Flying with Strings
The Live Act
Flying with Strings is a theatre collaboration between puppeteer Sarah Vigars and musician Louis Bingham, ready to pitch up and perform anywhere from green spaces to street corners, libraries and arts centres.
Inspired by the avian world of Britain, Europe and beyond, this interactive show features intricate string puppetry and live music. See the puppets in action and learn about the world of birds, including the graceful swallow, the charismatic hoopoe and the colourful bee-eater!
Compact, portable, informal and interactive, Flying with Strings works best as a sideshow act or ‘pop-up’ experience - a great addition to any festival or event! The show time and content is adaptable to the needs of the occasion eg. an enchanting 10minute encounter or a full 30minute diversion!
Show title: Flying with Strings
Company name: Flying with Strings MT
Puppet maker/Puppeteer: Sarah Vigars
Composer/Musician: Louis Bingham
Run time: 10-30 minutes, depending on desired format (see above)
Age suitability: All ages
Tech requirements: Sound equipment provided. A warm lighting wash is required for indoors.
Playing space: 2.5m wide x 1.5m deep (approx)
For booking inquiries and prices, please contact Sarah: sarah@sarahvigarsart.com
A chronology of events (2020-2024)
2024
Newcastle Puppet Festival | April 2024
Flying with Strings has been invited to appear for three days at next year’s Newcastle Puppet Festival (Funding just confirmed)
2023
A Celebration of the Craft of Marionette Making | September 2023
Sarah was invited to appear as a demonstrator at an event hosted by the Art Worker’s Guild (London). The event will celebrate marionette making, including a panel discussion between industry experts about the future of the craft. Marionette making has recently been added to the Heritage Crafts Association’s ‘Red List of Endangered Crafts’.
‘Flying with Strings’ Puppet Film | June 2023
Commissioned by Villages in Action (Devon) for their ‘Active Care Homes through the Arts’ project Performed by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham and produced by Luke Jeffery (VIA)
DOP by Adam Michael and sound by Benjamin Akira Tallamy.
2022
Newton Abbot Library | September 2022
Family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham Produced by Villages in Action (Devon)
Totnes Festival | August 2022
Family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham Produced by Totnes Arts Events (Devon)
Beverley Puppet Festival | July 2022
Family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham
2021
Exeter Phoenix | October 2021
Two family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham
Curious Puppet Showcase at the Kneehigh Barns, Gorran Haven | October 2021
Preview performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham to feedback from puppeteers
Your Voice: An Exhibition | July-August 2021
The marionettes from ‘Flying with Strings’ were exhibited at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Wales
Art, Craft And Imagination: a peep into the world of puppets | January-May 2021
The marionettes from ‘Flying with Strings’ were exhibited at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Devon
‘Flying with Strings’ Puppet Film | March 2021
Commissioned by The Devon Guild of Craftsmen (Bovey Tracey) with a grant from the Golsoncott Foundation (Exeter)
The film was screened at the Devon Guild’s puppetry exhibition ‘Art Craft and Imagination’ (above)
2020
Devon Guild Of Craftsmen Annual Member’s Show | September-November 2020
The marionettes from ‘Flying with Strings’ were exhibited at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Devon The puppets were awarded the annual President’s Prize by sculptor Peter Randall Page RA