Athens Garden Puppet Theatre | Wood 83.6×29.8×128.8 cm

The single most useful thing a puppet theatre does is hide the performer. A child who will not speak in front of the group will often speak freely through a puppet, because the attention is on the puppet and not on them.

That only works if the concealment is real, which is a question of height. At 128.8 cm this theatre covers a standing early-years child completely — nothing shows below the opening, and the illusion holds.

The proscenium opening frames the performance and, just as importantly, tells the audience where to look. Children watching know the boundary of the stage and settle into it, which is half of what makes a group audience behave like an audience.

Built in solid wood at 83.6 × 29.8 cm footprint, with a stable base that resists the enthusiastic leaning of a performer mid-story. The narrow depth means it can be stored flat against a wall between sessions.

• 128.8 cm — full concealment for a standing child
• Draws out children who will not speak to a group directly
• Framed opening tells the audience where to look
• Solid wood, 83.6 × 29.8 × 128.8 cm; stores against a wall
• Recommended ages 3–8

Pairs with the hand and finger puppet sets. For KG drama areas, nursery storytelling and childcare group rooms.