Shadow Puppet Show & Tell – Bermondsey Puppet & Story Festival
Join us for a special afterdark workshop and performances in Blue Bermondsey BID’s new workspace at The Biscuit Factory. Make your own Shadow Puppets with artist Sarah Sparkes and then join us for a special Show & Tell where you can present your shadow puppet or bring your own optical tricks and illusions to share on the screen with Magic Lanternist Frog Morris.
Recommended for ages 11+ / Adults
About the artists….
Sarah Sparkes
Sarah Sparkes is a London-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores the boundaries between science, folklore, and the supernatural. Sarah works across installation, sculpture, film, and performance as well as curating and teaching. She is the founder of live art project Chutney Preserves where puppets, performers, artist and the public interact in outdoor space, including the Puppet Wars on Camberwell Green. Sarah has run many memorable activities in The Blue Marketplace, including colouring competitions, making christmas decorations and lantern making.
Frog Morris
Frog Morris is an artist and performers and been co-ordinating workshop and art events in The Blue Market since 2016. Frog also is a member of the Magic Lantern Society and will bring his Magic Lantern and knowledge and experience of the history of light shows to share during the Show and Tell. Frog has preformed in many Magic Lantern Shows with Nicole Mollett, including shows at the Barbican, BFI, Whitechapel Gallery and The Puppet Theatre Barge.
http://www.artofthemagiclantern.co.uk/
Bermondsey Puppet & Story Festival 2026
A new family-friendly community festival is coming to Bermondsey in summer 2026. Bermondsey Puppet & Story Fest will feature free puppetry and storytelling workshops across local schools, community venues and public spaces, leading to a lively outdoor celebration in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July, 12–5pm.
The finale will showcase community-made puppets alongside headline performances from internationally renowned storytellers including Usifu Jalloh, Emily Hanna, Marrianna Portello and Bernadette Russell. All events are free and open to all ages.
Expect colour, creativity, and stories from across the community brought to life.
Find out more:
https://bermondsey.london/events/puppet-storytelling-festival-2026-bermondsey/