Our Story
Founded in 2004 by Michael Crouch and Jamie Duncombe, Creature Encounters emerged from a shared passion for reinventing puppetry for contemporary audiences. What began in a Birmingham attic workshop has grown into one of the UK's busiest outdoor arts companies.
Michael Crouch and Jamie Duncombe founded Creature Encounters in 2004
Jingle Bells out and about
The company’s third trip to Moscow for the 2020 New Year was its final performance before the pandemic.
Building the Business:
From early experiments in puppet design and street theatre techniques, we developed a unique approach that fuses special effects artistry with live performance. Despite launching before the 2008 financial crisis, our commitment to quality puppet making and spectacular shows built steady demand.
Growth & Recognition:
Over 15 years, we've performed 200+ dates annually, providing 300+ days for freelance performers while establishing ourselves as trusted suppliers to major venues, festivals, and corporate clients across the UK and internationally. Our work spans everything from airport installations to royal events, from outdoor festivals to television productions.
Performance & Production:
We operate dual services: our performance company delivers live puppet entertainment and walkabout shows, while our design studio creates custom animatronic creatures, masks, and character costumes for productions. This combination of making and performing gives us unique expertise in bringing fantastical characters to life.
Today:
Creature Encounters continues pushing boundaries in puppet design, creature effects, and street theatre performance. We believe outdoor arts create vibrant, thriving communities where culture elevates everyday spaces. Our mission: deliver spectacular puppetry experiences that prove anything is possible.
Our Expertise
- Puppet design & fabrication
- Animatronic creature effects
- Walkabout character performances
- Street theatre shows
- Masks & costume design
- Live event entertainment
- Film & TV puppet making
- Festival performances
