The Penguins Have Arrived. Nobody Sent For Them.
Penguins Abroad — Animatronic Penguin Walkabout | Family Street Theatre for Hire
The Act
Jim Henson always hid a group of holidaying penguins in the background of any exotically set Muppet Show sketch. They were never explained. They were never the point. They were just there — waddling, curious, profoundly unaware that they were out of place — and somehow funnier for all of it.
Penguins Abroad is built on exactly that instinct.
Accompanied by a fun-loving steward in a straw hat and Hawaiian shirt — a person who has clearly decided that if you can't beat them, you join them — the Penguins Abroad waddle, nuzzle and purr their way around your event. They are curious about everything. They are suspicious of nothing. They find your guests utterly fascinating and make absolutely no apology for saying so.
They won't bite. They may decide on being friends forever.
Available as a pair for more intimate events, or as a full flock for the kind of attention-stopping, where-do-I-look effect that turns a walkabout into a spectacle, the Penguins Abroad are among the warmest, most universally beloved acts in the Creature Encounter repertoire. Nobody — not children, not adults, not the most committed cynic at the event — is immune to a penguin who has decided you are interesting.
The Craft
Each penguin is an animatronic creature built and performed to the same extraordinary professional standard that underpins every Creature Encounter act. Up close, the effect is astonishing. The movement, the nuzzling, the purring — every detail is calibrated to produce genuine, involuntary warmth in whoever is on the receiving end of it. Photographs are inevitable. Smiles are guaranteed. The steward in the Hawaiian shirt is optional to engage with but impossible to ignore.
The Jim Henson Connection
Creature Encounter's work sits squarely in a tradition that runs from Henson through to the great street puppet and mask companies of the contemporary outdoor arts scene — work that takes puppetry seriously as an art form, that treats its audience as intelligent and emotionally engaged, and that never mistakes spectacle for substance. The penguins are funny. They are also, in the best Henson tradition, genuinely moving. That combination is rarer than it sounds, and it is what keeps audiences talking about this act long after your event is over.
Perfect For
Penguins Abroad is a natural fit for seaside and coastal themed events, Antarctic and wildlife themes, winter and Christmas events, ice themed events, Madagascarand adventure film-inspired occasions, natural history and science festivals, family festivals, outdoor arts programmes, shopping centre activations, literary events, and any occasion that calls for something warm, funny, and completely irresistible. The flock configuration is particularly effective in high-footfall environments where multiple encounters can happen simultaneously across an event site.
What People Say
"We had a fantastic day and you were brilliant- and fitted perfectly into the theme of the day and the audience we had-you were loved by all."
- Sarah Hammond, Treasure House Education Officer
"Creature Encounter is extremely professional, creative and hugely talented. Very reliable, dependable, helpful and personable. Michael and Jamie are two of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Would highly recommend."
-Diane Norton, Ilford Business Improvement District
Photos are courtesy of Sara-Lou Bowrey and Mike Sewell
Booking Information
Performers: 3 performers (2 penguins + steward) — scales with flock size
Format: Walkabout — roaming across your event site for 3 x 30-min sets per day
Configuration: Available as a pair or full flock — please enquire for details and pricing
Suitable for: Indoor and outdoor events — flat, accessible terrain preferred
Technical requirements: A clean, secure and private changing space within 30 metres of the performance area and free parking
Please note: This act dislikes stairs
Available: UK-wide and internationally
Tech Spec: RAMS and PLI availableon request
To check availability or discuss your event, use the enquiry button in the bottom right corner. We're happy to advise on routes, scheduling and how best to deploy the act across your site.
International Excess Baggage Details
Minimum x 3 Performers required to travel
x 6 Suit Cases @ 78 x 58 x 28cm
23kg +23kg + 23kg + 23kg +23kg + 23kg
Total: 138kg - 6 pieces
Creature Encounter are designers, makers and performers of extraordinary puppet experiences, based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Established in 2004, we have delivered world-class animatronic street theatre across the UK and internationally, including Kuwait, Indonesia, Estonia, Singapore, Monaco, Russia and beyond.