Transforming public space since 1992!
Coventry’s Talking Birds has been transforming public space since 1992. One way or another, most people who have been to an outdoor festival in the UK, from the National Theatre’s Watch This Space, to Scarborough’s Seafest, to Lincolnshire’s Tulipmania, have encountered the Company’s performances in some form.
The Whale is the Company’s iconic metal Leviathan which swallows audiences whole, to enjoy a charming, playful and submersive theatre experience inside. A 5 minute show performed by a solo actor, for individuals and small family groups, with tailored performances for under 6s and for all ages 6+. Video (thanks to Transported): https://youtu.be/lQVEelSF0Rs
“The Whale is a fantastic adventure for children and their grown ups. Really accessible and adaptable for those who might be a little hesitant at stepping into the mouth of a giant tin whale.” (Promoter)
The Company’s Sporting Trilogy of street performances consists:
Come Bowl With Me – commissioned for Birmingham Festival 2022, audiences are invited to join Lorna Bowles, Dwaine Hardball and Roger Rinkwell as they coach you through the gentle joys and fierce competition of this much-loved game. However, tensions may rise in the Strictly Come Bowling arena as players compete for the Glitter Bowl Trophy! A fun show suitable for all ages. “It’s like a street party!” (Audience Member)
The Cricketers – “Perfectly played with the right dose of silly” (Promoter) – The Cricketers pitch up in unlikely urban locations and recruit the public for some top-notch sporting activity, before the arrival of a Security Guard puts them on a sticky wicket…
Video: https://youtu.be/T5GedM7QOuU
The Q The ideal way to manage festival or event queues whilst keeping queuers entertained and happy, the Q is a walkabout show whose mischievous yet professional orange-clad operatives find inventive ways to enhance the queuing experience. At the same time, they invite us to re-evaluate this very British skill – and possibly agitate for its inclusion as an Olympic event.
“Loved, loved, LOVED The Q. You must go and see it!” (Audience Member)
More on our outdoor portfolio: https://talkingbirds.co.uk/portfolio/work-outdoors/
Talking Birds is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council, England and is based at its dedicated studios and arts creation space The Nest in Coventry.
Street Theatre
Additional Areas of Focus
Environmentally Focussed, Family Friendly, Participatory, Placemaking
