Illuminating the microscopic world of rivers, waterways and oceans through objects, music and big puppets.
The Monster Soup illuminated big puppet parade was a participatory outdoor theatre event that examined the microscopic world of the River Thames in Nine Elms- Wandsworth.
Local pupils from St George’s Primary and Griffin Primary schools participated in a ten week workshop series at the Rose Community Centre (SW8 4DL). The young people designed and created their very own river monster lanterns, which they paraded alongside a giant toothy tadpole puppet called Arthur created by Puppets with GUTS. Aimed at families- the #monstersoup began at the ROSE Community Centre, paraded around Patmore, Carey Gardens and Savona Estates, then down Nine Elms Lane to the new Riverlight Estate on the Thames.
Throughout the project the young people investigated the microscopic world of the Thames, a world unseen and a place that we all need to care for. The project also encouraged local residents to explore newly regenerated public spaces and places unknown to them in their local area.
The initial inspiration for the project began with a satirical Victorian image called Monster Soup, which highlighted the pollution in London’s drinking water. Puppets with GUTS artistic director, Ivan Thorley, was interested in “highlighting the ongoing issue London still has with its air and water pollution” in an engaging and positive way.
