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James Retter Duncan

Birth Place: Toronto, ON

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BIO

Currently joining the cast of King Kong.



James is a classically trained actor (Ryerson Theatre School) dedicated to all aspects of movement, puppetry, motion capture, live skins, suits and creature movement. He began his stage career at the Stratford Festival of Canada. James was a lead in Theatre Direct's "I met a bully on a hill" (Lynda Hill) nominated for a DORA award and he also won the coveted audience choice award at the nationally acclaimed Toronto Fringe Festival in the same year. (Napoleon vs. the Turk)

James has been a head puppeteer (Joey, Topthorn, goose) in 3 different productions of WAR HORSE spanning 4 countries, beginning with the premier production in Toronto (Mirvish Productions) and finishing in the West End. (New London Theatre) In other large scale puppetry James originated the title characters in Paramount's "The Animables", and worked on development of new puppets for Significant Object. (Circus 1903) After completing research and development on a new large scale puppet (Atlas the lion) with Brunksill and Grimes (James Grimes, London, UK) James was head puppeteer and stayed on as associate puppetry director for the Longleat Estate 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Using his background in hand and rod puppetry, James has just finished shooting a series of ads for Soreen ("Squidgy bit Soreen" campaign, May 2017). James is currently working on "The Space Between" at the Young Vic on a new development piece. James starred as both the lead actor and puppeteer.

James is a passionate director and educator and has taught workshops across the USA, Canada and the UK. (Recently Kingsway College in Toronto, Queens University and University of Toronto.) He is one of 4 people certified in North America by the National Theatre of Great Britain to conduct workshops and classes in the art of puppetry and movement.

James also works in motion capture and has trained with Sarah Perry (Shapes in Motion) .

James has worked for various large brands in commercials as both an actor and puppeteer.

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2018
Performer (Swing)

[US Tour]
US National Tour, 2012
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1960
Convalescent Soldier

British Soldier (Understudy)

Dennis Walsh (Understudy)

Patch Keegan (Understudy)


Videos

News


VIDEO: THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF MARY JANE MOSQUITO Flies Into Carousel Theatre

This is the story of Mary Jane, a mosquito who doesn't have wings and feels like a misfit because of this, but whose voice soars to the stars.
Photo Coverage: KING KONG Receives Kong Sized 2019 Special Achievement Outer Critics Circle Award!

Last night, cast members from King Kong, as well as Kong himself, received a 2019 Special Achievement Outer Critic Circle Award for their thrilling work on the production.
THE NEVERENDING STORY Now On Stage In Stratford

The beloved adventure tale The Neverending Story comes to life in Jillian Keiley's eye-popping production filled with spectacle and wondrous other-worldly creatures. Previews are underway at the Avon Theatre and the production officially opens on Saturday, June 15.
HADESTOWN Tops the Outer Critics Circle Winners - Full List Announced!

The Outer Critics Circle Award winners have been announced! The big winner this year is Hadestown, taking home 6 awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, Outstanding New Score, and Amber Gray for Outstanding Featured Actress!
Breaking: HADESTOWN, TOOTSIE & More Earn 2019 Outer Critics Circle Nominations!

The Outer Critics Circle, the organization of writers covering New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers, national publications and other media beyond Broadway, welcomes 'Tootsie' star Julie Halston along with 'Torch Song' sensation Michael Urie to announce the nominees for the 2018-19 season today, April 23rd. Click here to watch live!
KING KONG Releases Tickets Through January 12

A new block of tickets has been released for Broadway's King Kong. Now on sale through January 12, 2020, King Kong is playing at the Broadway Theatre where it opened on Thursday, November 8 (previews began October 5, 2018).
NYC Mayor's Office Names King Kong Court Outside The Broadway Theatre

In celebration of the 86th anniversary of the iconic original film of King Kong, the New York City Mayor's Office will recognize the Broadway musical King Kong and its contribution to the culture of New York City by declaring the area outside of the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street) King Kong Court with a ceremonial street renaming on Wednesday, March 6.
VIDEO: Watch the All New TV Spot For KING KONG

King Kong has just dropped an all new TV spot! The commercial features footage from the show, including, of course, the iconic puppet.
Tickets for KING KONG Now On Sale Through September 1, 2019

Tickets for King Kong are now on sale through September 1, 2019. The new Broadway musical is playing at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway) where it opened on Thursday, November 8 (previews began October 5, 2018).
TV: First Look at WAR HORSE in Toronto!

The all Canadian cast of War Horse, the show about a young boy who's horse is sold to the cavalry during WW1, opened last night, February 28, at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. Productions of War Horse are currently running on the West End and on Broadway and is now appearing on the big screen courtesy of Steven Spielberg. Click below for a performance highlights from the Toronto production of War Horse!
Photo Coverage: First Look at WAR HORSE Canadian Cast

War Horse gallops into Toronto on February 28th when the critically acclaimed show has its opening night at The Princess of Wales. The all Canadian cast is currently in previews and wowing audiences across the city, and BWW is thrilled to bring its readers photos of production.
Photo Coverage: Sneak Peek at Toronto's WAR HORSE

Last week members of the press got a special sneak peek at the cast of the upcoming production of War Horse in Toronto. Held at the rehearsal studio in Liberty Village, many people came out to get a first glimpse at the Canadian 'Joey' and his fellow castmates. It was hard to find a dry eye in the house by the time they were done their run-through, and BWW is thrilled to bring its readers these photos from that special morning.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has James Retter Duncan been in?

James Retter Duncan has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has James Retter Duncan been in?

James Retter Duncan has not appeared in the West End.

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