'The Sultan's Elephant' by Royal de Luxe, produced in London in 2006 by Artichoke

The Sultan's Elephant was the biggest piece of free theatre ever seen in London, set against the city's magnificent landmarks. French theatrical magicians Royal de Luxe had already toured their elephant across Europe, but had never before performed in the UK.
The vast, time-travelling mechanical elephant, taller than Admiralty Arch and 42 tonnes in weight, was joined by a giant girl, twenty feet high. For four days they enthralled their audience with sprays of water, bus rides and by sewing cars to the ground. Then, when their time was up, they disappeared in a magical puff of smoke, leaving behind many wonderful memories.
The event was produced by Artichoke, a creative company that works with artists to invade our public spaces and put on extraordinary and ambitious events that live in the memory for ever.
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Artichoke works with artists to invade our public spaces and produce extraordinary and ambitious ephemeral events that live in the memory forever, transforming people’s lives by changing the way we see the world.

[@ksawerykaminski2606]

I cried because of the wonderful nostalgia the giant girl has brought me... The giants made big part of my childhood.

[@erothawilliams266]

I was there, with my son who was in his teens. And it was magical. The crowds were enchanted. The girl giant had a personality, the elephant was majestic. It was like a beautiful dream, peaceful, transporting us all back to our childhoods. Magic. Have never forgotten it. Thank you, Royal de Luxe,

[@katiegriffiths4938]

I remember and wish to go back, or at least for the world to go forward, to a time where people are able to share the magic of creativity and imagination, in ways like this again. The elephant, the little girl, the rocket, it really didn't matter who you were, young or old. The puppetry was exquisite, the scale extraordinary, the artistry magnificent. It was a similar feeling, to climbing a mountain and looking over the top, to the first time you balance and peddle your bicycle. Freeing through the opening of horizons. An experience of inspiration. Here was something that seemed impossible but if you or I could be hosed down by a gentle giant elephant in a city street, what other extraordinary and wonderful things might be possible? Thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory.

[@jdf9863]

I was there.. chasing this elephant on London streets. Magical!!

[@lovamowa-]

I recall being 8 years old when this happened. One of my favourite childhood memories. 23 now and still remember this experience from time to time 🥰

[@user-ye6zh9kg7n]

i envy that you had this wonderful memory

[@LetsimondesignIt]

My son was 4 and still remembers it. What a magical day it was.

[@jiggat8071]

never seen a troup of people bringing so much joy and happiness to the world. wether rich or poor, big or small, black or white, old or young. people crying cause of joy. you touches peoples hearts with this. you bring them moments they never forget. thousands of people gathering, everybody happy, everybody nice, everybody smiling. there should be a nobel prize for making people happy all over the globe. 🖤🖤🖤

[@reginalddoe]

I'm seeing this in 2019 and it brought me to tears Thank God I listened to the TED podcast

[@DuncanMinett]

Lol me too!

[@alexbaby5953]

Me too😊

[@jglolarga]

Same here! It’s spectacularly beautiful! From the Philippines!

[@handle-schmandle]

Same here. Wonderful. 😊

[@nurashariff5422]

Me too😊

[@blakrose81a.k.atheblackros67]

The girl puppet is giving that soft feeling I had as a child, that feeling takes me back to my childhood days as a kid.

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

yes I agree she gives us that feeling a good feeling the little giant girl I get happy when I see her beautiful face with her lovely brown eyes l love that girl I hope she comes back into the museum 👧❤️💋

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

l always watch the video of her I can't get enough 👧💋

[@miera1029]

I saw them when they were in The Netherlands with the diver, the girl and her dog. Was so beautiful, definitely my 3 happiest days. Wish I'd get to see the elephant some day in my life.

[@RoyTheMagnificent]

What a fantastic, magical day it would have been for a young family to witness and be a part of. I had never heard of this till I listened to a podcast this morning. What the hell was I doing in 2006?

[@nurashariff5422]

TED Radio Hour podcast?

[@barbaradelcanto369]

In 2006 I had two years haha

[@scarlettcorbett6719]

It’s lovely they let the kids go on her arms it’s like letting the kids part of the magic

[@ColinOBear]

I'm moved to tears every time I see this film - big round tears flowing down my face. Eleven years later now - could it happen again? I fear not.

[@energetica346]

This was just a perfect day in my life. A gem of a memory. Thank you dear London.

[@rbrooks2007]

It was the first thing I saw on BBC4 who showed it as a long documentary. In phoning them about any repeats they said they had no plans. Shortsighted BBC.

