30 | April 25, 2013 | www.cambridge-news.co.uk | Cambridge News

What’s On Family VISIT OUR FAMILY SECTION at cambridge-news.co.uk/whatson

DOCTOR Brown is verydifficult to get hold of.In fact, I feel I know

his answerphone message (asing song ramble that doesn’thave any actual words in itand definitely no “leave yournumber and I’ll get back to you”comment), really quite well.

But this fits his whole persona,Doctor Brown – aka Phil Burgersfrom LA – is notoriously “trickyto pin down”, and that’s hispublicist talking. It explainswhy, when you try and findout anything about him, allyou can really discover isthat he’s a comedian with aserious penchant for audienceinteraction. Despite winningthe Edinburgh Comedy Prize(previously the Perrier award)last year for his adult stand upshow Befrdfgth (following inthe footsteps of Steve Coogan

and Stephen Fry), you probablyhaven’t even heard of him. Thisis largely due to the fact he andhis rather impressive beard,tend to steer clear of comedyTV quiz shows and all barelyamusing BBC3 sitcoms.

“I’m not doing this forachievement purposes,” he tellsme, when I do finally get hold ofhim (numerous nudges in theribs by his publicist later). “It’sfun.”

Aside from his adult show,he does kid’s shows too, whichare practically identical tohis adult shows, except muchmore PC – audience membersof his adult shows, beware,he’s all for dragging you upon stage for a bit of clowningaround/humiliation. DoctorBrown is bringing both showsto Cambridge Junction thisweekend, but other than the

fact a tiger narrates and sings inthe kid’s production (played byStuart Bowden, one of the starsof last year’s Junction Christmasshow, The DIY Nativity withBryony Kimmings), I really can’ttell you much more about it,sorry.

“What is it all about?” hemuses. “Umm, it’s about a guywho tries to get things right, bygoing about his day, but he can’tget anything right.”

Can you narrow it down: whatare the songs like? Is it theatre?“It’s just a lot of playing around,being silly, fooling around,”

he says mysteriously. And whyshould people go along? “I don’tknow… Why should anyone goseeing anything? You know?

“If people just want to take arisk and see something silly, andfun and playful and alive, thencome see it, and if they want tobe surprised. But I can’t reallyfit it into a box and say, well thishappens first and this happensand it’s a show about this. It’skind of its own little beast.”

He adds: “If you wanna have agood time and laugh and be silly,cool. But if you want meaningand deep understanding, andto be taken on a serious journeyinto the human soul and all thattype of stuff, this is probably notthe type of show for you.”

So please, go along, soak it allup and tell us what it’s like, we’rerather intrigued.

Ella Walker

Doctor Brown BrownBrown Brown Brownand his Singing Tiger

Family theatre

*

� Dr. Brown Brown Brown BrownBrown and His Singing Tiger,Cambridge Junction, Saturday,11.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets £9 (£5child) from (01223) 511 511 /www.junction.co.uk

Five thingsto do with the family

ONE huge canvas, an army of multi-coloured acrylic paints and a whole lotof imagination, what could go wrong?If your kids are arty and like to get theirhands dirty, Think Big Paint Big at TheFitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge isa chance for them to be inspired bythe Fitz’s collections and splatter theirthoughts and ideas all over the place– well, within reason. To be honest,popping them in a set of overalls mightmake sense. Suitable for over 12s, it’s onSaturday from 10.30am until 12.30pm.It’s free but you have to book. Call(01223) 332904 or email fitzmuseum-education@lists.cam.ac.uk.

1. Paint a HUGE canvas

FANCY discovering your inner Picasso?Try getting creative at a Kettle’s YardStudio Sunday session this weekend.The idea is to act like a magpie andexplore the gallery for inspiration, thenpour your ideas into crafts and sketches.All ages are welcome and they’ve alsostarted using a fab new PropsBoxinitiative, packed with interactive gamesand quizzes relating to the exhibitions.It’s on Sunday from 1pm until 4pm andis free (even better, there are snacksincluded!), but don’t forget to book on(01223) 748100.

2. ... or a normal-sized one

BUDDING vets and animal lovers can trytheir hand at being a rescue worker forthe day at Wood Green Animal Shelterin Godmanchester. Learn how to feed,clean and care for the centre’s fluffy,fidgety and fun-loving creatures underthe guidance of an expert. The sessionis on Saturday from 10am until 3pm. It’sa tad pricey at £65 per person, but isaimed at 15-17-year-olds who are reallykeen to go into animal welfare in thefuture. Contact the hands on team on08442488181 for more details.

3. Rescue animals for a day

BUMPTY Bear is clumsy, smiley andalways snuffling out an adventure.You can hear all about him at a newstorytelling group at the Imperial WarMuseum Duxford. Apparently Bumptylikes rambling around The Quays andwouldn’t get too far without a lot ofhelp from his friends and a handy firstaid kit. The whole family can catch himon Saturday from 10.30am under theHarrier Jump Jet – and it’s free. Call01618364000 for more details.

4. Hear a story

IN honour of the fact spring has finally (!)turned up, the Grafton Gorilla is hostinga springtime special for the Centre’smonthly Children’s Club. Go along onSunday to get to grips with making agiant tissue paper flower and a few newfriends. There’ll be free seed sticks totake home and plant too. It’s on Sundaybetween 11am and 4pm, and is free butyou have to be a member of the club.Find out more at www.graftoncentre.co.uk/childrens_club.

5. Make a giant flower