Barge History - Puppet Barge

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THE Puppet Theatre Barge was acquired by Movingstage in 1981. The vessel was chosen for the suitability of size in respect of constructing a marionette theatre. i.e., the ability to seat 50 people with suitable sightlines for the marionette, the necessity for the barge to be able to moor in central London and move as and when required. It took one year to convert the vessel into a marionette theatre which opened in February 1982 in CAMDEN LOCK, LONDON. The first two summer tours took place on the GRAND UNION CANAL which proved to be too difficult for as large a vessel as the barge. Subsequently the company have undertaken an annual tour of the RIVER THAMES playing in such places as OXFORD, WALLINGFORD, HENLEY, MARLOW, CLIVEDEN, KINGSTON, RICHMOND and the SOUTH BANK.

A permanent mooring at LITTLE VENICE, central London, has been created and a regular audience attracted. Critics from the national papers visit the barge which is now well established on the London theatre scene. During the summer tour regular evening performances are given for a paying adult public. A number of seasons of adult productions have been presented in London and have attracted critical acclaim.

There is a published photograph, Circa 1950, of the barge loaded with logs.

CONSTRUCTION

LOA 75` BEAM 13`10

A British built Thames dumb barge, rivetted iron hull. For moving and in order to get under low bridges the hatchboards and transom supports are in one piece and can be lowered by mechanical hoists. Sides of upper section fold down. Fitted canvas tarpaulins.

INTERIOR

The interior is converted into a theatre with raked seating for 50. Fully equipped double bridge marionette stage. Foyer with teak serving counter. Galley with Calor gas stove. Vacuum toilet with holding tank under main stairs. Shower with Valiant gas water heater. Oil fired central heating. Main entrance from forward deck. Two emergency exits on port side.

ELECTRICITY

Theatre lighting controlled by Pulsar dimmers . Full emergency lighting. Auxiliary 240v generator. 240v main supply drawn from land.

ENGINE AND DRIVE

Marinised Ford 4 cylinder diesel , 72 hp, drives propeller attached to a Volvo hydraulic motor fixed to the rudder. which can be turned by wheel or tiller arm. Engine, drive and rudder can be raised, with vessel`s davit arm, for repairs

EQUIPMENT

72 KG plough anchor and winch. 10 ton davit arm. Dinghy and outboard. Full complement of fire fighting equipment

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Images of the barge before & after conversion into a puppet theatre