Nik Palmer
('Noisy Oyster')
Nik Palmer was fortunate to be born into the world of puppetry, son of Ray and Joan DaSilva, founders of the Norwich Puppet Theatre and the DaSilva Puppet Company. Being surrounded by creatives and puppets from an early age was a huge leg up to a lifelong career as puppeteer, puppet maker and musician. After a period of time working at the Norwich Puppet Theatre and a short spell at Le Coq, Nik founded his own company, Parachute Theatre, to explore his own style and ideas. The first production, Punk and Judy, an anarchic tabletop version of the traditional show, toured for 22 years, winning the Ghent International Puppet Buskers festival prize in 1993.
Parachutes other work included large community productions and huge late-night shows at the Glastonbury Festival 1997-2000. Nik now works with his partner Sarah Rowland-Barker, who came from a dance and circus background, as Noisy Oyster. Since forming Noisy Oyster in 2006, Nik and Sarah have devised and performed a number of puppet productions in a variety of styles which they have toured extensively at home and abroad. The company have gained a good international reputation with their show Plain Bob, and in 2013 won the prize for Best Street Show at the World Puppet Carnival in Indonesia. They have now performed in over 25 countries, whilst at home their show Dangerous Dave remains a firm festival favourite.
Nik continues to push the boundaries of puppet construction and operation techniques with his uniquely designed 3D printed puppets which has resulted in some highly articulate puppets, which are available to purchase. Also, an Arts Council grant to build an installation piece, called The Noughty One, that explores the relationship between robotics and traditional marionette techniques. WEBSITE Facebook
