Celebrating his 65th year in show business Sooty, arguably the nation's favourite bear, is coming to town. Hannah Mirsky spoke to the show's host, Richard Cadell, as he prepares for the UK tour.

Hannah Mirsky: You’re currently touring the country with Sooty, who many viewers will know from TV. What can audiences expect from the live show?

Richard Cadell: It's everything you'd expect from a Sooty show - magic, music and mayhem. It's all about Sooty's birthday and the gang are desperately trying to get everything ready in time. Inevitably, things don't go according to plan, and when the ingredients for the cake are unleashed, things get a little bit messy.

HM: Do you prefer working with a live audience or on TV sets?

RC: Making the TV shows is great fun, but you can't beat the reaction you get from a live audience. Working on stage, there's a chance for some interaction and for the whole family to get involved, and I think it's important to make sure the adults enjoy the show as much as the children do.

HM: Sooty has been a staple of kids’ TV for over 60 years. How do you feel about continuing the legacy of such a well-known and well-loved character?

RC: I think I'm quite in awe about the whole thing and, obviously, I'm hugely proud to be the man who looks after Sooty. Everyone who works on the show is passionate and enthusiastic and totally devoted to preserving this little bear's legacy, and I'm sure Sooty will go on to entertain children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for many more years to come.

HM: Have you always wanted to go into children’s entertainment?

RC: I've been involved in children's entertainment for as long as I can remember - in fact I had my own Punch and Judy show when I was still a child myself! So yes, it's something I've always been passionate about, and I enjoy it a great deal. I feel a little trepidation when I see the dreaded custard pies approaching, but it's an occupational hazard and I'm quite used to it by now!

HM: What do you think about modern kids’ TV? Is Sooty threatened by CGI?

RC: I don't think Sooty is threatened by CGI, because a huge part of the appeal of these furry characters is their simplicity and their charm, and these are very hard to replicate on a computer. I think people still appreciate the good old-fashioned slapstick humour that Sooty offers. The audience knows exactly what they're going to get when they tune into an episode of Sooty, and this helps to build up their trust and affection for the character.

HM: What’s the best thing about your job?

RC: The best thing about my job is that I get to work with Sooty. It's an absolute dream come true for me and I couldn't ask for anything more.

The Sooty Show Live; New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon; Monday, April 7, 11am & 2.30pm; £14.90; atgtickets.com/wimbledon