Paul Currie, a multifaceted and accomplished individual born in the year 1974, has distinguished himself as a masterful puppeteer, captivating audiences with his exceptional skills in the realms of both circus and street performance, as well as stand-up comedy.
Notably, he has held the esteemed role of lead Muppet Potto on Sesame Tree, a collaborative production with the esteemed Sesame Street in Northern Ireland, further solidifying his reputation as a talented performer.
In addition, his impressive repertoire includes appearances on the esteemed Jim Henson Company series Pajanimals, a testament to his versatility and range as a performer.
As an accomplished assistant puppeteer, he has demonstrated his adaptability by taking on a variety of recurring and guest roles, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Paul Currie has consistently demonstrated his exceptional talent, captivating audiences and solidifying his position as a respected and accomplished performer in the world of puppetry and entertainment.
Born and raised in the charming town of Newtownabbey, nestled in the picturesque County Antrim of Northern Ireland, Currie's innate curiosity and fascination with the enchanting world of puppetry began to take shape.
As a youngster, Currie would often regale his schoolmates with his impressive vocal impressions of beloved Muppet characters, bringing Fozzie and Gonzo to life with his remarkable talent.
This passion for puppetry, sparked by his early performances, would ultimately lead Currie to discover the planned Northern Irish Sesame show, an encounter that would have a profound impact on his future endeavors.
During a festival, Currie had the privilege of meeting Lisa Henson, who would become a catalyst for his involvement in the project, igniting a spark that would propel him towards a career in the world of puppetry.
Lisa Henson's festival encounter with Currie would be the turning point, marking the beginning of his journey in the world of puppetry, a path that would be filled with excitement, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment.
Noted puppeteer Currie has accumulated a vast wealth of experience in the realm of puppetry, traversing numerous festivals and theatrical productions throughout Ireland. Within this extensive repertoire, he has honed his skills as a designer and performer, crafting his own unique puppets that captivate audiences with their intricate details and charming personas.
One of Currie's most notable creations is the enigmatic "spide" puppet, DJ Scrunter, which he meticulously built for the esteemed BBC Northern Ireland show "Teethgrinder." This remarkable puppet's name is a nod to the colloquialism "spides," a moniker affectionately bestowed upon young Belfast street delinquents, imbuing the character with a sense of gritty realism and authenticity.
Michael Currie's remarkable journey in the world of puppetry commenced in 1991, when he was entrusted with the responsibility of substituting for his Performing Arts tutor, the esteemed Paddy Scully, for a series of summer engagements across Northern Ireland. This auspicious opportunity would serve as the catalyst for his future achievements.
Fast forward to 2001, Currie's path crossed with that of Michael McNulty, a fellow puppeteer and close friend, with whom he would go on to co-found the renowned Kernal Trapps Puppets. Under this banner, they crafted foam puppets and penned surreal puppet shows, which garnered widespread acclaim during performances at the prestigious Queens Festival Belfast and the Belfast Children's Festival.
Throughout the entirety of his remarkable career, Currie has consistently demonstrated a profound and unwavering dedication to the intricate and often underappreciated art of puppetry, showcasing his remarkable creativity and versatility through a diverse array of roles and projects that have not only showcased his mastery of the craft but also allowed him to make a lasting and indelible impact in the world of entertainment.
