Born no longer than a year ago, the Rough Puppet Theatre Company (and Symphony Orchestra) has already picked up a special award for their street entertaining at the annual London new years parade. This is the second year in a row performers from the borough have picked up this plaudit after Albert & Friends Instant Circus won in 2002.
Zanna from Rough Puppet said: "The new years day parade was a very positive way to start the new year. There was a great feeling of solidarity from the crowd who were determined to have a good time despite the weather. From the oldest to the youngest members of the troupe, we are truly delighted to win this marvellous prize."
The Rough Puppet Theatre Company is a collaboration of performers of all ages, including musicians, artists, fire eaters, jugglers, a DJ, an architect... Between them, they have performed in a variety of ways all over the world. Based in West London, they gave their seel-out debut performance at the Riverside Studios in 2002. Since then, they have been invited to Poland and Brazil with their current show Beowulf.
Beowulf is an interactive show using light, shadow-puppets, hand-puppets, humour, imagination, food, music and slides to bring to life this Anglo-Saxon tale.
The Rough Puppet Theatre Company is hoping to take part in the Hammersmith and Fulham Festival in April and is currently seeking a venue. It can be contacted at zanna@care4free.net or on 0207 6024977