Tuesday, July 22nd 2025

Author Bob Stutt reading from “Puppet”

The arcane world of puppeteering is funny, and sometimes profane. It’s just another day at the Toronto studio where Jim Tait works with Benny the Beaver – until the police swoop in and confiscate the puppet. From slinging dead cow heads at the lion park, to juggling with Russian killers, Jim’s career has been varied rather than profitable. Now his contented family life, about to be swallowed whole by scandal, blackmail and murder, takes on shades of film noir. But who is pulling the strings? And is Jim a hero or a patsy? ROBERT (BOB) STUTT has worked in children’s television for over 40 years, puppeteering on such shows as Fraggle Rock, The Jim Henson Hour, The Friendly Giant, The Big Comfy Couch, Sesame Park, and as Iggy Iguana on Under the Umbrella Tree. He’s also written over 300 scripts produced for CBC, CTV, PBS, and Disney, and has performed live everywhere from the street corners of Toronto to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. Bob lives in Fredericton, NB, with his wife, Joanne, dog, Teddy, and ginger cat, Conan O’Brien. This event is presented in association with Merlin Star Press. At Café Tintamarre, 34 Mallard Dr.