Newbury puckers up for a singalong with giant lips
As part of the Newbury Easterfest celebrations Puppets with Guts Theatre certainly brought a new meaning to lip-sync with their enormous three-metre tall colourful puppet lips, writes ROBIN STRAPP.
Once again Newbury BID, the Corn Exchange and 101 Outdoor Arts have brought a new spectacular outdoor extravaganza to the streets of Newbury.
Based in Brighton and Hove, this company have toured internationally and have built up a reputation for courageous, subversive, animated performances in theatres including Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse as well as in the film series of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and outdoor spaces.
The trio of bright red lips were operated by three puppeteers, each wearing portable speakers as they serenade the delighted passers-by. They had a warm empathy with their audience, cleverly interacting with them including some unsuspecting children who were mesmerised by these giant moving red lips.
In the evening production the lips changed colour to reflect the playlist of songs and included pyrotechnics and smoke effects – something spectacular to watch.
However, for the day time performance, which I really enjoyed, they paraded from the Market Place down Northbrook Street to the Clock Tower, followed by a large crowd with some singing karaoke-style along to the varied song list.
There was an eclectic collection of popular songs played from Bowie to Beyoncé, including such favourites as I’m so Excited, Baby Love, It’s Raining Men and even some showstoppers from West Side Story.
There was certainly a track for everyone to enjoy and join in singing.
The puppeteers appeared to be having as much fun as the walking audienc, with large smiles on their faces as they skilfully entertained us.
This surreal production was all rather kitsch, but also surprisingly bold, and above all tremendous fun. A great way to spend some time on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Newbury town centre.
ROBIN STRAPP