When you perform for a young audience that is badly behaved and get unsupportive adults, what do you do? They are an epidemic at times. Me, I get through the show as best as I can and take the money and run. What are some of your tricks?

For me, I was 13. My stepdad was a magician. He took me and my brothers to his friends house. They were showing us their magic and I clocked 2 figures. Animal from the Muppets and a Pelham ventriloquist figure. I started playing with them and my Stepdads friend said I was a natural and gifted me the Pelham, who I named Willy. For years, I did it in secret because boys didn't play with dolls. Then at 16, I was at college and had to do a 5 min talk on any subject. I did a 15 min show and it went down a storm. Unfortunately Willy was stolen from me and when I replaced him, I found Oliver. But I'd lost my confidence. One of my children needed glasses but didn't want to wear them, so Oliver needed glasses. As soon as he put them on, something changed. I haven't stopped venting since. Oh and my lovely wife, she managed to find another Willy so he's back in my collection and I performed at Venthaven with him in 2022.

What do you think makes a difference? How can we be better?

Who are your favorite puppet stand makers and why?

For those of you that have attended ConVENTion or any comedy or puppet festival, what are your favorite workshops you’ve taken and why? And if you could suggest a class or workshop to any festival or presenter, what would it be?