Onlookers were sent wild on Tuesday afternoon when an unexpected visitor emerged from a city venue.
A life-sized tiger puppet that could easily be mistaken for the real thing appeared outside Norwich Theatre Royal, where it stars in the play Life of Pi this week.
The West End smash-hit is touring the UK and Ireland and it is based on the bestselling 2001 novel by Yann Martel, which was also turned into a Hollywood blockbuster in 2012.
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After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, there are five survivors stranded on a single lifeboat – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a sixteen-year-old boy and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger.
The tiger is called Richard Parker and it is controlled by three or four performers at a time.
There are seven puppeteers on stage during every show and they rotate roles, bringing an array of wild animals to life.
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Life of Pi won five Olivier Awards in 2022, including Best New Play and, in a historic first, the seven people who puppeteer the Tiger Richard Parker were collectively named Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Two of these award-winning performers are involved in the UK and Ireland tour.
Matt McFarlane, company stage manager for the tour, said: "It has been phenomenal getting to experience what the puppeteers do and how the animals interact with people.
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"It is a very absorbing show and you will be dragged right into the heart of the story - it will bring out every emotion within yourself."
Life of Pi runs at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, September 30 - book tickets at norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000.
The Lounge Experience is also available on Friday and Saturday evenings, including pre-show and interval drinks and ice cream.
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