Little Angel Theatre has announced the first details of its 65th anniversary celebrations, including a major heritage project and a new production, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
The Islington venue will mark the milestone with a wide-ranging programme aimed at preserving and promoting the art of marionette puppetry.
Central to the plans is a new project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, designed to revive the endangered craft, which has more than 600 years of history.
A highlight of the anniversary year will be the world premiere of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, running as part of the Little Angel Children’s Puppet Festival from 22 to 30 August 2026.
Written, directed and designed by Associate Director Oliver Hymans, the production will use the theatre’s historic double marionette bridge, a rare specialist structure that will be restored as part of the project.
The Children’s Puppet Festival will return for its fourth year from 28 July to 30 August 2026, featuring a varied programme of shows including Tiny Planet, At Sea, Jack and the Beanstalk (sort of), Club Origami and Puffling Percy.
Alongside performances, the theatre will present exhibitions, talks and events celebrating its 65-year history and the evolution of puppetry.
A new traineeship scheme will also be launched, supporting emerging puppet-makers and puppeteers through specialist training in carving, design and marionette manipulation.
Artistic Director Samantha Lane and Executive Director Peta Swindall said: “As we celebrate 65 years, we’re not just looking back – we’re looking ahead. Marionette puppetry is an endangered craft, and without action, it could be lost. This project, led by LAT’s brilliant and highly skilled Associate Director, Oliver Hymans, is about securing its future: restoring our unique marionette bridge, creating ambitious new work, and giving a new generation the skills to keep this extraordinary artform alive.”
Oliver Hymans added: “This feels like the culmination of over five years of dedication and advocacy for the much loved yet endangered craft of marionette making. Thanks to the support of many organisations who have invested in myself and Little Angel Theatre, including Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), Heritage Crafts, and now The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we can finally work towards bringing this artform to life on stage as well as safeguarding it for the next generation of makers and audiences alike.”
Festival curator Hymans also said: “This year’s programme is a mix of everything I love about puppetry — bold new technology alongside anarchic comedy for kids, contemporary dance meets Origami, and shows that tell stories in beautifully visual ways. As ever, there’s no theme — just the very best of the broad range of puppetry being produced in the UK today. Pick your faves; there’s something for everyone.”
The anniversary programme aims to both celebrate Little Angel Theatre’s legacy and secure the future of puppetry by inspiring new artists and audiences alike.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
