Little Angel Theatre Celebrates Its 65th Anniversary with “Marionettes: An Exhibition Celebrating String Puppets”

Ah, if only those wooden puppets were truly alive for just a moment…

I remember like it was yesterday: as a child, sitting in the theatre and looking at the stage, thinking, “If I don’t blink even for a second, maybe I’ll catch them moving without the hand operating the strings; those invisible strings behind them are actually secret magic!” I wouldn’t even want to leave the front of the stage after the show ended, just in case one of them secretly winked at me or whispered something while I was watching. Now I’m grown up, and learning to make puppets is still right near the top of my wishlist.

That fairytale-like Little Angel Theatre in North London has kept that childlike dream and curiosity inside me burning bright for a full 65 years. And now, I am quite literally counting down the days for their exhibition “Marionettes: An Exhibition Celebrating String Puppets,” running from August 22 to September 6, 2026. Admission is completely free, but the excitement it brings is priceless to me; I’ve already etched it into my calendar with my green pen, and no matter what, I’m definitely going to see this exhibition!

Magic Between Pieces of Wood

Just imagine: the very first nostalgic puppets crafted by the hands of the founders, John and Lyndie Wright—who have been breathing soul into pieces of wood since 1961—will be standing right before us! I can’t wait to get an up-close look at those spellbinding birds carved from wood by Sarah Vigars, Stephen Mottram’s figures, and characters floating at the ends of strings.

What’s more, this 65th-anniversary celebration isn’t limited to the exhibition alone:

• A Childhood Dream Brought to the Stage: The world premiere of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice takes place between August 22 and 30.

• Historic Marionette Bridge: That ancient, massive marionette bridge—something we can only see in a handful of theatres around the world—has been restored; witnessing how puppeteers stand on that bridge and bring the puppets to life is an incredible feeling.

Becoming a Child Again at the End of Those Strings

You know that moment described by Oliver Hymans, the Associate Artistic Director of the theatre, as “the fascination I felt years ago standing backstage, looking at the figures hanging silently above me…”—that’s the exact feeling I’m after. Embracing that childhood excitement once again, even if just for a few hours among a nearly forgotten craft, the smell of wood, and invisible strings, already feels so good to me.

If there’s still a little child inside you somewhere who wants to believe that puppets are alive, don’t miss this exhibition opening its doors on August 22. I’ll be there!