Charming Puppetry, magic and witty banter from Ian Saville, in a show that's obsessed with bananas ...

There's nothing hi-tech or extravagant about Ian Saville's show, no big sets or fancy costumes. In their place we have charming ventriloquism, cuddly puppets, excellent close-hand magic and a nice easy narrative about a missing penguin. Saville is an understated performer, who knows exactly how to handle children, explain difficult words and involve them in the action at all times. Not only that, he's a naturally funny man, who has grown-ups laughing at his gentle humour just as much as kids. If you don't like bananas, stay away. But for everyone else, this is the ideal show.

The List

"Sqk. Sqk, Sqk," that's text message abbreviation by Penny the penguin who, tired by the relentless banana loving, has left. But Ian and Charlie the cat want to bring her back. Can they tempt her back with some clever magic tricks or will she be lost to the Doughnuts forever (very bad for you)? This is traditional children's entertainment with magic, puppets and as many banana jokes as you can not make rude references with. Saville is full of energy and thoroughly obsessed with the long yellow things, keeping the show good fun for kids throughout.

Three Weeks (Edinburgh Webmag)

"The Audience left with smiles on their faces
...Thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike
...Great Fun"
Terry Hayden
Front of House manager
The Library Theatre - Luton

Some reactions to Ian's previous shows:

With his child-like imagination and intuitive rapport with the audience, Saville's magic really captures the children - low key, apparently simple tricks which they can't quite get to the bottom of, and wonderful joining in.
The Scotsman

I'm writing to thank you for yet again a great show at Salisbury Playhouse. This year your Magic Show (which was popular with our audience on your first visit) proved to be a sell-out, so thank you for accommodating a second performance. The show is entertaining and funny and well thought through, just perfect for our audiences of young and old alike - a truly family experience.
Juliet Mortimer, Education and Outreach Officer Salisbury Playhouse