[@loisproctor8485]

@@rbrooks2007 I know it's been a long time ago, but I came across these videos months ago...I was watching what was called string puppets and a link came up for Giant marionettes. I googled it and came up with quite a few videos. They are amazing...I loved the dog. I wish I could see them in person.

[@loisproctor8485]

@@rbrooks2007 when I discovered these amazing marionettes I was glued to my phone watching every video that came up...I lost track of time and had to put my phone on charge a few times. I watched the girl, the dog, fisherman, grandmother, deep sea diver, an uncle? and the elephant. I don't know if there are more. I have a tablet an am going to see if I can get them on it...then I will be sure I can go to it at any time. I'm not to good with all this new fangled technology stuff. My great grandaughter has to show me how to do things on here. Take me back to the 50's I'll feel more comfortable. I read some if the comments on here people wishing they would bring the puppets here in USA. This would not be a good thing to do anymore...we are having mass shootings practically every day. It seems you can't go anywhere..schools, church, parades, shopping. Sad the way the world is going. If I would want to see the documentary that was on BBC....what would I ask for on google?

[@rbrooks2007]

@@loisproctor8485 I might still have a recording from the Irish Matters channel they had made an Irish 'mammy' for the crowds including a large comfy armchair for her to sleep in and she was equally loved.

[@loisproctor8485]

@@rbrooks2007 What amazes me most is the precise way the men direct these puppets to interact and not get the cables tangled. Very intricate maneuvers....must take months even years to perfect it..I will have to look for the Irish lady in her chair....thank you. 😊

[@SB-zl3kw]

I was there. It was an unforgettable day in my life, I will always remember and cherish it.Thank you for all who made it happen.

[@bigmort6916]

These beautiful creations I consider a work of art, strands of tissue on a bridge I do not ! Well done to all the giants creators these are all master piece’s !

[@PaoReno]

TED radio hour podcast brought me here :) but l was there in 2006! and l will NEVER forget that. This Elephant was beautiful l wish we could have it again !

[@DuncanMinett]

Lol me too!

[@tamaroo65]

I got this from the TED Radio Hour podcast too! I wish I'd been there - lucky you!!

[@trixietru]

This is what life is all about - coming together in joy and friendliness - not terror.

[@beasmith1]

Indeed. A time when London wasn't best known for terror & knives :(

[@SugarBlood15]

I dont know.This looks pretty terrifying to me.

[@mattstevens7601]

Governments should put all the money they put into making weapons into making giant robot puppets

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

Hello Trixie Trueblood you're right that's how it should be to be nice to each other 👍

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

then the world looked very different just like the giants you will be happy when you see them 🙏💕

[@kahlanstewart]

The sultans elephant is so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful a creation. Inspiring.

[@alain.10b95]

FANTASTIQUE !!!! Comme quoi on peut s'amuser, sans martyriser des animaux, sans les terroriser, sans trouver de la joie face à la souffrance animale. Je pense aux corridas, au lâcher de vachettes affolées dans les rues, et à tant d'autres distractions faites au détriment des pauvres victimes animales! Bravo aux créateurs géniaux de ces personnages géants extrêmement bien animés.

[@janetleslie9666]

Where was I in 2006--and in the years since--that I had never encountered the Sultan's Elephant until now! Thank you for this beautiful gift.

[@kerriewilliams8321]

Incredible, this brought me to tears of joy

[@TheCecil64]

Every time I watch this video I get tears? Thanks for sharing so much LOVE AND MAGIC.

[@adrianazayas]

OMG!!! is W O N D E R F U L !!!!!! it's magic!! thanks a lot for the great moment!!

[@pauloitalo6109]

That´s really fantastic! The Elephant is amazing! Love..love..love...

[@Ogsonofgroo]

2021 and still a fantastic masterful artistic effort by hundreds of people, that thrilled hundreds of thousands of children of all ages. It is unfortunate that its now so hard to find a whole story-line/parade one, the last link I had was deleted, everything else is in bits and pieces, too bad :( I hope this amazing troop has more for us yet.

[@michaelhobbs3105]

Back in 2006 I was only 15 when this was happening she was a stunning animated figure really adored her as many did even though I saw it on tv not live it was the most famous work of art event ever.

[@MMI5KS]

The guys and gals that operate these amazing puppets are absolutly out of this world..hope they get lots of money for entertaining people..fantastic ..im obsessed with them lol

[@MyMumHasEpilepsy]

Wonderful, amazing, awesome, beautiful! The creators are geniuses!

