The CanalsidE Puppet Making Course London 2026
A unique Teatro Lambe Lambe puppetry Course in London.
In Partnership with The Puppet Theatre Barge and hosted both at our canalside puppet making workshops and on the iconic Barge itself!
Join us on a fascinating journey of puppetry exploration and learn how to build and perform a fully working Teatro Lambe Lambe from your own design!
Learn the Brazilian art of Teatro Lambe Lambe Puppetry with the UK's leading specialist in the subject, Fagner Gastaldon of PuppetSoup, in this unique canalside course.
From April to June 2026
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
April to June 2026 – £590 Book before Christmas and receaved the early bird discount at £550! Remember this course (and all of our courses) can also be purchased as a gift!
Join puppeteer and theatre maker Fagner Gastaldon of PuppetSoup for a very special in-person Teatro Lambe Lambe course in London, presented in partnership with the iconic Puppet Theatre Barge!
This unique training experience offers you the chance to explore the magical world of miniature theatre, learning how to design, build and perform your own Teatro Lambe Lambe show.
Across a series of creative weekends and guided sessions, you’ll be supported in developing your ideas from concept to final performance both at our dedicated canalside puppet making studios and on the iconic Puppet Theatre Barge.
“Described by artist Álvaro Apocalypse as “A última grande invenção do teatro de animação no mundo,” or “The last great invention of animation theatre in the world,” Teatro Lambe Lambe is a form of puppetry or shape animation that takes place inside a confined but easily transportable space, usually a box placed on a tripod that, normally, one spectator would watch at a time.
Each play or show is traditionally short, usually two to five minutes in length and a whole variety of techniques and tricks are used within these miniature theatres to offer spectators the full variety of puppet art, just on a smaller scale!”
Teatro Lambe Lambe is a Brazilian form of puppetry that our Director, Fagner Gastaldon specialises in performing and has taught extensively. Fagner is a multi award winning Puppeteer originally from Brazil who holds an Honours Degree specifically in Puppetry from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London where he also now teaches up to Postgraduate level in puppetry.
This course offers you the unique opportunity to learn the art and craft of Teatro Lambe Lambe Puppetry with one of the puppeteers who was in Brazil for the start of this puppetry movement, and has performed Teatro Lambe Lambe for over twenty years.
“You will receive expert tutoring in the history, heritage and techniques of Teatro Lambe Lambe and then go on to learn how to design and build a fully working Teatro Lambe Lambe, and make the miniature puppets to be performed within it.
You will work towards creating a show ready to be performed. You will receive tuition in all aspects of making and performing Teatro Lambe Lambe from how to design and make the theatrical box, staging, set design and construction, puppet design, puppet construction and of course, tuition in performance and advice on your show.”
We look forward to welcoming you to the amazing world of Teatro Lambe Lambe!
Course Schedule
Friday 24th April (evening)
Introductory session at the Puppet Theatre Barge
Meet your fellow students, learn about the history and artistry of Lambe Lambe Theatre, and step aboard one of London’s most charming floating venues.
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April, 11am–5pm
Weekend Intensive at PuppetSoup's Canalside Puppet Making Studio,
Dive into the creative process with practical sessions on puppet design, miniature theatre construction, storytelling, sound, and light.
From May onwards, the group will divide into two smaller cohorts (around five students each), with each attending on EITHER Saturday OR Sunday for in-depth practical work at our dedicated canalside puppet making studio. You will be able to select your preference of Saturday or Sunday attendance:
-
2nd or 3rd May, 11am–5pm
-
9th or 10th May, 11am–5pm
-
16th or 17th May, 11am–5pm
As part of the course, students will also attend a group visit to see a performance at the Puppet Theatre Barge, gaining inspiration from professional puppeteers working in this distinctive venue.
Continuing with:
-
6th or 7th June, 11am–5pm
-
Saturday 13th June, (All students) 11am–5pm – Dress Rehearsal at PuppetSoup's canalside puppetry Studio
Sunday 14th June (All students) – Special finale - A Lambe Lambe Day at The Puppet Theatre Barge!
Be part of an exciting day of performances and final student presentations at the iconic Puppet Theatre Barge. You will be able to invite friends and family to see your Teatro Lambe Lambe puppet show, experience the joy of performing to friendly audiences and enjoy the wonderful work of other Lambe Lambe performers as you celebrate your completion of The Canalside Puppet Making Course in London !
Objective of the Lambe Lambe Course:
To learn how to create and build a “Teatro Lambe Lambe” from your own design and to go on to construct this theatre and its puppets, within the workshop, and perform at The Puppet Barge on the teatro lambe Lambe day!
Details of this workshop:
This is a mixed-level in-person adult course, suitable for both complete beginners and experienced puppet makers.
The workshop takes place face-to-face at PuppetSoup's Canalside Studio in London and at the Puppet Theatre Barge, offering hands-on guidance and individual support throughout.
All teaching is delivered in a relaxed and creative studio environment, with access to tools, materials, and demonstrations to help you bring your ideas to life.
The course is open to adults aged 18 and over. Basic tools and materials will be provided for use during the workshop, although you are welcome to bring your own preferred tools or special materials if you wish.
What you will learn and do
You will learn about the history, heritage and techniques of Teatro Lambe Lambe and then go on to learn how to design and build a fully working Teatro Lambe Lambe, and make the miniature puppets to be performed within it.
You will work to finish a show ready to be performed. You will receive tuition in all aspects of making and performing Teatro Lambe Lambe from how to design and make the theatrical box, staging, set design and construction, puppet design, puppet construction and of course, tuition in performance and advice on your show.
Skills you will learn on the course:
-
How to design a small scale theatre
-
How to design the scenery of your theatre
-
How to design small scale puppets and props
-
Health and safety in a workshop environment
-
Safe use of tools
-
Guidance on use of tools
-
How to take your design from paper to turn it into your theatre
-
Puppet construction and making
-
Depending on the style of your project you could be working with sculpture, carving and mechanism development.
The numbers for this course are strictly limited to ensure all students get satisfactory tuition and plenty of personal guidance to make the best Lambe Lambe they can. This is a friendly, informative course where you will learn from an expert tutor and be welcomed into the Teatro Lambe Lambe Puppetry world.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Teatro Lambe Lambe family!
