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 a little disorientated, they enlist help from local people to reach their new feeding ground. They have a map, but if only they could read…
Once by the water, they get to work setting up a base and get fishing with their net and bucket. The only problem is – they’re not particularly good and they’re getting hungry. Perhaps their new friends will help them out.
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.
