10 Quick Qs – Slapdash Galaxy – Mr. Bunk

10 Quick Qs with Jeff Achtem (Mr. Bunk)

1. What, where, when and how much?
Slapdash Galaxy – Shadow puppets in space.
The Palace @ The Garden of Unearthly Delights (view map)
8:30 pm  | 17th Feb – 18th March (excl. 20th Feb & 5th March)
Adult $24 | Conc. $22 | Child $15 | Family $60 | Tue $20 – Tickets

Update: You can read the show’s review here.

2. Describe your show Twitter style, 140 characters or less.
Two brothers flee a war-torn home planet, traveling across a dangerous galaxy.  A shadow puppet adventure told with bits of rubbish and heaps of gaffer tape.

3. A quote/moment that stands out from your show?
I like blowing the smoke & helium filled bubbles. It gets lots of ‘ahhhhs’.  I quite like that adults are paying me money, to blow them bubbles. 

4. Is heckling allowed?
Not forbidden, but could be rather out of place. My puppets have been known to talk back. Watch out.

5. What is your role in the show?
I created the show, built the set, drove the truck, designed the costume, baked the catering, fetched the water and made the puppets. When I have time, I also am the solo (human) performer in Slapdash Galaxy. Lots to do!

6. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I went through a rather typical  boy evolution of : palaeontologist, race-car driver, doctor, policeman, engineer (I was big into LEGO).

7. If you could put on (or be in) any show/band in the world, which one would it be?
Before I die, I want to project shadow puppets onto the moon, so that you can see them from the Earth.  If there is a production out there planning to do work on the moon, I’d like them to call me.

8. Biggest accolade or compliment you’ve received about your show?
Always, without fail, the best compliment is from people after the show that just want to say thanks.  I thing that’s a cool thing.  I’m happy they took a chance to see a show they knew nothing about, and then they end up being grateful.  Hugely gratifying for me. Win-Win.  It makes my long days alone, in the dark room, making the show, seem a little less nut-bar.

9. Why would someone not come to see your show?
If they prefer a bit of standard stand-up comedy, or sketch or such. Or words. If you need lots of words being hammered at you, then you might not have the patience for Slapdash Galaxy. The show is based on shadow puppetry and other visual effects. So it’s very visual. Like a movie, that you actually can enjoy.

10. Besides your show, what’s your pick for the Fringe?
Dr. Brown in Brown Brown Brown Brown.  He’s one of the most exciting clowns (for adults) working in the UK, and he’s here with a show for kids. (!)