Norwich Puppet Theatre - Norwich

Norwich Puppet Theatre: A Premier Performing Arts Destination

The Norwich Puppet Theatre stands as a beloved and uniquely established institution within the heart of Norwich, England. Located at St James Ct, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN, this celebrated venue offers a captivating blend of traditional puppetry and contemporary theatrical experiences. It’s a place where imagination takes flight, and audiences of all ages are transported to enchanting worlds. The theatre has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1979, and has consistently provided exceptional entertainment for generations.

About the Theatre

The Norwich Puppet Theatre is more than just a performance space; it’s a dedicated theater company committed to preserving and evolving the art of puppetry. They specialize in crafting original productions and showcasing both established and emerging talent. Their performances are renowned for their quality, creativity, and the meticulous attention to detail evident in their handmade puppets and sets. The theatre actively engages with the local community, offering workshops and educational programs designed to foster a love of the arts in young people. The theatre’s commitment extends beyond performances to encompass a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors.

Location and Contact Information

Visitors can easily find the Norwich Puppet Theatre at its central location: Address: St James Ct, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN, United Kingdom. For inquiries or booking information, prospective attendees can contact them directly at Phone: 1603629921. A comprehensive website provides detailed information about upcoming performances, ticket availability, and the theatre’s history: Website: puppettheatre.co.uk.

Specialties and Services

The Norwich Puppet Theatre operates as a versatile venue, serving multiple purposes. Primarily, it functions as a dedicated performing arts theater, hosting a diverse range of productions. It also operates as an event venue, accommodating various gatherings and celebrations. Furthermore, the theatre has established itself as a sought-after wedding venue, offering a charming and memorable setting for couples seeking a unique celebration. The theatre offers a range of onsite services, ensuring a seamless experience for guests. These include restroom facilities, a restaurant for refreshments, and a well-stocked shop featuring puppets, souvenirs, and theatrical merchandise. The theatre accepts credit cards and debit cards for ease of payment.

Accessibility and Amenities

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the Norwich Puppet Theatre has invested significantly in accessibility features. The theatre boasts a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. Wheelchair accessible seating is readily available throughout the auditorium. The theatre prioritizes the comfort and convenience of all attendees, and it’s clear that this commitment extends to providing a welcoming space for individuals with disabilities. The theatre’s focus on accessibility is a testament to its dedication to serving the entire community.

Positive Feedback and Reputation

The Norwich Puppet Theatre consistently receives positive feedback from its patrons. With 246 reviews on Google My Business, the theatre maintains an impressive average opinion of 4.6/5. Visitors consistently praise the theatre’s unique atmosphere, the quality of its productions, and the warmth of its staff. Many reviewers highlight the meticulous craftsmanship of the handmade puppets and sets, emphasizing the value and artistry evident in every performance. The theatre’s commitment to creating an immersive and engaging experience is frequently cited as a key reason for its popularity. The cool shop is also often mentioned as a delightful addition to the visit, offering a range of unique souvenirs and theatrical memorabilia.

Recommended Information for Visitors

• Tickets: Advance booking is highly recommended, particularly for popular performances. Tickets can be purchased online through the theatre’s website or by phone.
• Location: The theatre is centrally located in Norwich, making it easily accessible by public transport or car.
• Accessibility: The theatre is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, with wheelchair access, accessible seating, and accessible restrooms.
• Food and Drink: A restaurant is available on-site for refreshments and meals.
• Merchandise: The theatre’s shop offers a wide selection of puppets, souvenirs, and theatrical merchandise.

In conclusion, the Norwich Puppet Theatre offers a truly special and memorable experience for audiences of all ages. It’s a place where the magic of puppetry comes to life, and where families can create lasting memories. The theatre's dedication to quality, accessibility, and community engagement makes it a valuable asset to the city of Norwich and a destination worthy of exploration.

👍 Reviews of Norwich Puppet Theatre

alice I.

4/5

A unique experience, my daughter is 6 and didn't laugh as much the younger children. She still loved the magical bird and enjoyed it coming close to her. Puppets & set are handmade, and this reflects in ticket prices being a little high. You can see where the money goes and get an immersive, unique experience in return. Disabled entrance and seats. Cool shop x

Christina G.

5/5

We had our wedding here 12/11/2023. Everybody involved at the puppet theatre has been fantastic from the start, from arranging tables to lighting, bar staff and bar stocking, music playing, help with parking spaces…and so much more. Nothing was too big an ask and it truly made our day incredibly special.
The building is fantastic, unique and well cared for. Thank you so so much, especially to Peter Beck on the day!

Charli A.

5/5

Attended as a volunteer with my child’s school, and I was probably as amazed as the children the whole experience! From the puppets to view as you enter the building, to the sheer talent of the creators and puppeteers, to the story itself, there are not enough words to express the awe felt by all. I cannot recommend visiting highly enough, even without children in tow as all the adults in the room were laughing too. Definitely planning on returning, the artistry and passion is clear throughout!

Patricia P.

4/5

I enjoyed the evening, and was really impressed with the drag show. Lovely setting for a theatre, as used to be a church. Was rather loud though! A most entertaining evening.

Mirella L. (.

5/5

Great story telling and even slipped in a few adult humour jokes. Brilliant puppetry skills. Very fun and entertaining. Kids will love it.

martin P.

5/5

We were very happy to have visited this little theatre, we were made to feel very welcome and a part of the show. From the foyer staff to the puppeteers everyone made us feel welcome. The show, pinnochio, was mesmerising and how they managed to get so much expression in the puppets is beyond me, suffice to say if you're in Norwich, have kids (or not ) you should make a point of stopping here for an hour or so ( they also have light refreshments )

Leanne H.

5/5

Absolutely stunning venue.
We went to a wedding here and we were blown away by the hospitality.
Not for profit coffee shop and a very reasonable bar. Very clean and accessible toilets.
We loved the puppets everywhere and the outdoor area was lush and clean and inviting.
There are lots of workshops and socials here including a puppets and prosecco eve which caught my eye, where you can come along and meet new oeople and craft your own puppet character too.

Ben G.

5/5

Lovely venue, saw an acoustic act here and the sound quality was great, not too much leg room with the seats but it what you expect from old school venues like this