PERFORMERS usually jump at the chance to be part of an international comedy show but only one rose to the occasion at the Adelaide auditions for Puppetry of the Penis yesterday.
Anthony Jucha, 28, a lawyer and part-time comic writer, braved the cold at Her Majesty’s Theatre to perform genital origami.
“I just came here for research for my writing. I am really nervous about getting a call back and I will cross that bridge when I get to it,” he said.
“I practised at home for a couple of hours. It wasn’t that hard, it’s a pretty simplistic craft.”
While the tricks may be simple, standing on stage naked was a different matter.
For almost 20 minutes he sat nervously while cast members Aaron Bloomfield, Brett Hartin and Barry Brisco stretched and moulded their apparatus to perform the Parachute and the Wind Up.
“I feel sick,” Anthony muttered more than once.
After some encouragement, he went the full monty and completed the five tricks needed to make the cut – the Wrist Watch, the Windsurfer, the Hamburger, Loch Ness and the Eiffel Tower.
Five other South Australian men had wanted to attend the audition but could not make the grade because they were unable to complete all five tricks.
Meanwhile, Anthony carried them off with ease and the judges remarked his audition was “above average”.
Apparently it is proportion, not size, that matters and according to Bloomfield, Anthony had what it took.
“He was a real trooper, with good proportions as well as stage presence,” he said. Bloomfield was selected from the audition process in Auckland last year, after driving six hours for a chance to be part of the show.
“It’s the best boys’ job and I’d be happy to carry on with it for a long time. There is a real thrill standing with no clothes on in front of thousands of people,” he said.
Bloomfield has since travelled Australia and the trio will take their act to South Africa next.
They are one of five casts who tour the globe, performing to sell-out crowds at theatres, rock gigs and comedy festivals.
Any puppeteer who passes the gruelling audition goes on a waiting list and may be called up to replace a cast member who decides to leave the show.
By Leisha Petrys
(The Sunday Mail – 4 May 2003)