The Hatchling
Carl was instrumental in developing the Hatchling, an elevated form of puppetry and kiting and potentially the world's largest non-mechanical flying puppet.
The Hatchling first appeared in Plymouth in 2021 as a 3 day event, starting with an egg from which hatched a juvenile dragon which roamed the city. The project was built around the concept that the dragon is a visitor to the city, looking back at the community as a way of reflection and what they do with this alien. The project was supported by Mayflower 400 celebrations drawing on the themes of migration and immigration.
The juvenile dragon grew into its adult form on the 3rd day, larger than a double decker bus, and then transformed into its final flying form with a wingspan of over 20m. It took flight off Plymouth Hoe in front of an audience of over 30,000 people.
The adult dragon led the procession for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.
The project was developed with Director Mervyn Miller (War Horse) and Creative Director Angie Bual (Trigger).