July was an exciting month for one of Gauntlet's most popular characters.
Scooby, our Raven was asked to take a starring role in a prestigious new opera
being staged as part of The Manchester International Festival.
'Dr Dee' is the new opera by Damon Albarn, that had it's world premiere at The Palace Theatre in Manchester.
It tells story of the 16th century alchemist and astrologer John Dee.
Director and co-creator Rufus Norris decided he wanted a live Raven included in the production. He contacted Graham who, along with Danny (Scooby's best friend!), came up with a plan. Graham has done lots of work in film and television over the years and put his experience to good use, making sure things went smoothly (especially as Scooby had been given the honour of opening the show!)
With a very limited time for practice and only one run-through, the pressure was on Scooby to deliver on the opening night (no luxury of re-takes with live theatre!) And he didn't disappoint, flying in from the back of the theatre and on to the stage perfectly. The audience were impressed and he got a spontaneous round of applause - not a bad way to start things off.
Graham was very pleased with how things went, but of course Scooby had to keep up the high standards in every show for the next week. Well, he didn't put a foot (or claw!) wrong, giving scene-stealing performances each night to great approval.
Scooby's performance has received praise from reviewers across the country.
'... a crazy, almost psychedelic show that is not like anything you've seen before.
And don't miss the raven; that bird's going places!' The Times
'A special mention must go to Scooby who plays the raven; well, he is a raven in fact,
and he opens the show very effectively with a scene-stealing entrance.' The British Theatre Guide
'... has been ruffling feathers thanks to his scene-stealing moment at the start of the show.' Manchester Evening News
