The Théâtre Royal de Toone/Koninklijk Poppentheater Toone is a traditional Brussels puppet theatre that has been in operation since 1830. Listed in 1997, the theatre is tucked between Impasse Schuddeveld/Schuddeveldgang and Impasse Sainte-Pétronille/Sint-Petronellagang at the heart of the Îlot Sacré neighbourhood. According to the anchor plates on its façade, the building dates back to 1696. This is the site that José Géal, the master puppeteer crowned Toone VII in 1963, chose for the theatre in 1966, ‘inaugurating’ the company’s new home with a performance of Michel de Ghelderode’s Passion. The theatre’s current layout is from 1979. Its ground floor hosts a traditional tavern with beams, flagged floors and exposed brick walls, while the building also houses a puppet-making workshop, a library and video library and a puppet museum. The attic-level auditorium forms the backdrop for the company’s captivating performances, enjoyed by audiences young and old, who are always keen to catch a show here. In 2003, José Géal’s son Nicolas was installed as Toone VIII at Brussels Town Hall, taking over responsibility for ensuring the future of the Toone and keeping alive the colourful tradition of puppet theatres in Brussels.