The Dolly Wiggler Cabaret is the iconic, don't-miss event that will change how you see puppetry forever. 

Brought to you by Calgary Animated Objects Society and the Festival of Animated Objects.

The love child of a 1920’s Czech cabaret and a tavern in Ponoka, the Dolly Wiggler Cabaret is an infamous hallucination materializing in the probably haunted #1 Legion once a year. You cannot prepare, but you will be exposed to a packed roster of short form puppetry for adults. No promises, but the best seats are as close to the stage as you dare.

Difficult to describe, impossible to predict, this year’s team of greats is hosted by CAOS madwoman Xstine Cook and international super clown Mooky McGuinty.

Returning artists include: Ellis Lalonde, Victoria Banner, Jen Bain (Friday), Hebert Poll Gutierrez, Miranda Martini, Sara McNeil, Christopher Gamble, Kaja Irwin, The Suitcase Theatre Arcade, p.a. duquette and CAPP Productions,  Salt Cake Productions, Jennifer LeBlanc & Addy, the Bum Family, Bear & Badger Show, and Teatro del Froog.

Don’t miss bold work from Dolly Wiggler newbies La ruée vers l'ors (Montreal), The Beau Show, Beatrice the Dog, Iván & Mariza, Calla Wright, Coarse Arts Collective, Madisson Vermeulen, Cyan Nyde, and the FAO’s fabulous producer, Cosmo Christoffersen (Saturday). 

Be welcome to donate/take craft supplies at Mudfoot Theatre’s free craft market happening in the lobby before the show.

Ticket prices are based on section. Refer to the section map below.

Advisories and accessibility:

ASL interpretation on Saturday, March 15. Please note that best visibility of the ASL interpreter would be in the second row in Le Chat Noir. You can email cosmo@puppetfestival.ca to reserve a seat and to arrange for a discounted ticket.

Described audio on Saturday, March 15.

Please let us know your accessibility requirements in the provided section when purchasing tickets. If you do not have accessibility requirements, please write N/A.

This event is 18+. Some content may be more adult in nature.

Runtime is approximately 2 hours plus intermission.

The #1 Legion's main entrance has several steps. The venue is accessible by wheelchair through the back of the building. Volunteers will be available to guide you should you need to access the venue through the back.

When checking out, there is a field to enter your accessibility requirements. Please let us know if you are a wheelchair user so our ushers are prepared to reserve a space for you.

There are multiple underground parkades near the venue, and the #1 Legion is easily accessible via CTrain.

Beverages available for purchase. The bar is cash only.

Seating is first-come, first-served based on your section. We recommend arriving early.