Marionette theatre and classical dance in Burma share many similarities. Chief amongst these is their shared origins in the great courts of the past. Costumes, characters and gestures look back to a courtly golden age. Alongside the marionettes, Performance Gallery displays a twentieth century theatrical dance costume performed by Panchee Nay Myo.

When Panchee Nay Myo left Burma in 1962, he brought with him the skills and sparkling exuberance of Burmese dance. In Burma he had made extensive studies of historical costume. These drawings informed his costume designs for performances in Britain during the 1960s and 1970s. He adapted textiles and items that he had brought from Burma, or found at London markets, to create exquisite theatrical costumes.