The Puppet Company is taking centre stage at Hamleys Regent Street this summer, with its first-ever dedicated window display celebrating 25 years of puppets, imaginative play and family fun. Running from 11 June to 21 July, the installation transforms one of the world-famous Hamleys windows into a magical puppet-filled summer scene for visitors to discover in the heart of London.
A special guest will be unveiling the window alongside The Puppet Company’s family team: Elmer, the much-loved patchwork elephant. Elmer is a core part of The Puppet Company’s character offering, bringing his stories and his message of individuality, kindness and self-expression to life for children and families through play.
25 Years of Fun!
The display, titled 25 Years of Fun!, features puppets from The Puppet Company in a funfair scene, with puppets playing on a moving Ferris wheel, while a hot air balloon floats in the background.
In the foreground, viewers will spot colourful sock puppets and hand puppets, monkeys, monsters and more. Visitors may also spot a selection of familiar characters hidden throughout the display. Families are encouraged to look closely as they explore the window, with several well-loved faces making surprise appearances amongst the puppets, creating an extra layer of discovery and delight.
The display also reflects the long-standing relationship between Hamleys and The Puppet Company. There’s even a replica of the iconic Hamleys Puppet Theatre, which runs puppet shows using The Puppet Company’s puppets. The replica theatre also includes special moving puppets. The Hamleys Puppet Theatre, one of the most popular family attractions within the Regent Street store, hosts daily puppet performances throughout the year, and welcomes visitors from across the UK and around the world.
All the puppets showcased in the Window One display can also be found in the large area of the ground floor devoted to The Puppet Company, centred around the Puppet Theatre.
Commenting is Keane Herman, Head of UK Retail Trading at Hamleys.
“This display is perfect for the carefree summer months. We’re delighted to be working with our friends at The Puppet Company on this marvellous project – especially as they celebrate 25 years of bringing puppets – and fun – to children and adults across the globe.”
Sue Lockey, owner and co-founder of The Puppet Company, adds: “Like many other families, we have fond memories of the whole family visiting Hamleys over the years. Being a regular supplier to the famous shop and helping with its puppet shows has been a wonderful experience – but being in the window is a dream come true. It’s something that my husband and our late co-founder Peter Lockey would have absolutely loved: bringing the magic of our puppets to life!”
For further information on The Puppet Company, please click here.