed over the wall. The child’s warm, cheerful smile lit up the space around him. Wherever he walked, the snow melted and the air softened. When the giant saw the boy, something inside him changed—his frozen heart began to thaw. He realized how much he needed a friend, and friendship worked a kind of magic. Sunshine returned.
Suddenly the peach trees burst into blossom and heavy fruit. The giant and the boy shared the peaches, and they shared their friendship too. From that day on, the giant vowed never to be selfish again. He understood that as long as he opened his garden—and his heart—he would never be lonely and would always have friends.
“Growing Kindness, Growing Joy — The Selfish Giant’s Garden Blooms On Stage!”
With humor, music, and magical marionette storytelling, Jerry Bickel’s Merry Marionettes bring “The Selfish Giant’s Garden” to life for today’s young audiences.
Performance Features
· Eight handcrafted wooden marionettes
· Classic puppet booth and a lush garden stage set
· Artistic lighting and happy, hand-clapping music
· Interactive Q&A after the show
· Photo opportunities with the puppets
· Hands‑on workshop supplies for each child to make their own stick puppet souvenir in the classroom
About the Artist
Jerry Bickel — puppeteer, singer, storyteller, and one‑man cast — has delighted audiences across the globe. Recipient of the Distinguished Career Award in Children’s/Youth Theatre from the Florida Theatre Conference, he has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. A master of classic puppetry techniques, Bickel blends tradition with imagination to create unforgettable experiences for children and families.
Program Details
· Length: 45 minutes
· Audience: PreK – 5th Grade
· Format: In‑person Live performance
The Selfish Giant’s Garden — A Heartwarming Merry Marionette Adventure!
Join Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre for a touching 35‑minute retelling of Oscar Wilde’s beloved tale. Eight handcrafted marionettes, colorful garden set, happy music, and plenty of laughter bring the Giant, the playful children, and the weather to life. After the show, kids enjoy photos with the puppets and take‑home supplies to make their own “Garden Friend” stick puppet. Perfect for children and family audiences, this award‑winning one‑man performance by Jerry Bickel celebrates kindness, sharing, and the magic of growing together.
Read & Download the Classroom Guide
Recent Performance Review
Read Recent Teacher’s Reviews
Download the Show Flyer
