the Little Angels Theatre

Better late than never, during Easter break, while walking aimlessly by a sunny Good Friday, I have come across a nice little spot in Islington, the Little Angels Theatre. It's a Puppet Theatre hidden in a cute muse at spitting distance from Angel (Dagmar Passage) in the posh neighbourhood East of the tube station.

Maki and I we saw 'Jack and the Beanstalk' a funny adaptation of the well-know story of the brave little boy who climbs a magic beanstalk and overcomes a fearful giant. ‘Combining table-top and shadow-puppetry, it is set in a wild desert world that wonderfully weaves a traditional tale with a modern setting’.
This nice little place has a long a prestigious history. In 1961 a troupe of enthusiastic puppeteers under the leadership of South African master, John Wright, found a derelict temperance hall in Islington and transformed it into a magical little theatre, specially designed for children and for the presentation of marionette shows. It opened on Saturday 24th November 1961. Over the next 30 years, The Little Angel company created and performed over 30 full-scale shows. They toured all over the UK and abroad, absorbed new styles by participating in International puppet festivals (including Europe, USA and the Far East), collaborated with musicians (including Daniel Barenboim and Robert Zeilger) on large-scale productions for the South Bank and Barbican Centres, and provided a constant source of inspiration and training for a new generation of puppeteers and performers. Those in the know still find their way to Dagmar Passage from all over the world. Our productions now use every type of puppet and draw their themes, styles and stories from a wide range of cultural traditions. We also programme a wide variety of visiting puppet companies, giving London audiences a marvellous opportunity to experience the diversity of this art form.