‘Thingamabobas’ is a playful, sensory experience where participants meet and interact with a circus troupe of performative mechanical and kinetic structures. In this animatronic and robotic circus of bizarrely wonderful machines created to inspire, delight and intrigue.
We explored a world of overlooked treasures, transforming old toys, kitchen tools, and clock parts into one-of-a-kind Thingamaboba
A whimsical, contactless sensory experience where participants engage with a circus of hybrid mechanized smart sculptures. These sculptures are created from sustainable and repurposed materials, integrated with sensing technologies.Drawing inspiration from the absurd and imaginative contraptions of British artists Heath Robinson and Rowland Emett, as well as the playful spirit of Calder's Circus. These artificial life forms captivates viewers with their enchanting movements. Incorporating elements of robotics, automata, object theatre, found object, puppetry, and circus acts.
75% of children and 64% of adults said they had not been to an interactive experience like the Thingamaboba before. This indicates that for many, Thingamabobas offered a unique and novel adventure, drawing them into a world of imagination and creativity.
"The spectacular, the unexpected, the enchantment, the inventiveness, all of it!" Parent review
Tour Schedule 2021-25
- 29th May -6th June 2021-Lakeside Arts, Nottingham, UK
- 30th June -8th July 2021 Nottingham City Libraries- Dales and St Anns
- 8th Sept 2021 Cobot Maker Space, University of Nottingham
- 14th to 18th Oct 2021 Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington, UK
- 3rd to 4th June 2023- Green Hussle Festival, City Arts, Nottingham, UK
- 8th to 9th July 2023- National Festival of Making
- 22nd August to 8th September 2023- Mansfield Museum, Mansfield, UK
- 29th May to 2nd June 2024- Lakeside Arts, Nottingham- Book tickets here
'Very creative; good to encourage children to see new things in the 'ordinary.'
Parent feedback 2021
Developing our Learning Resource
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In October 2021, to help further develop and test our learning resource for Thingamabobas Installation we delivered a series of workshops in two schools, one in Hong Kong and one in Nottingham, to explore design thinking and tinkering. We worked in collaboration with Lakeside Arts at The University of Nottingham, Djanogly Strelley Primary School UK, Hong Kong artists Agnes Pang and Zoie So and Huen King Wing School, Hong Kong.
The results of our collaboration and the children's work is published in several Galleries here and a panel discussion was held on 20th October at Spark 2021 British Council Online Festival.
'A great interactive experience which encouraged my child to use her imagination."
Audience feedback, May 2021
Creating interactive MR experiences
For the participatory experiences in Thingamabobas, we have explored cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. We aim to create an innovative and eco-friendly interactive environment by tapping into contactless sensing and utilising recycled materials. Our team at The Cobot Maker Space, University of Nottingham, is pushing the boundaries of creativity by incorporating motion tracking, proximity sensors, Infrared sensors, robotics, and even foot-based pressure sensors into our installations. Through this fusion of art and technology, we are crafting a unique and engaging experience that combines science, creativity, and sustainability in a harmonious blend.
360 Videos of the Thingamaboabas
We created a series of 360 dance videos from the perspective of a Thingamaboba. Visit our Youtube channel to see more.
Interested in commissioning a design, hiring Thingamabobas or running an inventors workshops for an event? Contact us with any questions or queries and we will get back to you shortly.