While puppetry enjoys a major resurgence on London's stages, one of its most magical and intricate forms is fighting for survival. The craft of creating and performing with long-string marionettes has been declared critically endangered, with only a handful of master practitioners left in the country.
A Renaissance with a Missing Piece
Puppetry is undoubtedly back in vogue. Hit West End productions like War Horse, The Life Of Pi, The Lion King and My Neighbour Totoro have showcased the power of bringing inanimate objects to life. This year, puppets take centre stage at Shakespeare's Globe with its festive production of Pinocchio.
Globe associate director Sean Holmes told Sky News the tale of a wooden boy was a perfect fit for the wooden theatre. The show features a range of puppetry styles, but includes a special moment with a marionette. Puppeteer Stan Middleton, who operates a marionette Romeo, said these puppets possess a 'delicate charm' and an 'inner silence' that captivates audiences.
Why Marionettes Are Hanging by a Thread
Despite their charm, the skills required are under severe threat. Marionette-making was added to the Heritage Crafts' Red List of Endangered Crafts in 2023. Unlike dance or circus, puppetry is not separately recognised by Arts Council England, meaning specialist venues compete for funding in a saturated family theatre market.
Oliver Hymans, associate director at the Little Angel Theatre in London, is leading efforts to save the craft. He explains that a marionette is a complex series of pendulums, requiring the puppeteer to work against gravity. 'The majority of master marionette makers have retired or are nearing retirement,' he warns. He also highlights the threat from automation, stating that hands-on crafts will be vitally important in the age of AI.
The Fight to Save a Dying Art
Specialist spaces are now battling to preserve the tradition. The Little Angel Theatre, a puppetry hub for over 60 years, is one of the few UK venues with a marionette bridge, allowing puppeteers to operate from above. The theatre is nurturing new talent and plans to stage a marionette show in the summer of 2026.
Puppetry director Rachel Warr has organised a marionette celebration for the past three years. She notes the unique power of puppets, saying audiences are often more affected by a puppet's 'death' than an actor's. There are now calls for the craft to be added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, following the UK's official joining earlier in 2025.
With the future of these enchanting figures hanging by a string, the training of a new generation is seen as the only way to breathe life back into the craft and restore marionettes to their rightful place in the spotlight.
