Actors given early chance to get to know puppet characters
ORIGINAL puppets from the West End production of Avenue Q have arrived in the island, much to the excitement of members of Music Theatre Guernsey.
They have been rehearsing for its production of Avenue Q since February, and now can practice with the puppets during the six weeks leading up to the show.
‘It will really bring the show to life,’ said MTG founder and director of the production Darren Alderton.
‘The show wouldn’t have happened without them.’
The musical sees college graduate Princeton, who has recently moved to New York, struggle to find jobs, dates, and his life purpose, along with his new friends from the neighbourhood.
‘It’s such a niche show to be able to stage and to have that opportunity to make it work in Guernsey,’ Mr Alderton said. ‘It’s reminiscent of our childhood, but with adult topics.’
Usually, puppets would arrive the day or two before a show, so he was glad the actors would have the time to familiarise themselves with them.
The cast had been using ‘rehearsal eyes’, which are bands with eyes attached to them used to refine the motor skills for puppetry.
‘They are really good for refining the puppetry skills. It’s good to get it right rather than rushing straight to using the puppets.’
He hoped the show would be a unique and exciting piece of theatre for the island, made possible by the use of the original West End puppets.
‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for this to happen in Guernsey.’
.Tickets are still available for the MTG’s performances on the first weekend of June. Book online at www.mtgsy.gg or call 0333 666 33 66. The show carries a parental advisory warning due to some of the subjects tackled.
