l You’re currently touring the country with Sooty, who many viewers will know from TV. What can audiences expect from the live show?

It’s everything you’d expect from a Sooty show – magic, music and mayhem! It’s all about Sooty’s birthday and the gang are desperately trying to get everything ready in time. Inevitably, things don’t go according to plan, and when the ingredients for the cake are unleashed, things get a little bit messy!

l Do you prefer working with a live audience or on TV sets?

Making the TV shows is great fun, but you can’t beat the reaction you get from a live audience. Working on stage, there’s a chance for some interaction and for the whole family to get involved, and I think it’s important to make sure the adults enjoy the show as much as the children do. You get so much more of a buzz performing in front of a live audience – it’s quite exhilarating, really! l Sooty has been a staple of kids’ TV for over 60 years. How do you feel about continuing the legacy of such a well-known and well-loved character?

I think I’m quite in awe about the whole thing and, obviously, I’m hugely proud to be the man who looks after Sooty. Everyone who works on the show is passionate and enthusiastic and totally devoted to preserving this little bear’s legacy, and I’m sure Sooty will go on to entertain children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for many more years to come! l What’s the best thing about your job?

I get to work with Sooty! It’s an absolute dream come true for me and I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s also great to meet people from all walks of life who come up to me after the live shows and share their own childhood memories of Sooty – most of them have children themselves now! It’s an honour to see how this little bear has entertained so many people for so many years, and I’m immensely proud to be a part of it. Richard Cadell will star alongside Sooty in The Sooty Show, which takes centre stage at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday, October 26 at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets are £13 for adults, £11 for children or £10.50 each for a family of four (must include one adult). Call the Ticket Office on 01793 524481.