Flutter

Redeveloped for TAHI in partnership with Creative NZ, Taki Rua Productions, and PAYPA

Flutter is a magical story of a glow worm who fell from the stars and a bat who is afraid of the dark. Premiering at TAHI 2023, this new 2026 version weaves together live music and puppetry in an adventure about friendship, bravery, and the very real threat of introduced predators in the New Zealand bush. Interactive, whimsical and heartwarming, Flutter is perfect for children aged 3-7, and is sure to delight audiences young and old. 

Children aged 3 and under are free when seated on an adult’s lap.

“Flutter is a delightful experience that is informative and entertaining for young and old alike.” - Shemaia Dixon, Theatreview

CREATIVE TEAM
Co-creator & Puppeteer: Anna Bailey
Co-creator & Director: Bridget Sanders
Co-creator & Musician/Composer: Stephanie Cairns
Co-creator: Jen McArthur
Set design and build: Struan Ashby and Roger Sanders
Puppet painter/surfaces: Erica Duthie
Costume: Sarah Bell
Electrician and light construction: Jospeh Bailey
Mentor: Kerryn Palmer

ABOUT ANNA
Anna Bailey is a puppeteer, theatre-maker and founder of String Bean Puppets, creating original works inspired by the unique flora and fauna of Aotearoa. Passionate about the art of marionettes, Anna uses puppetry to entertain, educate and spark conversations about our natural world, encouraging empathy for endangered species through playful storytelling.

Her puppetry journey began while working as an au pair for a puppeteering family in Italy, where she was inspired by the street marionettists she encountered across Europe and their remarkable ability to connect with audiences. Since then, she has performed in schools, museums, libraries and festivals throughout New Zealand and internationally.

For Flutter, Anna's bat marionette, Pepe, was hand-carved following a woodcarving puppetry course with acclaimed Icelandic puppeteer Bernd Ogrodnik.

Special thanks to:
Kerryn Palmer, TAHI Festival, Marcus McShane, Taki Rua, Philipp Family foundation, Zealandia, All the children from the original development workshops, Barbarian productions and RUCKUS, Margaret and Peter Bailey, Ken Looi and May Ng.