Welcome to The Flying Buttresses theatre company, home of the award winning puppetry act Hodman and Sally, Pongo and Zelva the Giant Tortoise!

Specialising in acts for outdoor arts and street theatre, The Flying Buttresses create puppet characters that bring joy to any event, with bespoke interactive performances and improvised comedy shows.

click for more about hodman and sally

Hodman and Sally

more about zelva the giant tortoise

What the Tortoise Taught us

pongo the giant fudgerigar puppet

Pongo

Stocking Up from The Flying Buttresses

Stocking Up!
NEW Christmas act

hodman and sally at christmas

Christmas
Hodman and Sally

the flying buttresses take commissions

Commissions

The Flying Buttresses use their skills in animatronics, puppet making and costume design to wow crowds with visually spectacular acts. Everyone they meet gets a personally tailored performance, using improv and wit to make each interaction a funny and immersive experience. Booking a show from The Flying Buttresses will leave your audience feeling like they have been a part of something unique and entirely magical.the flying buttresses act booking enquiry

The Flying Buttresses are an internationally acclaimed company, with over 20 years experience in creating puppetry for outdoor arts – and a favourite with event bookers and audiences for their blend of interactive storytelling and wit.

They have represented the UK at events all over the globe, including at the World Theatre Olympics in Budapest (2023), Dollywood’s Festival of Nations (2013, 2014, 2017) and the British Pavilion at Shanghai World Expo (2010).

All The Flying Buttresses shows and creations are built in their workshop in south-east London. With a background in prop and costume making for film, tv and theatre, their work can be seen on stage, and on screen in Hollywood blockbusters. You can catch a behind the scenes glimpse here. They also undertake commissions from other companies to bring their projects to life. Get in touch to discuss your idea!

Their popular, versatile acts have charmed audiences as entertainment for puppetry festivals, outdoor arts festivals, street theatre festivals and music festivals. They have performed as an act for parades, community events, corporate parties, weddings, family fun days and markets. Their shows have even been popular entertainment for team building events, science fairs, county shows, exhibitions, flower shows, historical fairs, bar mitzvahs, conventions, trade shows, conservation events and promotional events (to name just a few!).

The Flying Buttresses’ shows can shine anywhere. The more incongruous the setting, the funnier and more unexpected an appearance by their characters becomes! High-streets, town squares, zoos, theme parks, mountain tops, garden centres, stately homes, parks and beaches have all been magically transformed by their performances.

Equally at home at indoor venues, The Flying Buttresses’ puppetry walkabout acts have entertained audiences in theatres, galleries, schools, universities, museums, libraries, shopping centres, community centres, trains, castles, airports, members clubs, nursing homes, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants, private yachts, elevators and even a ski-lift!

 

“I have never seen an act be so popular. You brought the town to a standstill!”

Christine Heathfield Faversham Hop Festival

“From the moment we saw you at the Showcase, we knew we had to have you at Darlington… Brilliant!”

Jeff Dawson, Darlington Borough Council

 “We had them last year as well and as always they were FANTASTIC!! Would always recommend them – love their act!”

Nadia Christie, Shining Wit Ltd