• Kicking off on 18-19 July in Ashdown Forest, home of the Hundred Acre Wood, Trigger, the creatives behind ‘The Big One Hundred’ are inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a series of nature-based events and activities including interactive performances from the giant puppet inspired by the endangered species in the Forest.
The new inflatable creature taking the form of a giant puppet ‘Poppet’ has been created. Operated by 10 people simultaneously, it is an ambitious and rarely attempted approach that pushes the boundaries of live performance, costume and puppetry. Designed to personify Ashdown Forest and its unique landscape and protected species, Irving’s design and Bual’s bold vision for ‘The Big One Hundred’ will come together to create this living, moving artwork.
• Marking 100 years of A.A Milne’s beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories, the giant puppet and explorer activities will tour to Hailsham Town Centre on 26 July, Sheffield Park and Garden on 1 August, Uckfield’s Weald on the Field on 8 August and Herstmonceux Castle on 22-23 August.
• As previously announced, Trigger’s creative director Angie Bual has created ‘Poppet’, alongside costume designer Jack Irving (best known for his costume designs for global pop icons including Lady Gaga and Katy Perry) which will lead the celebrations.
• As part of ‘The Big One Hundred’, high streets in East Sussex will be transformed into a playful public art trail, with local businesses creating their own “forest creatures” from the products and materials found in their shops.
