This puppet show is for grown-ups only

A talented ventriloquist and stand-up comedian, who took the Edinburgh Fringe by storm, is on the road with his new show.

Paul Zerdin will present Sponge Fest at the Palace Theatre, Newark, on Thursday, October 7, at 7.30pm — and it’s for over-18s only.

He will be with his three puppets — Sam, who is very mischievous and picks on Paul and members of the audience; Albert, who is senile but likes to chase the women; and Baby, who suggests being breastfed by a woman in the front row at every show.

Paul, 38, said: “I called the show Sponge Fest because my puppets are made of sponge — it’s as simple as that.

“The show is like a Muppet-style stand-up situation comedy but is for over-18s because of the adult content.

“The comedy comes from the situations that arise out of discussions and my conversations between the puppets and the audience, so it varies on a daily basis.

“The show is very popular because it deals with situations people can relate to in real life. Everyone in the audience can identify themselves in one of the characters on stage.

“There is to be lots of ventriloquism, with and without the puppets, and singing and dancing.”

Paul said ventriloquists were coming back in vogue because of the way the shows were being staged and the new audiences wanting to see them. He said the new wave of ventriloquists had arrived.

Once the tour ends he is straight into pantomime with Christopher Biggins in Aladdin in Wolverhampton with Sam and Baby in tow.

Paul said: “This time I am playing Aladdin.

“Not only do I get to be funny in the show but I also end up with the girl — Anthony Andrews’ daughter.”

He said he was in talks with ITV at the moment with a chance of getting his own show on television.

Paul shot to fame after winning the first Big, Big Talent Show hosted by Jonathan Ross.

Paul has appeared on the Royal Variety Show three times.