Review – Puppetry of the Penis

Ever since the documentary ‘Tackle Happy’ brought this show to audiences attention, the ‘Puppetry of the Penis’ team have been touring the world. Essentially, the same showcase of dick-tricks has been performed by an ever-changing line-up of performers, aided by a giant video projection, ensuring they always claim a brand new show. Why the production can’t sustain performers is kind of interesting: Obviously there’s some physical difficulty, but it would take a certain kind of ego to define themselves by this occupation over a long-term? Perhaps the rush of adrenaline that comes with getting naked in front of huge crowds of strangers would make this job worth it?

Indeed, the removal of ‘Willow’ and ‘Sammy’s capes at the beginning got the biggest reaction from the crowd of the whole show. The audience’s main demographic is tipsy groups on hen’s nights though. The parade of genital origami commences, enlarged on-screen by live and digitally enhanced video-feeds. Amusingly odd for those who haven’t ever had a set of the required body-parts, but there was a smaller category in the audience definitely looking bored.

The tricks aren’t impressive enough to be horrifying like a freak show, even with the giant screen. The intense close-ups of genitals does draw upon some aesthetics of pornography, but there’s no orgasm for anybody. And Comedy? Let be real, these guys aren’t exactly recruited for their acting delivery.