There is a highly creative improvised show that is creating quite a buzz during the first half of this festival. ‘The Mighty Little Puppet Show’ seamlessly brings together both of worlds of professional improvisation and puppetry to create a talented showcase that is charming, impressively handled and ultimately fun. With a special guest each night, and a rotating cast, (featuring on this particular night: Geoff Paine, Amy Moule, Scott McAteer, Caitlin Yolland, and show visionary Rob Lloyd), this is a production to be praised for the hard work that has evidently been put into concept, creation, workshopping, and skilful multitasking present. Hosted by the ever so positive and impeccably charismatic David S. Innes, the vibe in the room from beginning to end achieves exactly what a show of this calibre hopes to obtain: a highly enjoyable romp amidst a hard-working and well-connected cast.
The other true stars of the show are the Ritas; the distinguishably coloured puppets that begin with blank faces who come alive with character once different combinations of eyes and noses are magnetically applied. The puppets themselves provide many strong offers towards the handles of the shorter improvised scenes through their perceived emotions, goofy looks, and matched voices, which bring about some truly entertaining characters and situations. Even the positioning or rotation of the eyes can turn a scene in a different direction. The penultimate longer scene of the evening brings the guest star back into the limelight as the only non-puppeteered character onstage, completing a show that is thoughtfully crafted and peppered with smart call-backs. If you’re looking for something to add variety into your evening of comedy and are hoping for a safe bet, this creative endeavour should receive a nice big tick.
– Corey
Corey M. Glamuzina is a Melbourne-based actor, writer, improvisor and comedian with an avid involvement in the art of theatre and film.
‘The Mighty Little Puppet Show’ runs from the 24 March – 3 April (no show on Monday 28th) at The Upstairs Lounge at Little Sista. The venue is accessible.
Check out our guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for more great shows.
