Big Interview: Steve Wright, puppeteer and artistic director, The Wright Stuff - Real issues without strings

"She's off to London tomorrow for Elton John's new stage production of Billy Elliot the Musical," reveals Wright. Despite the draw of the West End, however, Wright prefers to work with a different and, even considering Elton's well-documented tantrums, more challenging client group.

More than 50,000 young people have been treated to a "Wright Stuff" production since 2000 in every conceivable venue, from classrooms and youth facilities to village halls and fetes.

He has created well over 50 original characters to explore issues around drugs, family life, teenage stress and sexual health. "The pieces we do are big on laughs with lots of street characters," he says. "It creates a great atmosphere and, after the performance, it's easy to discuss those issues around that character."