The Sooty Show Sweep Hand Puppet

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The Sooty Show proved popular with children and helped to develop the Sooty franchise, culminating in the formation of additional television programmes that would run on the format brought in by Matthew Corbett in the 1980s. After the programme's conclusion, it was followed with a sequel in 1993, titled Sooty & Co.. The programme also spawned an educational spin-off series for young children, titled Learn With Sooty, that was produced for the direct-to-video market between 1989 and 1991, and several stage shows involving the puppets, Matthew, and Connie Creighton. Its early success led to it receiving a short-run comic strip based on the character, for the children's magazine Playhour between 1960 and 1961, drawn by Gordon Hutchings. [5] On Tuesday April 9th, 2013, Sweep along with Sooty and Soo appeared as the judging panel in one episode of "The Matt Lucas Awards" Season 2. It was on this show that Sweep gave us his excruciating impression of Pavarotti, which he had previously dreamed of doing in the Sooty & Co. episode "Stars in Their Eyes" on the 1990's talent show with the same name. Original hand puppets used in The Sooty Show are part of a collection of props from the classic children's TV programme expected to fetch thousands at auction. In the early years of Sooty, Sweep also used to whisper in Harry Corbett's ear too and only squeaked as though he was barking. This later developed into Sweep squeaking full sentences for all to hear, which would immediately then be repeated by Harry Corbett in human language. Harry Corbett's brother, Leslie was Sweep's original puppeteer. Being a clarinet player, he achieved the sound of Sweep's voice using the reed of said instrument, until one day it disintegrated during one of the shows. After this, Leslie Corbett designed a new reed similar to what "Punch and Judy" puppeteers call a swazzle, which would enable the performer to change pitch of the voice, thus giving Sweep a whole vocal range. This is going to be a memorable sale,” said Alastair McCrea, “but we are keeping a close eye on Sooty and Sweep to make sure they don’t try to take over the rostrum!”

His talents extended to making and repairing sets, as well as creating and painting both scenery and props. He also wrote a number of scripts, appeared as an extra and composed some of the music for the show – as Sooty would say: Izzy Wizzy, let’s get busy! But mischievous Sooty and exasperated Harry, who starred alongside his creation, hit a winning formula.Sooty, Sweep and Soo puppets will be available to buy along with the mischievous yellow bear's water pistol he often soaked presenter Matthew Corbett with, and a selection of magic wands used by the characters. The show switched to ITV in 1967 – around the time the name changed to The Sooty Show – following an argument between Harry and the BBC.

He retired from the show in the early 2000s but kept four of the puppets and could be called upon to appear when needed. Probably his most unusual characteristic is his method of communication. It consists of a loud high pitched squeak that gains its inflection from normal speech and its rhythm from the syllables in each word. The rest of the cast could understand Sweep perfectly, and would indirectly translate for the viewer.On 18th December 1998, Sweep made a special appearance on the Channel 4 programme The Harry Hill Show. He and his wife Sallie moved to a retirement village near Horsham, West Sussex, after his battle with coronavirus. Little Cousin Scampi – A mute white bear and Sooty's cousin. The character was created by Matthew Corbett and introduced in Series 15 episode of the same name in 1990 and was designed to be a mischievous bear who liked pranks, making inventions, and caring for mice. The character became a regular member of the puppet characters from 1991, and beyond the programme's conclusion in 1992. The Sooty Show proved a success with children's television, due to the popularity of Sooty, spawning additional sequels including Sooty & Co. in 1993, as well as several stage shows, and a spin-off educational series titled Learn With Sooty. The programme itself was later made available on VHS and DVD, featuring episodes from primarily the 1980s to 1990s. Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections - they may also appear in recommendations and other places.

Butch – A dark brown male dog, like Sweep, but able to talk. Introduced by Harry Corbett in the early 1970s, the character was withdrawn by his son Matthew in 1980, returning to guest star in the role of a villain. This is a charming consignment from a talented man who devoted much of his professional life to keeping the Sooty flame alive for generations of children,” said Ewbank’s specialist Alastair McCrea.In 2009, Sweep along with Sooty and Soo appeared in Peter Kay's Animated All Star Band music video on "Children in Need". As can be seen from his long association with the show, Peter Jago was held in high esteem by those he worked with. By maintaining his working materials so well over the years, he has left a legacy which will allow fans to hold onto their childhood memories.”