The Challenge

For the "Christmas at Kenwood" light trail, our partners at Culture Creative needed to transport visitors from the grounds of a historic English heritage site to the fantastical world of J.M. Barrie’s Neverland. The brief was to move beyond standard light installations and create key narrative landmarks - physical "plot points" that would immerse guests in the story of Peter Pan. We were tasked with fabricating two high-impact, large-scale props that combined structural integrity with theatrical magic to serve as the trail's showstopping centerpieces.

 

The Idea

Our concept was "Kinetic Storytelling." We didn't just want to build static statues; we wanted to build characters that felt alive. To achieve this, we utilized two distinct fabrication disciplines: delicate, illuminated artistry for the Tick-Tock Crocodile, and raw, industrial steelwork for Skull Rock. By integrating animatronics and pyrotechnics into these builds, we aimed to add a layer of movement and surprise that would heighten the drama of the trail and engage visitors of all ages.

 

The Experience

• The Animatronic Crocodile: We brought Captain Hook’s nemesis to life as a spectacular 6-metre illuminated lantern. Far from a static display, this beast featured a custom-built animatronic jaw mechanism. The snapping movement added a visceral, kinetic element to the trail, turning a beautiful lighting installation into a living, breathing character that delighted (and slightly terrified) guests.

• Skull Rock: To represent the pirates' lair, we fabricated a 4-metre-tall welded steel skull. This imposing structure required heavy-duty architectural fabrication to ensure stability and safety in an outdoor public setting. It served as a darker, dramatic counterpoint to the festive lights around it.

• Integrated Pyrotechnics: We elevated the Skull Rock from a piece of scenery to a theatrical event by integrating pyrotechnics within the steel frame. The bursts of fire and smoke transformed the structure into an active volcano of danger, surprising visitors and creating a highly "Instagrammable" moment.

• Immersive Scale: Both props were designed to dwarf the audience, playing with scale to make visitors feel small - just like the children in the story of Neverland.

 

The Results

The project successfully anchored the narrative of the Kenwood House trail, providing the major "wow" moments that guests anticipated. This activation showcased our versatility in production - proving we are equally comfortable with delicate lighting design, heavy steel fabrication, and complex mechanical integration. Together with Culture Creative, we turned a winter walk into a theatrical journey.