The Sooty Show Live at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax Review
The Sooty Show
Victoria Theatre, Halifax
5 October 2014
www.calderdale.gov.uk/victoria
Reviewed by Sarah Woodhead
Izzy Wizzy Lets Get Busy, now I remember those words from my childhood and it is lovely that the same catchphrase can be shared with my own children.
The Sooty Show was the twins (2 and a half) first visit to the theatre and my first visit to the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.
Once you entered the theatre the staff were smart and approachable. There was a merchandise stall to the left selling an array of souvenirs and brochures. We found are seats easily enough. Although way up high we managed to see and hear surprisingly well, although the little ones had to sit on our laps to get a better view but being young they were not too happy over a seat anyway and preferred to sit on our laps (be aware that over 2s have to pay for their seats).
Having seen a few episodes of the show the boys became familiar with the main characters Sooty, Sweep and Soo. I, as an adult who grew up watching Matthew Corbett, was rather dubious over Richard Cadell as he was the newbie to me (taking over from Corbett in 1999, not so much a newbie). However there was no need to worry as he is as close as you can get to Matthew Corbett. In fact he was brilliant and throughout the performance his fondness for Sooty Sweep and Soo did nothing but shine through. The man loves his job and it is lovely to see such dedication and passion in his work and seriously where does he get all that energy.
With a few unplanned technical mishaps during the show and Richard handled every moment with humour and expertise and showed what a great kid’s entertainer he was the performance was legendary and kept the show running smoothly and didn’t break a sweat.
From the moment that curtains opened the boys were fixated. The noise and laughter from the theatre was rather heart-warming with the adults and children alike laughing and shouting and dancing.
The show was brilliantly entertaining it was a fantastic way to spend our Sunday morning, Richard and Co. managed to keep the boys, my mum and I totally engaged.
With enough gags to get the adults giggling along with songs and lots of audience participation it was impossible not to enjoy yourself.
Be prepared to get squirted on the front row. I was surprised when the interval arrived that the show had been going 45-50 minutes. After a necessary break the 2nd part continued with the same slapstick comedy, jokes and some more musical fun. As the show ended and they waved fans off with the famous goodbye the fun didn’t stop. There was the opportunity to meet and take your own photos of your child with Sooty and Richard.
There was some confusion over the meet and greet location but after some grumbling the staff managed to handle the chaos of the lines and they moved as a faster than expected pace and we managed to meet Sooty and Matthew and get the boys a photo before a tired twin had a melt-down.
Sausage Brain Sweep seemed to be the star of the show for the adults and my boys was totally taken by Ramsbottom the snake and his smelly socks gag. It was the talk of the afternoon.
The show is well worth seeing, highly recommended as entertainment for all generations and we will keep our eyes peeled for when Sooty and Co are next in town.
A 5 star show.
Rating: 5/5 
The Sooty Show Live is touring the UK until November 2014. For more information, tour dates and venues visit www.thesootyshow.com.
Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP | Box Office: 01422 351158
