We will be exhibiting over 100 pieces of automata from our collection across the UK in 2026.

Each of these 3 exhibitions will feature 30+ automata alongside artefacts and archive materials.

Aberdeen Art Gallery – 16th May – 25th October 2026

Tullie House, Carlisle – 13th June – 11th October 2026

American Museum, Bath – 5th July 2026 – 4th January 2027

More details to come next year. Sign up to our mailing list to be reminded when the shows open.

Check our Current Exhibitions page to see which shows are open now.

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Following the success of our community workshops at the Mechanical Making Space, CMT is developing Automata in the Classroom.

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre will co-create with teachers a range of strategies for using the collection and introducing automata in the classroom, with a view to developing practical and creative skills and understanding simple engineering concepts. 

CMT will work with local schools (a mix of primary, secondary and special) to develop approaches that work at different key stages. We already have 5 schools on board and excited to take part in this project in 2026.

To make this project happen we need to raise £19,350. Your donations can help make this happen. Click here to support us.

The programme would look as follows:

1. Practical half day CPD (Continuing Professional Development) session to explore automata making.
2. Artists Loulou Cousin & Stephen Guy to have time to develop resources
3. School sessions, both artist and teacher-led
4. Mechanical Making Space session to review and share outcomes
5. Legacy – develop resources to inform larger project with schools 
6. Outcomes shared with a view to sourcing sponsorship for a larger programme

Outcomes

1. Teachers and TAs confident in introducing simple automata making skills in the classroom
2. Students have developed new creative and practical skills
3. Students have understood a range of engineering concepts central to automata making
4. The experience of making automata opens children and young people’s eyes to a range of different career choices from 3D design to engineering and architecture.
5. CMT have co-developed ways of working with teachers that are applicable to other schools

Timescale: We are working towards the project starting in May 2026 and running to Spring 2027.

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre (CMT) an extraordinary collection of artist-made automata, put together by Sue Jackson has made its home in Hastings. Many people remember it from its hey day in Covent Garden in the 1990s where it inspired many generations of new automata makers.  Since then, the collection has toured the world, with exhibitions in science centres and museums. Each and every piece in the collection is a wonderful combination of creativity, engineering and storytelling. 

Now managed by Sue’s daughter Sarah, the collection is housed in Hastings, and CMT is keen to develop strategies for it to be a catalyst for creativity and skills in the local community.

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11th November 2025 – 12th April 2026

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, John’s Place, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET, UK

FREE entry and parking.
Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
and Sundays, 11am – 4.30pm

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If you are near Cornwall, UK this month you might like to attend this talk by Paul Spooner at the Cornwall Crafts Association on 29th November.

Paul Spooner is a pioneering figure in the world of automata. Born in Preston, Lancashire in 1948, he studied at Lancaster College of Art, Cardiff School of Art and Goldsmith’s College, specialising in mechanical sculpture. His career began at Cabaret in Falmouth, the beginning of what would become the famous Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, later relocated to Covent Garden from 1985 to 2000.

Over the decades, Paul’s extraordinary machines and humorous, often philosophical creations have been exhibited worldwide, from Penzance to Japan. His work has been commissioned for museums, galleries, and private collectors across the globe, and he has written and illustrated several books on the art of automata.

Paul says: “I made a machine called ‘Five Artists Reflect on their Waning Powers’. It’s a group of old chaps with a good supply of drawing materials but instead of getting on with their work they’re practising displacement activities- except the one who’s rubbing his drawing out.

That was in 1983 when I was 35. Now I’m 77 and well qualified to be on the wane. So I’m doing a talk with lots of pictures of things I made in the past as well as some I’m currently trying to get made before the full wane sets in.”

This promises to be a fascinating and entertaining morning, a chance to immerse yourself in Paul’s imaginative world and hear the stories behind his remarkable creations.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended

https://cornwallcrafts.co.uk/paul-spooner-talk/

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We had a fantastic time taking part in the inaugural Hastings Science Fair last month. We displayed a small selection of automata which delighted visitors of all ages.

We also took over a classroom and ran free drop-in automata workshops all day. Over 160 automata were made in just 5 hours! Visitors could choose from a cranked running figure or a cardboard cam box. With help from artist Loulou Cousin and our fantastic team of volunteers people discovered the joy of making things move using simple materials.

Projects like this are only possible with the support of your donations. Help us present a learning and community programme and support our mission to promote engineering and creativity through automata. Be part of our future and make a difference today.

If you would like to volunteer at future events please contact us.

The Hastings Science Fair was run by Science Projects.

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