Rob Madge: Panto Star Shares Childhood Puppet Theatre to Thank Family
Coventry-born panto star Rob Madge highlights how family support shaped their theatre journey, sharing viral clips of a homemade puppet theatre from childhood and the path to the West End.
A rising stage star from Coventry has captured global attention after sharing cherished clips from their childhood at home. Rob Madge, now performing at London's West End in Sleeping Beauty, reflects on the family support that kept their theatre dream alive amid childhood bullying.
Grandparents built a colorful, striped puppet theatre in the family home, sewing costumes with care. The room had a red-and-white striped facade, a small stage curtain, and star motifs at the front—a secret sanctuary that sparked Madge's lifelong love of performance.
One widely watched clip captures the moment Madge is led into the room as relatives watch, with the star declaring, “It's mine—it's got all the characters and pockets for the puppets.” The video has drawn more than a million views on TikTok and hundreds of thousands of likes on Instagram.
Fans including broadcaster Rob Rinder, Hollywood star Jennifer Garner, and journalist Stacey Dooley joined the online conversation. Other clips show Madge dressing up and performing songs from Mary Poppins, reflecting an early love of theatre.
As a child, Madge was often the “different kid” at school, choosing theatre over sports and recreating scenes from Rodgers and Hammerstein during lunch breaks. The unwavering family support created a home life described as a sanctuary, where thousands could relate and find solace in shared stories.
In 2020, Madge began sharing these family moments online. The project grew into a touring show titled My Son's A Queer, which traveled to venues across the country and eventually reached the West End.
Taking the role of the Diva of Dreams in Sleeping Beauty, Madge describes the gig as a dream fulfilled. “I used to watch this show with my mum every year, never imagining I’d perform on that very stage.”
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Expert view
Expert comment: Media researchers say personal, family-centered stories can deepen audience connection and make performances feel more relatable. They also note that social media can amplify such stories, turning private memories into public conversations.
Summary
Rob Madge’s childhood memories of a homemade puppet theatre helped spark a vibrant theatre career and a celebrated West End show. Family support transformed private memories into public storytelling that resonates online. The journey from a bullied child to a celebrated performer underscores resilience and the power of family encouragement.
Key insight: Personal family memories, when shared, can become powerful art that connects with a wide audience, turning private moments into public performances. Source: BBC News
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