SCOTTISH comedian and presenter Susan Calman has been trying her hand at puppeteering in Cumbria for an upcoming episode of the Channel 5 show Grand Day Out.

The show features the TV host touring the country in her campervan, affectionately named Helen Mirren in honour of her heroine.

Celebrating the hidden gems and quirky attractions of the UK, the upcoming English Lakes episode will spotlight Penrith's Upfront Arts Venue, home to the iconic puppet theatre and museum.

Founded in 1997 by John, a former theatre designer, and Elaine Parkinson, the venue has grown into a vibrant multi-arts space and charitable organisation as well as a home to around 2,000 puppets. 

Susan's 'Helen Mirren' campervanSusan's 'Helen Mirren' campervan (Image: Supplied) Filming took place during the summer, as the theatre was staging its lively production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

“She met the audience and went to see the first part of the show, then came backstage to help us perform the end of act one. She deftly handled Jack as he climbed up the beanstalk into the clouds,” John said.

“Her puppeteering was so good that we have offered her a job for when she has downtime from filming.”

Up-front Art's puppet museum.Up-front Art's puppet museum. (Image: Supplied) “Susan was fascinated by the idea that she was visiting one of only four dedicated puppet theatres in England, as well as the puppet museum, which we were in the process of creating displays for when she visited,” John said.

Susan also had the chance to take a look at the museum’s famous Stan Parker marionettes, which include a full cabaret set of puppets and an old-fashioned miniature circus.

The largest collection of Stan Parker puppets was preserved thanks to Heritage Lottery funding.

For 25 years, Stan and Stanelli's Super Circus were one of two major puppet exports from the United Kingdom.

Stan and his wife Dorothy travelled from their home in Carlisle to become the toast of many major European puppet festivals before they have now been preserved at the venue. 

The venue is currently preparing for its upcoming Christmas production of Aladdin, which will run from December 8 to December 29. 

Susan Calman's Grand Day Out will air on Friday, 22nd November, at 8pm on Channel 5 and will also be available on catch-up at My5TV.