[@elissam.corsmeier469]

dang this was so beautiful Im in tears.

[@careyostrer6193]

Girl, and the song she sang (I’ve learned to clip my wings, and soften my ways, I’ve learned) -emotional, like many in the crowd. Remember her so well. Now Little Amal (Refugee Girl) in Belfast and touring Ireland is equally moving.

[@jozzybadges]

Merci à Royal de luxe. Thanks for sharing .

[@aliceszypulinski]

9:56 that little boy was crying coz he didn't want them to leave lol bless him

[@GaryOK]

I think I'll be doing the same tomorrow when they leave Liverpool ...and I'm 40 lol

[@aliceszypulinski]

I would of love to of gone and watched this I bet it was amazing

[@GaryOK]

After seeing them for the first ever time this weekend ... I'd love to work for Royal De Luxe !!! Truly bringing happiness and hope to millions worldwide with such wonderful creations :)

[@jimclancy2803]

I cried

[@Brayden15]

Alice It actually went to my city but I didn't go in 2015... 😭

[@mariusbaltazarrozenberg-ho9367]

beautiful - I cried

[@cosmikgazer]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who was moved to tears watching thing. I would love to see this in person some day!

[@DezNutzBich]

Came here after listening to Ted Radio/NPR Ted Talks. So cool!

[@lollic307]

I dont know how I got here.

[@lechandelier6672]

if you want the elephant has become an attraction in Nantes, France

[@niaara9407]

I love it .it's amazing

[@elllizzza]

Wow!!! I’d love to see this live!! Amazing work!! So beautiful!!

[@puttaswamymysuru]

Mysuru Dasara.... india Good video... ಮೈಸೂರು ದಸರಾ ವೈಭವ ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಬರುತ್ತದೆ...! Girl and elephant art'is very beautiful...

[@CreativeBlue]

A TED Podcast also brought me here and WOW. It's magical. Moving. Le mot « émerveillement » prend tout son sens ici.

[@Mortthemoose]

Wow! That looked amazing!

[@lizzierogers9743]

I was here when this happened, I was six years old

[@abdurahmansaeed2111]

and how old are you now? 🤔

[@zawyehtike3089]

@@abdurahmansaeed2111 14 years old.🙏

[@Amused_Comfort_Inc]

@@zawyehtike3089 if it was in 2006 and they were 6 when it happened.. Now its 2020.. Lol

[@Amused_Comfort_Inc]

You born 99 too or 2000? 😁

[@zawyehtike3089]

@@Amused_Comfort_Inc I'm born in 2002, 😃🙏 How about you?

[@victorforget34]

If you want see the great elephant every day, go to Nantes !

[@linmichtaylor4984]

Just saw this 2020 wow so amazing wish I had a chance to see that some day...

[@robertbonnin]

Je suis émerveillé encore et encore

[@lebamboo08]

It's very touching to watch it, So amazzzing..

[@wendypope37]

I was there it was absolutely spellbinding and amazing. The part where the elephant got caught in the tree coming round by the American Embassy. I forgot the elephant was spraying water. The puppets and puppetry amazing!!

[@brilloobrill1846]

Exhibit A: What art can do Exhibit B: What a 'waste of money' can do.... ....produce happiness and unity in everyone viewing it.

[@elfriponole3010]

La petite géante c'est chez moi a Nantes que cela a été créé Royal de Luxe 😊

[@sarahialondracm1498]

I really cry when the little gigant has gone 😭😭😭

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

Yes i cry to i hope she comes back maby perhaps in a noder role

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

l can't live without her if l can't see her anymore the little giant girl 😥

[@maxfahrnsworth]

I'm moving.

[@marcusbohm5600]

WONDERFUL ... love it.

[@nyrongristwood]

Something very special I remember the cars 'stitched' to the tarmac in pall mall

[@emilypidcock2308]

i was there when i was 4, feels like such a fever dream

[@77kimbaa]

Wow magnificent...ty ty ty

[@kathleenc8810]

All I can say is Wow!

[@umelecky]

Magical!

[@lorikendrick5076]

Those elephant eyes are amazingly real!

[@AL3ALAZAN]

hermoso! increible! me hizo llorar

[@ashwinkumar7052]

Im speechless.

[@ashutoshshrivastava8582]

The second song 2:02 is 'MHARI PREET NIBHAJO JI'. Its an Indian Bhajan song in voice of legend 'Lata Mangeshkar'. But here its a remixed version of the same.

