FOR sheer fun, the international Puppet Theatre flourishing this week in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown there were over 3,000 people on the pier for last Sunday's larks is unlikely to throw up anything better than the Cabaret in the Lambert Puppet Theatre.
It opens with Pat Bracken's assorted puppets a hectoring granny, an oul' biddy, a youth afflicted with fits of cursing and a gamey rural bachelor. The latter's patter culminates in a shaggy fish story with the punchline Rusty Salmon's Titanic Verses (work on it). I am told that Mr Bracken's usual beat is the streets of Galway. He should come indoors, and in Dublin, more often.
Next on for one night only (to be replaced by Jonathan Lambert, coming in from Paris) was the English company Trading Faces, with a mask and mime playlet called Give Us A Break. It was a surreal piece set in a warehouse, where a man and woman tread the treadmill of drudgery to comic effect, hitting recognisable nails on the head. Two actors did the work of three with the help of standard costumes and contrasting masks.
A mini cabaret of marionettes follows, manipulated with great skill and versatility by Colwyn Bay's Chris Somerville. The numerous acts include a rock `n' roller, a clown, Figaro and the fabulous Burly Chassis. Finally, Eugene Lambert resuscitates his early bread and butter puppet Finnegan who, despite having had a few scoops, is very funny and participates in an incredibly persuasive duet.
A most beguiling evening, this, of a special kind of theatre in the right place.
