Getting A Head In Puppetry.

Dear Scallywagistas.

Having been dabbling in smaller scale puppets for a bit, (see pic on the right) I am back to large scale, moving mouth foam rubber with the gentleman pictured below. He as yet has no defined name or character (or indeed body) but many ideas, and of course potential. I think there may be a "Meet the director" thing after the STAN show in Croydonites, and I plan to bring him down there to illustrate how my puppets have evolved over the years (STAN was my first puppet).  Tickets are still available so hurry! I posted a pic of him on Facebook today, and so far comments have been that he looks angry, unhappy and mean. (Perhaps they were talking about me?) I think he's more enigmatic and pensive. (Perhaps I'm talking about me?) But foam rubber is in the eye of the beholder and all that. Probably.

Hokey pokey, onwards and upwards. Or sideways.

STAN's Nürnberger Trial.

Dear Scallynaggers,

Just in case you covert continued compulsion and coercion to come to Croydon, here's an excellent review from the local newspaper we got for a show in Nurnberg as part of the amazing

Figurentheater Festival Erlangen

probably the best (and certainly the biggest) puppet festival in the German speaking world, translated by my ex, proving she wasn't completely useless. What d'you mean, bitter?

Tickets availa-bubble here - get 'em while they're hot. 

STAN review - Nürnberger Zeitung,

The one-man-show "STAN" again proves that the best humor is not just slapstick but has discreet depth. At first sight STAN is the archetype of a chauvinist: sexist to the threshold of pain, testosterone driven and in an absolute yet inadequate manner sure of himself. But behind this facade lies a sensitive inner life. That this identity crises is so fascinating can alone be accredited to Jim Barnard's accomplished performance and his remarkable physical skill. He is a puppeteer with both feet and one hand in his Alter Ego.

And here's an excellent flyer designed by the Incorrigible Graphics Maestra Jona Borrut for a show we did up in Norway.

Now´s the time to post a rhyme.

Dear Scallywaggers, small and great,
A week today will be the date,
And curtain up will be at 8,
For STAN to get in motion,

That´s why I felt today was right,
To tell you of that splendid night,
Once more to ram home, if I might,
More Shameless Self Promotion.

So come to Croydon, if you dare,
Put on a frock and do your hair,
For Croydonites first night is there,
And folks will be excited.

So get your tickets in advance,
Next Thursday is your only chance,
I´ll be so thrilled I´ll sing and dance.
And STAN will be delighted.