On Monday 14th of September 2015, Larrikin Puppets (via Tugg and Vendetta Films) presented Brisbane’s only screening of award winning documentary “I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story” at Event Cinemas, Myer Centre. About 140 people attended, which was a really great turnout!
Other cities in Australia got a general release of this film, but Brisbane missed out for some reason! So Brett Hansen created a petition to get the film into Brisbane cinemas. Eventually, the distribution company Vendetta Films stepped up and decided to help by sending the film to Tugg – an organisation who can get rare and independent films onto the big screen wherever you are in the world. Their partnership in Brisbane is Event Cinemas. So with thanks to Vendetta Films, Tugg and the wonderful Lauren, Tim and the team at Event Cinemas Myer Centre, we had our screening – hosted by Troggg.
The serious side of the event was to do with ovarian cancer. Brett Hansen lost his Mum Helen to ovarian cancer in 2010. His brothers Todd and Dale have done many things over the years to raise money for research and awareness – fun runs, stair climbs, beach volleyball. Brett wanted to run an event where he could use HIS skills, which include hiding behind things and putting his hand inside things. Finally, an opportunity came up where he could present a movie about another guy who likes to hide behind things and put his hand inside things… Or in the case of Big Bird – both at the same time! So the evening was dedicated to the memory of Brett’s Mum.
5% of ticket sales and all money raised from the raffle tickets was donated to the QLD Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research, who are very busy trying to find early detection methods for ovarian cancer. There is no way of knowing or checking if you have it until it’s too late. A big thank you to QCGC Research for getting on board with this special evening.
I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story chronicles the life of puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who is in his 80s and still working at Sesame Street today! From a bullied child to working with Jim Henson and performing two of the world’s most loveable and iconic characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
It was a very heartwarming film with a lot of unbelievable events that made the whole room fill with gasps. It was also very funny. All who attended were very thankful to have witnessed such a thought provoking film.
Please enjoy these photos of the event – from the raffle ticket table in the foyer to Troggg’s introduction of the film.
Author: Brett Hansen
4BC interview: ‘I Am Big Bird’ – Raising funds for cancer research
4BC radio interview – ‘I Am Big Bird’ – Raising funds for cancer research
September 2, 2015
4BC Afternoons would like to introduce you to Brett Hansen and Troggg.
And just to clarify Troggg is the blue one and yes, the middle ‘g’ is silent!
Both Brett and Troggg are from Larrikin Puppets and they dropped by to tell Clare Blake all about an upcoming film screening that will raise money for a very good cause.
The award winning film ‘I Am Big Bird: The Carroll Spinney Story’ documents the man who has played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street since 1969 and understandably is very close to the hearts of both Brett and Troggg.
The screening aims to not only provide a night of entertainment but also to raise funds for The Queensland Centre for Gynecological Cancer Research.
A worthy cause which has touched Brett on a very personal level.
“My mum passed away in 2010, She had a very short battle with ovarian cancer, she went to the doctors with a sore tummy and by that time it was too late.”
“There isn’t any early detection methods and she had nine months from that diagnosis of ovarian cancer.”
This special screening will be hosted by Troggg (and Brett) and will be dedicated to the memory of Helen Jean Hansen.
Larrikin Puppets Presents ‘I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
7pm, Monday 14th September
Event Cinemas, Myer Centre Brisbane City
Tickets are pre-purchase only and available by clicking here
Listen to the full interview with Clare Blake on 4BC Afternoons here.
https://soundcloud.com/larrikin-puppets/i-am-big-bird-raising-funds-for-cancer-research
I Am Big Bird: Brisbane’s only Screening!
I Am Big Bird Comes to Brisbane for One Night Only to help with Ovarian Cancer Research and Awareness
Larrikin Puppets presents Brisbane’s only screening of the award winning, “I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story”. This heartwarming film chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who has performed Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969.Where: Event Cinemas Myer Centre – Level 3 Myer Centre, 91 Elizabeth St, Brisbane.
When: 7pm, Monday 14 September 2015.
Tickets: $20. Only online at https://www.tugg.com/events/40270 . There are currently 71 tickets remaining, and less than two weeks to secure those seats!
Funds being raised for ovarian cancer research and awareness through a raffle prize and 5% of ticket sales. The event is held in loving memory of Helen Jean Hansen (Brett’s Mum), who lost her very short battle with ovarian cancer in 2010. Chosen charity: QLD Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research.
