THE puppet stars of The Albany's family Christmas show 3 Little Pigs met their real life contempories on a visit to a city farm last week.
Husband and wife puppeteers Laura Mugridge and Tom Frankland went to the Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe Street for inspiration on how to portray the trio of simple minded, kite flying hogs which feature in the Deptford theatre's festive production.
Also featuring a silver-tongued, hungry wolf, the play, which is running now until Christmas Eve, is a modern update of the traditional fairytale and takes its inspiration from 70s children’s TV programmes such as Pipkins, Vision-On, Rainbow and Bod, making it a feast of comical puppetry, cheesy music and loud wallpaper.
The loveable puppets are created and directed by maestro Marc Parrett who has worked with the Bristol Old Vic, Aardman Animations and the RSC.
Gavin Barlow, Albany chief executive said: "We’re thrilled to have 3 Little Pigs here for a full three weeks over Christmas.
"Often pantomimes are just that little bit too old for younger children.
"Here, parents can bring their little ones and know that the show will be engaging and fun.
"That’s not to say the parents don’t enjoy themselves too and sometimes it’s difficult to see who’s having more fun."
3 little Pigs. The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford. Performances until Christmas Eve. For tickets, call 020 8692 4446 or visit thealbany.org.uk
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