TV favourite Sooty along with his friends Sweep, Soo and Richard Cadell will make a return to Newport Riverfront on May 30 with a new show.

Sooty, Sweep and Soo will have their water pistols at the ready, for a show packed full of mischief and mayhem.

Here we chat with TV’s Richard Cadell to see why this brand new Sooty show is set to be an unmissable treat for the whole family.

What can everyone expect from The Sooty Show 2017 live tour?

This is a new show and we are really excited. 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.

What are Sooty, Sweep and Soo up to in this new show?

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 get everyone in a mess.

Do you find that the adults enjoy The Sooty Show as much as the children?

Of course! 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.

What makes the Sooty live show different to the TV show?

The audience involvement. 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.

When did you first start working with Sooty? How did that come about?

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

Were the Corbetts a big inspiration for you and your 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 mid-air. So it was a complete change for me.

Why is Sooty so important to you, and why do you think the character still resonates with young audiences?

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.

Have you had to make any major changes to The Sooty Show for a modern young audience?

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.

How has being Sooty’s host lived up to your 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.

What do you have planned for Sooty over the next year?

Lots. 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.

For tickets visit tickets.newportlive.co.uk