A Bit of History

In 1987, inspired by the creators of the London School of Contemporary Dance; Caroline Astell-Burt, known for her work using puppetry in education and therapy and the highly-respected puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew began a great experiment with the first of the popular Summer Schools which soon after formed the London School of Puppetry.

Launching themselves against the current of the time in the puppet theatre which argued that puppetry was an instinctive and unteachable art they proved this was not the case. The London School of Puppetry became increasingly known and respected both within and outside puppetry circles for their energy, enthusiasm and fearlessness in the face of opposition from the establishment.

Since 1993 a northern study centre has been established to further develop what an external examiner spotted in London as a 'creative community'. The experience of living and working together is one that some students particularly seek. A part-time Diploma has been set up for anyone within easy access to London, and following a trip to the Copenhagen Puppet Festival, LSP has been asked to help the Danes set up their own high-level puppetry training courses.