Ronnie Burkett celebrates 25 years as the master of his own universe (strings attached)
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Ronnie Burkett is a skilled manipulator—of puppets that is! His company, the Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, celebrates 25 years of theatre magic-making this year with a national and international tour of Penny Plain, a dark and thought provoking drawing room comedy about the end of civilization on stage now at the Factory Theatre. Featuring one man (the all-powerful creator himself) and a large cast of marionettes of various shapes, sizes, ages and persuasions, this wildly imaginative production examines the baser side of human nature in all its tragic glory.
The story follows Penny Plain, a blind, elderly boarding house owner, who sits in her armchair waiting for doomsday. Joined by her seeing-eye dog and companion, Geoffrey, Penny listens to the television news broadcast—voiced by Canadian media and theatre personalities, such as Jeanne Beker, Peter Hinton and Anusree Roy—while chaos wreaks havoc on the world outside. When Geoffrey leaves home to experience life as an independent (did I mention Geoffrey is a talking dog with dreams of becoming a gentleman?), Penny longs for a new friend to take his place.
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Over the course of the play, she encounters many interesting characters: a horny Mexican Chihuahua and street-walking poodle; a crazed editor/serial killer; a vulgar old lady; a cross-dressing banker; a sad puppeteer (Geppetto) and his estranged son (a grown-up Pinocchio); a lonely woman desperate for a baby; Jesus-loving Americans; a little girl who pretends to be a dog and the little boy who wants to protect her.
Burkett moves swiftly between scenes, switching marionettes with seemingly effortless precision. His set is divided into two levels: Burkett controls the strings from the top tier and the action unfolds on the stage below. By the end of the show, the set—complimented by Kevin Humphrey’s striking lighting design—takes on a life of its own, sprouting flowers and vines as Mother Nature forces her way into Penny’s living room.
To quote the great Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki—who’s wise words apparently inspired the show: “We’re in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone’s arguing over where they’re going to sit.” Penny Plain is a stark reminder that the human race is on a collision course with disaster. Don’t miss this comically ominous and touching puppet performance.
Penny Plain runs until March 5 at the Factory Theatre. Visit factorytheatre.ca for more information and to buy tickets.
