Review: PUPPETS, The Space - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Puppets makes its international premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Written and performed by Olivia Ruggerio, and directed by Carly Fisher, it explores and highlights the problems that can occur when using dating apps and relationships in general.

Featuring songs from musicals and the charts in the most unlikely of mash-ups, add in a few Muppets as ex-boyfriends (and let’s face it, we’ve all got at least one ex-partner that could be described like that!), add in a few laughs along the way and you’re there. 

It’s an honest and unashamed story telling the pitfalls of dating. Ruggerio is an engaging narrator with astounding vocal talent and has the audience captivated from start to finish. 

Interspersing puppets with musical numbers is fun and charming and not overused, keeping the audience on side.

Whilst it is mostly comical, there is a serious undertone to the text and this is put across defiantly by Ruggerio, refusing to be downtrodden and lose her trust in men, she picks herself up and confidently goes back out in to the dating world.

Inspiring, engaging and relatable.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin 

Puppets plays at theSpace on North Bridge at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 20 August, with tickets available here.