Working closely with BBC Worldwide and the Alton Towers Team, I was brought in at the beginning of the attraction's conception to develop, concept and problem-solve just how to bring the IP from the screen, into a repeatable live experience.

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There were many considerations to make, and the varied design challenges included:

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• Showbuilding exterior design to match the Furchester Hotel IP, incorporating details established on screen and plenty of parking for buggies.

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• Interior set design based on the set for the series, but with significant modification to turn this into a repeatable live experience, and focus attention in the right areas.

 

• Showspace design creation of a split level custom show-building so that performers could stand to operate the puppets but be hidden from view. A  hidden puppet pit was located behind the desk, sunk into the foundations of the building, and backstage puppet storage areas.​

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• Hi-res screens to incorporate Cookie Monster and Elmo, who could not appear live, but needed to interact seamlessly with the live performer and Muppet characters to be part of the show.

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• Audience participation throughout the performance via moments of interaction with props, and the lead live performer.​

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• Lighting and a mini set change that transforms the space into a disco for the end of the show without taking up valuable space inside the building.

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As a lifelong fan of The Muppets and Sesame Street, this was a fantastic project to develop, and I'm particularly proud of its longevity within the park, which is a testament to just how popular it is with visitors, despite no longer being a regular feature on the Cbeebies channel.

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Huge thanks to everyone involved in making it the success that it is, and long may it continue!