Bosco celebrates 40th anniversary in Enniscorthy
THERE was a definite air of nostalgia in the Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy recently when legendary Irish TV ‘personality’, Bosco, arrived in town to celebrate 40 years in showbiz.
The venue was packed for the show which was based around Hansel and Gretel.
While there was often debate as to whether Bosco was a boy or a girl, the reality is that for generations of people Bosco was just Bosco, plain and simple.
While the large number of children present in the venue for the show were thoroughly entertained by the production there was also no getting away from the fact that for many of the parents and guardians present it was an opportunity to relive their own childhood days when Bosco was a staple of afternoon TV.
Bosco starred on TV for over three decades and the puppet has remained a firm favourite with families since he was first introduced to Irish audiences by the famous Lambert Puppet theatre family.
In addition to the Hansel and Gretel interpretation the show also features Bosco’s garden story which also had the youngsters enthralled.
The show was presented by Paula Lambert who has been touring the country and delighting children for the last 40 years.
Bosco’s character has always been that of a funny, slightly cracked, eternal five-year-old and the irrepressible traits of the puppet’s personality proved infectious in the Presentation Centre where the kids lapped it up with great enthusiasm.
In an age when children are getting moreand-more tech savvy the importance of good old fashioned puppet theatre cannot be overstated.
Simple, innocent and a lot of fun the show in the Presentation Centre brought children’s entertainment back to a classic level.
However, in keeping with the modern age in which we live there was an interactive element to the show which ensured that everyone in attendance was able to fully engage with the production.
The younger members of the audience were delighted to get so close to Bosco and it was a great opportunity for parents to show their children that sometimes the simple things in life are the best.
It also started a conversation between parents and children about how such a seemingly simple puppet has stood the test of time and continues to entertain children today as it did when their parents were small.
The show was part of an nationwide tour by Ms Lambert to celebrate the anniversary of one of the most iconic names in the history of children’s entertainment in Ireland.
In addition to Bosco the Lambert Theatre is also known for creating the characters in Wanderly Wagon.