Fagner Gastaldon is the founder and artistic director of PuppetSoup, an puppetry company dedicated to creating visually rich, emotionally resonant puppet theatre for audiences of all ages. Based in Central London, PuppetSoup has become known for its commitment to excellence, accessibility, and innovation bringing beautifully crafted shows to schools, theatres, and festivals across the UK and beyond.

 

Fagner’s work with PuppetSoup has been widely recognised, with highlights including the 5-star Land of the Dragon – Gwlad y Ddraig and Fix Freddie!, an NHS collaboration which won the Liz Molyneux Prize for contributions to paediatric medicine.

 

A puppeteer, director, and puppet maker, Fagner trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (BA Hons Puppetry) and has worked for over two decades across the UK, Brazil, and internationally. His performances span contemporary puppet theatre, street theatre, opera, and his creations—such as Cat Town (commissioned by Gwent Police) and The Memory Keeper (for RSPB’s 20th anniversary)—showcase his signature blend of narrative depth and visual invention.

 

Alongside his creative work, Fagner runs PuppetryCourses.com, a specialised training platform for adults. Based in Central London, he teaches from his puppet making studio, offering in-person and online courses in puppet construction, manipulation and performance. These classes attract artists, hobbyists, performers, and professionals from around the world seeking hands-on training in a welcoming and expertly equipped environment.

 

Fagner has extensive experience teaching at the highest level, having taught courses for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the University of California (CSUSB), and the British Council, among others. His pedagogical approach is rooted in collaboration, craft, and creativity—equipping adult learners with practical skills while encouraging personal artistic development. His puppetry school has trained hundreds of adult students globally.

 

Fagner’s performance work continues to reach audiences of all ages. Whether devising intricate miniature theatre (Teatro Lambe Lambe), touring theatre shows all around the UK. Fagner brings a rich theatricality and deep respect for puppetry’s transformative power.

 

Fagner’s career has also included international research, digital puppetry innovation, and high-profile commissions such as the British Council’s Create Puppetry Festival and Digital Puppetry Summer School. He is a contributor to puppetry conferences such as the National Capital Puppetry Guild (USA), where he shares his ongoing research into Brazilian miniature theatre Teatro Lambe lambe.