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Marella Discovery 2 launches life-size elephant puppet show and other new entertainment

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RWS-curated new entertainment programme for Marella Discovery 2
Marella Cruises has announced its latest entertainment programme onboard Marella Discovery 2 including the cruise-debut of a life-size elephant puppet in Jumbo and The Wonder Circus.

The West-End style show starts this month and was created by RWS Global. The elephant puppet is made from specialist lightweight materials, which allows flexible lifelike movements from his trunk, legs and head. It was crafted to replicate a full-sized African elephant which stands at 2.16mtr high, 2.9mtr long and 1mtr wide.  

The heartfelt tale is set in a vintage circus and follows the story of Jumbo the Elephant and his relationship with Madame Rose who owns the circus. The story follows the circus acts, as they come together to save Jumbo and bring him home after he runs away after being spooked. With authentic bespoke costuming, traditional circus set designs and aerial performances, the show is set to special arrangements of well-known hits from modern bands such as Coldplay, Katy Perry, Paloma Faith and U2. 

Beatlemania

Other shows which will debut on Marella Discovery 2 are Yellow Submarine,  which celebrates and remixes The Beatles iconic tracks with a giant  inflatable yellow submarine, quirky set designs with psychedelic 60s costumes; Hollywoodland a love story which follows an ambitious actor who wants to make it in Hollywood and includes music from films from La La Land and Singin’ in the Rain; and finally 7 Sins of Rock, which showcases rock classics from Pink, Muse, Oasis and Aerosmith.   

Chris Hackney, Managing Director, Marella Cruises: ‘We’re always looking to refresh our entertainment on board, and with Jumbo and the Wonder Circus the life-size puppet will be a first for a cruise line to be showcasing such an act, along with the other shows coming to Marella Discovery 2. Our new West-End style entertainment will give customers a new range of entertainment to enjoy when they’re on board our ship.’

Theatre shows

Sarah-Lou Twist, Creative Director for RWS Global said: ‘RWS Global is thrilled to be pushing boundaries when it comes to new productions on the Marella Cruises fleet. We understand that theatre shows are a big part of the cruise experience for the guests, so we aim to bring fresh and innovative concepts to stage that rival the quality of entertainment seen in the West End and on Broadway.  

‘By working with our expansive team who are the best in the industry when it comes to track production, scenic design, costumery and creative, we are proud to offer these exclusive shows to the Marella Cruises that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.’