Unbeknown to many, Britain has a rich history of puppetry. It's not all Punch & Judy and Fingerbobs, though they do form a part of its colourful tapestry, of course.
Puppet plays were performed in London as far back as 1600, and by the mid-1700s it was a highly popular form of entertainment in the capital.
Its popularity declined somewhat from the early 1900s, but enjoyed a resurgence on children's TV in the 1960s, with the likes of Bill & Ben, Andy Pandy, and Muffin the Mule. And those of a certain age will, of course, remember Basil Brush. BOOM! BOOM!
Continuing Britain's tradition of puppetry is the
Little Angel Theatre, in Islington. Celebrating its 50th year, the "home of British puppetry" has built a reputation second to none, entertaining kids and adults from far and wide and, more recently, showing how it's all done through workshops and classes.
Through its education programme, which is aimed at adults as well as children, the Little Angel Theatre shows how to get the most out of puppet making and performance.
They hold regular events, such as the Saturday Puppet Club, Children's Fun Days and Family Fun Days. If you're interested in learning more about puppetry, whether young or not-so, click
here to find out exactly how to go about it.
As for those who simply want to go along to be entertained, you've got
lots of options. The Little Angel's 100-seat theatre puts on shows throughout the year, some aimed at children, while others may be tailored to an adult audience.
You might also be interested to know that the theatre is often on the lookout for volunteers to help out - ideal for those with an interest in puppetry who have a bit of spare time on their hands. In return for your efforts, you may be offered free tickets or free entry to special social events.
Volunteering could involve assisting at workshops and ushering for shows, among other things. Click
here for more information on opportunities.
The Little Angel Theatre has enjoyed a successful and prosperous 50 years, entertaining thousands of people along the way. So here's to the next 50!
