Sticks Stones Broken Bones

Recommended for awards from the Edinburgh Fringe, the Perth Fringe and the Adelaide Fringe, this clever production from Bunk Puppets is entertaining and intriguing. Puppeteer Tim Sneddon is a versatile performer who initially captures the interest of the audience with a range of strange vocal sound effects, then totally captivates them with a delightful ‘cast’ of shadow puppets that he creates on stage from various pieces of clothing and household detritus.

Multiple gloves, pieces of tinsel, a teddy bear, his shoe – even a member of the audience – are transformed and manipulated in front of a screen to become an array of comical characters in a series of shadow cartoons that are as fascinating as they are funny.

From a balloon, an old wig, strips of masking tape and a pair of scissors, he demonstrates the creation of his first puppet which, with very dexterous hands, he tranfers to the screen as a person eating popcorn while watching a movie, complete with changes of atmosphere and a constant ‘commentary’ of guttural sounds effects.

In scenarios involving dodgy brain surgery, a ninja battle, even a clever horse race, Sneddon engages the audience, with both his hands and his feet creating the moving parts of an array of comical characters that come to vivid shadow life.

Between scenarios he fashions a new ‘set’ and puppet character from the variety of paraphernalia assembled on the stage. As he does so, he uses his substantial background in physical theatre and clowning to keep the audience entertained. His pratfalls and wacky sounds have instant appeal to the younger members of the audience who may not appreciate the creative work he is doing at the same time.

Tim Sneddon is a talented and appealing performer who brings yet another genre to the theatrical experiences that Monkey Baa offers to Sydney’s young audiences. The production is well-paced, carefully crafted and very skillfully performed – and it’s creative appeal is universal … as its credits from a variety of festival attest.

Carol Wimmer