The Sooty Show
The Hexagon, Reading
Sunday, February 11
0118 960 6060
www.whatsonreading.com
FOR 75 years, Sooty, Sweep and Soo have been entertaining children of all ages.
To mark his anniversary, the little bear – who doesn’t look a day over five – is holding a party, and we’re invited.
What follows is a fabulous family-friendly show that moves at a great pace, with enough variety to ensure everyone’s interest is held.
There are laughs galore, from silly puns to slapstick humour.
Interactivity includes numerous opportunities to join in songs such as Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. Some children are also able to join Richard Caddell and Sooty on stage for some hi-jinks including some custard pies in the face – a routine that brings the house down.
And then there is Sooty’s water pistol, which has been turbocharged so everyone is at risk of the little squirt’s trigger finger. But be warned – he won’t tell you he’s about to fire.
Sweep also gets in on the act, but how would spoil the surprise.
Sooty’s friends joining him include Butch the Bulldog and Ramsbottom the Snake, who is tasked with finding the cake in a great running joke.
Also joining them is Tower Circus’ superstar Michael Jordan, who is given moments to showcase his incredible talent for juggling and plate spinning. It is quite something, especially for the youngsters who will never had seen this before.
This year marks Richard’s 25th anniversary of taking on The Sooty Show. He follows in the footsteps of first Harry Corbett and then Matthew Corbett. It is something he does incredibly well.
He has an innate understanding of what makes Sooty’s world tick, and a great love and respect for the past 75 years. This is shown when he recreates one of Harry’s favourite Sooty routines, and it is magical to watch.
Speaking of magic, Richard is also a magician and had a chance to baffle the audience with an incredible illusion.
Throughout the two-act show, the audience were fully engaged – laughing, dancing, clapping and cheering. Everything you could wish for at a birthday party.
It was a terrific celebration of Sooty’s 75th, perfectly pitched for the young audience, from masters of their craft.
Judging from the length of the queue to meet Richard and Sooty after the show, it’s clear that Sooty will be izzy whizzy, let’s get busy for a long time to come.
A magical and delightful show that will create memories.
The Sooty Show is on tour until April. For more details, log on to: https://www.thesootyshow.co.uk/see-us-live
PHIL CREIGHTON
