Founder members Danielle Brooke and Rupert Parry met whilst studying theatre at college, forming The Flying Buttresses in 2000, based on a shared love of improvised comedy and artistic spectacle.
The Flying Buttresses exploded on to the scene at Glastonbury Festival 2002 where their unique illusion and heart-warming characters won them a huge following. Since then the act Hodman Dodmanott and Sally Forth has gone to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences from Norway to New York. The development and richness of their characters and their attention to detail has been key to The Flying Buttresses long running success. Over the years, Hodman and Sally have gained a substantial following. They have been voted the top act in
the event’s 50 year history by the audience of Paulusfeesten, Belgium and and have inspired a short book of illustrations by Dutch artist Erna Westrup. Their most recent act What The Tortoise Taught Us features one of the most sophisticated free roaming animatronics ever designed and represents the culmination of 20 years research and experimentation across the spectrum of technological and artistic processes. Previous events at which the company have performed include: Henley Festival, Festival of Nations Dollywood Tennessee USA, Shakespeare’s Birthday at the RSC, The Barbican Street Party, Lollapalooza festival, Watch this Space at the National Theatre, Singapore Arts Festival, Kendal Calling Festival, Shanghai World Expo, QM2 ship launch, Summer Surprises Dubai, Spettacollo Brunnen Switzerland, Whitham Puppet Festival, and thousands of other festivals and events in over 100
countries across the globe.
The company is committed to very high production values, not only in their puppetry and performance but also in the visual aspects of the shows. This is enhanced by Rupert and Danielle’s background as special effects artists. They have worked as prop and costume makers both separately and together – with their sister company Replicant Props – for a number of prestigious companies, including Shakespeare’s Globe, Disney and The Jim Henson Company and on blockbuster films by directors Tim Burton, James Gunn, Peyton Reed and Ridley Scott. Past projects include a 15ft tall animatronic puppet built for the London Olympic Welcoming Ceremony, 2 larger than life animatronic sheep for Bread and Butter theatre co and 135 Roman Helmets for Kynren, the UK’s largest outdoor theatre spectacular.