The show begins with light jazz, reminiscent of an American sitcom soundtrack, as Bill gets home from work and checks his calendar.
Today is his 44th birthday and he’s preparing for a party. The bunting goes up and the punchbowl is packed with plenty of extra punch, according to taste. Crudités, crisps, music all set—now to wait for the guests.
Told without words and through a range of puppetry styles to an original soundtrack, Bill’s night twists and turns from light to dark as he is visited by mischievous balloons, friendly carrots and special deliveries. As the booze kicks in, the gentle, witty slapstick develops a nightmarish quality as Bill is confronted by some troubling demons which, when laid to rest, allow him to be happy with his lot.
Creators and lead puppeteers Andy Manjuck and Dorothy James work seamlessly and sublimely together to bring Bill to life, ensuring he remains an entirely credible character throughout. Every nuance of his personality is perfectly presented as he invents new ways to amuse himself.
The company’s previous show was a big hit here in Edinburgh and at the London International Mime Festival in 2023. Judging by the large intergenerational audience who were on their feet at the end last night, it seems that Bill’s 44th is going to be another roaring success, which it richly deserves.