John Thirtle

John Thirtle was a British puppeteer, producer, and puppet/set builder who has luckily worked on a few Muppet projects before his death. He was an additional puppeteer in The Muppets Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island which was taped before his death. John has also worked as part of a fabrication team on The Dark Crystal, though he was uncredited. I don't know why Thirtle has not worked with the Muppets when they filmed in the UK. He could have been an assistant on The Great Muppet Caper and Labyrinth, but it's up to what he does in his puppeteering career. Outside of the Muppets, he formed the company Playboard Puppets, alongside Ian Allen. John Thirtle's company started off doing stage shows until they branched out into television, most notably Button Moon and The Spooks of Bottle Bay. For the former and latter, he built and performed characters as well as produced and built sets for the latter show. He also worked as a puppeteer on Spitting Image, in one episode of Doctor Who, and The Wild Bunch (as a puppet maker). It's a shame John died in 1995, for he was doing such a great job running and performing Playboard Puppets. At least Thirtle will never be forgotten by his close friend Ian Allen as well as other performers such as Sue Dacre, Steve Nallon, and Alistair Fullarton. Not to mention he got to show off his talents to the Muppets and Creature Shop before his passing. He might be watching everything from heaven currently, you never know. John Thirtle, you've done wonderful at Playboard Puppets with Button Moon and The Spooks of Bottle Bay. Even though you're gone, you will never be forgotten by your partner as well as the performers you've worked with. Playboard Puppets is probably defunct now, but it will always be with you inside. Farwell John. Don't be spooky Thirtle!