Gastropodia

Giant hairy snail puppets, ridden by performers dressed as woodland imps, moving slowly through streets, malls or parkland rather than working from a stage. Based in Melbourne, the act runs its own musical score as it travels, and the snails have moving body parts built into the design along with a trailing watery slime effect. Two performers usually operate the piece, though it can also run as a solo. Onlookers are invited to pat the snails and take photos as the characters pass, in keeping with a gentle, curious tone rather than a fast-paced routine.