​The Entertainments National Service Association was established in 1939 to provide entertainment for British service personnel during the Second World War. Known universally as ENSA, it sent performers to theatres, camps, hospitals and military bases at home and overseas.
 
The Jonathan Laurey Puppet Company had already been performing before the war, but the conflict changed its membership and direction. As male performers were called into service, Dorrie Laurey continued the company with her daughters, Joy and Honor.
 
By October 1942, the company was appearing for ENSA. Their compact travelling production used a cast of nine puppets and had to be practical enough to transport, assemble and perform in a wide variety of venues. The work demanded resilience as well as skill: conditions could be difficult, schedules were demanding and every audience was different.
 
The original travelling crate used by the company survives in the Joy Laurey Archive. It is a particularly vivid reminder that these puppets were working performers, packed and carried from one engagement to the next during wartime.
 
After the war, the family returned to civilian stages and continued to develop the company through theatre engagements, special events and seaside seasons. The experience Joy gained during these years prepared her for the speed, discipline and unpredictability of live television.