Mr Spoon at the MAC
During the time of the late John Blundell, the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) was a well recognised centre of excellence for puppets and puppeteers.
So, it was fitting that Ian Allen, the creator of Button Moon, spent the afternoon there. In a rare interview with Chris Perry of Kaleidoscope TV, Ian revealed some of the history of Playboard Puppets and his iconic work with his late partner, John Thirtle.
It’s a quiet Saturday (7th) in March but the MAC is buzzing with puppet enthusiasts and mature fans of preschool TV series Button Moon.
Standing outside the stage door it was strange to hear a cinema full of adults all laughing at the simple jokes meant for their younger selves.
For 45 minutes, the audience listened intently to every word, about how the series were written, and how Ian and John bought them to life.
As well as talking about Button Moon, Ian talked in depth about The Spooks of Bottle Bay and his time at the BBC with Mo and Hedge. Ian even had an original Zippy (from Rainbow) with him to show, but in the ensuing questions and puppet demonstrations he didn’t get time. Oh well there’s always next time.
Playboard Puppets is talking with the MAC in regards to being part of this years Square Eyes exhibition.
