The Hatchling is created and produced by the award-winning creative team at Trigger in collaboration with a leading design team specialising in puppetry, kites and immersive theatre.
Conceived by Angie Bual (Artistic Director of Trigger/ Creative Director of The Hatchling)
Directed by Mervyn Millar (Puppetry Director War Horse, Significant Object)
Designed by Carl Robertshaw (Production Designer Ellie Goulding, Bjork)
Associate Creative Team
Nicole Redfern – Assistant Director
Lighting Designer – Matt Daw
Sound Designer – Daniel Balfour
Production Team
Dock Street Events – Technical Directors
Stephen Hoath – Flight Director
Cast & Kite Team
Puppeteers (6) Flight Team (6)
The Hatchling is a ground-breaking outdoor theatrical performance that unfolds over a weekend of events leading up to an extraordinary finale for over 30,000 people. With a wingspan of over 20 metres, the Hatchling is the world’s largest human-operated puppet to fly.
Our beautiful visitor hatches, builds herself a nest and then takes to the skies in a bid for her freedom. Along the way, she explores the city, and as she roams, she encounters a series of events from intimate interactions to city-wide performances, prepared especially for her majestic visit.
At the end of her journey our Hatchling undergoes an incredible metamorphosis, unfurls her wings, and takes flight with the help of a team of puppeteers from War Horse, and a world champion kite flying crew.
In Plymouth UK the production was brought to life by over 100 production staff, 250 community participants, 62 volunteers in collaboration with 30 national partners. We had over 176 media pieces and were featured on BBC Breakfast.
‘Something truly out of this world’ BBC News
‘Spectacular, I have never seen anything like that…’Spectator interviewed by ITV1 West Country
‘This is a truly unique art show…’Closer
The Hatchling, was presented on 28-29th August in Plymouth 2021 attracted 30,000 live audience members and 100,000 people digitally and via broadcast. The project featured 90 freelancers and hosted 30 traineeships. It was experienced by National and International programmers and has since had considerable interest in The Hatchling touring to significant locations and events.
The Hatchling led the Celebrations Parade at Queens Platinum Jubilee, Buckingham Palace, London to a live audience of 40,000 and a broadcast audience of 1billion people.