Choppsie: Audience's Reaction

Following Choppsie the dog puppet's speaking debut on Sunday 15th March, audience feedback was really encouraging. Parents' comments were:

• The children loved him.
• They especially like him because he talks
• You couldn't tell that was his debut speaking appearance

Children's comments (age 5):

• He was funny
• I thought he had batteries because his mouth moved
• I liked his accent

Choppsie was of course delighted. His comments were that he's going to enjoy going with Chuckle Chops to parties from now on. He's going to practice speaking now that he's overcome his initial stage fright. He wants to improve his singing voice, but Chuckle Chops holds little hope of that. He's looking for new jokes he can tell children as part of his performance. He's also planning mischievous tricks he can play on Chuckle Chops and the children he entertains. So, children, beware!

Clown International Festival, Butlins, Bognor Regis

This was my first CI festival and convention. What an exciting event it was. A very special thank you to all my new clown friends, especially those who shared their wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience of entertaining children. I'm 'chomping at the bit' to put into practice many of the ideas I've managed to adopt and personalise to suit Chuckle Chops' unique personality and character.

During the Clown parade, my dog puppet chum 'Choppsie' made his first public appearance and was a hit with children and adults alike. Choppsie and Chuckle Chops competed for attention, but Choppsie was allowed to get away with his cheeky antics; after all, it was his debut public appearance and he does need to learn how to behave.

Spurred on by Choppsie's success at Butlins, Bognor Regis, Chuckle Chops took him along to Kristina's 5th and Joseph's 2nd Birthday Party and allowed him to take part in his magic show. For sometime now Chuckle Chops has been trying to teach Choppsie to talk. Encouraged by his reception from families at Butlins, Choppsie spoke for the first time, much to the joy of his young audience.