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La Pendue: La Manékine

MimeLondon 2025

— ,The Pit

Blending puppetry, storytelling and a live one-man orchestra, La Pendue brings a dark fairy tale to vibrant life in this brand new production.

Based on the Grimm Brothers’, The Girl Without Hands, this striking production tells the story of a poor miller who naively makes a deal with the devil, unwittingly promising him his daughter. 

The Devil, finding that he cannot possess her, demands the miller's help to claim his prize – and that’s just the start of this thrilling tale of deception, disappearance, love and finally, happiness ever after.

Created by Estelle Charlier and Romuald Collinet in 2003, La Pendue create distinctive puppetry performances that tackle complex narratives. Based in France, they have toured all over the world. 

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican MimeLondon 2025 More...

Age guidance: 14+

This event contains adult themes including grief, loss and body mutilation.

Running time: 65 minutes, no interval

Performed in French, with English surtitles.

Post-show talk, Thu 16 Jan
Free to same-day ticket holders. BSL-interpreted by Samuel Rojas.

Presented by the Barbican

Creative team

  • With Estelle Charlier and Martin Kaspar Orkestar  
  • Estelle Charlier   Concept, artistic direction, puppets and masks
  • Martin Kaspar Orkestar   Music
  • Estelle Charlier and Romuald Collinet   Stage direction
  • Romaric Sangars   Adaptation and texts
  • Anthony Lopez   Light and technical manager
  • Andi Luchsinger   Sound management
  • Anthony Lopez, Andi Luchsinger, Estelle Charlier, Martin Kaspar Orkestar & Romuald Collinet   Set and props
  • Estelle Charlier & TMG - Atelier de confection de costumes   Costumes
  • Sarah Charlier   Collaboration on choreography
  • Pavlína Vimmrova   Video editing

Reviews

‘Funny, poignant, ethereal and satisfying‘
Chicago Puppet Festival (on Tria Fata, LIMF 2020)

Discover

A whale-sized whale puppet floats on stage in dark water, two people play string instruments behind it,

Trailer: MimeLondon

An epic adaptation of Moby Dick, a dark fairy-tale brought to life, an ode to the Irish navvies and a remarkable piece of micro-cinema – discover what audiences can expect at MimeLondon 2025 in our trailer. 

Watch now

The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.

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