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)
For dates of upcoming shows visit the events page
2024
South Molton Library | August 2024
Family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham, accompanied by a craft workshop. Produced by Libraries Unlimited (Devon)
Ilfracombe Library | August 2024
Family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham, accompanied by a craft workshop. Produced by Libraries Unlimited (Devon)
Axminster Library | August 2024
Family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham, accompanied by a craft workshop. Produced by Libraries Unlimited (Devon)
Folk by the Oak Festival | July 2024
Outdoor family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by JSL Productions
Cullompton Library | May 2024
Family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham, accompanied by a craft workshop. Produced by Libraries Unlimited (Devon)
RHS Rosemoor | May 2024
Family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by RHS
RHS Rosemoor | April 2024
Outdoor walkabout performances by Sarah Vigars. Produced by RHS
Newcastle Puppetry Festival | April 2024
Outdoor and indoor family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by Moving Parts Arts (Newcastle)
Teignmouth Library | February 2024
Family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham, accompanied by a craft workshop. Produced by Libraries Unlimited (Devon)
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 celebrated 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
Outdoor family performance of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by Villages in Action (Devon)
Totnes Festival | August 2022
Outdoor family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by Totnes Arts Events (Devon)
Beverley Puppet Festival | July 2022
Outdoor family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by Beverley Puppet Festival
2021
Exeter Phoenix | October 2021
Family performances of ‘Flying with Strings’ by Sarah Vigars and Louis Bingham. Produced by Exeter Phoenix
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