NEVER let it be said that EBOS takes the easy approach.
The amateur group, based in Wokingham Without, could have staged another crowd-pleaser, a Gilbert & Sullivan or an umpteenth performance of My Fair Lady.
But for their spring production, the talented cast have chosen to stick their hands up and work with puppets.
The team have been busy over the past few months getting to grips with the furry characters as they present their take on West End sensation Avenue Q.
Created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of songs for Disney’s Frozen, the show offers audiences a glimpse into what Sesame Street might have been like if it had an X-Rating.
This is one of the first performances of the show by an amateur company and it tells the story of Princeton, a recent college graduate trying find his way in the world.
Set in New York City, he struggles to find his purpose: meeting colourful new friends along the way. Inspired by Sesame Street, but with a twist, Avenue Q creates a puppet- filled world reflecting of the realities of what it truly means to be all grown up.
The cast have also had the challenge and joy of working with professional puppets, reflective of those which were used in the original West End and Broadway productions, and they say that they cannot wait to be able to show their new found skills with our audiences.
The show’s director is Luke Burton and he has been enjoying the challenge of fusing fuzzy felt with actor.
He said: “I have been blessed with a truly awesome cast and production crew, so the whole process has been a dream and I know that we will produce a breath-taking show for the audience.
“This show comes with so many different challenges as it is mainly puppet characters, so it’s been a huge learning curve for all of us working this in to the performances but everyone has worked so hard, it’s becoming second nature which is important.
“I believe the audience can expect a true tour de force of humour and emotion with this show and a real insight into humanity (albeit portrayed mainly by puppets).”
And he made a special appeal to readers to get booking tickets.
“Please come and support local theatre,” he said. “With the incredible talent on stage I guarantee you will go home singing the songs (not in front of your kids) and thinking about life in a positive way but mainly having a great night out.”
The show, which is ages 16 upwards, is performed at South Hill Park in Bracknell from Tuesday, May 7 to Saturday, May 11. Curtain up is at 7.45pm nightly and a Saturday matinee takes place at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £19 to £21.
For more details, or to book, log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk or call 01344 484123.
JOHN WAKEFIELD
