First things first, the new puppet has a name: Norman T Newbie III. Sounds like old money, doesn’t it?
Thank you so much to our instagram followers @trulyrealro and @angelcorpuschristi and blog reader Jessie.
The Dedes are a bit wary of the new one after his gaffe with the gun, but they try to stay open minded and will watch him for a while.
Well, while they were watching, Top Dog jumped into action and slidled up to the youngster.
“I could use a young lad just like you” he said to Norman T Newbie III and put his arm around his shoulder, “You could be in charge of security at my rallies.”
The young one was flattered but didn’t want to look too keen. “I am not completely finished yet” he said half-heartedly. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after you. I know what you need and I will give you exactly that” replied Top Dog and offered his hand to seal the deal before Norman T Newbie III could think of another excuse.
dedepuppets 
Great name! Well done. Looks as though he will add to the mad group and fit in just fine. Look forward to seeing how he develops.
He doesn’t seem the most pleasant character. :)
No, and the Godfather wasn’t either. Maybe that can be your next character, on the other hand……
How did your gig go on the weekend. It was last weekend, wasn’t it?
Thanks for asking. The Ingham festival, it was a good one, three shows and highly enthusiastic audiences. lots of both adults and children, lots of noise. Very satisfying. The new puppet Pulcinella had an outing, just once, and then Mt P took over, they were both satisfied with the shows too. Financial response was a bit disappointing, Australians don’t know how to deal with buskers. But a good time was had. Thanks for asking!
That is good to hear (at least what he puppets have to say).
Do you have someone in the audience who throws money in the hat first, so that the others can see what is expected?
Good idea, At the beginning I ask people to put a couple of gold coins in, but they give their children 5 or 10 cents. That’s mean and unappreciative i think. It’s something i must work on. What do the Dedes think?
Definitely mean, very mean! Unfortunately that is where its heading. Everything has to be free. Generosity is waning. But then, there are a lot of people out there, who have nothing left to give. But as you said it is very unappreciative of the art and skills of the performer. 20 cents vs a dollar is not much for an individual, but if everyone gives that little bit extra it makes a huge difference to the artist. Maybe you can include it in the sketch somehow, how mean it actually is. That could make a nice morality tale :)
Btw did you record the performance?
The Dedes are still not performing publicly. It is a bit difficult, when all the puppets have the same strong accent :)
But they are starting to get sick of flour and water and have to have an idea soon. Might start to promote the stop motion workshops again.
Have they ever tried performing silent, or near to silent? Some of Mr Punches scenes are pure mime, done to the sound of a harmonica. Stop motion is fun but very time consuming, and the audience is limited.
You are right on all accounts. No I haven’t thought of a silent puppet show, yet… Certainly worth a thought. It is just I am so used to words :)
But I should definitly do some research. Thanks for the hint.
Look at P&J shows on Youtube, especially the Italian Punchinello or Pulcinella. there are a couple of semi-silent shows worth considering.
I have once done a puppet workshop with Gary Friedman in Melbourne. His puppets don’t talk either, they make funny sounds, which are quite expressive. Yep, definitly have to look into that.