‘any production by this small British company is bound to be something special’
- The Times
Fascinating and imaginative storytellers, The Paper Cinema, create extraordinary, magical worlds with vivid pen and ink drawings, intricate paper puppetry, and a treasure trove of acoustic and electronic sounds.
This show features the enchanting Rock Charmer, inspired by the legends and stories of Dorset’s rugged Jurassic Coast and a revival of the dream-like Night Flyer.
Set against the backdrop of Dorset's rugged coastline and the dramatic cliffs of Purbeck, The Rock Charmer delves into the enchanting legends inspired by the area's rich geological history. As the story unfolds, audiences are transported to a world where the stones and rocks of the landscape hold secrets, brought to life through The Paper Cinema’s unique blend of hand-drawn animation and live performance.
In this mesmerising show, experience how ordinary stones transform into extraordinary objects of wonder, guided by the mystical touch of the Rock Charmer. The performance captures the essence of the natural beauty and historical depth of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, creating an atmosphere that is both evocative and unforgettable.
This programme also features a revival of the classic Paper Cinema show, The Night Flyer. In this original creation, our hero crosses abstract landscapes on a bike in pursuit of a mysterious train and a lost girl.
Performed by two puppeteers and a multi-instrumentalist, The Paper Cinema invite you to step into a mesmerising realm where storytelling and visual artistry intertwine.
"The pleasure here is not just that the animations are both sinister and enchanting, or that the wonderful music gives the whole thing the feel of a quirky silent movie, but also that you can see how the show is being made right before your eyes." - The Guardian
"bound to delight" - The Telegraph
“Spellbinding” - Time Out
60-minute show suitable for age 8 upwards (who don’t mind being a tiny bit scared!)
Produced by Sound UK.
Night Flyer commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre.
About The Paper Cinema
Founded in 2004 by Nicholas Rawling with Imogen Charleston and Christopher Reed, The Paper Cinema creates unique, magical performances that combine the languages of animation, music, film and theatre.
Accompanied by a live soundtrack, intricate pen and ink illustrations are skilfully manipulated in real-time in front of a video camera and projected onto the big screen.
Sitting in full view of the audience, the puppeteers and musicians work to a precise choreography that is as engrossing to watch as the story being played out above them.
With a readily transferrable DIY aesthetic, the company has performed in a diverse range of venues from village halls and arts centres to major film festivals and museums.
