Tucked away in the winding streets of El Born, La Puntual Theater hosts puppet shows on the weekends, offering new shows every month. In this case, we were lucky to attend this specific show that has become one of our family’s most cherished experiences: the puppet show Greta La Rateta que Escrombrava la Escaleta.
We had already been to a show at La Puntual in the past, so we already knew the location, the performing company, and their claim to fame as the “smallest theater in Barcelona.”
A Fresh Take on a Classic Tale
If you are like me, this story is very new to foreigners, but very much part of any Spanish or Catalan children’s story repertoire. The story is based off of the story The Vain Little Mouse or The Little Mouse That Swept the Staircase (La rateta que escombrava la escaleta in Catalan or La ratita presumida in Spanish) in which a little mouse finds a penny and buys herself a pretty bow, resulting in facing various suitors which she rejects, except the last one, a cat, whom she marries….and you can imagine how (most) of the adaptations end. Pretty standard folklore material and questionable takeaways, BUT this production breathes new life into the story in the most spectacular way.
The show follows Greta, a talented mouse with the goal of being an acrobat with her own show. She finds a coin, but she decides to use it to kick-start her own show. She welcomes a series of auditions to complement her act…all of which end up being potential suitors. What sets this adaptation apart is its modern messaging about self-worth and friendship, all while maintaining the whimsical charm of the original tale.
The puppeteers are true masters of their craft, bringing each character to life with incredible precision and personality. From the donkey and dog, to the pig and cat, each puppet had its own distinct style, voice and performances at their auditions. Our daughter was particularly enchanted by Greta herself, whose movements and dedication to her goal of being an acrobat is something she still talks about.
An Intimate and Interactive Theater Experience
La Puntual is one of those rare finds that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret portal to another era. The theater seats perhaps 40 people at most, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere especially for the youngest theater-goers. The wooden benches and vintage decor transport you to a simpler time, when entertainment was about connection and imagination rather than special effects. This is actually something I’ve found across children’s activities in Barcelona and is very refreshing in our more digital and screen-focused world.
The post-show interaction definitely made the experience for all the little ones. Instead of rushing off stage, the puppeteers invited all the children to come forward and meet their favorite characters up close. The wonder on our daughter’s face as she gently held Greta in her hand was worth the ticket price alone.
A Take-Home Souvenir That Sparks Creativity
The theater’s thoughtful touch of selling take-home paper puppet theaters allows us to keep the show going, with new opportunities for creativity in our home. The set, priced very reasonably at 10 euros, includes all the main characters and key props printed on sturdy cardstock. We spent that same afternoon cutting out the figures and attaching them to popsicle sticks, and recreating the show.
Since then, our living room has become a stage for countless retellings and new adventures. It’s heartwarming to see how a simple paper theater can spark such imagination and storytelling skills.
Practical Tips for Fellow Theater-Goers
For families planning to attend, I recommend arriving about 15 minutes early to secure good seats. The staff seat everyone with the children’s visibility in mind, but it is on a first-come, first-served basis. While the show is in Catalan, the physical comedy and expressive puppetry make it enjoyable even for those who don’t speak the language. My husband told me that there are even some jokes for the adults…but my Catalan isn’t quite there yet.
Highly Recommended: A Must-See Barcelona Experience
Greta La Rateta que Escrombrava la Escaleta at La Puntual is a must. It ties together imagination, cultural learning, language exposure, different art forms, and family bonding. At 9-11 euros per ticket (free for 0-24 months), it’s also one of the most value-packed entertainment options in Barcelona. Thankfully, the most popular tales are repeated every year so you can check out their next performance.
We are always excited about the next production held at La Puntual and make it a priority to attend their shows.
Have you experienced any magical moments at small local theaters? Perhaps a puppet show that surprised you with its charm? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! And if you’re planning a visit to Barcelona with children, don’t miss this enchanting show – it might just become the highlight of your trip, as it was for us.
