Program

Hidden away in Hold One of the Stubnitz, precious and intricate machines sleepily await visitors to press their buttons and trigger them into action. Gears and cogs power up miniature performances that are funny, strange and unexpected. These are the automata of the Cabaret of Mechanical Theatre. Here you will find ingenious engineering allied with high art, a mischievous sense of humour, and even the chance to learn something of the art of mechanical movement yourself.

The collection, which includes pieces by well know artist-engineers Paul Spooner, Keith Newstead, Pierre Mayer and Matt Smith and features many of Spooner's iconic Anubis pieces, has travelled the world from Australia to Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo and the US. The Cabaret of Mechanical Theatre has also pioneered the creative use of technology by developing education projects in schools, museums and science centres.

Exercise your creative and making skills by building a machine to join a snaking line of linked-up automata. Over 50 machines will form an amazing temporary collaborative moving sculpture last done at the V&A. Uses pre-made components and a big pile of random found objects. No tools or special skills required.

Exhibition launch (including Ensemble Workshop) 6 - 9 pm /