With big-budget productions like Avenue Q and Warhorse attracting huge audiences to London's major theatres, there's little doubting the popularity of puppetry.

But long before marionettes hit the mainstream a group of puppeteers were busy setting up a specialist theatre company in a derelict hall in Islington. Nearly 50 years later, The Little Angel Theatre continues as strong as ever. Their latest show, Fantastic Mr Fox, based on the Roald Dahl book, comes to Jackson's Lane until December 31.

"It used to be a bad word. Puppeteers used to try and think up all kinds of fancy words just to avoid saying 'puppeteer'," explains Rachel Leonard, who operates the puppets of the 'mashed ducks liver in doughnuts' loving Farmer Boggis and a number of foxes in the production. "That's all changed now, there are these big productions bringing genuine joy and emotion to big audiences. I've spent years of saying to people what I do and getting funny looks - some people just can't think of a single syllable to reply with! Things have changed. Now it's quite a cool thing to be."

Using geometrically-shaped, rod operated puppets moving around a complex set of underground tunnels and farm buildings, the production received critical praise and sold out a run at its home theatre in Islington. Now on tour, its drawing families looking for an alternative to another predictable pantomime.

"It's different to the film - it's far truer to the book," explains the show's director Steve Tiplady. "It's a little bit more anarchic and pro-fox. I think it's captures that cool English humour that Dahl was so good at."

Having trained as a performer, Steve's urge to make his own shows led him to the then leftfield performance art of puppetry ten years ago.

"Working with puppets means you can create anything - it's a liberating feeling. Puppets can do things actors can't - and they do as they're told without complaints! Although it can be technically harder, the cast of four puppeteers in this one are absolutely fantastic."

Roald Dahl's classic tale of determination and cunning follows the sophisticated Mr Fox who has three odious enemies, farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. They'll do anything to get rid of their nemesis and attempt to shoot, starve and dig him from his hole. The show is a visual treat with multi-level set, never-ending surprises and specially written witty songs.

"At some points in the performance the audience can see us as we operate the puppet," says Rachel. "The skill is in making sure the attention is focused on the puppet, not us.

"Using puppets does restrict you but it also gives you more. The movement is more stylised but you can also get amazing details. When an audience notices that a puppet is breathing or see it sigh there's an extra thrill for them. When you're watching you have to suspend disbelief, and that's hugely rewarding."

Fantastic Mr Fox is at Jacksons Lane Theatre until December 31. Details: 020 8341 4421