FANS of an iconic 1960s TV show now can enjoy a trip down memory lane with an insightful exhibition all about puppetry.
The Thunderbirds & Co: The Joy of Puppetry exhibition, by Colchester Museums, has launched until June 30.
Located at Colchester Castle, in the High Street, the exhibition will celebrate and trace the evolution of puppetry in television whilst showcasing valuable objects, memorabilia and props.
From the 1950s BBC children’s show Whirligig to the 1960s beloved action-packed programme Thunderbirds, the exhibition will also highlight the skilled puppeteers that brought them to life.
Local puppeteer Joy Laurey, who died in 2014, will be honoured through the exhibition as she was the creator of Whirligig’s Mr Turnip character.
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the masterminds behind the creation of Thunderbirds will also be celebrated.
Thunderbirds was a popular 1960s puppet-led science-fiction show which followed the Tracy family, a group that embark on daring international rescue missions using their advanced thunderbirds technology.
It was so successful that it has received numerous tv spin-offs, audiobooks, live film adaptions, over the years.
David King, the leader of Colchester 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.”
Having opened on March 29, visitors visiting from April 6 to 7 will be treated to an additional special Big TV weekend that won’t be available for the at any other point in the exhibition.
Alongside the exhibition attendees will be able to look at even more memorabilia from TV history, as well as watch radio plays read by actors, expert talks, throughout the day and evening.
Big TV Weekend evening tickets are £25 for adults and £12.50 for children.
Proceed from the exhibition will be donated to Headway Essex, a Colchester not-for-profit which supports people living with brain injuries.
The exhibition’s fee is included within the admission price to the castle, which is £12.75 for adults, £7.50 for a child aged between 4 to 16, then any additional child tickets only cost £3.75, student tickets cost £8.50.
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