A PUPPET theatre in Rhos-on-Sea has been given a Grade II listing by Cadw. 

The historic environment service of the Welsh Government listed the Harlequin Puppet Theatre, which is Britain's first permanent puppet theatre, for its "special architectural and historic interest".

A spokesperson for Cadw said: “The Harlequin Puppet Theatre has been listed for its special architectural and historic interest as an extremely rare example of a purpose-built puppet theatre.

"It is the first permanent example in the UK and well-preserved interpretation of the Festival of Britain style.

"The theatre is an unusual piece of post-war architecture by Gwilym Parry Davies and Eric Bramall, with great historic interest as the home of Lili Lon and many other much-loved characters’.”

Earlier this month, the theatre celebrated its 65th birthday.

Christopher Somerville ran the Harlequin Puppet Theatre until his death earlier this year. 

Chris had been a puppeteer and integral part of the Harlequin since its opening by Eric Bramall in 1958.

Throughout that time he performed countless shows, both at the theatre and on TV, worked independently as a cabaret performer with puppets and magic and entertained thousands of children with his Punch and Judy as Mr BimBamBoozle.

When Eric died in 1996, he took over the theatre and worked "tirelessly" to ensure it continued. He performed all shows and carried out "every element of theatre life" on his own. 

The theatre posted on Facebook on July 7: "Today the Harlequin Puppet Theatre is 65 years old. A significant milestone for the first purpose built puppet theatre in Great Britain that opened on the 7th July 1958. Happy Birthday Harlequin.

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"Many of you reading this know that a theatre so unique and with such a rich history deserves to be preserved and we are delighted to tell you that The Harlequin Puppet Theatre has been Grade 2 listed by Cadw.

"Cadw is the historic environment service of the Welsh Government and works with owners to protect the historic buildings and structures, landscapes and heritage sites of Wales.

"The enchantment of The Harlequin Puppet Theatre should be seen for generations to come and we are pleased that this will now be ensured."