Little Angel Theatre Celebrates 50 Years

2011 sees The Little Angel Theatre reach its 50th anniversary. The small building, always bursting at the seams with its many activities, sits in a beautiful and secluded spot and is often described as Islington's "hidden gem." Founded by John and Lyndie Wright, the theatre has never deviated from its aim of providing puppetry of the highest artistic calibre and as a result a third generation of Little Angel audiences are now bringing their grandchildren to the shows.
 
The programme for our anniversary year reflects exactly the diversity of work which now distinguishes the theatre. Shows for children and their families sit alongside adult work from around the world. The company tours widely and also provides a huge complimentary programme of education and outreach work.
 
Highlights of 2011 will include collaborations with major artistic partners. THE TEMPEST, a new co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company will be directed by Peter Glanville for ages 7 and up and we will also create a sister production for smaller children aged 3-6, THE MAGICIAN'S DAUGHTER. THE TEMPEST will open in Stratford-upon-Avon at The Swan before coming to Little Angel in April.  The very first production ever performed at Little Angel - THE WILD NIGHT OF THE WITCHES - will be brought back in August by a team of trainee marionettists.  SUSPENSE LONDON PUPPETRY FESTIVAL returns, bringing puppetry to adult audiences, and this time welcoming three new venues - New Diorama, The V & A and the Camden Roundhouse.  And for Christmas we have a new production in development inspired by a Gabriel Garcia Marquez short story, created by the theatre's founding family Lyndie, Sarah and Joe Wright and in association with Mike Shepherd, Anna-Maria Murphy and Ian Ross of Kneehigh Theatre.
 
The theatre also continues to extend its links with the community and its annual summer party in July is always an amazing testament to how widespread those links have become. The free party with puppet activities galore spread across the adjacent park has become a must do in many diaries and will be held on 9 July 2011.
 
The theatre also announces both a new scheme and a new award. THE LITTLE ANGEL ASSOCIATE SCHEME is a new annual scheme beginning in 2011 offering the opportunity for a company or an individual artist to be an Associate resident at Little Angel for a year. The winner will be chosen from an application describing a puppetry based production or project that they would like to develop throughout the year. As part of the scheme, Little Angel will provide access to workshop space, participation in professional development classes, mentoring and opportunities to show work.
 
THE LITTLE ANGEL PUPPETRY AWARD is a new award for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to UK puppetry during the year. The first winner will be announced in the autumn of 2011 as part of the SUSPENSE FESTIVAL.
 
Our Media Sponsor for our anniversary year is Angel Magazine. Says editor Mark Kebble, "Angel Magazine is proud to partner the Little Angel Theatre in 2011. Ever since the magazine was launched 15 years ago, we have been captivated by the magic found within the theatre's walls. We look forward to showcasing the people who have made it so special, plus offering a behind the scenes glimpse of events in their 50th year."
 
We are seeking corporate partners for our 50th anniversary year, particularly for SUSPENSE, our community summer party, and our varied ongoing education programme.  We are also seeking a key partner for a major fundraising event at the House of Lords in June. 
 

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