This programme has just aired here in the U.K. I thought it was great!

For those not in the U.K., each week Justin Lee Collins spends time learning a speciality act and then performs at a big convention. Last week he came third in a magic competition, this week he went to the VentHaven convention and signed up for the 'open mic' event, where he performed with his puppet, Albert.

JLC seemed to find ventriloquism a far tougher challenge than the illusion act that he had to perform last week!

Recognised a few well known faces from accross the pond - Steve Taylor, Dan Horn and Ken groves to name a few.

Neale Bacon from here on the Café seemed to pop up in every shot!!

What can I say - Bacon - Ham - same thing

Great Beaver puppet Neale!

Queston: Does the Beaver have moving eyes? (If so, I didn't know that Pavlov offered that option!)

Good for you getting exposure, ya HAM!

Prof. Piper

No he doesn't. That photo was actually a photo shop done by a friend of mine before I even got the puppet.

He said "Here is what you will look like with the beaver".

I love Pavlov's puppets! I use 3 of them.

Nice job on the Photoshop!!

You've convinced me, my next figure will come from Pavlov...

Now the big question I have for myself:

WHICH ONE??????

lol

Thanks for the info Neale!

Bacon rules!!!!

Prof. Piper

Is there a way to see this show here in the states?

Neale, love your puppets. I have a pig puppet I use for crime prevention and stranger danger routines with children. I took him to the beach last week and used barbeque sauce on him instead of suntan lotion. He smelled wonderful after an hour or so. He wanted to date a friend of mine's puppet but I told him that no one wants to go out with a pig. He told me that is the reason I get no dates (lol). Here is a picture of him.

Glenn

Click here to view attached image.

Great puppet Glenn....and funny stuff!

Who made him?

Prof. Piper

Thanks Professor. I have used this puppet for over 11 years for my stranger danger program and other programs for children. A friend of mine in Vidalia, Georgia, who is now out of business, made him for me. He also made two other puppets for me. These other two are more human looking. His business was known as The Puppet Hut.

Glenn

I have wondered about using animal puppets in safety routines. They are usually from a kids point of view.

Did you write your own?

It's a shame they are out of business...Your pig puppet looks a LOT like the pigs from the Muppets!

I've learned, over a 30 year career in Vent (started at age 7) that the kiddos really DO relate better to an animal puppet versus a 'people' puppet...Especially the younger kids....

I've only used 'people' puppets a couple of times....I prefer animals/creatures....Although, my 'star' right now is a MAT custom Japanese Chef named "Fooy Chop Suey"....(He owns an Italian Restaurant here in Branson!)...

Puppetly,

Prof. Piper

WOW! A pig puppet working with a policeman.... There ya go perpetuating stereotypes!

Hey to you too, Prof Piper. You still down Branson way? If I get a free weekend this year, I need to head out there. My show calendar is already starting to fill up so I don't know if I'll be out there or not.


Sammy the Kid

HEY Sammy!!

Long time no see your type!

How's by you?

Make sure you give me a 'head's up' before you get here and I'll set up some shows for you and the Missus to see! (Hamner/Barber is my favorite!)...

Good to see you pal!

Prof. Piper

Neale, most of the routine I did myself. Some a friend of mine gave me. Kids do like the animal puppets though. Professor, the pig puppet used to be dressed in our agency's uniform and was known as Patrolman Potbelly Pigg. He had his own ID and Badge. When I went back to patrol and no longer did the crime prevention, I converted him to Sheriff Buford P. Swine. Sammy, years ago we were known as PIG's. It was an acronym that stood for PRIDE, INTERGERITY, GUTS. That is the reason for the pig puppet in the police uniform.

Glenn