A giant tribute to street arts and Jane Austen at Hat Fair 2025
On Saturday 5 July, the streets of Winchester were graced by a towering and elegant figure: a 9-foot living statue puppet created and performed by Blue Apple Theatre’s Special Assignments Company. As part of this year’s Hat Fair—the UK’s longest-running festival of outdoor arts—this promenade performance paid homage to two iconic traditions: the timeless art of living statues and the spectacular use of large-scale puppets in street theatre.
The puppet was originally created in collaboration with Play to the Crowd, Hat Fair and New Carnival, and this year’s performance held special significance as it marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. In a fitting tribute, our puppet embodied the spirit of Austen herself, promenading gracefully through Winchester’s historic High Street and beyond the Buttercross, much to the delight of gathered crowds.
The performance was a true ensemble effort. Two different performers took turns carrying the puppet’s frame and operating her expressive head, while a team of puppeteers in home-made Regency costumes (inspired by her books) animated her arms, carried oversized quills, and even performed a charming period dance. The result was a seamless blend of movement, character, and storytelling that brought Jane vividly to life.
"This project has been such a celebration of visibility, creativity, and collaboration,” said Blue Apple Theatre’s Associate Director, Rebecca Godden. “We’re so proud of the performers who brought our Jane to life, and it’s been a real joy to share this moment with the Winchester community.”
Promenade and pride: a performance with purpose
At Blue Apple Theatre, we believe in the power of inclusive performance to connect people and communities. This living statue was more than a spectacle—it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and visibility in public spaces. We’re proud to showcase the talents of our performers with learning disabilities and to share their work with audiences in such a joyful and public way.
We invite you to watch the short video of the performance and, if you enjoy it, to share it with others. By doing so, you help us spread the word about the value of inclusion in the performing arts and the importance of making space for every voice on our streets and stages.
This video shows Blue Apple Theatre’s Special Assignments Company at Winchester’s Hat Fair promenading a 9-foot living statue puppet inspired by Jane Austen. Promenading through the High Street and beyond the Buttercross, the puppet was animated by a team of performers in Regency dress.