It’s always nice to have a legend stop by.

That’s what will happen at the Lied Center on Friday night when the Swiss mime troupe Mummenschanz brings its 40th anniversary world tour to Lawrence.

“We were looking for an event that, as the saying goes, would be fun for all ages,” says Karen Christilles, associate director of the Lied.

It’s an apt description. The group combines music, comedy and everyday items like notepads, string and even toilet paper to create delightful little scenes and sketches. Funny and often touching, Mummenschanz has a little bit of something for everyone.

“Some of us remember them from our childhood,” Christilles says, noting the group was beloved for an appearance on “The Muppet Show” in the 70s. “Now it’s something we can introduce our children, or in some cases, our grandchildren to.”

The group’s founders, Andres Bossard, Bernie Schürch and Floriana Frassetto, believed that music and lighting were often too overwhelming. They sought to tell stories differently — with body movement and clever props rather than with speech.

This tour is a combination of greatest hits and brand new ideas.

“They’ll definitely be doing some of their signature pieces,” Christilles says. “They’re celebrating their anniversary. But there will also be new material. It should be a very fun show.”

Mummenschanz performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Lied Center on KU’s West Campus. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 785-864-2787 or online at lied.ku.edu.