‘n interactive show introducing young explorers to the wonderful world of Birding!

Flying The Nest is a devised show inspired by British Birds. In true HandMade Theatre style this piece is an interactive theatrical experience designed with and for children and families.

This show invites our audience to sit in their very own bird nests, enrol in hatchling college, and learn all about native birds and how to be a good birder. Filled with a fantastic mix of music, drama, facts and fun, this gently humorous show brings to life native bird characters in a new and engaging way. The piece is a visual feast of puppets, props and costumes including lots of things with which to get hands on and interactive.

In the creation of the piece, and to support the performance, we also developed a series of exciting workshops. These helped to inspire, excite, and inform the production, and included story telling, music, willow weaving and puppet making – all influenced by our bird theme.

‘I cannot recommend this show enough to those with young children! The energy of the show is outright contagious, the story is captivating and easy to follow and not to mention extremely informative! I left not only entertained by the performance, but knowing just that bit more about birds, too!’ Parent

‘My favourite bit was feeding the different birds in their nests and all the songs!’ Young Person

‘We could really see the confidence of the children growing as they took part, they all loved it’ Teacher

Flying The Nest Practitioners:

Creative Director/designer: Amy Nicholson

Creative producer/performer: Suzy Gunn

Guest Director: Becky Matter

Musician/performer: Ben McElroy

Musician/performer: Gareth Price-Baghurst

Set Construction: Ben Thomas @ START in Salford

Ideas & Inspiration: The Children @ Rosehill School & St Andrew’s School

Research & Workshops: Attenborough Nature Reserve