Bluey's Brisbane Master of Puppets - Jacob Williams (Puppetry Director, Bluey Stage Show)
Apr 27, 2021
Jacob Williams, Australian puppeteer and co-artistic director of Lemony S Puppet Theatre, led puppetry for Broadway's King Kong and the Bluey stage show. He talks about discovering puppetry via the Muppets. He explains adapting animation into three-dimensional puppet movement. He discusses visible puppeteers, choreographing realism, and the magic of performing for children.
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How Jacob Found Puppetry
- Jacob Williams discovered puppetry after joining Terrapin puppet company in Hobart following a local workshop and transitioned from child acting to puppetry.
- He loved puppetry because it let him perform without being the visible focus, describing it as "almost like being a ninja."
Meeting The Henson Family And Their Workshop
- Jacob met Cheryl Henson and visited the Henson workshop while working in New York, which reinforced his appreciation for Jim Henson's legacy.
- He recalls seeing original puppets like Snuffleupagus on display and feeling transported back to childhood Sesame Street memories.
From Local Theatre To Broadway
- Jacob never expected puppetry would lead to Broadway; he worked for 25 years and performed globally, including as Head of Puppetry on King Kong on Broadway.
- He emphasizes the career let him travel through Europe and regional Australia, revealing local hearts via touring.