The enchanting Handa’s Surprise. Photo: Ellie Kurtz
IT’S incredible to think that Islington’s beloved puppet theatre, Little Angel, celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. It first opened its doors in November 1961 when a troupe of enthusiastic puppeteers, under the leadership of John Wright, found a derelict temperance hall in Islington and transformed it into a magical marionette theatre.
Sixty years later and it is still going strong. During lockdown, Little Angel adapted to theatre closures and made its work available online – its shows were watched worldwide. The accompanying puppet-making activities inspired young audiences in more than 90 countries and received over 757,000 views.
Building on this phenomenal success, artistic director Samantha Lane and executive director Peta Swindall are keen to develop the theatre’s boundary-pushing puppetry and engage new audiences. As well as supporting touring productions in the UK and abroad, Little Angel works closely with its diverse Islington community and gives away thousands of tickets throughout the year.
Their current show is Handa’s Surprise, adapted from the bestselling picture book by Eileen Browne and suitable for children aged 2 to 5.
Director Marleen Vermeulen gives the story an intimate staging at the Little Angel’s studios in Sebbon Street, where we sit on cushions on three sides of the performance space.
Set in Kenya, the story is simply told and perfect for its target age group. Handa (Hannah Akhalu) sets out to visit Akeyo (Rujenne Green) in the next village. She chooses a variety of fruit for her friend including a banana, mango, passion fruit and pineapple. Along the way, seven animals steal the seven fruits and she arrives with an empty basket. All is not lost, however, and there is a special tangerine finale.
Running at 35 minutes, blending physical performance and song and featuring Peter O’Rourke’s imaginative puppets, it’s an enchanting production, sure to delight kids of all ages.
As some measure of their appreciation, the invitation to join the cast on stage and dance at the end of the show was rapturously received.
Until April 16
littleangeltheatre.com
