Puppet Theatre Barge

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Puppet Theatre Barge

"...One of London's more elusive treasures." THE INDEPENDENT "...the scale of puppetry forces you t THE GUARDIAN
(1)

THE INDEPENDENT "...the scale of puppetry forces you to surrender your imagination in a way that flesh and blood actors never could."

30/05/2026

We are so excited to announce that we will be returning to Abingdon this year!
Thanks to support from Arts Council England and The Backstage Trust

Come and catch a performance of Captain Sandy and the Sea Monster at Abbey Meadows between June 11th - August 9th!

Or join us for a FREE shadow puppetry workshop at one of our partner venues:
Saturday 18th July at Black Bird Lays Library
Thursday 23rd of July at Didcot Library
Tuesday 28th July at Sonning Common, Goring
Thursday 30th Of July at Benson Library
Friday 31st of July at Henley Library
Saturday 1st of August at Abingdon Library

21/05/2026

The incomparable Drew Colby is back this half term with international sensation The Ugly Duckling. With the music of Antonio Vivaldi and Max Richter, shadow master Drew Colby explores the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Enjoy this delightful show for all the family

17/01/2026

Indefinite Article's Pinocchio comes to an end this weekend after a fantastic SOLD OUT run. What a phenomenal season with Steve Tiplady bringing the adventures of Gepetto and Pinocchio to life with this witty and captivating production. Follow for where Pinocchio goes next.

Whilst we are sad to see Pinocchio go, we are thrilled to be bringing back The Hare and The Tortoise. Starting on Saturday, 24th January 2026, join us for a variety of tales from Aesop's fables.

31/12/2025

In 2025, we did more than anyone could write on one tiny post.

We had thousands of people come and see incredible musicians, the best visiting companies, that brought internationally acclaimed shows to our stage and our own in-house productions, classics, and revamped. Behind the scenes, we did 3 research and development periods for new/revamped shows.

We spent another year keeping the traditions of marionettes alive on our beautiful barge, inspiring people who came to visit us in Little Venice and Richmond.

And we are very excited to share our 2026 plans.

06/12/2025

Steve Tiplady and Indifinite Articles present PINOCCHIO.

This winter season, we have the incomparable
Steve Tiplady, as Geppetto, uses the objects of a carpenter’s workshop to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy, and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father.

Puppetry, shadows, illusion and especially composed music combine to create a show with something for all ages; it’s inventive, visually and verbally witty with a big heart.

For ages 4 and up
60 mins

Join for a magical tale this winter ✨️

21/10/2025

What a busy half term we have coming up.

On Saturday 25th , Sunday 26th, and Monday 27th October, we have with their incredible show Anansi and The Lost Sun.

On Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st October, returns with his show, The Ugly Duckling.

And to finish our spectacular week of shows is back over the final weekend on the 1st and 2nd November.

We are also running our week-long puppet club, collaborating with our neighbours, the Electric Barge, to bring a week of puppetry exploration for young people in the local area. Over the week, they learn how to make and operate their own puppets and finish the week with a show.

10/10/2025

The phenomenal is back in The Puppet Barge for the next 4 weekends with Anansi and The Lost Sun.

Opening our autumn puppetry programme, this West African tale is a blend of puppetry, spoken word, and West African Music.

Visit us at the Puppet Barge this Autumn 🍂

29/09/2025

Good morning from The Puppet Theatre Barge's annual trip from Richmond to Little Venice.

The fog was thick as we set off from Richmond, and this year, due to a broken lock gate, we are taking the longer route through the Grand Union Canal all the way from Brentford, via West London. It means we are missing our usual route through central London and will spend two days on the canals rather than one.

We often get stuck along this route, so expect a lot more pictures of us pushing and pulling all 70 tonnes of this barge manually. It takes a phenomenal team to move this boat each year.

Keep an eye on our stories and on our Patreon for a special series on the moves over the years.

17/09/2025

Get yourself down to the Puppet Barge in Richmond!

Showing the musical marvel that is Captain Sandy and the Sea Monster. Two more weekends left before we travel down the Thames and up the canals, leaving Richmond for another year. Almost half the shows are sold out, so you better be quick!

09/08/2025

Tomorrow is the final day to catch Drew Colby's My Shadow and Me.

From next week, until the end of September, our hilarious musical extravaganza, Captain Sandy and the Sea Monster, returns to our stage in Richmond.

Address

Opposite 35 Blomfield Road
London
W92PF

Telephone

+442072496876

Website

http://www.puppetbarge.com/

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