by Neil Bartlett and the Handspring Puppet Company

directed by                   Neil Bartlett
design by                     Rae Smith
Lighting design               Chris Davey
Music                         Marcus Tilt
Sound designer                Christopher Shutt
Puppet Design                 Adrian Kohler
Company Voice Work            Kate Godfrey

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approx. 1h 50min, no interval

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press night (world premiere) 5.10.2010 (29.10.2010)

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The Company:
Adjoa Andoh
Basil Jones
Finn Caldwell
Adrian Kohler
Craig Leo
Tommy Luther
Mervyn Millar
Marcus Tilt

Adjoa Andoh is the narrator, Doctor, Nurse, House Keeper and Lawyer
Other members of the company not only move the puppets but also provide the voices to the characters.


The Story: an old gay couple (old puppets) (born 1951 and 1952, resp.) in South Africa has to realize that the end is near for one of them. They begin to reflect on how the met in 1971 (young puppets), admitted their homosexuality and the conflicts in the context of the political and social changes. The puppets are moved by hand over the central stage, with all props are brought on and taken away by the actors. From bringing them to bed to moving their younger version like swimming in an ocean, it makes one forget that they are puppets. Mr. A struggles with his memories, trying to remember people by going through old photos and the frustration when his memories doesn't add up.
Mr. A and Mr. B have to make a decision on making a will (Adjoa Andoh is hilarious as smart lawyer manipulating her clients).
Their are taken care of by their housekeeper and a guard dog (puppet). They play ends (in 2036) when they have made peace with each other.

At times a bit too busy to have the focus only on the puppets but then they are incredible moving scenes between the puppets which couldn't fell more real and touching.

Worth watching! At times is becomes a bit difficult to see who is playing who and the swift changes are very impressive.
Maybe best from the cheap seats at the top as the puppets are covered by too many people operating them at times.