Our roots
Small World Theatre was founded by Ann Shrosbree and Bill Hamblett, whose artistic practices, creative partnership and shared values continue to shape the organisation today. Since 1979, their work has combined puppetry, participation and social purpose in local and international communities..
Their pioneering approach to using Theatre for Development to engage with issues such as environment, education and social justice, has laid the foundations for Small World’s distinctive practice.
This ethos remains at the heart of everything we do; from community projects and youth programmes to commissions, large-scale events and collaborations.
2026 marks 47 years of work by Ann Shrosbree and Bill Hamblett as makers, puppeteers, educators and directors of Small World Theatre. From their early days as Dandelion Puppets, through international arts and development work, to the present day, these photos offer a glimpse into that journey.
