Video from GSW8

Toy Theatre in Literature: Fyodor Dostoyevsky

I like to observe children. It is fascinating to watch the individuality in them struggling for self-assertion. I could see that the other children's things had tremendous charm for the red-haired boy, especially a toy theatre, in which he was so anxious to take a part that he resolved to fawn upon the other children. He smiled and began to play with them. His one and only apple he handed over to a puffy urchin whose pockets were already crammed with sweets, and he even carried another youngster pickaback--all simply that he might be allowed to stay with the theatre.

Toy Theatre Collection Published

From toy theatre collector Nigel Peever comes this news about his exciting new book...

My book has just arrived in the post, all the way from America. I'm really pleased with it, nearly 420 toy theatre sheets all in one neat book.

You can find it here.

It's a massive bespoke book, produced individually for each purchaser so it's not cheap but I hope you'll agree that by putting so many sheets in one book it certainly works out a lot cheaper than making a book up for each play for example. And probably cheaper than printing the sheets off on your own home printer.

It's good quality paper too, Hi res scans, a very professional book just like any you'd find in a bookstore.

You can preview the first few pages by clicking the book preview bit on the url I've given you...

The Many Face of Punch & Judy

www.flickr.com

Nineteenth-Century Stage Actors

Miniature portraits by J.L. Marks - Hand-coloured, os Mr Honner as Lord Rosslyn, Mr Gallot as Rugantino the Bravo of Venice, Mr O. Smith as Orsino, and Mrs Selby as Boadicea.

Tom Haney

Tom Haney has a new website. Tom is the creative genius behind some amazing new automatons. He's one of the new generation, building on the past, and putting their own stamp on the

Luman Coad

I didn't even know this was coming to where I live, but last night I had a surprising privilege to watch a performance by a great puppeteer named Luman Coad. It was the first time I saw in person a full-blown Commedia del l'Arte pantomime show.

It was called "The Harlequin's Cloak", and it included the classic stock characters of Harlequin, Columbine, Pantalone, El Capitano, and Pierrot. It was indeed very special, and he included a 'how he did it' afterwards, on some of his secrets 'behind the curtain', to the whole audience. After everyone else left, I asked if I might speak with him, and he kindly took time to visit for a bit; I learned that he has worked in television and film, and has worked all around the world, for over 40 years. It was a joy to see him work!

Here are some photos from the performance and the interview afterwards...

Toy Theatre Invitational Results

Awhile back, I posted about a toy theatre invitational; click on the above image to see the results, which are simply amazing!! Obviously these are not toy theatres per se, but they are heavily influenced by classic toy theatre, and the artists have found amazingly creative ways to tell the story of Marie Antionette, the theme of the challenge...

Shadow Puppets Book

Kathe, over at Under the Poppy, writes all about her unusual book she's putting together, that prominantly features shadow puppets. Pretty cool!

Take a look at the book's trailer...

Call for "Arcane Media" Performers

Joanna Ebenstein of Brooklyn is putting out the call for 'arcane media' performers; Joanna is open to other types than magic lanterns, so this could be a great opportunity for toy theatre performers...

I am preparing a similar program to be held in Brooklyn, New York this autumn (September or October 2008). It will be a part 2 of a previous event you can read more about here. If anyone is based in the United States (or willing to travel here) and would be interested in participating, either presenting arcane media of any sort or speaking about arcane media, please let me know.

With a Twist

Basil Twist is a third-generation puppeteer. Watch and listen as he creates magic with his puppets, including a paper theatre. Read what he says about creating and performance, and what it says about us...

Visit his website here.

Teatros de Papel - UPDATE

Lucia Contreras Flores' toy theatre website now has an English version.

Toy Theatre Magazine Issue 31 is Online!

Harry Oudekerk's Toy Theatre at Fishmarket magazine, Issue #31, is now online...

GSM Toy Theatre Festival

The Great Small Works' Eighth International Toy Theatre Festival is coming up fast! It looks like a great lineup of performers and workshops. Time for a trip to the Big Apple...

Steampunk Meets Toy Theatre

It was bound to happen sooner or later, and now it has...

One of Steampunk's greatest designers has taken a cue from toy theatre and used the design of a Victorian theatre proscenium to house a modern flat panel in.

See how it all came together here...

Animated Toy Theatre: La Boheme

Reverse Emulation

The article above is from a page of the December 7, 1913 issue of the New York Times. It is about a "Toy Theatre", a small theatre of human proportions - a case of reverse emulation!

You might want to check out the rest of the page - it has a fascinating article about Ethel Drew Barrymore...

The Georgian Model Theatre Experience

Monday 12 May at 1.10pm and 7.30pm
The Guildhall, Bury St Edmunds
New Model Theatre


OH! SMITH – THE KING OF TERROR
written, created and performed by Robert Poulter
voice of O. Smith: Peter Baldwin

This tongue-in-cheek production features the life and stage performances of the 19th century actor Richard John Smith, widely known as O. Smith, who was famous for playing demons, bandits, assassins, monsters and pirates. Robert Poulter’s New Model Theatre uses new artwork and modern lighting and sound effects to make a 200-year old art form accessible for audiences of today.

The voice of O. Smith is taken by actor Peter Baldwin, well known for his many years in Coronation Street, and also a reputable collector, writer and performer of traditional toy theatre.

NEW Toy Theatre Site

Lucia Contreras Flores has just announced her new website - Coleccion Teatros de Papel, or Paper Theatre Collection. Currently it is only available in Spanish, but I noticed that an English version is under construction. In any event, it's an amazing website, with an impressive collection on display. I encourage you to check it out!

Flea Circus

This ad video starring a flea circus features props including a miniature or toy theatre...