Brian Sandford has had the distinct honor of serving as the principal puppeteer responsible for bringing the beloved character of Sweep to life since May 1987, a tenure that has remarkably endured for an impressive period of over three decades.
Brian's path to becoming the masterful puppeteer behind the iconic character of Sweep began to take shape when his father, who held a significant role as the theatre manager of The New Theatre in Hull at the time, discovered a valuable connection to Matthew Corbett, a highly acclaimed and esteemed theatre director. For many years, Matthew had been bringing his esteemed theatre tour to Hull, and Brian's father saw a golden opportunity to introduce Matthew to Brian's impressive CV, thereby opening the doors to a new and exciting chapter in Brian's life, one that would ultimately lead him to the world of puppetry.
Brian's impressive career as a puppeteer has been marked by numerous memorable appearances in various Sooty productions, showcasing his exceptional skills in bringing characters to life. One of his most notable roles is in the feature-length special, "The Big Day Out", where his talents were on full display. Additionally, his versatility was evident in the first episode of the 2011 series, "The Wedding", where he brought his unique puppeteering style to the forefront.
His ability to adapt to different scenarios has also led to appearances in several episodes of the second series, including "The New Building" and "The Genie". In "The New Building", Brian's puppeteering skills were put to the test as he expertly dodged a runaway toilet, showcasing his impressive reflexes and timing. Furthermore, in "The Genie", he found himself on the receiving end of a magical prank, as ice-creams were conjured into his face, highlighting his ability to think on his feet and react accordingly.
Throughout his career, Brian has had the pleasure of working alongside fellow puppeteer Brenda Longman, with whom he has shared the stage and screen in several Sooty productions.
Brian's presence was noticeably absent for the most part of the third series, yet he managed to make a significant appearance in the third episode, "Who's Got Talent?", showcasing his versatility as a character. Furthermore, he left a lasting impression in the series finale, "Just Deserts", where he was spotted waiting patiently in line outside the iconic Mr. Slater's ice-cream shop, a testament to his ability to make a lasting impact even in brief appearances.
Biography of Brian:
Not available.
