Marionette Group

“I’m going to be on TV – Yea!” exclaimed a thrilled Marifa Heapy (13) on hearing that the CBBC had accepted her audition DVD and invited her to appear on the BBC 2 breakfast programme, “Level Up” - a fast-moving show “by kids for kids”. Cat Cubie, a most enthusiastic BBC Researcher, came to our Barn Theatre late on the following Sunday to film Marifa operating Balotte, the dashing French Acrobat, swinging on his high trapeze.

Then on Thursday 15th June, Marifa and her Dad (accompanied by Balotte in a suitcase!) went to the Television Centre in London for the transmission starting at 7:30 am. After less than half an hour’s rehearsal in the throbbing compact studio, Marifa found herself in front of the cameras explaining to Presenters Sam and Mark how to operate a marionette. Interactive “Live” sessions were interspersed with video clips taken on location in Tysoe.

Well done, Marifa for accepting the challenge of showing millions of young viewers how much fun can be had pulling strings.

Anyone keen enough to join in our next production, “The Cat That Walked by Himself” is welcome to contact:

Jon & Ann Beeny 01295 680431

Visit: www.PuppeteersUK.com & www.warkcom.net

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Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

Last modified: July 03, 2006