Very fun, even for the grownups. Cute place, our kid loves every show there. They also do camps.

The Puppet Showplace Theatre is one of those hidden gems you just need to check out. They hold full-on puppet shows with elaborate puppets crafted by world-renown artists and with stories told by famous storytellers. You've probably driven by a hundred times looking at the bright lettering and the cool paintings on the windows but really, stop by for a show one night. They have adult shows too (not that kind of adult show) which is what I'm recommending. I'm sure the kids shows are amazing, great for brithday parties etc. but I've never actually seen a kid show. If you're looking for a funny interesting night, check out a PuppetSLAM which is what I saw... This is from their website: "It's an evening of short varied theatrical mini-plays for adults that use (or sometimes abuse) puppets for all or part of the drama. Each piece is performed by a different artist or artists, and the content can be wide-ranging; some are elegant or poignant, others are satiric, irreverent, or humorous, and still others can be passionate, political, or spiritual in nature. The performers range from the seasoned professional to the nascent puppeteer, and often include poets, musicians, dancers, mimes, actors, and other sundry affiliated artists." These guys are also non-profit, so help 'em out and go see a show. They're funny and you'll have a good story to tell about how you went to a puppet show :) read more

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Cute little venue for showing puppet theater. Most of their shows are geared towards children, but in particular once a season they host the 'PuppetSLAM' which is geared more towards adults, and draws upon comedy, drama, slapstick, and external technologies such as the incorporation of video. Definitely a must-see! read more

When I discovered the Puppet Showplace Theater existed near me, I got super excited. I've been a fan of puppetry since I was a kid (Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, Muppets!), so I was definitely curious to see what they had to offer. Luckily, they offer quirky and compelling adult entertainment such as Puppet Slams (works-in-progress, original pieces, and unique content geared towards adult audiences) as well as shows with really powerful content (shows on disability, refugees, racial injustice). The staff are super-friendly and engaging and appear to really value their contributions to the arts and the community. If you're in the area as a long-time resident or just visiting for the day, definitely check it out. If you've got kids, they have a continual mix of shows, programs, and classes that kids can have a blast at. read more

Puppet Showplace Theater - The front of the theater. - Performing Arts Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I had a great time attending a puppet show (The Joshua Show) at Puppet Showplace on Sunday. I wish my god-kids lived in MA so I could bring them here! The ticket prices were reasonable. As others have mentioned, they seat adults on the sides of rows, so the kids can see. I sat in the back but still had a great view of the stage. The theater is small but there isn't a bad seat in the house. The theater staff run through "what is expected watching a puppet show?" with the kids before the show - which was pretty cute. There's also an easy exit in case your child gets fussy & re-entry is allowed (if they calm back down). read more

Just hosted my son's 5th birthday here. Everyone had an amazing time! Staff was very responsive prior to the party and very accommodating during it. We saw the pirate show which all the kids loved! The puppeteers even came out after to show the kids the puppets and explain how they were made. Would definitely recommend!! read more

If you have a young niece/nephew to entertain or cousins in town, this is the place to bring them. The Mass Value Pass currently allows you 2 for 1 admission so it only costs $10 for me and my "Little Sister" to enjoy a recent puppet show. We watched a production of Eeyore's birthday and I won't be ashamed to admit it, but I actually enjoyed it! There were mostly children 2-4 in the audience but my Little is 8 years old and said that this was one of her favorite experiences we have had together thus far. The show is short enough for kids' attention spans with interactive elements (sing-alongs, etc.) and sprinkled with adult humor to keep chaperones entertained. The gift shop immediately outside the theater offers affordable souvenirs starting from 25 cents so you definitely won't have to break the bank for a fun family outing! We went on a Sunday so street parking outside was easy and FREE! Finally, I had a question about how to redeem the Mass Value pass so I emailed the Box Office Manager, Adam, and he responded really quickly . . . at 10pm on a weeknight. I was very impressed with the quick and friendly customer service. We will definitely be back for another performance. read more

Puppet Showplace Theater is just as fun for adults as it is for children. A few Saturday nights year they hold a "PuppetSLAM". These are a series of short mini-plays involving puppets that can be dramatic, comedic, or usually, a combination of both. My favorite troupe is called The Littles. They're a muppet-esque group of puppets that are always hysterical. There's bench-style seating that's obviously meant for children, so it can be kind of uncomfortable to sit there for two hours even with an intermission. The shows are always so enjoyable, though, that it's worth a little discomfort. read more

