Michael Bayliss is a British actor and puppeteer who has worked on several Jim Henson Company projects over the years.
His other puppeteering credits include the Frank Oz-directed Little Shop of Horrors and manipulating props held by animated characters in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In addition to his film and television work he has an extensive background in theatre, touring nationally and internationally, including thirty productions with the world-renowned Little Angel Theatre. He has operated Audrey II in the stage version of Little Shop of Horrors and in 2004 made his debut with The Royal Shakespeare Company creating the role of Adonis in Venus & Adonis.
Bayliss played Andre Novak in over 100 episodes of the radio series Conway Street and, in 2011, returned to his musical theatre roots playing the lead role of Emile in South Pacific. Other stage roles include Benjamin Guggenheim in Titanic (twice), Biggs and Obi Wan Kenobi in The Boy Who Loved Star Wars, Grandpa Joe in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, and Herman in Sweet Charity. As a designer, he has created costumes, scenery and puppets for many stage and television productions. He also presents a regular entertainment round up for 93.7 Express FM.
Henson/Muppet Credits[]
- Labyrinth: Goblins (skin performer and puppeteer - Riding Goblin and various characters)
- The StoryTeller: Episode: "The Soldier and Death" The Devils (puppeteer)
- The Jim Henson Hour: Segment: "Monster Maker" Ultragorgon (puppeteer - lip-sync crew)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol Various characters (puppeteer)
- Muppet Treasure Island Angel Marie, various characters and stand-in for Frank Oz (puppeteer)
- The Hoobs: Iver / Groove (assistant/swing puppeteer - later seasons)
Non-Henson Credits[]
- Whatever Happened to Harry Hill? Gareth Southgate Badger (puppeteer)
- Tony Robinson's Gods & Monsters Pagan Priest (actor)
- Seed of Chucky Chucky / Tiffany / Glen (puppeteer)
- Little Shop of Horrors Audrey II (Lip-sync crew)
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit Physical FX
- Shining Through Street Performer / Puppeteer (actor/puppeteer)
- It Couldn't Happen Here Ventriloquist Dummy (puppeteer)
- The Mighty Boosh Sammy The Crab (puppeteer)
- The Harry Hill Show - 3 Series Gareth Southgate Badger (puppeteer)
- Wizadora - 5 Series Hangle / Topp / Filbert (co-ordinating puppeteer)
- Mortimer & Arabel - 2 Series Mortimer / Bill (puppeteer)
- The Rottentrolls - 4 Series Penyghent / Sigsworthy (puppeteer)
- Spitting Image - 4 Series (puppeteer)
- The Parkies Tim (presenter)
- MacDonald's Farm Woof Woof (puppeteer)
- The Slow Norris Walter / Ali (puppeteer)
- The Roly Mo Show Roly Mo (assistant/swing puppeteer)
- The Fimbles (assistant/swing puppeteer)
- The Magic House Uncle Teapot (puppeteer)
- Dr. Xargle Rebel / Swotty (puppeteer)