The magic of these puppets was seeing the real sculptures come to life. We had to replicate them exactly so that the audience would be delighted and surprised when they started to move. In order for them to move they needed joints, seams and flexibility and it all needed to be “invisible” to the audience.

Like many projects, there were other requirements and considerations we had to work within, like using only FR materials, backstage clearance limits, keeping the weight down for the puppeteers, etc.

But, in some ways, setting limits is the best space for creativity. And these puppets were no exception. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects we’ve ever had the pleasure to work on.

Time-lapse video of the making of Patience and Fortitude, the Puppets. Click on the centre of the image to load video.