I've being bringing my 7 year old son to PST since he was 3. We both love the cozy theater. The staff are welcoming and the shows are always a hit for my son and I'm pleased to say every other show has me giggling too. As for the puppet slams...PST's artist director seems to do a good job at curating them but since the whole point of a slam is to try new things and take chances you should expect a blend of bland and brilliance. read more

I love to bring my kids (ages 4 and 6) here! The people who run this theatre and the puppeteers really get into their craft. The way the seating is done is very smart...adults sit on the ends so the kids don't get blocked by a tall person sitting in front of them! Ticket prices are very reasonable, it's a fun family outing! We are very lucky to have a place like this so local! read more

Gosh, who knew a puppet show could sooooo much fun! This is a super-duper place for adults and kids. We have a one-year old and we reckoned he wouldn't really understand what was going on, but one thing is for sure - he was mesmerized. We popped in for "Peter Rabbit and Other Tales" on Sunday, and there was music and fun and fun-ny. Peter Rabbit sure is a FUNNY BUNNY! We can't wait to check out more shows at this wonderful venue. read more

Wonderful theatre that is a local gem for kids. Shows them the magic of puppetry, bringing in great performers from across the northeast, and manages to keep prices affordable; please support this great institution. read more

I attended the July 23rd Puppet Slam and was very disappointed. First off, there was no A/C in the place and it was uncomfortable as hell. The staff was apologetic but also reminded the audience to make donations so that a A/C could be purchased about 2-3 times between each act. About the acts: The Puppet Slam is billed as an adult show. I didn't experience anything of the kind and it was definitely appropriate for kids-if not more so. Most of the acts was not particular clever or provocative. Between the temperature and the mostly lame performances, I could not wait to leave. Also 15 dollars is a bit pricey for what they offered. So by all means, take your kids during the day but don't be fooled by the Puppet Slam for "adults". read more

This theater is a neighborhood and regional gem: one of the few places that truly celebrates and promotes the art of puppetry in all its forms and for all audiences. I've brought my son here to many shows--one memorable moment was in a show called "Red Ball Rescue," when during an underwater scene with particularly innovative use of puppetry to create the feeling of being in a whole new world my 5-year old leaned over and whispered "I want to remember this my whole life!" Their adult puppetry is equally moving and inspiring. read more

We have attended shows here for years and enjoy them all. My problem is with the membership. Every chance they get, the staff pushes the audience to become members. When you purchase tickets, before every single performance, etc. I was a member then didn't come very often for about 6 months as my son entered kindergarten and I had a newborn baby over the winter. Well, we attended a show the other day and after I realized I should probably renew my membership - I mean I'm quite happy to support a local institution, but as a single mother of 2 to be honest I do it because if you attend more than a certain number of shows a year it turns out to be less expensive, as the membership gets you one free ticket and a $4 discount on all the others. When I approached the front desk and said I wanted to renew my membership and apply that day's tickets, they said that wasn't possible. I could renew, but they could not apply my tickets purchased 45 minutes previously to my membership. Hu? In my life I've never heard of this. As a matter of fact, every institute pushes the membership with the allure that you can 'Apply today's ticket purchase toward the cost of your membership!' Had I bought the membership 45 minutes previously, the show would have cost me $16 instead of $36. So instead of me spending $20 less on tickets and giving them an additional $50 for a membership assuring I'd come back much more frequently, I spent an extra $20 on tickets, gave them no additional money for a membership, and now not only am I less likely to go back because the tickets will be 30% more expensive, I'm so taken aback by their inflexible and nonsensical policy I don't even WANT to go back. Way to promote membership, customer service and repeat business! Not. read more

Everyone should bring their children here at least once. If not for the kids, then for themselves. It's creative, interactive and fun. It's better than any movie you'll waste your time on. read more

This is one of my favorite places for weekend activities with my son. Love the cozy atmosphere of a small theater, and the shows are perfect for my toddler, he keeps asking me to go back! read more

I came here for the first time with my three year old to see a show, and she loved it. The venue is very cute and perfect for young children, and the performance was very good. We will definitely be returning. read more

