Something unique is landing at the Rosehill Theatre this Summer
The Button Moon Trust is proud to unveil the first ever official exhibition of characters from two beloved TV series.
The exhibition will be hosted at the Rosehill Theatre, a venue that once welcomed the original button moon touring puppet shows. This special summer experience brings the story of Playboard Puppets and button moon, full circle.
For the first time, you’ll be able to get up close to the iconic world of button moon and rediscover the charming stories and characters that captured so many young imaginations.
The exhibition opens on Monday 6th July with dedicated school visits and workshops, before its public launch on Saturday 18th July, led by creator Ian Allen.
It then runs throughout the summer, closing over the Bank Holiday weekend on 28th August 2026.
See behind the curtain
The final cast of characters for the exhibition are being discussed now, but they will include:
- Characters from the button moon TV series and theatre tours
- Characters from The Spooks of Bottle Bay TV series
- button moon touring show props and scenery
- Puppets from TV and adverts and videos
As well as:
- Puppet making workshops
- Activities and talks
- Cinema screenings of selected button moon episodes
- New button moon merchandise and books
It’s a fantastic opportunity to see puppets from two TV series as well as a number of retro television adverts. All designed and created with love, by Ian Allen and the late John Thirtle of Playboard Puppets.
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