The Archive

Broadcast live by the BBC from 1950 to 1956, Whirligig was Britain’s very first children’s television programme — a weekly burst of fun, music, and imagination. At its heart was Mr Turnip, brought to life by Joy Laurey and actor Peter Hawkins, delighting audiences from the Lime Grove studios and beyond. The show became a landmark in early TV history and a joyful symbol of post-war creativity.

From theatre stages to seaside piers and television studios, Joy Laurey’s puppets entertained audiences across Britain and beyond. Each performance combined wit, craftsmanship, and charm — capturing the spirit of a time when puppetry was live, inventive, and full of heart.

In 1957, Joy Laurey created and operated the puppets for The Adventures of Twizzle, the first television series by Gerry Anderson and A.P. Films.

Working with Roberta Leigh and Christine Glanville, Joy built the characters in just three weeks — laying the groundwork for a new era of British TV puppetry.

Snippet, a cheeky puppet boy created by Joy Laurey, entertained audiences before Whirligig and helped inspire the creation of Mr Turnip.

He later appeared in Enid Blyton’s Playways magazine and became a small celebrity of his time.

Beyond Mr Turnip, Joy Laurey’s workshop produced a wonderful cast of characters — from lively animals to elegant marionettes — each hand-crafted with care, personality, and humour. These puppets brought stories to life on stage and screen, showcasing Joy’s extraordinary artistry and the golden age of British puppetry.

Created by Joy Laurey and William Thatcher in 1998, Septimus told the story of a time-travelling gargoyle boy.