A ridiculous and charming walkabout performance best suited to locations near the seaside, an estuary or river, the show features a pair of migrant Oystercatchers, who have just landed back in the UK.
Tired and disorientated, they enlist help from local people to reach their new feeding ground. They have a map, but if only they could read… At the water’s edge they get to work with their fishing net and bucket. The only problem is – they’re not particularly good at fishing and they’re getting hungry. Perhaps their new friends will help them out…?
Meanwhile, they’re being watched by a Bird Watcher, who shares their binoculars, shares information about Oystercatchers and other wading bird, and provides a running commentary for their action.
Photos: Jim Wileman
The show is a popular feature of Red Herring events in North Devon and has been booked by The Burton Art Gallery, Somerset Wildlife Trust / Bridgwater Quayside Festival and North Devon Museums with appearances in Bideford, Northam Burrows, Barnstaple, Saunton Sands, High Bickington, Appledore, Instow, Holsworthy, Bridgewater and Westward Ho!
The Creative Team:
- Oystercatchers: Sarah Corbett, Paschale Straiton Michael Wagg
- Twitchers: Fiona Fraser Smith, Paschale Straiton, Kim Tilbrook
- Devised and Produced by the company
- Designer: Ruth Webb
This performance was inspired by the Estuary of the Torridge and Taw Rivers, which is an important habitat for wading birds and the Oystercatcher is one of the more characterful residents. Some live here all year round and others visit from northern climes during the winter in order to feast on the mudflats.
Oystercatchers, Dandies of the Estuary
Strolling theatre – our creative process
Making the Oystercatcher Masks
Thanks to our partners for supporting us to make and share this piece of work, especially Arts Council England and Lottery Players.
