Sooty is a British children’s television franchise created by Harry Corbett, primarily encompassing television and stage shows. The origins of the franchise date back to 19 July 1948, when Corbett discovered an all-yellow bear glove puppet while visiting the North Pier on holiday in Blackpool. He purchased the puppet and began using it to entertain his children, including his newborn son, Matthew (later known as Peter). Initially named “Teddy,” Corbett used the puppet for comedic routines and magic tricks, which led him to appear on the BBC talent competition Talent Night in 1952, held at Belle Vue, Manchester. Corbett’s performance proved popular, earning him the overall win and a regular spot on the BBC children’s show Saturday Special. His puppet’s immediate appeal to children propelled him to overnight fame.
To make the puppet stand out on black-and-white television screens, Corbett redesigned its appearance by adding black dust (or “soot”) to the ears and nose. This inspired the name change from Teddy to Sooty, solidifying the character’s iconic look and laying the foundation for the franchise.
The franchise began with the puppet character introduced on television in The Sooty Show in 1955. Sooty, a mute yellow bear with black ears and nose, is a kind-hearted but cheeky character who performs magic tricks, practical jokes, and often squirts people with his water pistol. Over time, other puppet characters were introduced, and the franchise expanded to include an animated series, two direct-to-video spin-offs, and a range of toy merchandise.
Corbett maintained ownership of the franchise until his retirement in 1976, after which it was passed to his son, Matthew. In 1996, the rights to the franchise were sold to a development firm that created a holding company for the property. Matthew later retired and handed over control of the characters to Richard Cadell in 1998. Following several changes in ownership, including a move from Gullane Entertainment to HIT Entertainment, the franchise faced challenges in 2004. In June 2008, Cadell purchased the rights and has since worked to revitalise the brand with new stage shows and television programmes.
The Sooty franchise primarily focuses on the adventures of Sooty, alongside his friends Sweep and Soo. Although it is primarily associated with British children’s television, the franchise also includes stage shows that combine slapstick and prop comedy, magic tricks, and music, all aimed at providing family-friendly entertainment suitable for young audiences. In addition, Sooty has a wide range of merchandising, from annuals to toys. One notable product was a toy glockenspiel, marketed as a “xylophone” and based on the instrument used by Sooty until the 1980s.
One of Blackpools most famous sons, Sooty, is honoured with a special plaque marking the spot on the North Pier where he was discovered by Harry Corbett almost 50 years ago. © Alamy
Since the plaque was made. it has obviously been moved to the North Pier entrance. © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
Featured Image © Alamy
Additional Images © Deeper Blue Marketing & Design Ltd
Background Image © Alamy
