- Published:
- Friday 13 February 2015
Footscray’s large-scale puppet company, Snuff Puppets, is accustomed to thinking big – but now they’re aiming for the record books, entering their latest creation into the Guinness World Records as the World’s Largest Puppet.
Measuring 26 metres, the human puppet is operated by up to six puppeteers at a time and is a celebration of the human body. It features detachable organs, limbs and a range of other surprises that creatively demonstrate how the body works both inside and out.
Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, joined Federal Member for Gellibrand, Tim Watts, to witness the official measuring today. The official measurements, taken by a professional surveyor, will now be formally submitted to the Guinness World Records headquarters in London.
The current Guinness World Record for the Largest Puppet/Marionette is 17.82 metres for a puppet created in 2008 in Ottawa, Canada.
Snuff Puppets, which was founded in 1992, regularly performs in local festivals and events in Melbourne and across Australia. The company has toured over 25 countries from Indonesia to Ireland, Peru to Portugal. It has created hundreds of giant puppets in collaboration with professional artists and community members across the globe.
The giant human puppet will come alive as part of Snuff Puppets’ latest performance Everybody, which is on now as part of the SummerSalt Festival.
The free performances can be seen from 13-15 February before going on tour. For more information visit summersaltfestival.com.au/everybody
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley
“Snuff Puppets have a reputation for breaking new ground but this puppet has, quite literally, taken the company to new heights.”
“Snuff Puppets are wonderful ambassadors for Victorian creative leadership and are in hot demand both locally and overseas. This world record would cast the international spotlight on them once again.”
“Not only is this puppet a great feat, it’s the centrepiece of a great show. I encourage you to come along to SummerSalt this weekend and enjoy the work of one of Victoria’s favourite creative companies.”