The Man Who Wanted to be a Penguin

This is Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company’s first original story which premiered at ARC, Stockton, in December 2019.

“This is the story of an extraordinary explorer, a curious conjurer and pioneering problem-solver. You’ll find him pottering in his shed; planning his latest mission. He is learning to speak Penguin and hopes that you will too!
When he arrives at the Antarctic, will its icy wilderness meet his excited expectations? Will the penguins’ reception be frosty, or will the colony welcome him with open wings?!
With a playful energy and a mix of puppetry and music, this show will be a delightful celebration of wild creativity and the joy of individuality.”

From an on-stage point of view, this two-hander production is such a wonderful and invigorating daily experience. I have had the joy of playing to audiences at both The Drum in Theatre Royal Plymouth Dec 2021-Jan 2022 and Waterside in Greater Manchester Dec 2022. I’ve worked alongside not one, but two incredible actors; first Jonny Hoskins and most recently Steve Salt. No single show feels the same as another with the joyful opportunities for generous improvisation that punctuate the script. If I was asked to pick a favourite element of the show, I couldn’t, because I love all the things! There’s the multi-roling, highly physical theatre style, comedy, puppetry, versatile set, music and lighting, the energy of the story, the message…It’s a wonderful piece of storytelling led by a marvellous director, with an incredible team behind the scenes, without whom it wouldn’t be what it is!