Mashi Theatre at the Nottingham Mela

Here is another project from our wonderfully long summer, and to the Arboretum in Nottingham, for the Nottingham Mela. I lead the craft session of the story telling workshop, developing ideas for Mashi Theatre's new show all about tigers and bees, called 'Stripey Honey is very yummy'. It is being developed into a show in the coming months, so do keep your eyes peeled for their new show.

There is a definite focus on sustainability and responsibilty for this story, so, together with Sue Pyecroft, we designed and made bee puppets from solar powered light bulbs, that the young people could take away with them. I was also very busy making tiger tails for the workshop! Parmjit Sagoo led the storytelling and yoga session, which kept every child enthralled... a really wonderful afternoon!

Marwell Zoo

I've been remembering warmer weather this evening, as the dark and misty autmnal nights creep in again. In July I had the pleasure of helping Michelle Reader to re-feather her amazing sculpture of a redshank to install at Marwell Zoo, as part of a sculpture trail . The redshank was made from lots of different recycled materials, mainly the wooden and metal slats from Venetian blinds!  Michelle makes all of her sculptures using recycled and found objects, and it was so inspiring to see, and work alongside her in her studio.

'Agent M'

Here is a little summer project I had fun with last week - making a wonderful 60s dress for the mischevious 'Agent M'. She's been sent across libraries this summer holidays, to record levels of mischief amongst children... so if you spy her somewhere, then do say hello, if you dare! 

This project is by Spark Arts, designed by Sue Pyecroft, photograph by Parmjit Sagoo.

Into the Rainbow

Back in January, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Wriggle Dance Theatre, to develop 2 new costumes for their show 'Into The Rainbow' . It was quite a technical project to get my head around, but the end results are quite wonderful!

PULSE

I've been working with Irene Jade over the past few weeks, on a brand new Bamboozle PMLD show, PULSE, directed by Sue Pyecroft.

Its set in 1930s America, in the dustbowl, and follows Patience, who is waiting for the rain to come. There's an amazing clanky, cloud machine, wonderful music and dance, and a tiny little Bird puppet made from lots of recycled bits of junk, by Michelle Reader. 

I had fun making some little Boomerang videos, that give you a little taste of the show!

Costume Making, Guys and Dolls

Here's a few snaps from some recent work making some costume pieces: many many pairs of bloomers and waistcoats, for Guys and Dolls, designed by Ryan Dawson-Laight. They are on their way to be fitted up on the cast now, so I'll look forward to seeing some photos!

Mashi Theatre Residency

Last week I was working with Mashi Theatre, as part of a creative education residency at a group of primary schools in Lincolnshire. Working with Parmjit Sagoo, a drama, movement and yoga specialist, we were leading workshops, sharing the tales of Birbal. The workshops are in preparation for seeing the show ‘The Tales of Birbal’ this week, as the show begins its autumn tour.

I was leading the puppet making section of the workshop, where each child makes a crow puppet, similar to those in the show. The children then spend the rest of the workshop manipulating and embodying the crows, having a wonderful time. Do try and catch the show at some point over the next 2 months!