Norwich Puppet Theatre

Norwich Puppet Theatre is housed in a converted medieval church to the north of Norwich’s city centre, adjacent to the Whitefriars/Barrack Street roundabout. It offers a unique experience to visitors, with a regular programme of puppet-making workshops and performances and is one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England. It is an excellent introduction to the magic of theatre and puts on original shows, many activities, workshops and masterclasses for visitors of all ages.

Home to a family of puppets for many years, Norwich Puppet Theatre was founded in 1979 by Ray and Joan DaSilva as a permanent base for their touring company. The theatre first opened its doors to the public in December 1980, following the conversion of the medieval church of St. James, in the heart of Norwich. They are always producing new shows for families and children to see in Norwich before taking some shows on tour around the UK and internationally. Norwich Puppet Theatre is passionate about championing this special artform and hosts adult shows as well as talent development masterclasses for theatre makers, puppeteers and performers.

Norwich Puppet Theatre’s main auditorium has a capacity of 165 and its smaller Octagon Studio has 50 seats. The venue also contains workshops to make sets and puppets, an exhibition gallery, a shop, and a licensed bar. It is proud to be the only theatre in the Eastern region to have a year-round programme of family-centred entertainment. A registered charity, Norwich Puppet Theatre relies on visitors’ support to help it grow and flourish and has several ways of generating funds. Please go to their website to find out more.

The theatre’s unique space can be hired, both the main theatre and the smaller Octagon Studio. Weddings and civil partnerships, amateur and professional drama groups, burlesque and cabaret events, film screenings, conferences, music events and book launches have all been held at Norwich Puppet Theatre.

As one of the only professional venue-based producing theatres in Norwich, Norwich Puppet Theatre offers a diverse and high-quality range of learning experiences and can deliver a wide variety of hands-on experiences both onsite or at other venues, such as schools or community groups. These include puppet making, shadow play and show and tells, with their fascinating puppet collection, as well as back-stage or heritage tours. They also offer drop-in workshops for large events, festivals and community projects.

To find out more about Norwich Puppet Theatre, including what’s on and venue hire, please go to their website.

Norwich Puppet Theatre, St James, Whitefriars, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1TN

Tel: 01603 629921

https://www.puppettheatre.co.uk/