As restoration continues on Folkestone’s historic Leas Lift, its story is being shared not only through conservation work and archives, but also through performance. Among those helping to bring its history to life is André Veríssimo, founder of Folkestone Puppets and co-creator of Lifting Stories, an interactive puppet show charting the journey of the town’s beloved funicular railway from its opening in 1885, through its closure in 2017 and towards its reopening.
Founded in 2017, Folkestone Puppets creates original works that entertain, inspire and challenge audiences. For this special production, Veríssimo, an interdisciplinary visual and performance artist living in Folkestone, worked with his team to craft a heartfelt tribute to one of the town’s most treasured landmarks. Blending storytelling, craftsmanship and imagination, the show reflects the spirit of community and innovation that has defined the Lift for more than a century.
“Right from the beginning we knew we wanted to make the show a fun, engaging experience. Focusing on some key dates and facts alongside people’s stories and quirky mysteries.”
To capture more than a century of history, the team approached the project in stages. “Firstly, we research its history through archival material found in the library, online and the lift building itself. Secondly, we interviewed people locally that had worked at the Lift and those we used the lift over the years. This way we captured both the factual history and engineering achievements, as well as peoples lived experiences and stories. Like the supposed ghost that haunted the lift over the years. Stories like this make for more interesting theatre.”
For Veríssimo, the Lift also carries a personal meaning. “The year I moved to Folkestone marked the closure of the Lift. Luckily, I was still able to use the lift during its final weeks. I feel privileged to have been able to do that as it allowed me to connect to a part of the town that has been here for a very long time.”
During the project he encountered families with deep ties to it. “We met a few people during this project that have a multi-generational relation with it. Grandparents taking grandchildren for rides, joining past and present. In the fast paced world of today we need more things that keeps rooted and connected to our histories and place.”
A key aim of Lifting Stories is to spark imagination, particularly among younger audiences. “To think of the lift as a magical place full of stories. Something they can go visit and be a part of. A place of imagination that takes you up and down.”
More broadly, Veríssimo believes creativity plays a vital role in heritage. “Arts and storytelling allow for the reimagining of heritage sites beyond their original functions. Providing the space and time for reflection and connection to the places that make us. They are like putting on glasses that offer us a different perspective to the everyday so we can see anew.”
Through Lifting Stories, the Leas Lift’s story is passed on to new audiences, linking past memories with the community who will use it again when it reopens.