[@Braddha]

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you... Cannot find the remix version though... It is SO good... Still searching.

[@revboddledale2601]

Band: Les Balayeurs du désert Album: Jules Verne Impact Track: Eléphant Walk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-ll6yned5jfrs

[@revboddledale2601]

Band: Les Balayeurs du désert Album: Jules Verne Impact Track: Eléphant Walk kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ-ll6yned5jfrs

[@dycbaylor02]

@@revboddledale2601 thank you Ben looking for this for years

[@paulmarsh9544]

Best video on you tube and only 228k views???

[@dilomarco]

Che meraviglia, chissà se verranno mai in Italia!

[@isobellaisobella6171]

Fantastic

[@barrywhitley2535]

Wonderful.

[@michaelalmond782]

Brilliant made me smile 😄

[@kanniammakanniamma5354]

amazing

[@nalahdez3190]

first song : Les Balayeurs du Desert - Decollage

[@UnterDerSonneOhUnterDerSonne]

Thank you very much!

[@PRADANATEKNIKAC]

Amazing☺

[@user-ph3kj2uc3u]

That DEMON had the balls to say MAGIC twice. Cloning.

[@bencaodedeus6255]

I'm from Amazônia. Thiago isso perfect!! wonderfullllllllll..

[@TimA.79.]

This video makes me happy ;)

[@alexandragerrits7076]

super gaaf ik kan er naar blijven kijken

[@johnbower7452]

Those puppets were so clever; makes me wonder if we'll ever see their like again.

[@jenwelsh6866]

Love her

[@compassontheroad5286]

the elephant is so so beautiful

[@eyeseafourpeople]

I was there, just 3 years old - imagine how large they seemed to me.

[@lisalopez556]

Just woow ❤️

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Wonderful performance thanks for sharing beautiful video

[@Brayden15]

2:56 rip everyones phones 😂

[@Amused_Comfort_Inc]

Hell nah those nokias were INVINCIBLE

[@assintec]

Lindo, que show isso é uma comunidade.

[@pierre-emerickaubameyang9117]

ouais c trop bien

[@patitosfeos]

Extraordinario, yo quiero hacer una cosa asi en mi tierra!!

[@justjimmy8939]

So weird that I remembered this randomly today. I went to the event as a kid and totally forgot about it. Don't know how my brain randomly remembered it.

[@divya2700]

I'm seeing this in 2020. Never knew such event ever existed!! I wish i could experience this in person.

[@monicamena4504]

Wow is so cool! Is giant the elephant!

[@RicTic66]

Amazing. So magical that it made so many people smile, the human condition can be such a wonderful thing when we are all in tune with no agenda. This is why religions are so damaging, you are not allowed just to be and feel you are controlled by dogma and fear.

[@screamingtima1318]

Absolutely fantastic! I’d love to know what thoughts were going through the children’s heads. ❤️

[@nanouklezaf4273]

Very poetic, Nantes is also home of Les Machines de l'Ile.

[@macarenafaundezsotomayor3631]

me encantaría que la pequeña gigante volvería a Chile

[@anthonyhamer6158]

this is good for people to come to so where they are cause not that much going on in a lot of places is there bring people in

[@camohunter1983]

anyone know the name of that song they play when she comes out? and if so who sings it?

[@HAA0603]

I was what 6 months old when this happened

[@terrorcop101]

Two minutes in and I'm thinking "Gulliver's Travels, anyone?"

[@LoriDunn]

THIS is puppetry!

[@patriciadavis5939]

This is big😝😜🤩

[@kskufan]

This is amazing!!! WOW !!! this is truly beautiful & inspiring and gives me chills! ( the eyes on the giant girl are Soulful and kind looking). This video makes me smile so much! I want to move there :-)! I'm going! I don't think they do anything like this in the United States. Maybe they do? Maybe I just don't know about it?

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

yes l agree she has beautifull brown eyes the way she Looks l love it she is my favorite gaint she is the only giant for my 😍💞

[@hildakalsbeek3375]

I hope she comes back but I have hurt that they are going to change her l hope not her face she will get another role in another story l hope so

[@lechandelier6672]

if you want the elephant has become an attraction in Nantes, France.

[@panjiagustiawan5356]

No smartphone was spotted

[@arbierix]

Hit the nail on its head!

[@arielargote702]

En que mes se hace esta fiesta?

[@hopnaymar]

❤️

[@spd3011]

Do you know how the first song is called???