The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Getting to know you
Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre are performing Red Riding Hood’s Magic Purse at Birnam Arts on December 9. Member Leigh McCalister from Cupar gives us an insight into her world
I don’t believe in regrets
Q What’s on your iPod these days? A Amy MacDonald.
Q What drives you? A Doing performances and sharing arts activities with children.
Q What’s so great about puppets?
A As a puppeteer you can play any part at all. Puppets are a link between our childhood selves and being grown up.
Q What makes a good puppeteer?
A A playful disposition, hard work, and the ability to turn your hand to many different jobs.
Q Most exciting thing you’ve ever done? A Toured to schools in China.
Q Last meal on earth? A Calamari for sure.
Q Dream dinner party guests? A The entire The Lord of the Rings cast.
Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million? A I would travel to New Zealand.
Q Quiet night in or big night out? A A quiet night in with the family.
Q City break or weekend in the country? A Always the country, unless it’s a cultural European city.
Q Save it or spend it? A. I would say both. Enjoy, but don’t spend what you haven’t got.
Q Couch potato or fitness fanatic? A You have to be fit and strong to be a puppeteer.
Q Home or abroad? A Both.
Q Rebel rebel or teacher’s pet?
A Definitely a rebel. You have to think out of the box to be a puppeteer and have your own ideas.
Q Sweet or savoury? A It has to be chocolate every time.
Q Biggest regret? A I don’t believe in regrets.
Q What are you proudest of? A My family.
Q Who do you admire most? A Maggie Smith.
Q And who do you detest? A Nigel Farage.
Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change? A No Brexit.
Q Who would you like to thank? A My family.
Q What advice would you give to your younger self? A Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? A Erm don’t want to answer that, a bit close to the bone.
Q Could you save someone’s life if they were dying in the street? A I would love to try and keep meaning to do a first aid course.
Q Do you give money to beggars? A Sometimes.
Q What was the worst punishment you had as a child? A Not being listened to.
Q What’s your motto? A Never give up. It’s now or never.
Q What three words would your best friend use to describe you? A Loyal, Kind, Driven (I hope).
Q And your biggest critic? A Myself.
Q What have you got in your pockets? A As little as possible.
Q Where would you rather be right now? A In Canada at the top of the Jackson Tramway.