The Fairy who wanted to Fly was first performed as work in progress at Fringe Theatre Fest 2024. The work is inspired by the support I received during personal experience of bereavement, loss & PTS.

The central character Mary is a marionette carved & costumed during 2023. I had not carved for many years & with the support of my mentor John Roberts:PuppetCraft I created the basic figure and control mechanism. The raven & hand/rod puppets are inspired by Phil Fletcher:Hacker T Dog CBBC.

The story evolved during a period when I was receiving treatment for dissociation. Influences came from many directions as I regained cognitive function.

The environment of Torridge, where I was born, became an ally in my perception of myself as Permaculture practitioner. I completed a full time MA course in Arts Health and Wellbeing which provided intellectual stimulation to enable me to rewire my brain. Marjon University awarded me a bursary to study with Puppet Therapy Barcelona.

I based my dissertation on partnership work with Families in Grief. The show has evolved thanks to many supportive people. Last year my health prevented me from performing but this year Mary is ready to fly...