A Curious Quest is a whole primary school, design–led show which tours without performers or technicians. A long-forgotten museum cabinet of lost and found historical artefacts is presented in assembly; each year group is allocated an exhibit to study. Year six research Folklore; a box enchanted with ancient Celtic magik to trap a mischievous sparrow-like sprite. Intrigued, they illicitly unlace it…Over the next three weeks the sprite comes alive through chalky scurried footprints, piles of rusty treasures, nests in books and technical wizardry. It is under threat, only the students’ exploration of local history can lure it to safety.

The manifestation of this character was a complete collaboration. Rather than traditional drawings and models, the design process utilised a series of prototypes. The creative team trialled how the sprite might move, the noises it makes, its reaction to fear, to create an awe-inspiring narrative through the smallest of objects.