|
If
you've seen the pantomime, shouted 'Behind you' until you're blue
in the face and are looking for something different this Christmas,
then take an adventure inside the Chatterbox.
Watch:
Wolf talks about the Chatterbox
Watch:
Wolf talks about touring and his career
Video
links on this page require Realplayer
On
stage at the Norwich Puppet Theatre, the Chatterbox tells the story
of nine-year-old Billy.
Billy
finds finds himself stuck inside the Chatterbox, an extraordinary
machine invented by his grandfather that allows him to travel into
the world of books.
In
his efforts to escape, he follows a trail of clues through some
of the greatest and worst writing in the world, meeting characters
like Ben Gunn (Treasure Island), Sherlock Holmes (Hound Of The Baskervilles)
and the Big Bad Wolf (Red Riding Hood) along the way.
Hot
on his heels are the sinister bookworms, furiously devouring his
tale as fast as he can tell it!
Grandfather
builds a Chatterbox packed with literary adventures |
Big
Bad Wolf
The
cast includes Billy, his grandfather, Juliet (from Romeo and Juliet),
the Evil Genious and his pussy (who could have been in James Bond)
and stealing the show, Wolf.
In
an exclusive interview with BBC Norfolk Kids, Wolf said he'd been
born for the stage - literally.
"My
mother dropped me in the middle of MacBeth and then from then on
I started with a cute role as a small furry ball," he said.
"Then
I started huffing and puffing and I did audition for the Billy Goats
Gruff, but they wanted a troll," he added.
The
Chatterbox was created by a top-team of writers and puppeteers from
the Bristol based company Pickled Image. Rumour has it, the show
was made as a vehicle for Wolf's masterful acting abilities.
"I've
always been fascinated in books," said Wolf.
"There
were these people who wanted to produce something fantastic for
me to star in and they thought, books. Children are not reading
enough what with Playstations and Z-boxes and all that.
"What
we wanted to show was the wonder of books, they're not just boring
old dusty things with paper in - oh no. They're full of drama, danger,
love and all sorts of other exciting stuff.
"We
thought young people spend too much time watching computers and
not getting engaged enough with the written word," he added.
Astounding
reaction
Wolf
has been in the acting business for a few years, but reaction to
this show has been astounding.
Wolf
and Billy meet in the wood on the way to Little Red Riding Hood's |
"To
be honest, I've performed in many shows but never have we received
such plaudits from the children," he said.
"They
are so gripped by the story. I've sign many autographs - it's lovely,"
he added.
Like
many actors, Wolf also has a few favourites from the business.
"I
tell you Pinocchio, I find rather wooden, his style is not for me.
Kermit I hold in great respect, except when you do hold him you
get a very slimy hand and Miss Piggy - she's pork!
"I
could huff and puff with her for hours," said Wolf.
After
an extensive tour across the UK, Chatterbox concludes its run with
a number of shows at the Norwich Puppet Theatre, one of just three
puppet theatres in the England.
"We've
saved the best until last, " said Wolf.
"The
audience come knowing what they're going to see - sort of.
"They
might think they're coming to see cute little glove puppets, but
we're a better class of puppet. We're huge and multi-dimensional,"
he added.
Watch:
Wolf talks about the Chatterbox
Watch:
Wolf talks about touring and his career
Video
links on this page require Realplayer
Using
a range of beautiful puppets, film, animation and music - the Chatterbox
is an action packed, extremely funny, 55-minute performance.
The
Chatterbox was on stage at the Norwich Puppet Theatre from Wednesday
27, to Friday, 29 December, 2006.
|
