Meet the Father Christmas Company – Peyvand Sadeghian
For our production of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas we worked with some amazing freelance artists who brought the story to life so we could stream it online.
Many of the characters from the show are puppets, operated by our two talented puppeteers and we spoke to one of them Peyvand Sadeghian to learn more –
1) If you could choose a favourite puppet in the show, which one would you choose and why?
I really like lil Raymond who spots Father Christmas from the window! He’s SO EXCITED and that will be a memory for life (that no one else will believe).
2) How did you first get into puppetry?
I’ve always enjoyed watching puppetry but it never occurred to me that as an actor I could also be a puppeteer. I did a show where I had to learn a bit of it and afterwards wanted to do more. I was living near the Little Angel Theatre at the time and started learning through them.
3) What’s the one thing you wish people knew about puppetry?
It’s not just for kids! And that’s not the way the rest of the world sees puppetry either. It’s for anyone with an imagination.
4) Without giving away too much – what is the most magical moment in the show?
When it’s the dead of night on Christmas Eve….
5) What are you asking Father Christmas for this year?
I’ll be asking him to leave a present for my cats as well and not to step on them when he visits. They’re 2 black cats that have a habit of tripping you up in the dark!
6) How is prep for filming Father Christmas going?
Quick. It’s my first time doing the show so I’ve had to dive straight in but the rest of the team really know what they’re doing and are brilliant.
7) How do you think the show will be different this year?
It’s the audience that will be different. We won’t all be in the same room reacting together which is a shame. BUT you will be able to watch it as many times as you like and replay your favourite bits over and over and over …
8) What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?
All the smells! (Apart from Brussel sprout farts)
Book your ticket to see Peyvand in Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas here