Ronnie Burkett’s Theatre of Marionettes newest production, Little Willy, brings the Daisy Theatre back to the Historic Theatre until January 29th.
Little Willy, finds the marionette Daisy Theatre (within the Historic Theatre) attempting a loose…very loose…adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. From the opening number of burlesque star Dolly Wiggler kicking off with a striptease that would make Elizabethans more than blush. Upon hearing the theatre manager has changed the theme of the show to Shakespeare The Daisy’s leading ladies, including aged star Esmé Massengill, Jolie Jolie, Rosemary Focaccia battle it out for the role of Juliet in a Diva vs Diva duel. Appearances by Daisy Theatre favourites Schnitzel the Faerie and the wisdom and insight of Mrs. Edna Rural along with The Bard himself fill the cast. As well a seemingly endless cast of characters wait in the wing to make cameos so you never know who might make an appearance.
photo: Alejandro Santiago
After the last three years spent at home working on creative ideas, the premiere of Little Willy showed that there was a lot Ronnie Burkett has been waiting to say through his marionette alter-egos, and he does not hold back – this is not your kids’ puppet show! Throughout the 90-120 minute performance, the audience is treated to an uproarious, improvised tour de force of Burkett’s lightning-fast wit. With Burkett’s ad libs and lively audience participants, Little Willy can be a new show every night, as soon as the show ends, you’ll want to head right to the box office to see it again!
Ronnie Burkett’s Theatre of Marionettes’ Little Willy plays at The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street, until January 29, 2023. More information, showtimes and tickets are online at thecultch.com