Sooty, Sweep and Soo have their water pistols at the ready, and will be calling into Weymouth on their tour, with a show packed full of mischief and mayhem. The Guide chats with TV’s Richard Cadell.

RICHARD says there is a lot to be excited about with The Sooty Show 2017 live tour?

"There is magic, music, madness and mayhem. There's also buckets of audience participation and a chance for some of the children to come on stage meet Sooty and be in the show."

Sooty, Sweep and Soo have got a special job to do which will provide much entertainment, he says.

"Quite simply they have been tasked with putting on a spectacular variety show for the audience. Of course nothing goes to plan. Sweep gets stuck in his escapology act. Soo can't find her tap shoes and Sooty's magic wand gets everyone in a mess."

He believes that adults enjoy The Sooty Show as much as the children.

"In fact, the adults normally outnumber the children! It would be true to say that when we write the show we remember who pays for the tickets – so we make sure the adults get their share of laughs."

There's plenty of audience involvement to look forward to in the live show, which makes it very different to the TV show.

Richard says: "Don't forget Sooty was performing live years before he made it on television and that really is what he is best at.

"You can't beat the sound of children's laughter when they see Sooty being naughty for real – it's magical.

"You’ve been Sooty’s right hand man for 18 years now. How did it feel to bring back such a well-loved character?

"I didn't really bring him back – he's never been away. I suppose I brought it to a new television audience and revived his popularity. But it was easy as everybody loves Sooty. It has been a huge privilege and honour. Even after all these years I still have to pinch myself to think I present this iconic show."

Richard became Sooty's new presenter in 1998 when Matthew Corbett announced his retirement.

He recalls: "But actually I had met Sooty many years earlier having been a guest magician on the television show when I was just 15. It's on YouTube and has come back to haunt me as I have a really big 80s mullet!"

The Corbetts were a big inspiration for Richard and his career as a children’s entertainer.

"Matthew has become a great friend and certainly continues to inspire me. However, I wasn't a children's entertainer before I started the Sooty Show.

"I was an illusionist with a big act with lots of assistants. I used to escape from tanks of water and vanish a motorcycle in midair! So it was a complete change for me."

The character Sooty is iconic, Richard says, and still resonates with young audiences after all these years.

"I feel I am the guardian of a wonderful British institution. I feel it is my responsibility to ensure Sooty, Sweep and Soo live on for generations. "The only way to do this is to love them and treat them as my children, and that is what I do.

"As for why it works, it's simple. Sooty and Sweep are the classic slapstick double act. The humour is timeless and has a universal appeal."

Some changes have been made to The Sooty Show for a modern young audience Richard says.

"The television shows may be a little faster to accommodate today's TV style – but I'm proud to say I have resisted all changes. If it ain't broke don't fix it."

He says being Sooty’s host has lived up to expectations - "It's a dream job and I'll never stop doing it. To bring a little happiness into people’s lives is the most rewarding career, and to do it alongside Sooty Sweep and Soo makes it all the more amazing."

And there is a lot in store for Sooty and friends over the next year he says.

"The live shows are happening non-stop throughout the year. There is a full-length movie in production and we are trying to fit in more television shows. Plus, we have something very special already planned for Christmas. But the highlight for me will be this theatre tour. You can't beat the atmosphere of a Sooty live show – and I get to do that every day!"

*The Sooty Show 2017 Live is at Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday March 19 at 11am. See thesootyshow.com for more information.