As the COVID-19 crisis continues – and will likely be with us for a long time – artists around the world, including puppetry companies, continue to try to adapt to our new global reality. One of the theatres that is seemingly doing this best is London’s famed Little Angel Theatre, which quickly pivoted to commissioning and streaming original performances and other activities for children at home at the beginning of the pandemic.
Their latest online effort is a toy theatre production of Ross Collins’ There’s A Bear On My Chair by Toby Olié (see previous posts), who previously adapted What Does An Anteater Eat? for the Little Angel earlier this summer:
We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our digital work and will continue to release shows online, created by our brilliant artists, whilst audiences are not able to enjoy live theatre at our venue. I’m excited to be working with Toby again after the success of What Does an Anteater Eat? and Matthew’s unique work will be a fantastic addition to the series.
Samantha Lane, Artistic Director, The Little Angel Theatre
If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit the Little Angel in London in person, their impromptu digital season this year has been a unique opportunity to experience some of the work produced there by leading British puppetry artists virtually. There’s A Bear In My Chair and other previously commissioned shows are available to watch on the Little Angel Theatre’s YouTube channel. They will also be streaming a sequel to this show, There’s A Mouse In My House, and several other productions this fall.
While it is really wonderful to have shows like this to watch at home, it is important to remember they are being produced in the midst of British theatres facing an unprecedented crisis. If you’re enjoying the Little Angel’s digital productions, please consider supporting their efforts to continue employing British puppetry artists by making a small online donation at LittleAngelTheatre.com.
