At the age of ten months Petter played the role of Lillebror’s dog in Hålogaland Theatre’s “Karlsson on the Roof”, based on Astrid Lindgren’s novel.
All in all he took part in 65 performances in three different counties. Petter, the rest of the cast and the crew were on the road for eight weeks, travelling by bus. During the tour, two young girls were given the responsibility of taking care of Petter. This turned out to be mere a joy for them as Petter proved to be a well adjusted traveller and hotel guest!
Not only was Petter well behaved, but he soon learned, by listening to the music, when he was due on stage. He would signal to the two girls when it was time for him to get ready for his entrance!
The play went for two weeks on the main theather in Tromsø and it was a lot of kids that screamed : "PETTER" when he entred the stage.
Many people have asked me how I dared sending him on tour, and my answer is simple: Petter is strong and full of self esteem and also a very social dog. He just loved being in the limelight!
Here’s what a local newspaper reporter said:
“Karlsson on the roof” is one of Astrid Lindgren’s dearest characters. The story is well known to both young and old: One day Karlsson flies through Lillebror’s open bedroom window. He helps him out of many difficult situations and becomes Lillebror’s best friend. The world’s best Karlsson is not a pedagogical dream come true, he is a boasting, cheeky and selfish character. Still he has a good heart and invites us to see the world from different points of views.
My junior consultant of five was very excited before opening night. There was in particular one question that occupied her: “Would Karlsson be flying across the stage with the help of an engine and a propeller?” I was quite curious myself as to how the theatre’s stage director would solve this. It was done in a simple way, which really pleased my five year old – a springy Karlsson (played by Frode Winther) would jump on and off stage with giant trampoline jumps while we heard the sound of rotors and saw the silhouettes of two rotating propellers.
The centre of the stage was a square that could be moved in all directions and thereby could be turned into a table, Lillebror’s bedroom, Karlsson’s roof or a kind of wing that Lillebror and Karlsson would fly off on. Very cleverly done!
Singing and dancing constitute a great part of the show. My favourite act was that of the three thieves dancing on the roof. This was part James Bond and part Olsenbanden, and the children in the audience screamed to their hearts’ content when Lillebror and Karlsson, disguised as ghosts, chased the thieves through the audience!
Svenn B. Syrin delivers a great performance as the mean and vicious Miss Bukk. Hege A. Rognstad gives a profound picture of Lillebror, a sensitive and shy 11 year old with a genuine wish of getting a dog, Petter. Frode Winther is a hyperactive Karlsson with a terrible attitude – fat enough for his years!
Actors:
Karlsson is played by Frode Winther and Lillebror by Hege Aga Rogstad.
These also participated:
Bernt Bjørn, Augusta Søhol, Ellen Birgitte Johannessen, Svenn B. Syrin, Arne Skog.and Lillebror’s dog the Kerry Blue Terrier Valera’s on Top of the World ”Petter”.
