Wherever Alby goes, adventure is not far behind, and he quickly finds himself on a mission to help save his friends (and the world), before it’s too late!
Alby the Penguin Saves the World by Helen Eastman runs at Reading Rep Theatre 6-18 April.
The Artiscape spoke with Puppeteer Victoria Jane who plays multiple roles in this performance.
Could you tell us what led you to be a puppeteer?
My first professional puppeteering job was when I operated Noo Noo the Hoover for the television series of the Teletubbies back in 2015. I had actually auditioned to play Laa Laa but ended up working as the Noo Noo instead. So in a way, I fell into puppetry by accident. I have worked in Skin costumes (big character costumes/animatronics) for a very long time and I think that style of acting has a lots of similarities to puppetry. The art of being able to bring an inanimate object to life, however big or small and I find it absolutely magical to explore. I love it and have been lucky enough to continue with the art form since.
How did you develop your craft as a puppeteer?
It was actually working with the lovely Helen Eastman (the writer and director of Alby) on her production of In The Night Garden Live where I was able to really learn the finer details of puppeteering. It was a real privilege to learn skills like that on a job, but there are fun projects that I have done at home, and other people can try too. Find an object from around your home and try and bring it to life. I made a hair scrunchie into a frog for an audition once and its a really interesting and fun way to explore the world of puppetry. Giving your object breath, an eye line and centre of gravity and see how you can make them move.
What attracted you to this script?
Children’s theatre is one of my favourite types of theatre but you find productions patronising children with the messages of their shows. Alby has been beautifully written by Helen to enlighten and educate its audiences in an important message without being preachy or patronising. I love how warm and relatable all of the characters are and I think our audiences will love them too.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Which one?! It is so much fun to be able to bring 8 different characters to life during this show. Alby is courageous, inquisitive, and quite a funny little penguin. He is a joy to share the stage with. Probably the silliest character to play is the Teacher- she is a know it all, who thinks she is cool when she really isn’t! She is great fun to play.
What are you most looking forward to about performing in this play?
It is very special to be a part of a show that you’re really proud of, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this one. The multi-roling for me is the true highlight. I have never had so many roles to play in one go and it’s brilliant.
What do you think an audience will enjoy about the play?
The story is fun and heart-warming, which is an enjoyable way of teaching us all about what we can do to play our part in changing the Earth’s future. And there is also a football playing penguin!! There is definitely something for everyone.
Alby the Penguin Saves the World runs from 06 APR 2022 – 18 APR 2022
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