Sooty - The Big Surprise

A Heavy Metal star appearing in a children’s TV-series? Surely not! Actually, yes! The star in question is Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain and the program is cult series The Sooty Show, which aired on the BBC from 1955 to 1992. This DVD features five episodes from 1987 and it’s the episode ‘Hidden Talent’ in which Nicko dons a guest appearance.

For those not acquainted with the series, The Sooty Show features three cute glove puppet characters and was presented by Harry Corbett from 1955 to 1976 and from 1976 to 1992 by his son, Matthew. The main character, Sooty, is a mute yellow bear who owns a magic wand whose power is invoked using the words "Izzy wizzy, let's get busy". The second character, Sweep, is a grey dog using bizarre squeaks to communicate and who displays a penchant for sausages and bones. Last but not least, the third character, Soo, is a female panda who acts as the foil for both Sooty and Sweep.

In the title episode ‘The Big Surprise’ we see Sooty, Sweep and Soo return home and ask presenter Matthew for a brand new bedroom. To their big disappointment, he explains that he can’t afford one. New bedroom aside, what could possibly be hidden behind the mysterious door in their house? What does Matthew try to hide, and why is there a Keep Out-sign on the door?

Things get less mysterious but considerably louder in ‘Hidden Talent’ – when the furry trio fancy themselves as entertainers. While Sooty reckons he might do ok on the xylophone, Soo has plans to play the grand piano and Sweep simply wants to play a comedian. However, it wouldn’t be The Sooty Show if things would go according to plan, so of course they don’t. Instead, Sooty and Sweep find themselves competing with each other banging the drums. To settle the argument as to who the best drummer is, Matthew invites a very special guest around, namely his good pal Nicko McBrain from Iron Maiden! Indeed, Nicko shows them what skilled drumming involves and how to work that kit proper. As a sign of gratitude, Matthew and his three pals invite Nicko to play with their local church orchestra. So much for heavy metal and satanic drumming then!

Other episodes are just as delightful, like ‘Sticky Situation’ in which things turn messy (and sticky) when our three friends try decorating some books using sticky tape and glue – after efforts using some good old magic have failed. In ‘Little Cousin Scampi’ the cousin in question arrives for a visit, and straight away begins to play pranks involving custard pies, banana skins and water pistols; while in ‘Fanatical Fun’ Matthew soon regrets having joined a gym!

Sooty – The Big Surprise is a charming and magical slice of nostalgia that’s fun for the whole family. Or for adults who refuse to grow up. Enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate and a tin of biscuits!