Sooty is a beloved British children’s character that has been entertaining audiences for generations. Here’s a brief history of Sooty:
- Creation: Sooty was created by Harry Corbett, a British puppeteer and magician, in the late 1940s. The character was initially designed as a glove puppet to entertain Harry Corbett’s son, Matthew Corbett.
- Early Appearances: Sooty made his first appearance on the BBC television show “Talent Night” in 1952. He was an instant hit with the audience, and this led to more television appearances for Sooty and Harry Corbett.
- “The Sooty Show”: In 1955, “The Sooty Show” was launched on television, featuring Sooty as the main character alongside Harry Corbett. The show was a mix of magic, comedy, and puppetry, and it quickly became a popular children’s program in the UK.
- Matthew Corbett and “The Sooty Show”: Harry Corbett’s son, Matthew Corbett, joined the show as a puppeteer and performer in the 1970s. After Harry Corbett’s retirement in 1976, Matthew took over the role of Sooty’s handler and continued to entertain children across the UK.
- “The Sooty Show” Revival and New Adventures: In the 1980s, “The Sooty Show” was revived and continued its success with Matthew Corbett at the helm. The show introduced new characters, including Sweep (a mischievous dog) and Soo (a helpful panda), who became integral parts of the Sooty franchise.
- Later Years and Handovers: Matthew Corbett retired in the late 1990s, and Richard Cadell, a fellow magician and entertainer, took over the Sooty franchise. Under Richard’s direction, Sooty and his friends continued to entertain new generations of children through TV shows, live performances, and merchandise.
- Expanding the Brand: The Sooty brand expanded over the years, with new TV series, stage shows, DVDs, books, and toys being produced to keep the character’s legacy alive and relevant.
- Sooty Today: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Sooty remains a beloved children’s character in the UK. Richard Cadell continues to perform with Sooty, Sweep, and Soo, bringing joy and laughter to young audiences.
Sooty’s enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of this lovable and mischievous bear, and he holds a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike. With a rich history spanning over seven decades, Sooty remains an iconic figure in British children’s entertainment, companies such as Deans Rag Book Co and Steiff have worked in Collaboration with Sooty to bring amazing Collectible Limited Edition pieces from Sooty, Sweep and Soo
