The Butterfly House by HandMade Theatre

The Sharing

The Butterfly House is an outdoor performance created by HandMade Theatre led by Creative Director Amy Nicholson. The Butterfly House is an interactive outdoor show combining puppetry, music, and creative technologies to create playful, responsive encounters for audiences of all ages.

Follow the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, discover a kaleidoscope of colourful species, and take a moment to reflect on how we can reconnect with the natural world. With original live music, sustainably made props, and a clever technological twist, The Butterfly House is a joyous celebration of nature and transformation that invites audiences to slow down, listen closely, and discover wonder in the world around them.

Following the performance, we will host an informal discussion exploring the themes emerging from the project, the role of creative technologies in outdoor arts, and the wider aims of the collaborative PhD. The Butterfly House show forms part of some initial practice-as-research investigating how puppetry, craft, interactive technologies, and sensory engagement can shape the audience experience in public space. The Butterfly House was commissioned by Applause Rural Touring, features in their 2026 outdoor touring menu, and is supported by Arts Council England.

Please meet us at 101 Outdoor Arts and we will walk together to The Greenham Common Peace Garden (5min walk)

The Artist
HandMade Theatre use live performances and creative therapy approaches to bring experiences of wonder and joy to children and communities. They perform at festivals, theatres and community spaces in the Midlands and beyond. They deliver bespoke projects and creative workshops for people who need more support, joy and confidence in their lives. They are a charity and rely on donations to help fund our work Every project is unique and engage audiences in usual ways.

Amy Nicholson is the artist/researcher currently undertaking 101 Outdoor Arts' collaborative PhD with the Central School of Speech and Drama, exploring creative technologies in public arts.