MC: Troggg (Brisbane’s own ‘Muppet’). He’s honoured to introduce this film about his heroes Big Bird and Oscar. Troggg’s handler (puppeteer Brett Hansen) is the eldest son of Helen.
For over 4 decades, Caroll’s characters have been cherished by generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I AM BIG BIRD features incredible footage of Spinney’s earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll’s journey from bullied child to celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.
When: 7pm, Monday 14 September 2015.
Tickets: $20. Only online at https://www.tugg.com/
Funds being raised for ovarian cancer research and awareness through a raffle prize and 5% of ticket sales. The event is held in loving memory of Helen Jean Hansen (Brett’s Mum), who lost her very short battle with ovarian cancer in 2010. Chosen charity: QLD Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research.
MC: Troggg (Brisbane’s own ‘Muppet’). He’s honoured to introduce this film about his heroes Big Bird and Oscar. Troggg’s handler (puppeteer Brett Hansen) is the eldest son of Helen.
For over 4 decades, Caroll’s characters have been cherished by generations of children. At 81 years old, the tenacious and enthusiastic performer has no intention of slowing down. I AM BIG BIRD features incredible footage of Spinney’s earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll’s journey from bullied child to celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.
Weekend Intensive Puppetry Workshop for Adults – with Larrikin Puppets (November 2015)
Larrikin Puppets presents a two day Weekend Intensive puppetry workshop in #Brisbane (Moorooka/Salisbury).
ADULTS can learn how to puppeteer in the Muppet style of puppetry!
7-8 November. Build confidence, improve communication skills, make people laugh, expand your drama/theatre portfolio, learn a new skill and have fun!
Learn the basic techniques that bring Muppet-style puppet characters to life in an interactive workshop led by Brett Hansen.
Larrikin Puppets is running beginner workshop programs for children and adults. No previous puppetry experience needed. Students will get a chance to practice puppetry techniques using real puppets.
For more info or to book, visit the link below.
Why learn puppetry?
– Build confidence
– Improve communication
– Make people laugh
– Learn the skill behind the magic of Sesame Street and The Muppets
– Expand your drama/theatre portfolio
– Have fun!
NOVEMBER 2015
Weekend Intensive Workshop:
Beginner Puppetry for Adults, Day 1 – Saturday 7th of Nov: 1:30pm – 6:30pm.
Beginner Puppetry for Adults, Day 2 – Sunday 8th of Nov: 9:30am – 4:30pm.
Book here: http://
Brett is a professional puppeteer with Larrikin Puppets.
He was ‘puppetry consultant’ for both the 2012 and 2014 Brisbane Arts Theatre productions of Broadway’s “Avenue Q”.
Brett also trained a cast of nine improvisational theatre performers in puppetry for the Larrikin Puppets and Edge Improv co-production, “Thank Troggg You’re Here: A Puppet Impro Spectacular!”
Brett was puppet trainer on the set of “Cluck: The Web Series” as well.
School Holiday Puppetry Workshop for Kids (Two Days) – with Larrikin Puppets (October 2015)
Larrikin Puppets presents a two day School Holiday puppetry workshop in #Brisbane (Moorooka/Salisbury).
KIDS can learn how to puppeteer in the Muppet style of puppetry!
1-2 October. Build confidence, improve communication skills, make people laugh, learn a new skill and have fun!
Learn the basic techniques that bring Muppet-style puppet characters to life in an interactive workshop led by Brett Hansen and Elissa Jenkins.
Larrikin Puppets is running beginner workshop programs for children. No previous puppetry experience needed. Students will get a chance to practice puppetry techniques using real puppets.
For more info or to book, visit the link below.
Why learn puppetry?
– Build confidence
– Improve communication
– Make people laugh
– Learn the skill behind the magic of Sesame Street and The Muppets
– Expand your drama/theatre portfolio
– Have fun!
OCTOBER 2015
School Holiday Two Day Workshop:
Beginner Puppetry for Kids, Day 1 – Thursday 1st of Oct: 10am – 4pm.
Beginner Puppetry for Kids, Day 2 – Friday 2nd of Oct: 10am – 4pm.
Book here: http://
Brett is a professional puppeteer with Larrikin Puppets.
He was ‘puppetry consultant’ for both the 2012 and 2014 Brisbane Arts Theatre productions of Broadway’s “Avenue Q”.
