Nigel Plaskitt has been responsible for bringing to life some of television’s favourite characters.
The voice actor and puppeteer has worked for Jim Henson Productions, Spitting Image and is the man who helps Monkey from the PG Tips adverts make a cuppa.
The 63-year-old had never intended on becoming a puppeteer, but when he landed a job on 1970s kids’ show Pipkins it became part of his role.
“I was approached to do character voices, but then they asked me to do puppetry as well. No actor says no to anything!” he laughed.
“While I was working on the show at Elstree Studios, The Muppets moved in next door and I got to know the team a little.
“I had the chance to work with them on the film Labyrinth in 1985, and that led to me working on The Muppets films, including Muppets Christmas Carol and the most recent movie.”
One of his favourite characters is Monkey, who is owned by Comic Relief.
“I operate the puppet to the voice of Ben Miller, the comedian. I do the lip sync and head and body movements.”
Nigel is currently working on Avenue Q, the smash-hit stage show that features an array of puppets. It’s best described as Sesame Street for grown-ups.
“There’s a huge fan base for the show and people come back again and again to see it,” he continued.
“No one is being nasty towards Sesame Street it’s actually a really affectionate take on the show. I’m a trainer and puppet director on the production. I’m involved in the casting session and also do a workshop with the actors.”
Avenue Q is at the King’s in Edinburgh from June 10 to 14, Inverness Eden Court on June 17 and 18, and the Pavilion in Glasgow and Carlisle Sands Centre in August.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe