Scruff the Dog on Swiss Family Robinson

Scruff The Dog tell us all about New Old Friends‘ forthcoming adaptation of Swiss Family Robinson, playing at The Core at Corby Cube this Christmas.

Hi Scruff, thanks for taking time out of rehearsals to talk to us. How are preparations for Swiss Family Robinson coming along?

Well, all the humans seem to be getting along fine, it’s all great I’m sure, They keep talking about how colourful it is, but I’m colour blind so that makes me see red. Well, grey. I think there should be more dog-friendly elements, we’re mans best friend. I mean throw me a bone here. No, I’m being literal, please through me a bone.

Is the show true to the book?

I’ve snuggled by the fire as they have read sections of it, and the original book is like 200 years old or something, so they’ve definitely updated quite a bit of it. It feels like the show is true to the style of the book but this Swiss family have more exciting adventures.

This is the second time you have performed with New Old Friends, how do you find the company to work with?

Not too rough, they’re a bit daft but not totally barking. That’s a couple of dog-based puns for you, I’m very funny but they never let me speak. It’s all “run over here Scruff”, “Jump up there”, “Aren’t you adorable?” Yes, I may be adorable but I also have range, I played a Labrador in Eastenders & a poodle in Coronation Street in the same week once and nobody noticed!

What are your favourite aspects of this particular production?

Well I do really like all the sweet moments with the family, and some of the bits are actually hilarious. There are these two news readers who crack me up. Plus there are some other animal performers, two penguins and a baby monkey so it’s nice not being too out numbered by the humans.

Do you have any rehearsal or show rituals?

I always warm up by giving a few loud barks and chasing my tail for a bit. It just loosens me up so I can really give a full performance.

What are you looking forward to most during your time in Corby?

Without a doubt it will be meeting my fans, I’ve been doing some pre-publicity around some local schools and of course they loved me so I can’t wait to meet more of them.

And finally, have you been a good boy this year? What have you asked Father Christmas for?

Who’s a good boy? Me! Yes! Yes! All I want is a standing ovation every night, roses thrown at my paws, a diamond collar and hordes of adoring fans. So nothing much.

Swiss Family Robinson runs at The Core at Corby Cube, Northamptonshire, 6 – 29 December. Information and tickets here