New date confirmed for 'The Hatchling' to take to Plymouth's skies

The outdoor performance was postponed as a mark of respect to the community and families involved in the tragic incident in Keyham

The Hatchling
Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 20th Aug 2021

The outdoor theatre performance of 'The Hatchling' has been confirmed to go ahead in Plymouth on 28 - 29 August 2021.

Initially due to take place last weekend, the event was postponed as a mark of respect to the community and families involved in the tragic incident in Keyham on 12 August.

It is hoped the event will bring the city together in a moment of unity and hope.

Event producers Trigger, Plymouth City Council and Arts Council England are working in close collaboration to stage the performance, made possible by the extraordinary effort of hundreds of cast members and local community groups.

The dragon will hatch in the late morning on Saturday 28 August and explore the city. During the weekend performance there will be moments of reflection, including a lullaby sung to The Hatchling by Plymouth acappella group The Lost Sound, accompanied by a parade of lanterns made by local volunteering group Nudge Community Builders.

On Sunday evening, The Hatchling will undergo a transformation from puppet to kite on the Hoe. She will then take flight from the coast and across the water of Plymouth Sound, lit by spotlights and accompanied by choral music, in an uplifting symbol of freedom.

Angie Bual, Artistic Director of Trigger, said: "From the messages we have received since the postponement, it's clear that there is a desire to come together in a moment of unity as a community. We hope The Hatchling will be a chance for the city to share something positive."

The rescheduled event has only been made possible thanks to Arts Council England’s support.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.