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automatonophobia

These giant, creepy puppets will be terrorising the streets of Limerick this summer

The press release claims they’re friendly. We still need convincing.

[Royal De Luxe]

IT’S NOT JUST us, is it?

These giant marionette’s look a tiny bit creepy don’t they?

Impressive, sure. But definitely, definitely pretty creepy.

If you suffer even slightly from automatonophobia (yes, it’s a word) you may want to avoid Limerick city between the 5th and 7th of September.

The creations above (or ones like them) will be hitting the streets as part of the ongoing City of Culture celebrations.

French theatre company Royal De Luxe will be unleashing them as part of its ‘Giant Saga’ — an “original tale, developed and specially scripted for the city” over the three days.

Limerick City of Culture 2014 / YouTube

They’ve performed similar feats all over the world.

According to a press release:

Big friendly Giants brimming with humanity, vulnerability and vivacity, tell a specific story tailored for each territory. They travel the world, from Nantes (France) their home town, to Guadalajara (Mexico), London and Liverpool (United-Kingdom), Barcelona (Spain)… and ignite enthusiasm and emotion everywhere they go.

Friendly?

Alright so.

Apparently they’ve been seen by some 18 million people worldwide.

According to the theatre company’s founder, Jean-Luc Courcoult:

Royal de Luxe are truly delighted that Ireland is one of the chosen stages for this year’s performances. The Giant and storyline that you will experience this September were created using Ireland, and more specifically Limerick, as the inspiration. It will be a very special time when we land on your green isle with our Giant and Lilliputians to perform what may be the biggest street performance Ireland will ever
see.

[Royal De Luxe]

[Royal De Luxe]

[Royal De Luxe]

Read: Appeal for information after three ducks stolen from nursing home

Read: Three Irish lads Riverdance their way around the world

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