Charlie's Angel (From Oxford Mail)

Charlie's Angel

11:02am Thursday 25th February 2010 in

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Katherine Macalister meets the talented duo behind much-loved puppet characters Charlie and Lola.

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play will have Oxford’s under-sevens flocking to the Oxford Playhouse in their droves. Because Charlie and Lola are about as cool as small kids can be, and every little girl and boy wants to be their best, bestest friend.

If you’ve somehow missed them, Charlie and Lola are a brother and sister who started life in a series of books by Lauren Child.

They have since become a worldwide phenomenon, with a hit BBC TV cartoon series syndicated around the world, a further series of TV spin-off books and an enormous merchandising operation.

Charlie and Lola’s Best Bestest Play, coming to Oxford next Friday is presented by four puppeteers, with specially made puppets and the voices from the TV series.

Charlie and Lola appear as cut-out cartoon characters in the same magical 3D world they inhabit in the books and TV series.

From pink milk to party rings, everything you expect is there.

LOLA (PUPPETEER – Ceri Ashcroft, 30) KM: Tell me about the part you play in Charlie and Lola?

CA: I play Lola, who is very very lively, a bit naughty, and lovely!

Are you amazed by how popular this duo are?

Not amazed, exactly, as I can really see their appeal to both adults and children. I watched the TV show and read the books to prepare for being Lola and I loved both, as do lots of children I know.

What are the most important things in your routine?

I always make sure that Lola’s pyjamas, milk glass, magic wand and colouring book are set right. I also like to warm up my hands and arms before going on stage, as I hold Lola up for a long time and she can get a bit heavy.

Do you have time to see what effect this play has on your young audience?

Once the show starts I only really look at the back of Lola’s head, I don’t get a chance to look anywhere else.

What’s next?

Well, we’re on tour for a few months, and then who knows? Being an actor my work varies wildly. So far this year I’ve played a scullery maid in Hatfield House, a girl scared of germs, and Lola, and it’s only February.

CHARLIE (PUPPETEER – Andrew Cullimore, 25) KM: Tell me about the part you play in Charlie and Lola? AC: I play Charlie, or more accurately I manipulate the puppet of Charlie and bring the young man to life. Charlie is the perfect older brother who possesses all seven heavenly virtues, especially patience.

Are you amazed by how popular this duo are? One can’t help but be amazed at their popularity. It is a cult.

How hard is it to make sure these characters are as authentic as possible? And how do you do it? The puppets were made at great expense as exact replicas of the characters from the television programme and the books. The voices of the children are those from the television.

So, no pressure on you then?

Well, we have studied the characters at great length and understand their movements. We are restricted because the puppets are 2D (as in the books and on tv), so they must always face the audience and can never turn side on. We have learnt simple puppetry techniques that are essential for Charlie and Lola because of their limitations, such as if you tilt a puppet’s head to the side it is immediately endearing; this comes in handy a lot as Charlie and Lola are undoubtedly endearing.

Do you have time to see what effect this play has on your young audience? When 400 children sit there quietly and just stare open-mouthed with enjoyment, you know you must be doing something right. And when 400 children start shouting “Charlie, Charlie” to help Lola get his attention you know you have theirs. It is a wonderful feeling.

l The Theatre Giveaway winners for Forever In Your Debt, on Thursday March 4, are Ronald Taylor of Abingdon, David Swadling of Bicester, Barbara Osbury of Kidlington, Maurice Woodward of Witney and Kaye Thorne of Oxford.

Tickets for Charlie and Lola are selling fast, so book now on 01865 305305 or oxfordplayhouse.com