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Editorial Coverage |
Editorial Quotes
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Events You Might Have Missed British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild - February 2005 (review by Peter Charlton) "Joe Gladwin's name has become so associate with toy theatre that many people probably think that is all he does. But Joe is something of a veteran puppet performer (I hope he doesn't mind me calling him that) and is skilled in many branches of the art. I think he once was a member of Barry Smith's Theatre of Puppets. I was delighted to be invited to the lovely Somerset village of Batcombe one Sunday afternoon in January to see his latest adventure - a marionette presentation of 'The Sleeping Beauty'. The newly built village hall was packed with excited children (and their equally excited mums, dads and grandparents). On entering the hall, we were immediately rewarded with Paperplays most beautiful, light-rimmed, theatre and when the curtain rose, their equally beautiful scenery. Anyone who has seen a Paperplay production will not be surprised to hear that all the scenery and effects in this production are a delight to ear and eye. The somewhat angular wooden-carved marionettes reminded me of some on display in the recent Hungarian exhibition at the National Theatre. Knowing Joe's vocal and acting dexterity, I was surprised that the action was almost all 'dumb show', the story being told by a puppet story-teller. An interesting way of telling the tale - and it certainly kept the audience transfixed all the way. Well, not quite all the way!. The bad fairy came on to a spurt of smoke which immediately set off the smoke alarm (you never have that trouble in old buildings!) and there had to be a short interval whilst someone found out how to turn the darn thing off. Joe and his partner rose to the occasion though and resumed the performance with charm and vigour. Worth the long drive." Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 Next >> |