PERTH actor Jake Lyall was given a reality check when he auditioned for stage production Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
“I auditioned for Snugglepot originally but I soon realised I wasn’t quite as boyish as I once was,” 30-year-old Lyall said.
“So I auditioned for the part where I play the bad Banksia Man, Mr Lizard and some other adult roles.
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READ NOW“Nicholas Hiatt and Thomas Pidd who play Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are perfect for it and I understand why they cast them, while Lucy Goleby plays all the female characters and that leaves me playing the rest, which makes it an absolute whirlwind backstage getting changed.
“Thankfully there’s a lot of Velcro and zips that make life a little bit easier; it’s almost like a well-choreographed dance and for an hour-long show, I’m definitely earning my money.”
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The Actors Centre Australia graduate has been based in Sydney since enjoying a European gap year following his high school days at John XXIII.
He joined Snugglepot and Cuddlepie for the production’s Australian tour following its premiere at Sydney Opera House in 2015.
“It’s based around the first May Gibbs book and the adventure of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie seeking out humans because they’re something they’ve never seen before,” Lyall said.
“They leave their home in search of humans at the botanical gardens, because that’s where the closest sighting has been, and along the way they bump into all these characters.
“It’s a great show to ignite the imagination of the kids and also parents and grandparents who have grown up with the books as well.
“It’s a book I remember being read when I was much younger and to see it brought to life on stage is great; it has a kind of magical myth to it and the kids are so engaged in the story.
“They are such a responsive target audience who don’t have a filter, so if they like it they’ll let you know and if they don’t like it they’ll let you know and everything in between.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
Where: Heath Ledger Theatre
When: November 9 to 14
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au