Two new shows will be performed this month.
The Puppet Theatre Barge is showing two new extraordinary plays whilst moored in Richmond this month.
The inimitable venue returned this summer on its annual tour of the Thames as popularity continues to grow.
With a cast solely consisting of marionette puppets, the live animation company has carved itself a niche in London’s vast theatre scene.
The show’s director, Rob Humphreys, said: “People are looking for weird venues with weird atmospheres.
“The whole experience here is really discombobulating; it’s a totally new world.”
‘All he fears’, especially commissioned and written by Howard Barker, is a provocative play laced with profanity, sex and violence, certainly not for children. It centres on Botius, a philosopher of circumstances, who brings everything he dreads down upon himself.
Children are still encouraged on board, however, for the matinee performances of ‘The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop’. Carved marionettes, beautiful lighting and humour give these well-trodden fables a new lease of life.
The 55-seat Theatre Barge, usually moored in Little Venice, has been open for over twenty five years and has hosted thousands of performances.
The floating theatre ‘messes with your head’, explained director Mr Humphreys.
“As soon as you walk in, all sense of scale goes.”
‘All He Fears’ begins Friday 13 and will be shown on Fridays and Saturdays in September.
The barge is set to return home in October where ‘All He Fears’ will be performed as part of the Suspense Puppet Festival.
‘The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from Aesop’ will be presented daily during half term, between October 28 and November 2.
For information on the shows and how to book tickets visit: www.puppetbarge.com
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