Richard Cadell
Richard Cadell | |
|---|---|
 Cadell in 2021 | |
| Born | 23 March 1968 Leicester, Leicestershire, England |
| Occupations |
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| Children | 1 |
| Family | Helen Pearson (sister) David Pearson (brother) |
| Website | www |
Richard Cadell (born Richard James Pearson; 23 March 1968) is a British magician, puppeteer, television presenter and businessman. Through his company, Cadells Ltd, he has held the rights to the Sooty franchise since 2008, and formerly co-owned Brean Leisure Park in Somerset for over 25 years.
Biography
[edit]Cadell was born Richard James Pearson on 23 March 1968 in Leicester, Leicestershire to Ronald Wann, a general practitioner, and Judith (née) Pearson, an actress.[1] He changed his stage name to Cadell, his grandmother's maiden name, as there was another Richard Pearson in Equity.[1] Cadell has an older sister, Helen, an actress, whilst his younger brother, David, has worked with him as a business partner.[1]
In 1983, Cadell was named Young Magician of the Year by The Magic Circle,[2] and appeared on The Sooty Show, featuring the titular puppet character Sooty, as part of the prize.[3][4] He became friends with the production team, and when Matthew Corbett retired in 1999, he suggested Corbett should take over as his replacement.[4] The puppets were given to Cadell and Liana Bridges,[5] who presented two series of Sooty Heights (1999–2001), and then three series of Sooty (2001–2004).[6]
In June 2008, Cadell and his brother acquired the rights to the Sooty franchise.[7][8] To raise the nearly £1 million purchase price, the Cadells mortgaged Brean Leisure Park in Somerset, which they had co-owned for 25 years.[4] They subsequently spent £30,000 on a pilot episode in 2009, which led to ITV commissioning Sooty, for a new series of 26 episodes starting in 2011.[4][9] The show is currently owned by Cadells Limited.[10]
Since 2015, Cadell has been on tour with live children's performances, The Sooty Show.[11] In May 2022, Cadell and Sooty appeared on This Morning, on the 75th birthday of Sooty.[12] Later that month, Sooty Land opened at Crealy Theme Park in Exeter.[4] In 2024, Cadell said in an interview; "Sooty has endured because he has never changed. He’s not necessarily woke, but then we’re not trying to educate anyone. We’re just trying to make children laugh, so we’re heavy on slapstick. The kids love it, the parents too."[13]
Cadell and Sooty made their stage debut in 1999 at Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon, with the pantomime Aladdin.[citation needed] They have featured in other pantomimes, more recently Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome in December 2025.[14]
Personal life
[edit]Cadell lives in Somerset with his partner, their son and two dogs.[13]
Catchphrases
[edit]"You're an expert?", used when speaking to Sweep.
"Bye bye, everybody", at the end of each show.
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Telly: Izzy Wizzy, He's Busy! Sooty The Big Interview". Sunday Mercury. Birmingham, England. 13 July 2008.
- ↑ "Young Magician of the Year – The Magic Circle". themagiccircle.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ "What it feels like to be Sooty's right-hand man". The Herald. 30 March 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 McPherson, Douglas (11 May 2022). "The surprisingly turbulent history of Sooty". The Telegraph.
- ↑ "BBC News | Entertainment | Izzy Wizzy Sooty's 50". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ Godfrey, Jake (19 June 2022). "Sooty Land: Interview with Sooty's right hand man Richard Cadell". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ Tryhorn, Chris (26 June 2008). "Sooty sale heralds new series". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ Martin, Nicole (26 June 2008). "Sooty set to make a come-back". The Telegraph.
- ↑ "Richard Cadell makes a clean sweep". Oxford Mail. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ "Beloved children's show with Warrington links to head to Parr Hall in new tour". Warrington Guardian. 24 June 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ Pulver, Andrew (20 February 2015). "The Sooty Show review – enduring puppet still in key with Year One humour". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ Finch, Ivana (23 May 2022). "Holly Willoughby flustered after sharing cheeky kisses with Sooty and Sweep". www.hulldailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- 1 2 Duerden, Nick (6 March 2024). "Sooty's right-hand man: 'My hands were insured for £10 million'". The Times.
- ↑ Kendall, Ellie (10 December 2025). "Bristol's Jack and the Beanstalk panto is the best we've seen for a long time". www.bristolpost.co.uk. Retrieved 16 August 2026.