Australia’s Murray Raine Puppets
Over the past decade Murray Raine has toured extensively in Australia’s major theatres in principal roles with the Marionette Theatre of Australia, Peter Oldham’s Performing Puppet Company and more recently in the $10,000,000 stage spectacular “Pan” which was co-produced by The Jim Henson Company, famous for The Muppets.
Murray has continually worked and toured professionally in theatre, film, theatre restaurants, night-clubs, radio, theatre-in-education, television commercials and cruise ships as well as directing and tutoring in the art of puppetry. His skills as a puppet designer have been used for television and stage.
In 1988 he was chosen to study in Master Classes with world-renowned French puppeteer, Phillippe Genty.
His numerous television credits include “Farscape”, “The Midday Show”, “Wonderworld”, “Ridgy Didge”, “Foxtel”, “The Morning Show”, “Good Morning Singapore”, “The Sydney Week-ender”, “The Andrew Denton Show”, “Big Brother” and the famous “Dolmio” commercials. In 1987 he was commissioned by Australia’s Life Education Centre to present “Harold G. Raffe”, the giraffe for ATN 7’s “Cartoon Connection”.
Murray’s one-man cabaret act has enthralled family audiences across Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and such exotic ports as Dubai in the Middle East. A Command Performance for royalty at the palace of the United Emirates was a highlight and shows the high esteem in which this international artist is held.
Apart from the demands of school touring, festivals and holiday programs for children, Murray is highly sought after for his exhilarating adult cabaret, “It’s Vegas On A String!” featuring outrageous “send-ups” of Tina Turner, Elvis, Shirley Bassey, Pavarotti and Madonna. In this capacity he regularly appears on cruise liners, showrooms and cabaret venues.
In 1996 Murray became the first and only puppeteer to win the prestigious Australian entertainment industry’s “Mo Award” for best visual act and was honoured for a second time in 2000. He has also had numerous nominations for best speciality artiste at the Australian Club Entertainment Awards.
Murray is continually updating his methods of presentation now using a black art style of theatre where the audience can actually see the puppeteer at work. Murray Raine’s internationally acclaimed star-studded troupe includes over 25 outrageous marionettes and life-size rod puppets featuring truly spectacular costumes in a humorous, slick and vibrant cabaret style program. This is Australia’s largest and most dynamic puppet revue that never fails to captivate and enthral an audience of any age.
Beneath the Waves
A PUPPET PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
This visually stunning puppet performance workshop is designed for 7 – 12 year old children and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable and stimulating experience.
Over the period of 1 hour the children explore, create and perform an amazing underwater-themed puppet ballet, “Beneath the Waves”. Through developing skills in manipulation and teamwork our young puppeteers are given an insight into how a full scale puppet production is developed.
“Beneath the Waves” was devised by Jonquil Temple and features over 30 magnificent large scale rod and shadow puppets designed by legendary Australian puppeteer, Norman Hetherington (Mr Squiggle) and supported by a dreamy original soundtrack by Steve Coupe.
During this unique workshop experience a total of 36 children bring to life an amazing multitude of stunning sea creatures: mermaids, dolphins, jellyfish, octopus, sharks, seagulls and even a luxury cruise liner! The technical side of the production is not forgotten with some children becoming spot-light operators and stage managers.
Internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning puppeteer, Murray Raine guides the cast and crew step by step while imparting the skills of theatre production.
“Beneath the Waves” promises to be not only fun and entertaining but a rewarding and memorable theatrical experience for all concerned.
HEY DIDDLE PUPPET CIRCUS
This is a delightful introduction into the magical world of puppetry designed for young children.
The “Hey Diddle Circus” offers an unforgettable experience. Our new show features 20 exquisite marionettes designed by famous Australian puppeteer, Ann Davis, and performed by multi-award winning puppeteer, Murray Raine. This is ideal entertainment for pre-schools, kindergartens and child care centres.
Lavish staging, lighting, props and sound immediately transport children into a world of make-believe.
This stunning and purely visual marionette show is a series of short and often hilarious circus-style sketches. The pace is exhilarating as crazy monkeys take to the trapeze; clowns tumble, stretch and juggle; a camel with the most amazing hump and of course our spectacular finale, a salute to the “Moulin Rouge” will leave them wanting more!
This is a truly magical theatre experience that they will not forget.