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La Pendue: La Manékine

MimeLondon 2025

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. 

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

Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.

No booking fee. Subject to availability.  

Become a member.

Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this show.

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability. 

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£5

Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.    
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.    

Booking a wheelchair space:
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.    

Booking essential companion tickets:
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.    

Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats:
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.    

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Groups   
Groups can book at a 20% discount, subject to availability. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.   

Schools  
£8*, subject to availability.

Students
50% off tickets, subject to availability. 

Under 16’s   
Save 50%, subject to availability.

*If you are a teacher or group leader planning a trip, you can receive up to £300 towards the cost of a visit to a wide variety of inspiring venues managed by the City of London Corporation. Find out more.

*Excludes £1.50 booking fee

Reviews

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

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