Andy Heath is a highly acclaimed and accomplished British puppeteer, whose remarkable career has spanned over two decades, with a plethora of impressive credits to his name. It all began in 1998, when he took on the role of a swing puppeteer for the iconic production of Doctor Dolittle - The Musical, a testament to his early talent and dedication to his craft.
Fast forward to 2004, and Heath's star continued to rise as he landed the esteemed role of Kit on the popular children's television show, Play With Me Sesame UK. His exceptional puppeteering skills and charming on-screen presence undoubtedly made him a fan favorite among audiences of all ages.
In addition to his work on Play With Me Sesame UK, Heath has also made numerous guest appearances on other notable programs, including Mopatop's Shop, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and in-demand puppeteer. Moreover, he has also assisted on the acclaimed production of The Hoobs, demonstrating his ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
Throughout his illustrious career, Andy Heath has consistently demonstrated his mastery of the art of puppetry, and his impressive range of skills has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected and sought-after puppeteers in the industry.
Notable appearances by the talented individual included a remarkable display of puppeteering prowess, as he masterfully controlled the movements of a Penguin on The Muppets' UK segment of the popular television program, The X Factor. This impressive demonstration of his skills was followed by another notable contribution in 2013, when he brought his expertise to the big screen as part of the production team for the film, Muppet Most Wanted.
Furthermore, he also had the opportunity to utilize his skills in a different context, lending his talents to the manipulation of chickens on The Robbie Williams Holiday Special, which aired on BBC1 in the same year.
Andy's remarkable cinematic career boasts an impressive array of productions, commencing with the 2004 science fiction comedy adaptation of Douglas Adams' beloved novel, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This was swiftly followed by the 2008 family-friendly animated film, Tales of the Riverbank, which showcased Andy's versatility as a filmmaker. The years that followed saw Andy take on even more ambitious projects, including the 2013 comedy film, Harry Hill - The Movie, which further demonstrated his ability to tackle a wide range of genres. Finally, in 2014, Andy brought Mary Shelley's classic Gothic novel to life with his rendition of Frankenstein, cementing his status as a master of the big screen.
In the year 2002, he embarked on a new chapter in his career, taking on the iconic role of Bear, the lovable and endearing character from the popular children's television show Bear in the Big Blue House. This marked the beginning of a series of live performances and appearances in the United Kingdom, where he brought joy and excitement to countless young audiences.
As his career continued to flourish, he expanded his reach to the international stage, making his mark on the Disney Channel in Sydney, Australia in the year 2005. This milestone marked a significant turning point in his professional journey, as he successfully bridged the gap between his live performances and television appearances.
Notable appearances on the popular children's television show Get Well Soon on CBeebies have been made by this individual, with a memorable portrayal of the character 'Deep'. Furthermore, he has also made a notable appearance on ITV's second series of the animated television show Ripley and Scuff. Additionally, in the year 2014, he began filming a new collaboration between CBeebies and Sesame Street, titled The Furchester Hotel, where he took on the role of a cover for the iconic character Cookie Monster.
Andy was instrumental in the creative process, serving as a co-designer, builder, and operator of the puppets for the adult sitcom Mongrels, which aired on BBC3 from 2009 to 2011. He collaborated with his business partner, Iestyn Evans, to bring this innovative project to life.
Andy and Iestyn Evans co-founded Talk to the Hand Puppets, a company that has been at the forefront of puppetry innovation. Their partnership has been a driving force behind many successful projects, including Mongrels.
As a key member of the Mongrels team, Andy's expertise in puppetry was essential in crafting the show's unique characters and bringing them to life. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the show's tone and style, making it a standout in the world of adult animation.
Under the Talk to the Hand Puppets banner, Andy and Iestyn Evans have continued to push the boundaries of puppetry, experimenting with new techniques and mediums. Their dedication to their craft has earned them a reputation as pioneers in the field of puppetry.
Throughout his career, Andy has been committed to exploring the full potential of puppetry, using his skills to create memorable characters and captivating stories. His work on Mongrels is a testament to his passion and creativity, and his partnership with Iestyn Evans has yielded some truly remarkable results.
Andy and Iestyn, the creative masterminds behind the successful Sky One show, Yonderland, expertly crafted a vast ensemble of characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks, bringing the fictional world to life through their impressive collaborative efforts.
Andy's impressive professional portfolio boasts a diverse array of accomplishments, including the conception and operation of Audrey II for a 2004 production of Little Shop of Horrors staged at the esteemed Jersey Opera House. This remarkable undertaking was followed by a second iteration of the same project, this time for a 2006 Christmas production at the renowned Menier Chocolate Factory. Additionally, Andy's creative talents were showcased in the design of creatures for the popular UK puppet series, The Pets.