Brett also trained a cast of nine improvisational theatre performers in puppetry for the Larrikin Puppets and Edge Improv co-production, “Thank Troggg You’re Here: A Puppet Impro Spectacular!”
Brett was puppet trainer on the set of “Cluck: The Web Series” as well.
96five interview: Brisbane’s only “I Am Big Bird” film screening
On Tuesday, 11 August 2015, Brett got on the phone with Liam Renton and Robbie Parkin on The 96.5 Family Show to talk about Larrikin Puppets hosting Brisbane’s only screening of “I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story” (Monday 14th of September at Event Cinemas, Myer Centre – 7pm). Puppets, Jim Henson, Caroll Spinney and Brett’s own career as a puppeteer is discussed in the interview. A minimum of 56 tickets must be secured in order for the screening to go ahead! Tickets are $20 and only available online at: https://www.tugg.com/events/40270
Audio is from 96five / 96.5 Family.
612 ABC interview: Brisbane’s only “I Am Big Bird” film screening
On Tuesday, 11 August 2015, Brett sat down with Spencer Howson on 612 ABC Brisbane to talk about the petition that lead to Larrikin Puppets hosting Brisbane’s only screening of “I Am Big Bird – The Caroll Spinney Story” (Monday 14th of September at Event Cinemas, Myer Centre – 7pm). And using the event to raise funds for ovarian cancer research and awareness (in memory of Brett’s Mum Helen). But there’s one catch – A minimum of 56 tickets must be secured in order for the screening to go ahead! Tickets are $20 and only available online at: https://www.tugg.com/events/40270
Audio is from 612 ABC Brisbane.
Could Troggg appear on a cooking show like Grover did?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=94&v=gt5eh6dMMww
Here’s Sesame Street’s Grover appearing in the cooking segment of The Wendy Williams Show in the USA.
If our very own Troggg could ever appear on an Australian cooking show, which one would you like to see him on? And what could he assist with cooking?
Should Troggg be like the Swedish Chef from The Muppet Show and host his own cooking show? That might be taking it a bit far.
But we think Troggg would fit in quite well as an assistant to a human chef on a cooking show. Grover did a great job.
Puppets Officiate Wedding!
Did everyone see that awesome Buzzfeed article about the couple in California who had a puppet wedding? It was absolutely brilliant! And exactly the kind of unique and quirky bookings we would like to be doing here in Australia!
California couple Tammy Caplan and Joe Gold are huge fans of Sesame Street and The Muppets (as are we), so they decided to not only have a puppet as the celebrant, but also a rabbi puppet, a judge puppet, a ring bear (yes, it was a bear – you have to see this!), a ship’s captain, and a crazy monster!
The whole thing was scripted and performed before a congregation of family and friends who had NO IDEA that this is what they were in for! They even had a big sing-along session!
The article can be read here. And the video of the ceremony has to be seen to be believed.
What kind of crazy, outrageous events could YOU imagine having puppets perform at or host? Please let us know, because we’ll DO IT for you! Why should Americans have all the fun when you have Larrikin Puppets right here in Australia! 😀
Child Care Centres Love Puppets!
Troggg and friends have had a fantastic year so far making friends with students and teachers at child care centres, schools and vacation care centres.
It started with two fun puppet shows for kids with autism at the AEIOU Early Learning Centre, located on campus at the Sunshine Coast University. In addition to the performance from the puppet stage, the kids got to meet each puppet up close throughout the show too!
Then it was off to the St. Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Advent Centre in Clayfield where the kids were greeted first thing on a Friday morning with a puppet show for two of the students celebrating birthdays.
From there, we did a whirlwind tour of eight Guppy’s Early Learning Centres around South-East Queensland, and had an absolute blast performing for everyone! We started in Caboolture, followed by Runcorn, Chermside West, Deagon, Beerwah, Thornlands, Nerang and Blackbutt.
Then it was off to Ormeau to perform at the PCYC Mother Terasa School Age Care. After the puppet show, the kids made some lovely cards filled with positive feedback.
Coming up, we’re doing another tour of child care centres run by Avenues Early Learning Centre. Starting in Norman Park, we’ll then head to Runcorn Heights, Cannon Hill, Bowen Hills, Shailer Park, Sunnybank Hills, Sunnybank, and then a show at Park Ridge Early Childhood Centre.
If you’re keen to have Larrikin Puppets come to visit your childcare centre, day care centre or kindy, here’s some information on how – Childcare Centre Entertainment Page.
