Or anecdotes, at least...
The Pop Concert
The last to be transmitted in the original run on CITV. I've no idea where it came in the writing process, though, except that it evolved through various iterations, with an early version featuring one of Maybe GooGa's severed limbs, (no arm in that though...) Also, the first draft included the Harry Corbett brain machine sketch that finally wormed its way into Series 2's The Inventions Game, (a much better place for it, in my 'umble opinion.) All in all, I really like this episode.
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| Sooty's latest DVD from Abbey Home Media |
Hmmm. January 2011. I was meant to be travelling down to Cadell H.Q. when I was struck with flu over the weekend and I had to miss a couple of days with Richard and Wink. I don't normally 'do' illness so I very stubbornly powered up my laptop - she's called Lois - and started hammering out a script based on the Matthew Corbett / Duncan Goodhew episode from the '80s. It was naff! Note to self: don't write in bed, when ill, when you can't really see the screen / feel your hands / breathe(!) I think the only thing that remains in the final version is the title, and some of the stuff with the pipe-cleaners...
The New Poster
I love the scene with the 'old posters' that go back to the 1970s / 1800s / the beginning of time! It's this kind of surrealism that really tickles me, but I can understand if the humour is lost on some people. That's all I can really remember though, as I haven't watched this episode for a while. All I can say is - "watch it for the poster scene..."
Run Rabbit Run
My mum's all-time favourite episode! And typically I didn't write it. But I'm a fan of this one too, and I particularly enjoyed Ken Morley's guest appearance, (he played Reg Holdsworth in Coronation Street.) Also there's Harry the Robot, (sounding distinctly Dalek-esque), and a runaway bunny called Twinkle. It's a shame this episode didn't make it to Asda's DVD shelves sooner, but I think it's a welcome addition to the Sootyverse. Welcome, Run Rabbit Run. Can't wait to see you again...
The New Ride
Ahhh, The New Ride. This is the very first one we actually wrote, and I can remember it like it was yesterday. September 4th 2010: I was sitting on Wink's living room floor, eating crisps and occasionally nodding as Richard and Wink actually did some work. This was the only script we wrote to be twenty minutes long, if I remember rightly, and Draft One featured a cracking sequence where Sooty and Sweep tried to delay the mayoress' car by putting up fake signposts, whilst Richard's hair caught fire under the blow-dryer! A little over-ambitious, perhaps, so I can see why it was given a sympathetic trim. But - I still have a soft spot for the ridiculous first draft, (keen as I am on all-things nutty.) I know this isn't a fan favourite, but it's one of mine, and I love Soo's fruit bowl hat. I'll have one of those, please...
So there we are, folks. The whole of Sooty's first season is now available on DVD. Sniff. I won't be writing another one of these reflective blogs for a while, (unless there's a Series 2 release at some point - please?!) And credit where credit's due - Sooty, Sweep and Soo were present at all our writing meetings, and their contributions deserve to be recognised. In fact I can remember one conversation with Soo quite clearly.
"Get off my hat," she said.
