"Among the boxes, bookcases and hampers, a
magical world comes into being through Medrington's
enthralling story-telling and amusingly skilful puppetry.
He really brings Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and
Wol to life, spellbinding the children and charming
their parents. This show is enormous fun for Pooh
lovers of all ages."
The Stage - Brian G Cooper
In
1995 someone at the Netherbow Theatre suggested we seek
permission to adapt A A Milne’s Winnie the Pooh
stories, and for the next five years virtually every
show was sold out. The subsequent touring
schedule included a sell out run at the Royal National
Theatre and two appearances at the Edinburgh International
Children’s Festival.
In
2000, the Disney Corporation bought the rights to Winnie
the Pooh and permission to perform the stories dried
up.
THE INTERROGATION
(2003)
We
took two years out from appearing on the Fringe and
worked on new material. Richard Medrington was shortlisted
for the Creative Scotland Awards and returned to the
Fringe in 2003 as Puppet State Theatre Company with
an adult puppet show, The Interrogation,
produced in conjunction with Amnesty International and
based on the life of his friend, Romanian dissident
Silviu Craciunas. The play was co-directed by Zinnie
Harris, with automata made by John Fardell and performed
at the Netherbow Theatre.
The
response of audiences and critics was exceptional:
'One
of the few solo shows that I've seen at this year's
Fringe in which something feels at stake. A brave bit
of theatre that keeps its nerve until the end and leaves
us broken.'
The Scotsman
Reviews
for The Gospel Truth
For Cats and Dogs
Edinburghguide.com
Rating: Unmissable
(*****)
Rarely can a show entertain all ages equally but this
one does. Creator and performer Richard Medrington has
been shortlisted for a Creative Scotland Award and on
this showing he should get one sometime - the production
and its content are so well put together....
Highly amusing, and affecting at its end, this is an
extra special show where for just over hour a world
you never suspect becomes more and more real… Medrington’s
work is getting more unique and special with each production.
His scruffy, furry friends captivate our hearts. The
audience left with a smile on their faces saying "That
was totally unique!"
The
Scotsman
What really impresses is Medrington’s artistic
range ... from puppetry and poetry to slides and gospel
music, his solo show utterly captures the imagination
as he meanders playfully from one accent and scenario
to the next...
Medrington’s absolute ability to captivate makes
this a wholly agreeable 70 minutes. Tender and refreshing,
this lovely little show is enough to make even the most
cynical of hearts jump for joy.
Forth
One
Ever thought your dog was a bit more human than he should
be? Well this is the show to explain it all to you;
as well as finally proving puppets aren’t just
for children.
Although
most of the characters are animals they are all too
similar to the people we meet on the street everyday
or even work with. The show works on many levels and
can be enjoyed by all ages.
At
times it is laugh out loud funny and then at others
touching. The Puppet State Theatre Company expertly
blends the comic and poignant leaving you feeling fully
satisfied.
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