Here's my story in a nutshell... I purchased tickets for the 3pm Peter Rabbit show for Saturday, April 04. My daughter was very excited about the show. This was going to be our first visit to The Puppet Theater. We drove from Metrowest to Brookline, and due to traffic we were late to the show. Upon arrival the person at the box office informed us that there are no seats available in the theater and since we are late, our seats were given to someone else. This policy is not communicated in the terms and conditions section or anywhere else. I had a very upset child, so I decided to not create a scene and turn around and drive home. I knew other parents at the show and decided to text message them. They informed me there was plenty of seating near them. My friends spoke with the person at the box office after the show to get me a refund. They were told we were turn around because we were late. Apart from this is not what was communicated to me, again where is this policy communicated? I understand it is the customer's responsibility to be at the show on-time. But as a customer, I expect your organization to have some professionalism in communicating your policies and procedures ahead of time. If they are not written anywhere, I assume these policies don't exist and you're employees are making policies at their convenience. Therefore, it was wrong of the person at the box office to give pre-purchased seats to someone else (if that story was in fact true) or even turn people around because they are late. Moreover, if I knew this policy ahead, I would have turn around and go back home. As a courtesy to your customers, please communicate your latent policies to your customers ahead of time. read more

Puppet Showplace is the perfect venue for family entertainment. Great lobby with puppet stage and books to entertain the kids while you wait, with a 100 seat theater big enough for Birthday parties, but small enough that everyone can see the stage. Quality entertainment! read more

During our most recent, we caught a show about some tiny little monsters and their antics to find their way home. The show was engaging for my daughter and her friends with age range from 6-8yo, and we loved the live music for this specific show. As members since moving to the Boston area a few years back, we enjoy the variety of shows, varied themes (especially around the world theme earlier in the year), ability to visit during school holidays and/or weekends, and the break on tickets for members. The member's afternoon tea in early October is a fun and lively addition to our Autumn calendar. Though parking by meter in the area, it is very easy to take the T to Brookline Village and walk across the street. read more

In a society where children are entertained via electronic devices, the artistry and imagination that go into a puppet production make it far and away a more entertaining and educational experience for both children and adults. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the artists (puppetters) and learned she made here own sets, wrote her productions as well as performing them. I live across the country, but wish we had a venue such as the Puppet Theater when my children were growing up. What a fun and inexpensive way to spend an afternoon. The location across from the T station, couldn't be any easier to get to. read more

Super place for kids to see a great puppet show and learn the ropes of being part of an audience. The little ones really love it and it's much better than TV. read more

Great show! Incredible puppetry and wonderful craftsmanship. I was very impressed. The story of Snow Flake Bentley was really great. I highly recommend it. Great for kids. Get there a little early so you can sit up front and see the beautifully hand made puppets. read more

I went as a school chaperone for the puppet show titled 'Witches Brew", a Halloween show. The show was for about 45mins. A star less for that boxed in feeling. The benches are at gradual elevations so the kids in the back row can see the show. They sit 100 little kids. But sitting on wooden benches is hard and kids need space to stretch after a long bus ride. A star less for location, be very careful with children it is right on a busy street, across from the trains. Our school kids were quite drawn to the trains and we had to reign them in. Not sure about parking, because we went on school buses. read more

Such a cute little place! Great for kids and they occasionally have adult shows. Also, they have improv there regularly with a troupe called Kitsch in Sync (www.kitschinsync.org). Very funny! read more

I am very disappointed with this theater, I have been 2 other times and found the performances age appropriate and just ok. We have NEVER been when there has been a full house, it was half empty both times. However, today I purchased tickets and upon returning home - within the hour- found that I couldn't make the earlier show that I had booked and needed to change it to the 3:00 pm show. They charged me to make the change! It seems like such bad PR and leaves me fuming I will not be going back! Very frustrating! read more

Kids and adults had a wonderful time! Show was entertaining and interactive! Great little shop in front and cozy theater with great seats for all off to the side. I was also impressed and appreciative with the staff and the help they provided when I ordered tickets for the wrong day. We will return again soon! read more

We had a wonderful, cozy birthday party for our youngest daughter here! Love Puppet Showplace Theater - an absolute gem in Brookline! read more

