Little Angel Theatre
London's beloved puppet theatre since 1961 — enchanting marionette and puppet shows for all ages in a converted Islington temperance hall
London's beloved puppet theatre since 1961 — enchanting marionette and puppet shows for all ages in a converted Islington temperance hall
Hidden down a quiet Islington passage, Little Angel Theatre has been bringing puppets to life since 1961. Founded by South African master puppeteer John Wright in a converted Victorian temperance hall, it remains the only permanent puppet theatre in London and seats just 100 people.
Inside, hand-carved marionettes, rod puppets and shadow figures perform original productions and classic tales on a stage purpose-built for puppetry. The intimate scale means every seat has a perfect view, and children and adults alike find themselves drawn into worlds crafted entirely by hand.
Little Angel Theatre occupies a converted Victorian temperance hall tucked away down Dagmar Passage, a narrow lane off Cross Street in Islington. In 1961, South African-born puppeteer John Wright and his wife Lyndie discovered the derelict building and set about transforming it into London's first — and still only — permanent puppet theatre. Wright designed every element of the 100-seat auditorium himself, from the raked seating to the overhead rigging bridges that allow puppeteers to operate marionettes from above.
The building retains its intimate, slightly ramshackle charm. The foyer doubles as a small gallery displaying puppets from past productions, and the adjoining workshop — where new figures are carved, painted and strung — has been in continuous use since the theatre opened. John Wright was awarded an MBE in 1977 for his services to puppetry, and after his death in 1991, Lyndie Wright and director Christopher Leith continued his legacy.
Productions at Little Angel range from faithful adaptations of fairy tales and children's literature to ambitious original works tackling themes well beyond the nursery. The company works with marionettes, rod puppets, shadow puppets and table-top figures, often combining several techniques in a single show. Most performances last between 45 minutes and an hour, pitched at specific age groups from babies upwards.
The auditorium's small scale is a genuine asset. Children sit close enough to see the grain of the wood on a puppet's face, and the quiet concentration of a hundred people watching a hand-carved figure come to life is something screens cannot replicate. In 2014 the company opened Little Angel Studios nearby, adding a second performance space and a dedicated workshop programme for schools, families and aspiring puppeteers.
Tickets are available through the theatre's website or by calling the box office on 020 7226 1787. Weekend shows and holiday productions sell out quickly, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. Weekday term-time performances at 4.45pm are available at reduced prices. The theatre also runs puppet-making workshops during school holidays and birthday party packages for children.
Dagmar Passage sits just off Upper Street, Islington's main thoroughfare, which has dozens of cafes and restaurants within a few minutes' walk. The Camden Passage antiques market is five minutes away, and the Almeida Theatre is a short stroll further north. Angel tube station on the Northern line is the closest stop, making the theatre easily accessible from central London.
Under-2s are generally admitted free — check individual show listings for age guidance and pricing
Saturday and Sunday performances sell out fast, especially during school holidays. Book as soon as a new season is announced to secure your preferred date and time.
Each show is designed for a specific age range, from babies to older children. The theatre lists clear age recommendations — following them ensures the best experience.
Performances at 4.45pm on weekdays during term time are priced lower than weekend shows. The audience is smaller too, making it even more intimate.
The foyer has a small exhibition of puppets from past productions. Allow ten minutes before the show to browse the display and let children settle in before the performance begins.
The antiques and vintage shops of Camden Passage are a five-minute walk away. Wednesday and Saturday are the main market days, perfect for pairing with an afternoon puppet show.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
