Berlin
Berlin's cuddliest live show
In a city where quirkiness abounds, we'll happily admit that we've yet to encounter anything quite as curious as a soap opera starring cuddly toys.
Part puppet show, part Woody Allen-esque musing over the trials and tribulations of everyday life, Humana - Leben in Berlin (those familiar with the chain of second-hand stores will understand the reference to much of the cast's origin) has been running for over a decade. A pretty good innings, we think, for a drama performed live in a large cardboard box.
The offbeat soap is the brainchild of Andreas Walter und Ulrike Dittrich, and 30-minute episodes take place weekly in some of Berlin's artiest bars and galleries. (Performers do, however, enjoy a well-earned summer break, so check the website below for details).
Admittedly, you'll need a pretty good understanding of German to follow the musings of Berlin's unlikeliest superstars, although the pure kookiness of the set-up certainly supercedes language barriers.
And the 'casting sessions' after each performance, in which audience members audition their stuffed toys in a quest for fame and fortune, are a pure delight. Remember to take along your favourite Teddy.
See also:
An opera performed by puppets
Humana - Leben in Berlin: check website for dates and venues