So real you can almost touch it boasts publicity for Puppetry of the Penis’ new 3D show. For once, entertainments writer WAYNE SAVAGE is pleased not to be doing a face-to-face interview.

Since its debut at the 1998 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where it was received as the Outright Best Show, Puppetry of the Penis has played to more than ten million people in 30 countries, been performed in Spanish and French and in temperatures ranging from 52 degrees to -38; which must really affect the show you see.

If you’re wondering where the show’s grand repertoire of genital gesticulations started, blame show creator Simon Morley’s younger brother Justin.

He showed Simon his first installation - The Hamburger- and it was the natural course of sibling rivalry and one-upmanship that led to Simon’s mastery of the art of genital origami.

He came up with the name as the title of a highbrow art calendar originally. Released in 1997, it showcased 12 of Simon’s favourite penis installations.

It was on New Year’s Eve in 1997, with a garage full of calendars to sell and burgeoning requests for live demonstrations, that Simon teamed up with David “Friendy” Friend and exposed their talents to the world.

As a young boy Friendy began his career in the bath and developed his skills further when he discovered beer in college.

After completing his degree in computing he returned to Melbourne with his own highly individual collection of hanging art and had been keeping himself busy with a solid business performing his repertoire of installations at Hen nights and private parties before being approached by Simon.

Over the years the duo have performed for Hugh Grant, Naomi Campbell, Elton John, Bono and the Beckhams and appeared on the Jay Leno show.

The new show, coming to the Ipswich Regent next Wednesday, will use the latest 3D projection technology with the audience being given 3D glasses to wear; allowing them to experience this head shaking show as it’s never been seen before.

Why 3D?

“A decade ago when we began, a camera and a big screen were cutting edge. Today the audience expects a lot more and we intend to give them something new,” say the duo.

I hate to ask, but where do they come up with their ideas for tricks?

“Sometimes you will see something and think ‘I can do that’ and then again sometimes you’ll be work shopping and think to yourself ‘hang on, what does this look like’ The chicken and the egg really.”

So, what’s the hardest trick - stop it - to get right and the easier to get wrong?

“Hardest, Sea Anemone. Easiest to get wrong,The Hamburger; got to balance those buns.”

As for preparing for a show, “relax and think of nana” they say.

Moving swiftly on.

Their show certainly pulls in the crown and Simon and Friendly say it’s for all sorts, claiming half of us have one while the other half is rather curious about them.

Focusing on the haves rather than the have nots, they think men see their penis as their power source. Something they keep secret but can’t wait to share.

“With it we share some of our most memorable and joyous moments. It’s just always been there for us.”

They never thought they make this... talent, into a career though.

“Oh no, who could ever dream of this. Mind you, think a lot of men dream of traveling the world, getting their penises out for an hour a night and getting paid for it.”

I’d rather not thanks.

Given the nature of their show, they must have had some strange requests.

“Too many to mention. No, I will not sign your testical,” they laugh.

One last question does spring to mind; have they ever injured themselves?

“Not from performing the tricks, but an old lady did drop me on my head one night,” one of the duo confesses.

I decide not to ask.