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.
From 11 June to 21 July the company will have its own display in Window One of the shop’s four main window sections, celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary in one of the most famous toy stores in the world.To m ark the occasion, a very 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.
The display, entitled 25 Years of Fun!, features puppets from The Puppet Company in a magical, summery funfair scene, at the centre of which puppets play on an enchanting moving Ferris wheel with puppets in the seats, 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 – Eagle-eyed 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. There’s even a nod to the forthcoming World Cup in the shape of three puppet lions playing football.
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 and loved by children and adults alike.
The display is a combined effort, bringing together Hamleys’ highly experienced team with The Puppet Company’s founders the Lockey family and its own talented team to produce a window that brings to life The Puppet Company’s mission to bring fun to everyone, expressed through its founding motto “Have a puppet – have fun!”
Keane Herman, Head of UK Retail Trading at Hamleys, says: “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 & Co-Founder, The Puppet Company, says: “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!”
Alice Milner-Watt, Head of Brand, Andersen Press, which publishes Elmer’s adventures, says: “We’re thrilled that Elmer will feature in the wonderful Hamleys window display. It’s a fantastic celebration of imagination, storytelling and the joy of bringing stories to life with puppets and play.”
The display will be visible to the millions of visitors who pass through Regent Street each year and forms part of Hamleys programme of immersive in-store experiences, bringing together toys, entertainment and family fun in the heart of London’s West End.
Ts adventures, says: “We’re thrilled that Elmer will feature in the wonderful Hamleys window display. It’s a fantastic celebration of imagination, storytelling and the joy of bringing stories to life with puppets and play.”
The display will be visible to the millions of visitors who pass through Regent Street each year and forms part of Hamleys programme of immersive in-store experiences, bringing together toys, entertainment and family fun in the heart of London’s West End.
