The Flying Buttressesmore detailspublicity
With performances that are as beautiful as they are funny, The Flying Buttresses continue to capture the hearts of audiences far and wide. Their strength comes from their dual commitment to stunning special effects and believable characterisations.
Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth
The hugely popular Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth, an enchanting, interactive puppetry walkabout featuring an elderly couple of miniature proportions, with huge personalities and a not-so-firm grip on the ways of modern living. Having lived by themselves for hundreds of years, blissfully unaware of the changing world around them, this pint-sized pair have ventured out in search of fame, fortune and friendship, touring the world with their possessions strapped to their backs. Although billed as a walkabout, the performance is often a series of small, static shows when crowds who are drawn to the uncanny illusion seem to find it impossible to leave as they are regaled with long-winded stories that never seem to go anywhere; but then what would you expect from a pair of ramblers... These characters are ‘pod’ puppets, where the puppeteers are completely concealed within the costumes. A truly unique and magical performance.
Hodman and Sally can now be persuaded to roam your way accompanied by their affluent in-laws Cash and Carrie Moor. Free-spirited sisters Sally and Carrie are two peas in a pod, whilst Hodman and Cash jostle to lead the expedition, despite both having lost the plots and the maps thousands of years ago! Click here for second image.
Pongo
Building on their reputation for exquisite characterisation and seamless illusion, The Flying Buttresses present their brand new interactive Walkabout act: Pongo!
Inquisitive, affectionate, adorable and cheeky; the world’s only eight-foot baby Obobee bird is loved by adults and children alike for his charming personality and stunning appearance. This playful hatchling is accompanied by eccentric pet shop owner Bill Oddity, an inter-dimensional travelling salesman with a menagerie of the galaxy’s most extraordinary creatures and a sales technique that is out of this world. Watch out or you might end up going home with a feathery new friend!
Pongo is a totally unique animatronic creature, fitted with custom built mechanisms and actuators that allow the hidden puppeteer to animate the various features of Pongo, from the subtlest fluttering of his eye lids to magnificent leaps and bounds.
‘Everyone was in awe of them, they were great, people are still chatting about them now! … I thought it would be tougher to impress a crowd of 21 year olds, but they did an EXCELLENT job and really made my party that bit more special!’ Charlotte Murray, 21st Birthday Girl
“From the moment we saw you at the Showcase, we knew we had to have you at Darlington... Brilliant!” - Jeff Dawson, Darlington Borough Council
“Hodman and Sally were adorable! I am surprised you made it back together, so many people wanted to take you home!” Caron Wint, Manchester International Arts
“I was stunned... so original... the children and adults believed it entirely!” Andrea Taylor, Thameside Metropolitan Council
“I have to say that the stars were Hodman and Sally. They were delightful and absolutely charmed everyone as well as providing huge entertainment. What a splendidly original and well-produced idea.” Michael Major, Centre Manager, Cascades Shopping Centre, Portsmouth
“The Flying Buttresses were hilarious, their steward was in hysterics all around the market place, as was their audience. At points they had so many people around them it was difficult for them to get to the end of the street.” Ann Bloomfield, Coastal Currents Festival, Bexhill on Sea
“I loved watching people's faces light up as they saw you.” Sara Clews, Jersey Arts Centre
“Absolutely beautiful” Tarby Davenport, Events Consultant, V Festival
“The best walkabout costumes I’ve ever seen.” Jules, Continental Drifts