Welcome to the June Edition!
Where to learn, what to watch, and how to stay connected in the world of puppets and performance.
Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who’s been reading, sharing, and subscribing — and an extra big shout out to the brilliant puppeteers and companies who’ve sent in their touring shows for 2026. The list is growing beautifully, and I can’t wait to share the first wave soon!
If you’ve got a workshop, show, or exhibition you'd like programmers to see, it's not too late — you can still fill out the form here and be added to the growing directory. It’s totally free and meant to boost visibility across the community.
This month’s newsletter is packed with things to see, stream, and sign up for — including some jaw-dropping summer workshops, a peek into new museum exhibitions, and news about a new puppet short film from the universe of The Dominion of Fancy, featuring legends like Mark Crane, Lyndie Wright, and Ronnie LeDrew.
See it Live: On Stage This Month
Our Cosmic Dust — English Language Premiere
2 June – 5 July 2025 | Park Theatre, London
Follow the whimsical, moving journey of Shotaro as he searches for his late father among the stars. This imaginative play fuses puppetry, hand-drawn illustration, and clever projection.
Watch the behind the scenes trailer below
Watch from Home: Puppetry On Screen
Life of Pi — Stream it now, National Theatre at Home
Experience the spectacular stage adaptation of Life of Pi — complete with jaw-dropping puppetry and a deeply moving story of survival. Watch from the comfort of your home for £9.99 for 3 days. Some of the puppets in this production were crafted by Nick Barnes Puppets — and excitingly, Nick is running workshops this month too!
More details and trailer: Simon Friend Entertainment
The Tempest — Little Angel Theatre (Free Online)
Enjoy this enchanting digital performance, combining bold design and clever puppetry. Created by Ian Nicholson, Sam Wilde and Hannah Khalil! Great for all ages.
Exhibitions & Hidden Gems
Behind the Seams at V&A East Storehouse
Now open!
Peek behind the curtain of Britain’s theatre, costume, and puppetry history. Request to view rare puppet treasures from the national collection — from 1930s shadow puppets to contemporary marionettes dressed in couture.
Sound and Vision at the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Opening 10 July 2025
Explore cutting-edge media galleries featuring puppets from major films, including an animatronic March Hare created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. A £6.8 million transformation celebrating the magic of storytelling and technology.
Workshops and Training
June – October 2025: Workshop Highlights
Curated monthly workshop lists are now live — from puppet carving to automata tinkering, there’s something for every skill level and style:
Highlights include:
Nick Barnes Puppets masterclasses
Curious School of Puppetry applications (deadline: 7 July)
Blind Summit’s multi-operator puppetry sessions
Running a workshop? Let me know — I’m always updating the list, email hollylikespuppets@gmail.com
The Universe of The Dominion of Fancy Lives On!
Filming kicks off this June on a brand-new puppet short set in its surreal, handcrafted world. Want to get involved or follow the journey? Head to @dominionoffancy for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Projects, Residencies & Opportunities
Curated monthly projects, residencies and opportunities found across the globe.
Mango Meets – Workshops for Emerging Creatives
A summer series of PWYC workshops, open mics, scratch nights, and theatre trips for young and diverse creatives.
Hosts include artists from the RSC, Lyric Hammersmith, and Paines Plough.
🔗 Book your spot
Harry & Mavis Pilkington Foundation Fund – Performance Grants
Small grants (£250 max) for performing arts groups based in St Helens.
🗓 Deadline: Tuesday 10 June 2025, 9am
📧 Get the application form: alisonpatterson@sthelens.gov.uk
Temper Theatre Creative Residency – June 2025
Explore physical theatre, ensemble storytelling, and narrative movement with Temper Theatre.
North London
📅 16–20 June | 10am–6pm daily
🔗 Apply here or email: producer@tempertheatre.co.uk
Royal & Derngate Generate Artist Residency
A chance for mid-career artists or companies to research, develop or explore new work with tailored support.
🗓 Deadline: Tuesday 1 July 2025
🔗 Apply here
Let’s Keep in Touch
Thanks again for reading, following, and supporting this blog. The puppetry community is a generous and creative one, and I’m so grateful to be part of it with you.
Have something to share? Just reply to this newsletter or send a note to hollylikespuppets@gmail.com and don’t forget to follow on Instagram @hollylikespuppets
Until next time,
Holly