REVIEW: The Sex Lives of Puppets, Blind Summit, EdFringe 2024 ★★★☆☆

Yes, puppets may not be living beings, but they can still have sex, okay? In fact, they can even offer some well-needed insight into the bigger questions, like ‘how important is sexual wellbeing?’ or ‘what is a cum blob?’ You know, the questions we all want to ask.

Four puppeteers take to the stage to present a series of interviews with different puppets talking about one thing only: sex. We meet married couples, couples having affairs, singletons, and many more. We even get to witness live puppet intercourse! The conversations vary between comedic and pensive, always with the aim to entertain.

The puppets are some of the more realistic the Fringe stage has ever scene. Their faces are detailed yet blown out of proportion, their costumes quaint and styled with flair. They are all incredibly unique, making them wonderfully identifiable.

As puppeteers, our performers’ jobs are to blend into the background, which they do excellently. Their continued eye contact on each puppet draws our focus to that which they are animating. As a whole, it looks very professional, and clearly well practised. 

Whilst there were funny moments, particularly the puppet orgy at the end which was nothing but genius, the comedy felt surface-level overall. Interactions and jokes felt largely predictable, the writing sometimes dampening the talent live onstage. 

What’s more, the conversations during many of the duologues became monotonous. There were frequently repeated words or phrases in an effort to generate naturalism as would be seen in an interview, however the effect bordered on being overworked. 

With fun and recognisable characterisation, each section was undeniably amusing. Each puppeteer leant fully into their persona and they matched the physicality of each puppet marvellously well. Different accents keep things fresh, proudly showing off the many skills of our performers. 

The Sex Lives of Puppets does exactly what it says on the tin. It is cheeky, salacious and quirky, without making you think too hard about what it is you’re watching. That is until you see puppets bonking each other onstage, which does make you wonder. 

Recommended Drink: What drinks are aphrodisiacs? Probably alcohol in general. 

You can catch The Sex Lives of Puppets at Pleasance Courtyard – Beyond from Aug 23-25 at 21:30. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.