The Norwich Puppet Theatre, much loved by children and adults alike, is marking its silver anniversary by uniting performers from around the world, including puppeteers from Japan, Portugal and India. Founded by Ray and Joan DaSilva as a permanent base for their touring company, the theatre opened as a public venue in 1980, following the conversion of a medieval church in the heart of Norwich. "Ray brought together a group of people and turned the church of St James into the puppet theatre you see today. The money came from donations and a lot of support in kind," said general manager Ian Woods. The theatre creates and presents its own productions in the converted church, in addition to touring to schools and venues throughout the UK and international festivals abroad. "We make all the puppets we use here in the building. The artistic director, the puppeteers and technical guys work out the kind of puppets they need for a production. They go into the workshop to start carving, molding and sewing - and you've got yourself a new character," said Ian. In recent years the Norwich Puppet Theatre has performed in Canada, Finland, Mexico and Slovenia. As a company they enjoy an international reputation for a diverse programme of works and excellence in what they do. "The constant high is seeing the kids' smiling faces after they've been to a show or workshop here," said Ian Woods. "What's great is now we're getting adults coming with their children, who were children when the theatre first opened. "Money is always a low point. All arts organisations have a constant battle to secure funds and ensure you carry on. Recognition has made it easier in some ways, but some people say we've been here 25 years so they're doing alright," he added. Puppet celebrations
 | | The stars of Jack and the Beanstalk |
To mark the silver anniversary, the theatre is staging a collection of international works until Saturday 29 October, 2005. Highlights include a return of Jack And The Beanstalk on Thursday 27 - Friday 28 October, 2005 at 11am. This production offers a deep insight into how children play with treasured objects and is complimented by live clarinet music. On Thursday 27 October you can enjoy the Smallest Circus in the World by third generation puppeteer Anton Anderle, featuring a recreation of a traditional circus with original puppets, some of them as 160 years old. And on Saturday 29 October, illusions of grandeur are burst like bubbles in an imaginatively staged version of The Emperor's New Clothes by Martin Brindle - recognised as one of England's finest puppeteers. For more details of all the productions, including the adult work of Nevsky Prospekt, visit the Norwich Puppet Theatre website or call the box office on 01603 629921. | 
