The legendary Compere Aplombov: the Obraztsov Theatre’s most famous puppet at the exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA

The Sergei Obraztsov State Academic Central Puppet Theatre in Moscow is the largest puppet theatre in the world. Its collection of 4,000 puppets from across the globe does not simply remain in storage: many of them still appear on stage. One of the most recognisable is the legendary compere Eduard Aplombov, who has temporarily "moved" from his home theatre to the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA. He is spending his "holiday" in the "Puppet Workshop" section alongside other unique exhibits at the exposition, which marks the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation. The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.

Compere Aplombov is a character from "An Unusual Concert", first staged in 1946 by Sergei Obraztsov, the country's leading puppeteer. In the second version, created in 1968, the puppet acquired its definitive appearance, which went on to become iconic. The production is officially listed in Guinness World Records as the most widely attended puppet show in history: it has been performed more than 10,000 times in hundreds of cities around the world.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The puppet was made by highly skilled craftsman Pyotr Kuznetsov from designs by puppet artist Valentin Andriyevich. With his elegant tailcoat, bow tie and snow-white shirtfront, the one-metre-tall Aplombov looks every inch a man about town, and his image has lost none of its relevance: the puppet still appears in the production today.

Operating the compere is an art in itself. The puppet is heavy and mechanically complex, so the actor wears a special belt with a pocket into which a support attached to the body is inserted to make it easier to handle. The role itself is considered one of the most difficult in the theatre: the grotesque, geometrical, graphically stylised and, to some extent, abstract image requires exceptional skill.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

For many years, Aplombov was performed with unfailing success by Zinovy Gerdt. He shared the acclaim with his assistant, Honoured Artist of the RSFSR Nina Merkulova, who brought the compere's hands to life with remarkable precision and conviction. Yet the stage magic was not limited to acting skill and technical perfection. Another marvel was that Eduard Aplombov spoke 24 languages: for tours around the world, Zinovy Gerdt had to learn the text of his role in each one. It was largely thanks to this multilingual compere that "An Unusual Concert" consistently resonated with audiences in every country.

At the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, Compere Eduard Aplombov is more than an exhibit. He is a true symbol of puppet theatre, speaking different languages and combining craftsmanship, humour and that distinctive Obraztsov love for the audience. Visit the exposition for a rare opportunity to see this legend outside a theatrical production. Admission to the exposition is free, either with an audio guide or as part of a guided tour, for which registration is available on the russia.ru website.