Little Angel to Host New Show & Easter Events

Islington’s Little Angel Theatre will stage Handa’s Hen (25 April – 5 July), a puppet show based on the book by Eileen Browne. The play features 55 original puppets crafted in Little Angel’s own workshop by Lyndie and Sarah Wright, and is directed by Marleen Vermulen.

Handa’s Hen is geared for a younger audience—2 -5 years specifically—and incorporates an interactive aspect, allowing viewers to feel part of the show. Puppeteers Anna-Maria Nabirye and Charlyne Francis tell the story of Handa and her friend Akeyo as they go on a search to find Grandma’s missing hen, Mondi.

Throughout their journey, Handa and Akeyo cross paths with various other creatures—including butterflies, sunbirds and starlings—until they are greeted by Mondi and ten new baby chicks. The play helps the young audience learn to count, while simultaneously introducing them to African wildlife.

After the Sunday 9 May performances at 10:00 am and 11:30 am, author Eileen Browne will stop by for book signings, with books on sale in the Little Angel shop.

Little Angel will also offer a special Puppet Passport Easter Project (14 – 17 April) next week for children ages 5 – 11 years. The workshop will introduce those involved to puppets found in Turkey, India, Japan and the English seaside and even allow the children to make a puppet of their own. The event can be booked for just one day or for the entire duration.

Other upcoming events hosted by Little Angel include Family Fun Day for children aged 2 – 5 years, along with a parent or carer, on 27 May. After the performance of Handa’s Hen that day, those in attendance will be able to create their own puppets.

For those aged 5 – 11 years, the Little Angel is continuing their Saturday Puppet Club from 25 April – 4 July. This year’s theme is Carnival! and participants will create their own masks, costumes and large scale puppets throughout the ten week course, concluding with a parade during Little Angel’s summer party.

There is also an eight week program offered to children 2 – 5 years old, along with their carers, from 2 May – 27 June. The first meeting includes a viewing of Handa’s Hen where the audience can meet the puppets. Each following week the children make crafts and play games.

Adults can also get involved with Little Angel’s clubs geared for grown-ups. These include: Adult Beginners Puppet Club (Tuesdays, 28 April – 7 July), where attendees learn basic puppetry skills. Wednesdays’ Adult Puppet Makers Club (29 April – 8 July) is for those who are interested in making their own puppets. Also on Wednesdays is the Adult Puppet Performers Club (29 April – 8 July) in which participants will learn how to produce and perform their own puppet show.

-Katie Blemler