Tim Tyler has developed, over the years, a variety of odd astonishing skills, including his world famous ping pong ball mouth juggling routine, egg balancing, wire walking, unicycling to mention a few. 

Tim as his creation “Mr PP” has worked extensively for the last thirty five years in theatre, cabaret and variety shows around the world, delighting audiences of all ages. 

We recently caught up with Tim during his preparation for the Residency at Lotte Hotel Seattle, running October 12, 2023 – March 31, 2024. 

Where are you from?

I was born in Tanzania and when I was 3 I moved to England, at 13 to Australia and I am presently living in Montreal.

How did you connect with Teatro ZinZanni?

I believe Norm Langill saw me performing in Pomp Duck, one of the first German dinner show that was in a mirror tent and he asked me to come to Seattle to perform in their first season in 1998.

How long have you been performing?

I have been performing for over 45 years.

What was your first gig?

My first gig as my character Mr P.P. was on King Island in 1979, an island between Melbourne and Tasmania in Australia. It was a fashion parade and with the money I received I bought a hand spun jumper, made completely on the island and I still have it!

Where’s your favorite spot to visit in Seattle?

I think Seattle is a great sized city which is livable and has interesting picturesque neighbourhoods. I love the ferry world which reminds me of Sydney Australia…

How do you think the Teatro ZinZanni show experience differs from other productions or shows you’ve been part of?

I really like the family feeling of Teatro ZinZanni and that is a great quality.

How would you describe your act?

A celebration of being silly.

You have been performing with Teatro ZinZanni since the beginning – how has it grown since then?

I was in ZinZanni’s first show and I would say it has become more American over the years. In the beginning their desire was to take their audience out of their everyday lives and culture and to submerge them into another world. They are still doing that but their focus has changed as things do!

And I have changed as well and am more interested in connecting with our humanity and with the audience which to me is very important.