Since 1961, Little Angel Theatre in north London has pushed the boundaries of puppetry, crafting a universe of different characters and working on a diversity of projects, from pantos to Coldplay videos.
To mark 65 years of enchanting people of all ages, the theatre is launching Marionettes: An Exhibition Celebrating String Puppets, running 22 August-6 September 2026.
This collection of puppets and objects charts the story of the theatre, including pieces crafted by its founders John and Lyndie Wright, as well as those by the man behind Animata, Stephen Mottram; Sarah Vigars (known for her birds); and the theatre's current Associate Director, Oliver Hymans. Entry is free, no strings attached.
Marionettes... forms part of 600 Years on Strings, an anniversary year programme, which also includes the world premiere of The Sorcerer's Apprentice (22-30 August), the restoration of Little Angel's historic marionette bridge (it's one of just a handful of theatres in the world still equipped with one) and new marionette making and performance training.
Right now, you can count the number of people in Britain making a living carving marionettes, on one hand. Little Angel Theatre continues its mission to change that. Says Oliver Hymans:
Endangered crafts survive because people choose to practise them, teach them and pass them on. If this exhibition helps even a handful of people discover the same fascination I felt standing backstage at the Little Angel Theatre all those years ago, looking up at those silent figures hanging patiently above me, then perhaps we have helped ensure that marionettes will continue to dance for generations yet to come.
Marionettes: An Exhibition Celebrating String Puppets, at Little Angel Theatre, 22 August-6 September 2026. Free, book ahead.
If you/the kids think puppetry might be a calling, there are plenty of ongoing talks, workshops and the like to dive into at Little Angel Theatre.
