Thunderbirds & Co: The Joy of Puppetry is now open at Colchester Castle. This exciting new exhibition is a colourful celebration of puppetry and television magic and will appeal to puppetry enthusiasts, TV and film fans and families alike. Open until the 30 June, it promises to bring joy and nostalgia to those that visit.
The exhibition honours the powerful legacy of local puppeteer Joy Laurey and the iconic creations of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. Local legend Joy Laurey was the creator of the much-loved puppet character Mr Turnip, that many people will affectionately remember along with compering the popular BBC Whirligig show. Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, famous the world over, dominated the TV and film industry in the 1970’s and brought many TV shows including Thunderbirds to the international stage.
The castle’s new exhibition will examine and trace the evolution of puppetry in television from Mr Turnip right through to Thunderbirds and will showcase many original treasured objects, memorabilia and props.
For those visitors that wish access even more nostalgia, mark your diaries for upcoming Big TV Weekend. Taking place at the castle over the weekend of the 6-7 April it promises to be a blockbuster event.
During the day on both the Saturday and Sunday there will be the opportunity to see even more memorabilia spanning TV history that is not included in the exhibition but also an added opportunity to attend evening events where visitors can really indulge themselves in nostalgia one step further. Enjoy radio plays read by actors, experts talks and a rare chance to see original puppets up close plus more to be announced.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council said: “This exhibition is a great opportunity to take a trip back down memory lane, and for any generation, an opportunity to take an enchanting journey through television history, in the magnificent setting of historic Colchester Castle. And to support a great local charity.”
Big Weekend evening tickets are on sale now at £25 for adults and £12.50 for children and the daytime ticket will be included in standard Castle admission.
The exhibition and events will be supporting Headway Essex
Page last reviewed: 2 April 2024