A unique opportunity to get into the craft of toy theatre making and performance at the famous home of the Sitwell family of writers

A unique opportunity to get into the craft of toy theatre making and performance and also see the Triumph of Neptune exhibition.

The Triumph of Neptune was a ballet was based on the Victorian toy theatre, after Sacheverell Sitwell (one of three famous writers who grew up at Renishaw) took the world-famous Russian ballet impressario, Serge Diaghilve, to Benjamin Pollock's shop in the East End of London.

You will discover what toy theatre is and how it is still an enjoyable pastime, watch a short film of Mr Pollock in his shop, see a demonstration performance and then work on turning printed sheets into the characters, scenes and other props needed for a toy theatre show.

You can try traditional colouring, cutting out characters, making scenery and setting them up in a toy theatre, ready for a show. You will be able to take your selected play sheets to finish at home. We will also demonstrate how toy theatres are made, worked and various special effects and features.

Description supplied by the event organiser.