We became members because we go to so many shows and the quality is so high. Most recently, Lollipops for Breakfast which was excellent. I love the size of the theater, and specific seating for kiddos. Our children have had a lot of fun at a few birthday parties there too. So glad we have this! read more

Speaking both as an audience member and a puppeteer, I'm very grateful that Puppet Showplace Theatre exists. The theatre features a wide array of puppet programming from all kinds of performers, for both children and adults. Personally, I'm most fond of their periodic "Puppets @ Night" puppet "slams" for adults, which occur every couple of months. The audiences are hysterical and the slams showcase all kinds of talent, as do PST's kids' shows. If I were Boston, I'd count myself lucky to have PST. read more

My children (ages 2 and 4) loved the puppet show. We saw Jack and the Beanstalk. We got there late and had to sit in the way back, but they could still see fine. We will definitely go back! read more

went with my 3.5 y.o. and his friend to see Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Nice amateur-like cozy theater. The lady was singing, playing guitar and doing all the show quite smoothly. Except for several high pitch screams she made (quite shocking to the audience full of little kids) the show was very appropriate and entertaining for the range from 3 to 7. Area to improve = waiting area. packed with kids and parents before the door opened to get everyone seated. Show started ~5 min late (not a big deal). Time well spent!! read more

Just plain awesome and fun. For the older, a transformative experience; for the younger, an out of the ordinary introduction to the arts.

Puppet Showplace keeps the art of puppetry alive for everyone. They have a friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff with a fun sense of humor. It is a place to be entertained and learn about puppetry and storytelling. read more

We went here for the first time this week and the show was fantastic! My 3 year old was laughing and engaged the whole time. The show was sold out so I would suggest getting tickets early and arriving early to get a good seat. We were told there are activities and things for the kids to do prior to the show and it was really just a table with paper and crayons and some puppets. Next time I will just bring some things for my daughter to play with while we wait. I like the rule of only one adult on the end of each row -- this allowed for the kids to really get to see the show. The theater is small enough that it is okay if you aren't sitting next to your child. We signed up for their family membership and can't wait to go back. read more

We just had our 5-year old's b-day party here and it was a big hit. Very different from all of the gym/bouncy castle/art parties we are always attending... The show was fantastic and mesmerizing for the kids ages 2-7 and we had plenty of time and space for our after-party of pizza and cake in the cool puppet-filled lobby. The staff was very helpful and it was awesome that they did all of the set up and clean up! The only thing I would have liked better would be if they had tables and chairs set up for the kids to eat on instead of just the benches and floor. I don't think the kids cared much either way, but logistically might have been better. Other than that, we had a great experience and can't wait to go back for another show! Also, a few of the other parents even commented that they would like to have their children's b-day parties there, as well. Maybe we started a new trend??? read more

I'm disappointed because I really wanted to love this charming little theater in our neighborhood. We took our 3 year old for a Christmas Eve show and I knew it was probably going to be packed. However, never having been there before, I wasn't prepared for how uncomfortable it would be and that the kids have to wait so long for the show to start. The show started late (was supposed to start at 10:30) but they start seating at 10:15. We got there just after 10 thinking we would grab our pre-ordered tickets, wait in an orderly line, and head in for a seat. We got there and the tiny waiting area was packed. We got our tickets and joined the growing mob of anxious kids and their parents ready to race for a seat on a bench. Why can't people just head in as they get their tickets? You have to literally push your way in and some of the adults are ridiculous about it. Once inside, the theater is tiny and very very cramped. It's very stuffy. By 10:30 my toddler was getting antsy. Finally, at about 10:40, I thought the show was starting but it was the staff of the puppet theater making general announcements ranging from a membership push to a lecture about no photography, etc. - JUST START THE SHOW before my kid loses it and this will all be a waste of time! When "Santa Mouse" finally began, it wasn't at all what I thought it would be from the website description. I thought it was going to be the story of Santa Mouse but it lasted about 3 minutes and then the remaining 40 minutes were a combination of yuletide songs and dancing puppets (many with the puppeteer on stage). Not horrible but not great either. I will say that the Exec Director and a Board Member were on hand handing out free treats for the kiddos after the show and were very nice and welcoming. The staff however, were fairly unfriendly at times. read more